Park model campers are one of the types of towable campers. But, although they are towable, they are not a type of camper that is meant to be towed frequently from campground to campground like the other types of towable campers are. They are a destination type RV, which means the park model RV is purchased, towed to its destination, hooked up to the utilities, and left at that site for an extended period of time – usually until the owners either sell it; have it moved to a different long term site; or purchase a new park model camper.

It’s also a great choice for people who like to spend several months a year living in warmer areas and who want an affordable vacation home. There are numerous RV resorts, vacation, and retirement communities where space for a park model RV can be rented, leased, or purchased. Depending on local ordinances, park model RV campers can be placed on leased or purchased land and used as hunting or fishing cabins as well.

Although new or used park model for sale look like small mobile homes, they are not mobile homes. They are meant to be temporary or seasonal housing. Although, at least in some warmer areas of the United States, people do live in their park model RV’s nearly full time as their retirement homes because they do have all the amenities of a home and can be quite spacious.

The park model campers that are 8 feet wide don’t need any special permits for transporting. But the wider 12 foot models that are very popular have to be transported by a professional transportation service and special highway permits must be obtained from each state in which the camper is going to travel. If you are considering purchasing one of the wide models, try to find one you that is reasonably close to the site it will be placed on.

The most commonly purchased park model for people who are putting the park model on a permanent campsite rental in a seasonal campground is typically the 8 foot wide one because it is much easier to transport and fits on the allotted plot of land. The 8 foot park models are built on a single chassis mounted on wheels. Keep in mind that hook up to onsite utilities is required because there is no alternate source for using utilities such as a 12 volt battery like there is with other towable RVs/campers. If the RV park where you want to purchase a permanent campsite in doesn’t have the proper utility hookup for a park model home, consider purchasing a new or used 5th wheel trailer and parking it on the permanent campsite. It’s a viable option.

Although the wider models of park model RVs (12 feet is the most common although there are some that range from 10-16 feet in width) require special transportation, they are usually only transported once and are very popular because of their roominess, the vast array of available floor plans and customization options available, and their feel of a home. Of all of the types of new and used RVs for sale available, it seems the wider park models feel most like a regular home because they are very spacious and have the amenities and fixtures of a regular house.

Prices vary widely because of the many choices of floor plans and amenities. Prices of the 8 foot wide models start a little under $20,000 and the 12 foot models start around $30,000. Models with popular upgrades already set up on sites can easily cost upwards of $60,000.

Before buying a park model home, take the time to go look at models and to decide what its primary use is going to be. Is it going to be a hunting or fishing cabin, a vacation home, a camping retreat, a guest house, a winter getaway, or a retirement home?