RV Park Financing: Complete Loan Guide for 2026

RV park financing refers to the commercial loan products used to acquire, develop, or refinance recreational vehicle parks and campgrounds. Whether you are buying an existing 50-site park or building a new resort from the ground up, understanding your financing options is essential to structuring a profitable deal. The outdoor hospitality sector has grown into a $10.9 billion industry with over 16,200 privately owned parks across the United States, creating significant opportunities for investors and owner-operators alike.

With 8.1 million American households now owning an RV and 82.4 million people camping annually, demand for quality RV sites continues to climb. Yet securing the right rv park financing remains one of the biggest hurdles for new and experienced investors. This guide breaks down every major loan program, current rates, qualification requirements, and practical strategies to help you close your next RV park deal with confidence.

What Are the Best Loan Options for RV Park Financing?

The best loan options for RV park financing include SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, conventional bank loans, CMBS loans, and bridge financing. Each product serves a different borrower profile, and choosing the right one depends on your down payment capacity, experience level, and investment timeline.

SBA 7(a) Loans are the most popular government-backed option for first-time RV park buyers. They offer up to $5 million with down payments as low as 10%, repayment terms of 10 to 25 years, and competitive rates tied to the prime rate plus 1.5% to 2.75%. The SBA guarantee (up to 85%) reduces lender risk, making these loans accessible to borrowers who might not qualify for conventional financing. Learn more in our SBA commercial real estate guide.

SBA 504 Loans combine a conventional bank loan (50% of the project cost) with a CDC (Certified Development Company) loan (up to 40%) and a 10% borrower down payment. The CDC portion offers a fixed interest rate, which is advantageous in a rising rate environment. These loans are ideal for owner-occupied parks with terms up to 25 years. Visit our SBA loan programs page for eligibility criteria.

Conventional Bank Loans typically require 20% to 30% down, a credit score of 700 or higher, and documented experience operating hospitality properties. Interest rates range from 6.0% to 8.5%, and these loans close faster (30 to 60 days) than SBA products. Explore our acquisition loan programs to compare options.

CMBS Loans are non-recourse commercial mortgages pooled and sold as securities. They work well for stabilized parks generating consistent cash flow, offering loan amounts from $2 million to $50 million or more with rates starting in the mid-5% range as of early 2026.

Bridge Loans provide short-term financing (12 to 36 months) for acquisitions needing rapid closing or value-add improvements. Rates are higher (8% to 12%) but offer unmatched speed and flexibility. Read our bridge loan overview or explore bridge loan programs.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy or Build an RV Park?

Buying an existing RV park typically costs between $500,000 and $10 million or more, depending on location, number of sites, amenities, and revenue history. Building a new park with 25 to 50 sites generally requires $1 million to $2 million or more, excluding land acquisition.

The cost per site for ground-up development ranges from $15,000 to $50,000. This includes site grading, utility hookups (electrical, water, sewer), road construction, drainage, landscaping, and Wi-Fi infrastructure. The biggest variable is utility access. If your property lacks municipal connections, well drilling and engineered septic systems alone can add $50,000 to $150,000 to the project budget.

Beyond individual sites, budget for common area amenities like bathhouses ($100,000 to $300,000), laundry facilities, recreation halls, swimming pools, and office buildings. Land acquisition costs vary dramatically by region and proximity to tourist destinations. A raw 10-acre parcel in rural areas may cost $50,000 to $200,000, while parcels near national parks or coastal areas can exceed $1 million. When evaluating total project cost, factor in permitting fees, engineering studies, and a contingency reserve of 10% to 15% for unexpected expenses. Use our commercial mortgage calculator to model acquisition costs, or try the bridge loan calculator for short-term development scenarios.

What Are the Current Interest Rates for RV Park Loans?

As of early 2026, RV park loan interest rates range from approximately 5.5% to 12%, depending on the loan type, borrower profile, and property performance. CMBS and conventional loans for stabilized parks offer the lowest rates, while bridge loans sit at the higher end.

SBA 7(a) rates are variable, tied to the prime rate (currently around 7.5%) plus a spread of 1.5% to 2.75%, resulting in effective rates of roughly 9.0% to 10.25%. SBA 504 loans offer a fixed-rate CDC portion typically 100 to 200 basis points below conventional rates. Conventional loans for well-qualified borrowers range from 6.0% to 8.5%. CMBS loans start around 5.5% and extend to 8.0%. Bridge loans carry rates of 8% to 12% but offer speed that permanent products cannot match.

