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Camping Tips Blog
Age Restrictive RV Parks
12-26-2017Author :Carrie Todd in The Road Less Traveled
In 2013, we were on our way to Arizona to escape the frigid temperatures we'd been experiencing. Along with the chilly weather, we'd been dealing with frozen water lines on an almost daily basis during the first winter months in our RV. Fortunately, we had a business opportunity that would keep us in the much warmer climate of Arizona for the remainder of the season, and we were taking it.
Since this was our first year in our new home-on-wheels, we didn't know that much about the RV lifestyle regarding campgrounds, boon-docking, and obviously winterizing. The years since have provided plenty of lessons along the way. So, we knew that Arizona was a huge Snowbird destination, and it was easy to extrapolate that there'd be tons of campgrounds and RV parks to choose from. We did not know that many were restricted and how difficult it would be to find one that would accept us. Park after park sported the same restrictive signs: "55+", and "No big dogs". We were nowhere near age 55 and we do have a 90+ pound dog. However, it wasn't hopeless.
Why the Age Restriction?
Many of the Arizona RV parks are more like resorts that cater primarily to retirees who live there for a season or longer. Having an age restriction means that there aren't any children or young adults who are more likely to be noisy and reckless. Therefore, residents can go about their day without having to hear crying babies, avoid bicycling or running kids, deal with dings in their car from an errant ball or Frisbee, or being kept up at night by loud parties. Those who prefer peace and quiet in their campground of choice may appreciate the exclusion of younger guests.
Although it may seem strange to prohibit campers under the age of 55, it's really no different than other age restrictions. For example, U.S. citizens must be 18 or older to vote or join the military, and at least 25 to run for most government offices. People who want to drink alcohol have to be 21 or older, and members of AARP have to have had their 55th birthday. It can probably be viewed as just another “milestone." Plus, posting "55+" is less potentially offensive than posting “No Children Allowed.”
Federal Regulations Regarding RV Parks
Besides the possible preference of their patrons, another reason RV parks restrict to 55+ is that they get a tax credit for doing such. Now, this doesn't mean that they're entirely prohibited from renting space to campers younger than that age. As long as 80-percent or more of the sites are reserved for residents over that age, a park has the right to rent the remaining spaces to whoever it want to. Some parks skirt the issue by refraining from verifying the ages of their prospective guests.
What Are Your Options?
Although it may seem difficult to find a park that accepts you, your children, your fur-babies, and your rig, it isn't impossible. For example, some parks will allow younger adults or families with children to camp for up to two weeks if they are visiting a long-term resident.
Sometimes a park will admit couples under the age of 55 if they're traveling without children, especially if there are mitigating circumstances. This is true, also, if a visit is short and for a specified amount of time. Usually, the decision whether or not to enforce the rule is left up to the individual park owner or manager.
Keep in mind, there are many state parks and campgrounds that do not have these restriction, as well. Generally, they're located outside of any city or large town. They do, however, have the best views.
In Conclusion
In our situation, we boon-docked in a beautiful state park the first night. Unfortunately, they were booked the rest of the week. After going into Apache Junction, we were able to find an RV Park that had a ton of empty sites. Although they were listed as "55+", they did accept us for the entire month. Do your homework, plan ahead, and be flexible; you're sure to have a memorable experience.
Since this was our first year in our new home-on-wheels, we didn't know that much about the RV lifestyle regarding campgrounds, boon-docking, and obviously winterizing. The years since have provided plenty of lessons along the way. So, we knew that Arizona was a huge Snowbird destination, and it was easy to extrapolate that there'd be tons of campgrounds and RV parks to choose from. We did not know that many were restricted and how difficult it would be to find one that would accept us. Park after park sported the same restrictive signs: "55+", and "No big dogs". We were nowhere near age 55 and we do have a 90+ pound dog. However, it wasn't hopeless.
Why the Age Restriction?
Many of the Arizona RV parks are more like resorts that cater primarily to retirees who live there for a season or longer. Having an age restriction means that there aren't any children or young adults who are more likely to be noisy and reckless. Therefore, residents can go about their day without having to hear crying babies, avoid bicycling or running kids, deal with dings in their car from an errant ball or Frisbee, or being kept up at night by loud parties. Those who prefer peace and quiet in their campground of choice may appreciate the exclusion of younger guests.
