Guide & Checklist for Current RV Park Owners

A. The Ultimate Annual RV Park Maintenance & Capital Improvement Checklist (The Operations Guide)

This focuses on maximizing long-term park value and guest safety. 

Category

High-Priority Checklist Items

Guide Section Focus Areas

Utilities & Infrastructure

  • Annual septic/sewer system inspection and pumping schedule. □ Water pressure/quality testing and backflow prevention certification.

  • Electrical pedestal inspection (50/30/20 amp) and breaker testing.

  • Wi-Fi/Internet system audit (capacity, signal strength, equipment upgrades). 

Preventative Maintenance Scheduling: Seasonal utility checks, cost analysis of utility upgrades (LED lighting, low-flow fixtures).

Drip vs. CapEx:
Distinguishing between routine maintenance costs and major capital expenditures (CapEx).

Site & Grounds

  • Inspect and repair all paved/gravel roads and site pads (leveling/grading).

  • Trim trees for slide-out/antenna clearance (critical safety).

  • Inspect and replace worn picnic tables and fire rings.

  • Check and repair drainage systems to prevent site flooding. 

Curb Appeal & Safety:
Best practices for landscaping, road material selection, and fire safety protocols.


Optimizing Site Layout:
Angled back-ins vs. pull-throughs, utility placement for easier hookups. 

Buildings & Amenities
  • Pool/Spa inspection, maintenance, and compliance with health codes.

  • Laundry room equipment check and replacement schedule. 

  • Restroom/Shower house deep clean, tile, and fixture repair.

  • Clubhouse/Office roof, HVAC, and exterior paint inspection. 

Compliance Focus:
Detailed list of state/local permits needed for pools, food service, and propane sales.

Amenity ROI:
How to determine which amenity upgrades yield the highest return (e.g., dog parks, upgraded Wi-Fi).
 

A. The Ultimate Annual RV Park Maintenance & Capital Improvement Checklist (The Operations Guide)

This focuses on maximizing long-term park value and guest safety. 

Category

Utilities & Infrastructure

High-Priority Checklist Items
  • Annual septic/sewer system inspection and pumping schedule.
  • Water pressure/quality testing and backflow prevention certification.
  • Electrical pedestal inspection (50/30/20 amp) and breaker testing.
  • Wi-Fi/Internet system audit (capacity, signal strength, equipment upgrades).
Guide Section Focus Areas

Preventative Maintenance Scheduling:
Seasonal utility checks, cost analysis of utility upgrades (LED lighting, low-flow fixtures).

Drip vs. CapEx:

Distinguishing between routine maintenance costs and major capital expenditures (CapEx).

Category

Site & Grounds 

High-Priority Checklist Items
  • Inspect and repair all paved/gravel roads and site pads (leveling/grading).

  • Trim trees for slide-out/antenna clearance (critical safety).

  • Inspect and replace worn picnic tables and fire rings.

  • Check and repair drainage systems to prevent site flooding. 

Guide Section Focus Areas

Curb Appeal & Safety:
Best practices for landscaping, road material selection, and fire safety protocols.

Optimizing Site Layout:
Angled back-ins vs. pull-throughs, utility placement for easier hookups. 

Category

Buildings & Amenities 

High-Priority Checklist Items
  • Pool/Spa inspection, maintenance, and compliance with health codes.

  • Laundry room equipment check and replacement schedule.

  • Restroom/Shower house deep clean, tile, and fixture repair.

  • Clubhouse/Office roof, HVAC, and exterior paint inspection. 

Guide Section Focus Areas

Compliance Focus:
Detailed list of state/local permits needed for pools, food service, and propane sales.

Amenity ROI:
How to determine which amenity upgrades yield the highest return (e.g., dog parks, upgraded Wi-Fi).
 

B. RV Park Financial & Operational Performance Audit (The Profitability Guide)

This focuses on increasing revenue and understanding key performance indicators (KPIs). 

Checklist Area

High-Priority Checklist Items

Guide Section Focus Areas

Pricing & Revenue
  • Conduct an annual competitor analysis (rates, amenities).

  • KPI: Calculate Revenue Per Available Site Night (RevPAS).

  • Review and adjust cancellation/refund policies.

  • Implement dynamic pricing strategies (peak/off-peak). 

Yield Management:
Strategies for maximizing revenue during high-demand periods.

Ancillary Revenue:
Ideas for non-site revenue (propane, store, rentals, seasonal events).
 

Expense Management

  • Audit utility consumption for anomalies (water leaks, high electric use).

  • Review and re-bid all vendor contracts (trash, landscaping, insurance). 

  • KPI: Calculate Operating Expense Ratio (OER).

  • Audit payroll and staffing levels for efficiency. 

Budgeting and Forecasting:
Creating a detailed annual budget and capital expenditure plan.

Tax Advantages:
Understanding depreciation and other deductions for RV park real estate. 

Technology & Marketing
  • Audit Online Reputation (Google, Yelp, Facebook, RV directories).

  • Review website for mobile-friendliness and online booking flow. 

  • KPI: Calculate Occupancy Rate(Daily, Monthly, Annual).

  • Test and train staff on Property Management Software (PMS). 

SEO and Online Presence:
Must-have keywords for local RV park searches.

Guest Experience Automation:
Using PMS for automated check-ins, key-codes, and satisfaction surveys.
 

B. RV Park Financial & Operational Performance Audit (The Profitability Guide)

This focuses on increasing revenue and understanding key performance indicators (KPIs). 

Checklist Area

Pricing & Revenue 

Key Tasks & Financial Metrics
  • Conduct an annual competitor analysis (rates, amenities).

  • KPI: Calculate Revenue Per Available Site Night (RevPAS).

  • Review and adjust cancellation/refund policies.

  • Implement dynamic pricing strategies (peak/off-peak). 

Guide Section Focus Areas

Yield Management:
Strategies for maximizing revenue during high-demand periods.

Ancillary Revenue:
Ideas for non-site revenue (propane, store, rentals, seasonal events).
 

Checklist Area

Expense Management 

Key Tasks & Financial Metrics
  • Audit utility consumption for anomalies (water leaks, high electric use).

  • Review and re-bid all vendor contracts (trash, landscaping, insurance).

  • KPI: Calculate Operating Expense Ratio (OER).

  • Audit payroll and staffing levels for efficiency. 

Guide Section Focus Areas

Budgeting and Forecasting:
Creating a detailed annual budget and capital expenditure plan.

Tax Advantages:
Understanding depreciation and other deductions for RV park real estate. 

Checklist Area

Technology & Marketing 

Key Tasks & Financial Metrics
  • Audit Online Reputation (Google, Yelp, Facebook, RV directories).

  • Review website for mobile-friendliness and online booking flow.

  • KPI: Calculate Occupancy Rate(Daily, Monthly, Annual).

  • Test and train staff on Property Management Software (PMS). 

Guide Section Focus Areas

SEO and Online Presence:
Must-have keywords for local RV park searches.

Guest Experience Automation:
Using PMS for automated check-ins, key-codes, and satisfaction surveys.