Parks with occupancy above 70%, diversified revenue streams, and strong trailing-12-month financials command better pricing. Borrowers with significant net worth, prior hospitality experience, and credit scores above 720 qualify for the most competitive terms. Rate locks are available on most permanent loan products, typically for 30 to 60 days during underwriting. In a volatile rate environment, locking early can protect your projected returns.

What Qualifications Do Lenders Require for RV Park Financing?

Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 660 to 700, a DSCR of 1.15x to 1.25x, verifiable industry experience, and a down payment of 10% to 35% depending on the loan type. SBA lenders are more flexible on experience, while conventional and CMBS lenders expect proven operational track records.

DSCR is the most critical metric in RV park underwriting. Lenders want the property to generate enough NOI to cover debt payments with a comfortable margin. SBA 7(a) loans require a minimum 1.15x DSCR, SBA 504 and conventional loans require 1.25x, and CMBS loans for hospitality assets may demand 1.40x or higher. Use our DSCR calculator to run your numbers before approaching lenders. You can also explore DSCR-based lending programs on our specialty page.

Experience matters significantly for conventional and CMBS loans. Lenders want to see that you can manage seasonal staffing, maintain utility infrastructure, handle guest relations, and optimize occupancy across varying demand periods. If you lack direct RV park management experience, consider partnering with an experienced operator or hiring a professional campground management company. Many successful first-time buyers bring transferable skills from hotel management, property management, or hospitality operations. Our guide on getting a commercial loan with no experience covers additional strategies for first-time investors.

How Do Lenders Evaluate RV Park Properties?

Lenders evaluate RV parks based on trailing-12-month net operating income, historical occupancy rates, revenue diversification, physical condition, and location. A commercial appraisal, Phase I environmental assessment, and property condition report are standard requirements.

The income approach is the primary valuation method. Lenders apply a capitalization rate to NOI to determine market value. Current cap rates for RV parks range from 8% to 12%, notably higher than most commercial real estate asset classes. This higher yield reflects operational intensity but also means investors can achieve stronger cash-on-cash returns.

Occupancy patterns receive close scrutiny. Lenders prefer consistent demand across seasons, not just peak summer months. Parks with year-round revenue from a mix of nightly, weekly, monthly, and seasonal tenants are viewed more favorably. The ideal revenue mix includes 40% from nightly and weekly rentals, 30% from monthly and seasonal rentals, 15% from long-term leases, and 15% from ancillary income such as camp stores, laundry, propane sales, and activity fees.

Physical condition also plays a major role. Lenders will scrutinize the age and condition of utility infrastructure, roads, common buildings, and individual pads. Parks with deferred maintenance on septic systems, electrical panels, or water lines will face tougher underwriting or may require repair escrows as a condition of closing. Environmental considerations matter as well, since older parks may have underground storage tanks or fuel contamination that triggers additional remediation costs.

Why Are RV Parks a Strong Investment Compared to Other Commercial Real Estate?

RV parks offer higher cap rates (8% to 12%) than most commercial asset classes, lower tenant improvement costs, resilient demand driven by 82.4 million annual campers, and multiple revenue streams. The outdoor hospitality sector has grown at an 8.3% compound annual growth rate over the past five years.

Unlike office buildings or retail centers requiring expensive tenant buildouts, RV parks have minimal per-unit capital expenditure requirements. Each site generates revenue with simple infrastructure: a concrete pad, utility hookups, and basic landscaping. When a guest departs, turnover costs are negligible compared to traditional commercial properties. There are no walls to paint, no carpets to replace, and no HVAC systems to service between tenants.

The demand fundamentals are compelling. RV ownership has reached 8.1 million households, with 16.9 million more expressing strong purchase intent. The median age of RV owners dropped from 53 in 2021 to 49 in 2025. Millennials (31%) and Gen Z (26%) now lead camping participation. RV shipments are forecast at 349,300 units for 2026, and the North American RV market is projected to reach $35 billion by 2031 at an 8.25% CAGR.

What Is the Step-by-Step Process for Getting an RV Park Loan?

The RV park loan process follows five stages: pre-qualification, property evaluation, underwriting, loan approval, and closing. The timeline ranges from 30 days for bridge loans to 120 days for SBA 504 loans.

During pre-qualification, you submit your personal financial statement, tax returns (two to three years), a resume highlighting relevant experience, and basic property information. The lender issues a preliminary indication of terms including estimated loan amount, rate, and required down payment.

Property evaluation involves ordering a commercial appraisal ($3,000 to $8,000), a Phase I environmental assessment ($2,000 to $4,000), and a property condition report. Underwriting is the most intensive phase, with the lender's credit team reviewing DSCR calculations, occupancy trends, revenue per site, expense ratios, and the borrower's global cash flow.