Although it may seem strange to prohibit campers under the age of 55, it's really no different than other age restrictions. For example, U.S. citizens must be 18 or older to vote or join the military, and at least 25 to run for most government offices. People who want to drink alcohol have to be 21 or older, and members of AARP have to have had their 55th birthday. It can probably be viewed as just another “milestone." Plus, posting "55+" is less potentially offensive than posting “No Children Allowed.”
Federal Regulations Regarding RV Parks
Besides the possible preference of their patrons, another reason RV parks restrict to 55+ is that they get a tax credit for doing such. Now, this doesn't mean that they're entirely prohibited from renting space to campers younger than that age. As long as 80-percent or more of the sites are reserved for residents over that age, a park has the right to rent the remaining spaces to whoever it want to. Some parks skirt the issue by refraining from verifying the ages of their prospective guests.
What Are Your Options?
Although it may seem difficult to find a park that accepts you, your children, your fur-babies, and your rig, it isn't impossible. For example, some parks will allow younger adults or families with children to camp for up to two weeks if they are visiting a long-term resident.
Sometimes a park will admit couples under the age of 55 if they're traveling without children, especially if there are mitigating circumstances. This is true, also, if a visit is short and for a specified amount of time. Usually, the decision whether or not to enforce the rule is left up to the individual park owner or manager.
Keep in mind, there are many state parks and campgrounds that do not have these restriction, as well. Generally, they're located outside of any city or large town. They do, however, have the best views.
In Conclusion
In our situation, we boon-docked in a beautiful state park the first night. Unfortunately, they were booked the rest of the week. After going into Apache Junction, we were able to find an RV Park that had a ton of empty sites. Although they were listed as "55+", they did accept us for the entire month. Do your homework, plan ahead, and be flexible; you're sure to have a memorable experience.
Blog Author Details
Carrie Todd
Initially, Carrie became a freelance writer, editor, and artist to support herself doing something she loves that also allows her to travel. Living in her Tourmaster coach, she has spent no more than five months in one place since October 2013. This ensures that she gets to experience the constantly changing scenery that accompanies the yearly seasonal changes, as well as meet new people across the country. She has since become a LuLaRoe Independent Fashion Consultant, as well to further this endeavor. In fact, Carrie considers herself fortunate, as most people have to be of retirement age to enjoy the sort of freedom she has, with every day bringing something different.
The Road Less Traveled
In 2013, we were on our way to Arizona to escape the frigid temperatures we'd been experiencing. Along with the chilly weather, we'd been dealing with frozen water lines on an almost daily basis during the first winter months in our RV. Fortunately, we had a business opportunity that would keep us in the much warmer climate of Arizona for the remainder of the season, and we were taking it.
Since this was our first year in our new home-on-wheels, we didn't know that much about the RV lifestyle regarding campgrounds, boon-docking, and obviously winterizing. The years since have provided plenty of lessons along the way. So, we knew that Arizona was a huge Snowbird destination, and it was easy to extrapolate that there'd be tons of campgrounds and RV parks to choose from. We did not know that many were restricted and how difficult it would be to find one that would accept us. Park after park sported the same restrictive signs: "55+", and "No big dogs". We were nowhere near age 55 and we do have a 90+ pound dog. However, it wasn't hopeless.
Why the Age Restriction?
Many of the Arizona RV parks are more like resorts that cater primarily to retirees who live there for a season or longer. Having an age restriction means that there aren't any children or young adults who are more likely to be noisy and reckless. Therefore, residents can go about their day without having to hear crying babies, avoid bicycling or running kids, deal with dings in their car from an errant ball or Frisbee, or being kept up at night by loud parties. Those who prefer peace and quiet in their campground of choice may appreciate the exclusion of younger guests.
Although it may seem strange to prohibit campers under the age of 55, it's really no different than other age restrictions. For example, U.S. citizens must be 18 or older to vote or join the military, and at least 25 to run for most government offices. People who want to drink alcohol have to be 21 or older, and members of AARP have to have had their 55th birthday. It can probably be viewed as just another “milestone." Plus, posting "55+" is less potentially offensive than posting “No Children Allowed.”
Federal Regulations Regarding RV Parks
Besides the possible preference of their patrons, another reason RV parks restrict to 55+ is that they get a tax credit for doing such. Now, this doesn't mean that they're entirely prohibited from renting space to campers younger than that age. As long as 80-percent or more of the sites are reserved for residents over that age, a park has the right to rent the remaining spaces to whoever it want to. Some parks skirt the issue by refraining from verifying the ages of their prospective guests.
