If you’re having a hard time getting a reservation at your favorite campground, you’re not alone. But don’t give up searching for a great late summer getaway. Just head to the one US state that’s building more new RV campgrounds than any other: Florida! These resorts are so new that many RVers haven’t even discovered them yet. Maybe it’s time you did. Here’s why.
Why are Resorts and Campgrounds so Booked?
It’s harder to get a campsite these days simply because some parts of the country are slower to respond to RVing’s popularity explosion. The West Coast is one of them. For instance, in states like California, RV campground developers must overcome a number of expensive and complicated federal, city, and county zoning challenges.
One example of campsite construction hurdles cited in a press release issued by the California Outdoor Hospitality Association (CalOHA), described how one county rezoned campgrounds and RV parks as “legal non-conforming.” This “makes it harder for private parks to expand or make other improvements in the Silicon Valley area,” wrote CalOHA President Dyana Kelley. Many other cities in popular RV destinations on the West Coast impose similar restrictions on RV campgrounds.
In some states, campground overcrowding is easing up.
Other places in the U.S. make it easier for RV campground developers. According to this Good Sam article, the Midwest and the South are two regions where it’s easiest to build a campground, in order to give RVers some of the least crowded campgrounds to enjoy. In these regions, local governments usually encourage campground expansion and development.
“We still have an issue of not enough campsites for the overall number of RVs that are on the road, particularly with the huge spike up in RV sales due to COVID. But many parks in Texas are adding sites as fast as they can.”
Brian Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO)
Texas is a state that’s RV-friendly, and fun too. But there’s one beautiful RV destination that makes it even easier to expand or build an RV park. That state is Florida.
Florida has More New RV Parks Than Any Other State
“Between 2022 and 2024, Florida is adding at least 3,596 new RV sites to our existing inventory. That’s a higher net gain in new RV site development than any other state right now,” said Bobby Cornwell, Executive Director and CEO of the Florida RV Park and Campground Association.
Where to Find New, Open RV Campsites in Florida
Point your RV to the state with the most RV campsites on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. The newest Florida RV parks to open or expand include:
Champions Run Luxury RV Resort, Ocala
This new Florida RV park just opened in 2022 and it already has a solid five star rating on RV LIFE Campgrounds. Located in “the Horse Capital of the World,” RVers come for the incredible resort amenities like a 12,000 square foot clubhouse, pickleball courts, state-of-the-art fitness center, free WiFi for up to three devices, full-service tiki bar, and cool, resort-style swimming pool.
Sun Outdoors Islamadora
Come to the Florida Keys’ newest family-friendly RV vacation spot. Stay a while to make the most of activities and amenities like paddleboard, kayak, and watercraft rentals. An on-site cafe is in the works, to complement the Oceanview Lounge and “Tiny Tap Bar Car” already operating. Pet-friendly and with amenities guests come to expect like laundry, a swimming pool, and clubhouse, this new Florida RV resort is already earning five star reviews by guests.
Santa Fe Palms RV Resort, Gainesville
This 115-site pet-friendly park opened in 2022. It’s the closest RV campground to the University of Florida, plan now for your fall tailgate parties! Amenities include a swimming pool, fitness center, a nature walk, pickleball courts and cornhole. High-speed Wi-Fi and a business center is available, and you can even book a massage therapist too!
Southern Leisure RV Resort, Chiefland
This 55+ pet-friendly getaway opened in 2022 with 500 supersized RV campsites. Book one of them and you can enjoy the resort’s 7,000-square-foot clubhouse, an outdoor kitchen, an Olympic-size swimming pool and spa, bocce ball, pickleball and shuffleboard courts, as well as a sewing and quilting studio.
The Surf RV Resort, Palmetto
Large, spacious RV sites greet visitors 55-and-up in this brand new coastal resort near Sarasota. There’s plenty to see nearby but why would you want to leave? Amenities include a swimming pool and spa with adjacent pool bar, cornhole courts, ballroom and fitness studio, clubhouse with billiard and card rooms, all set among lush scenery with lakefront RV sites. The park is so pet-friendly, there’s even a dedicated pet laundry facility and dog wash.
Roserush RV Resort, Brooksville
This new park in development is opening in fall, 2023. Be the first to review it on RV LIFE Campgrounds! Guests can expect to enjoy spacious RV sites and lush green scenery, all within minutes of fun things to do like golfing, boating in the Gulf, mountain biking, and even zip-lining!
How to Find the Best (and Sometimes Least Crowded) Campgrounds
These are just a few of the many new Florida RV parks open since 2022. For more great destinations in a state with the least crowded RV campgrounds, RV resorts along the Gulf Coast, or anywhere else, visit RV LIFE Campgrounds to plan your perfect summer getaway.