After underwriting approval, you receive a formal commitment letter outlining final loan terms, conditions, and any required reserves. Review this document carefully with your attorney before signing. Closing follows standard commercial real estate procedures including title insurance, hazard insurance, legal document execution, and funding. The entire process requires patience and thorough preparation, but working with a lender experienced in RV park transactions can streamline every stage. Contact our team for a free pre-qualification review on your RV park acquisition or development project.

How Can You Improve Your Chances of Loan Approval?

You can improve your chances by strengthening the property's NOI, preparing comprehensive documentation, building a credible management plan, and structuring your down payment strategically. Lenders approve deals, not just borrowers, so presenting a strong property story is equally important.

Organize your financial documentation well before applying. Prepare trailing-12-month profit and loss statements, three years of tax returns, a current personal financial statement, and a schedule of real estate owned. For acquisitions, request and verify the seller's trailing financials against tax returns and bank statements.

Write a detailed business plan that covers your management strategy, planned capital improvements, marketing approach, and five-year financial projections. This is especially important for SBA loans, where the business plan is a formal underwriting requirement. Include market analysis showing local demand drivers such as proximity to national parks, interstate access, or popular tourist destinations.

Consider your down payment strategy carefully. While SBA loans allow as little as 10% down, putting 15% to 20% down often results in better rates and faster approval. Explore seller financing as a supplemental tool, as many RV park sellers will carry a second-position note for 5% to 15% of the purchase price, effectively reducing your out-of-pocket equity requirement. Learn more about commercial loan down payment requirements in our dedicated guide.

Have questions about structuring your RV park deal? Reach out to Clearhouse Lending for a complimentary consultation with our commercial lending specialists.

What Are the Most Common Questions About RV Park Loans?

Can you get an SBA loan to buy an RV park with no money down?

Yes, it is technically possible under current SBA guidelines. If you already own a successful RV park and are purchasing another in the same geographic area, SBA lenders may approve with zero borrower equity. For first-time buyers, the realistic minimum is 5% to 10%, with the seller potentially carrying a note on standby.

What DSCR do you need for RV park financing?

Most lenders require a minimum DSCR of 1.15x for SBA 7(a) loans and 1.25x for SBA 504, conventional, and CMBS loans. CMBS lenders may require 1.40x or higher for hospitality assets. Higher DSCRs unlock better rates and terms.

How long does it take to close an RV park loan?

Bridge loans close in 14 to 30 days. Conventional bank loans take 30 to 60 days. SBA 7(a) loans require 60 to 90 days, and SBA 504 loans can take 60 to 120 days due to the CDC approval process.

What is the average cap rate for RV parks?

RV park cap rates typically range from 8% to 12%, with most transactions in the 8% to 11% range. Premium parks in tourist destinations may trade at 7% to 8%, while rural parks may sell at 10% to 15%.

Do you need experience to get an RV park loan?

SBA lenders are the most flexible and may approve first-time buyers with transferable management skills. Conventional lenders want two to three years of relevant experience. If you lack direct experience, consider hiring professional campground management or partnering with an experienced operator.

Can you use seller financing to buy an RV park?

Yes, seller financing is common, particularly for smaller mom-and-pop parks. Sellers may carry 20% to 80% of the purchase price. Seller financing can also supplement an SBA loan by covering part of the equity injection, provided the seller puts the note on full standby.

What are typical operating expenses for an RV park?

Operating expenses range from 50% to 70% of gross revenue. Major categories include property taxes, insurance, utilities, payroll, maintenance, marketing, and capital reserves. Well-managed parks with efficient operations achieve ratios closer to 50%.

Is RV park demand growing or declining?

RV park demand is growing steadily. The U.S. camping industry recorded 82.4 million campers in 2025, the second-highest total on record. RV ownership currently stands at 8.1 million households, with an additional 16.9 million households expressing strong purchase intent over the next five years. Industry revenue has grown at an 8.3% CAGR over the past five years, reaching $10.9 billion in 2025, with projections for continued growth through 2030.

Ready to explore RV park financing options tailored to your investment goals? Get in touch with Clearhouse Lending for personalized guidance from our commercial lending team.

Sources: IBISWorld Campgrounds and RV Parks Industry Report (2025), RVIA Reports and Trends, KOA North American Camping Report, ConsumerAffairs RV Ownership Statistics (2026), RVIA Go RVing Owner Demographic Profile (2025), RoverPass RV Park Industry Statistics, Mordor Intelligence North America RV Market Report, The Dyrt 2026 Camping Report.