What Are Your Options?
Although it may seem difficult to find a park that accepts you, your children, your fur-babies, and your rig, it isn't impossible. For example, some parks will allow younger adults or families with children to camp for up to two weeks if they are visiting a long-term resident.
Sometimes a park will admit couples under the age of 55 if they're traveling without children, especially if there are mitigating circumstances. This is true, also, if a visit is short and for a specified amount of time. Usually, the decision whether or not to enforce the rule is left up to the individual park owner or manager.
Keep in mind, there are many state parks and campgrounds that do not have these restriction, as well. Generally, they're located outside of any city or large town. They do, however, have the best views.
In Conclusion
In our situation, we boon-docked in a beautiful state park the first night. Unfortunately, they were booked the rest of the week. After going into Apache Junction, we were able to find an RV Park that had a ton of empty sites. Although they were listed as "55+", they did accept us for the entire month. Do your homework, plan ahead, and be flexible; you're sure to have a memorable experience.
Since this was our first year in our new home-on-wheels, we didn't know that much about the RV lifestyle regarding campgrounds, boon-docking, and obviously winterizing. The years since have provided plenty of lessons along the way. So, we knew that Arizona was a huge Snowbird destination, and it was easy to extrapolate that there'd be tons of campgrounds and RV parks to choose from. We did not know that many were restricted and how difficult it would be to find one that would accept us. Park after park sported the same restrictive signs: "55+", and "No big dogs". We were nowhere near age 55 and we do have a 90+ pound dog. However, it wasn't hopeless.
Why the Age Restriction?
Many of the Arizona RV parks are more like resorts that cater primarily to retirees who live there for a season or longer. Having an age restriction means that there aren't any children or young adults who are more likely to be noisy and reckless. Therefore, residents can go about their day without having to hear crying babies, avoid bicycling or running kids, deal with dings in their car from an errant ball or Frisbee, or being kept up at night by loud parties. Those who prefer peace and quiet in their campground of choice may appreciate the exclusion of younger guests.
Although it may seem strange to prohibit campers under the age of 55, it's really no different than other age restrictions. For example, U.S. citizens must be 18 or older to vote or join the military, and at least 25 to run for most government offices. People who want to drink alcohol have to be 21 or older, and members of AARP have to have had their 55th birthday. It can probably be viewed as just another “milestone." Plus, posting "55+" is less potentially offensive than posting “No Children Allowed.”
Federal Regulations Regarding RV Parks
Besides the possible preference of their patrons, another reason RV parks restrict to 55+ is that they get a tax credit for doing such. Now, this doesn't mean that they're entirely prohibited from renting space to campers younger than that age. As long as 80-percent or more of the sites are reserved for residents over that age, a park has the right to rent the remaining spaces to whoever it want to. Some parks skirt the issue by refraining from verifying the ages of their prospective guests.
What Are Your Options?
Although it may seem difficult to find a park that accepts you, your children, your fur-babies, and your rig, it isn't impossible. For example, some parks will allow younger adults or families with children to camp for up to two weeks if they are visiting a long-term resident.
Sometimes a park will admit couples under the age of 55 if they're traveling without children, especially if there are mitigating circumstances. This is true, also, if a visit is short and for a specified amount of time. Usually, the decision whether or not to enforce the rule is left up to the individual park owner or manager.
Keep in mind, there are many state parks and campgrounds that do not have these restriction, as well. Generally, they're located outside of any city or large town. They do, however, have the best views.
In Conclusion
In our situation, we boon-docked in a beautiful state park the first night. Unfortunately, they were booked the rest of the week. After going into Apache Junction, we were able to find an RV Park that had a ton of empty sites. Although they were listed as "55+", they did accept us for the entire month. Do your homework, plan ahead, and be flexible; you're sure to have a memorable experience.
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Author : Carrie Todd
Initially, Carrie became a freelance writer, editor, and artist to support herself doing something she loves that also allows her to travel. Living in her Tourmaster coach, she has spent no more than five months in one place since October 2013. This ensures that she gets to experience the constantly changing scenery that accompanies the yearly seasonal changes, as well as meet new people across the country. She has since become a LuLaRoe Independent Fashion Consultant, as well to further this endeavor. In fact, Carrie considers herself fortunate, as most people have to be of retirement age to enjoy the sort of freedom she has, with every day bringing something different.
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