RV sales are booming amidst the coronavirus pandemic, and lots of people are first-time buyers. RVs come in a variety of sizes, and if you recently became one of the new RV owners, you may be wondering where you'll be able to park an RV. To figure that out, you'll need to know how ample an RV parking space typically is. We have researched this to help you get the information you need!
RV parking spaces vary depending on the parking lot and location. However, most parking spaces in RV parks are a minimum of 20 feet wide and 40 feet long. For regular parking lots, a standard parking space is 9' by 18' long. Some RVs will fit in a regular-sized space, while other larger models will need to take up multiple spaces.
We've given you the likely minimum dimensions of an RV parking space, but as we stated, the size can vary. Keep reading as we elaborate on this further. We'll discuss different sized RVs and what size spaces they might fit in. We'll also answer some other questions you might have about RV parking.
Size Of An RV Parking Space
RVs can range in length depending on the type but typically range between 20 and 50 feet long. Like an RV varies in size, an RV parking space size will vary depending on whether it is a parking lot, RV park, or campground.
Campground RV Parking
Campground RV parking spaces will often be much longer and wider to accommodate the activities that accompany camping, such as picnicking, grilling, or hanging around a campfire. Also, campground RV lots will often include space for the tow vehicle as well.
For example, KOA (Kampgrounds of America) sites do not have a set size for their RV camping lots. Wilmington KOA in North Carolina offers lots with a max length of 65', whereas Lookout Mountain KOA in Georgia offers lots with a max length of 70'.
While the KOA examples above could accommodate any sized RV, this is not the case for all campgrounds. For example, many national park campsites only allow RVs up to 25 feet long, so it is important to check with each campsite before making a reservation.
RV Parks
RV Parks are similar to campgrounds. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) releases standards and offers fire and life safety criteria in and around RVs. NFPA 1194 offers standards for RV parks, and it states that RV parking spots should be at least 20' wide.
After looking at some of the spaces offered by various RV Parks around the country, it seems most offer spaces ranging from 60' to 75' long. This would be plenty of space for any sized RV.
Parking Lots
You don't always need the extras that come with parking in an RV Park or Campground. Sometimes you might need to make a pitstop. Some parking lots have designated RV parking. Designated RV parking spots are often large enough to accommodate most RV sizes. If there are no designated RV parking spots, standard parking spots measure 9' by 18' long. This means that most RVs will take up one and a half to two parking spaces in length.
What is the best ground to park an RV on?
We've talked about the size of RV parking spaces, but what about the surface? When it comes to parking your RV for either a short or long amount of time, you may wonder whether parking it on grass, gravel, asphalt, or concrete is best. Well, the best ground to park an RV on is one made of concrete and one that is level.
Is it ok to park an RV on grass?
You should avoid parking an RV on the grass. Parking an RV on grass can lead to a slew of problems for the grass and your RV.
If you park your RV on the grass for an extended period of time, the grass underneath the RV will dry out and leave you with an unsightly yellow patch once the RV is moved. Though damage to grass is mostly superficial, and the grass will eventually grow back, some of the problems that can occur to your RV are much worse.
RVs are heavy, so they will likely sink into the ground over an extended period of time. This exposes the underside of your RV to moisture which can lead to rust. Parking on the grass can also lead to problems with pests and bugs.
Can you park an RV on pavers?
There are many different types of pavers. Permeable pavers are a good option for an RV parking spot, and they can be filled with gravel. Concrete pavers are also a great choice.
Click here to see TRUEGRID PRO LITE (1" Depth) Permeable Pavers on Amazon.
Is parking on gravel bad for tires?
Parking on gravel is typically fine for tires, but if you are concerned about possible damage, opt for smoother-edged gravel. After concrete, gravel or permeable pavers filled with gravel are the next best option. You can also purchase tire savers to help protect the tires over an extended period of time.
Click here to see Tire Saver for Large Vehicle on Amazon.
How wide is an RV with slides out?
RV slides add an average of 2-3ft to the width of your RV. The size of the slide-out will vary depending on the type and model of your RV. RVs are 8ft wide without the slides out, so if you have two opposing slides out, you will need to add 4-6ft to your width, which means your RV will be 12-14ft wide with slides out.
If your RV slide won't go back in, check out our other article on the topic here: RV Slide Goes Out But Not In – What To Do?
What is the difference between an RV lot and a campground?
We touched on this briefly above, but let's elaborate on this here. The main difference is who the two cater to. Campgrounds will typically accommodate those wishing to camp in a tent rather than an RV, while an RV lot is solely for RV parking/camping. There might also be a difference in amenities offered. RV lots will usually offer hookups for the RV, including electrical, water, and sometimes sewer. However, campgrounds may not.
How many RVs can you fit on an acre?
This question can be interpreted in different ways, so let's try to cover a few. First, if the question is regarding RV parks, some codes and regulations may need to be met for your state, city, or county. In this case, RV parks can typically have a maximum of 15 RVs per acre. As mentioned, some areas may have a lower maximum number allowed per their coding laws.
Now, if the question is about an RV storage location, it will depend on the size of the RV and the size of the spaces. However, around 65 full-sized RVs could fit on an acre with room to maneuver.
Does an RV site have room for a tent?
This will depend on each individual RV site. Most RV sites will only have room for an RV, picnic table, and campfire. The best way to find out whether an RV site has room for a tent or even allows camping in a tent is to give them a call before you go.
Final Thoughts
RV parking spaces will vary depending on the location, but most RV spaces will accommodate even the longest RVs. However, as we mentioned above, there are sometimes exceptions. If you know where you are planning to visit with your RV, give some of the locations a call to see about RV parking. Hopefully, our article has given you a general idea of what to expect. Happy Camping!
If you've researched what it takes to own an RV, and you think you're ready to buy, check out our article on the average cost of an RV here: What’s the Average Price of a New RV? [By RV Type]