Living the RV lifestyle, whether for a quick weekend escape or as a full-time home on wheels, offers a sense of liberty and excitement. However, there’s a lesser-known rule that could throw a wrench into your plans: the RV park 10-year rule. Some campgrounds enforce this policy, which bars RVs over a decade old from staying, even if they’re in great shape. In some cases, parks extend this to a 15-year cutoff. This could catch you off guard and derail your travel itinerary if you’re not prepared, so it’s worth digging into the details.
Though it might sound intimidating, getting a handle on this rule can help you work around it effectively. In this piece, I’ll break down why this rule exists, how common it is, how strictly it’s enforced, and share some tips for RVers with older models to keep their travel dreams alive. I’ll also explore its broader implications—like its effect on RV ownership trends—and highlight stories of real RVers who’ve managed to overcome this obstacle, giving you practical ideas for your own journeys.
What’s the 10-Year Rule All About?
The 10-year rule is a restriction some RV parks use to keep their property looking a certain way and running smoothly. It gives them the right to turn away RVs older than 10 years—sometimes 15 years at certain places—regardless of how well-maintained they are. This has stirred up mixed feelings in the RV community: some see it as unfair or exclusionary, while others get why parks might do it for business reasons. The rule isn’t universal, but where it exists, it’s often rooted in a mix of practical and image-driven motives.
So why do parks set this rule? Here are the main reasons behind it:
Keeping up appearances: Upscale RV parks, especially those marketing themselves as premium destinations or resorts, want to maintain a polished, high-end vibe. An older RV, even if spotless, might not fit the sleek, modern aesthetic they’re aiming for. Think of it like a dress code at a fancy restaurant—parks want their “curb appeal” to match their branding.
Reducing Headaches: Older RVs are more prone to breakdowns, leaks, or other issues, at least statistically speaking. Park owners might enforce the rule to avoid dealing with stranded vehicles or messes that could bother other guests. One park owner recalled a situation where an older RV was abandoned after its owner passed away on-site during setup, leaving the park stuck with a legal mess and hefty removal costs. These incidents, though rare, can spook management into stricter policies.
Navigating Local Laws: In some regions, tenancy laws make it tough to evict long-term campers who break rules or don’t pay rent. Older RVs might be viewed as riskier for becoming permanent fixtures or falling into disrepair, tying up valuable space. The 10-year rule acts as a preemptive filter to avoid these legal tangles.
Picky About RV Types: Beyond age, some parks only allow RVs with an RVIA (Recreation Vehicle Industry Association) badge, which certifies that the vehicle meets certain safety and manufacturing standards. Custom-built trailers, converted vans, or old school buses often lack this badge, so the rule doubles as a way to control the kinds of rigs rolling in.
Resale Worries: If you’re buying or selling an RV, this rule might affect its value. Some buyers shy away from older rigs that could limit their campground options, pushing down demand for anything over 10 years old. This can make it harder for owners of older models to recoup their investment.
Insurance And Liability Concerns: Older RVs might not meet modern safety standards, and parks worry about liability if something goes wrong—like a fire from outdated wiring. While not always stated outright, this fear can quietly reinforce the rule. For RVers who love vintage or budget-friendly models, this rule can feel like a roadblock, making the lifestyle less affordable or welcoming. It’s especially frustrating for those who’ve poured time and money into restoring an older rig, only to find their options limited.
How Common Is It, and How Strictly Is It Enforced?
Here’s the silver lining: the 10-year rule isn’t everywhere. It’s more of a niche policy than a standard across the board. Many RV parks—especially public campgrounds managed by state or national parks, or big chains like KOA—don’t bother with it. KOA, with locations across 47 U.S. states and 9 Canadian provinces, is known for its solid amenities and tends to skip this restriction, focusing instead on welcoming a wide range of campers. Independent or mom-and-pop campgrounds are also less likely to enforce age limits, valuing bookings over aesthetics.
Even at parks that have the rule, it’s not always a hard line. Some enforce it rigidly, checking RV titles or registration dates at check-in, while others treat it as a loose filter, mostly to keep out RVs that look rundown or neglected. Enforcement often hinges on a few key factors:
Where You Are: You’ll see this rule more in ritzy tourist hotspots or luxury resorts, like in Florida, Arizona, or coastal California, where image matters more. Rural or less trendy spots are typically more relaxed.
Time of year: Parks might ease up in the off-season—say, winter in northern states—when spots are empty and they’re eager for any business.
How Long Are You Staying: It’s more likely to apply to month-long or permanent stays than a quick overnight stop. Long-term campers are under more scrutiny since they impact the park’s vibe and resources longer.
Your RV’s Look: At the end of the day, if your rig looks sharp and well-kept, you might get a pass. Some parks will bend the rule if you send photos ahead of time or roll up looking pristine.
The inconsistency can be a double-edged sword: it gives you wiggle room but also makes planning trickier. Calling ahead is often the best way to gauge a park’s stance.
Broader Impacts
Beyond just campground access, the 10-year rule has ripple effects. It’s nudged some RVers toward newer, pricier models, fueling a market shift where manufacturers prioritize shiny, high-tech rigs over durable, long-lasting designs. It’s also sparked a divide in the community—vintage RV enthusiasts argue it’s elitist, while luxury campers see it as a fair way to keep standards high. Online forums like RV.net or Reddit’s r/RVLiving buzz with debates and workarounds, showing how divisive it can be.
Real RVers, Real Wins
Plenty of folks with older RVs have dodged this rule by taking the right steps. Being upfront and proactive works wonders—calling ahead to explain your RV’s condition, sending photos of a well-maintained rig, or even offering to let staff inspect it on arrival has swayed many park managers. One RVer with a 12-year-old Airstream polished it to a mirror shine and got into a strict Florida resort after a friendly chat with the owner. Another couple with a 1980s camper van dodged the rule at an Arizona park by booking during a slow week and proving their rig was leak-free and roadworthy. With a little preparation and charm, you can keep your older RV rolling into campgrounds without a hitch.