RV Park Third-Party Management
Should you hire a management company or self-manage with software? This guide breaks down the economics, pros/cons, and evaluation criteria for each approach.
Three Management Models
Each model has different trade-offs for time, cost, and control.
Self-Management
You handle all operations directly, either on-site or remotely with software and local staff.
Pros
- Full control over operations
- No management fees
- Direct guest relationships
- Faster decision-making
Cons
- Time-intensive
- Requires operational knowledge
- Harder to scale across multiple properties
Best for:
Hands-on owners with 1-2 properties and time to dedicate
Third-Party Management
A management company handles day-to-day operations in exchange for a percentage of revenue or flat fee.
Pros
- Truly passive investment
- Professional operations
- Easier to scale portfolio
- Built-in expertise
Cons
- 4-8% management fee
- Less control
- Potential misalignment of incentives
Best for:
Absentee owners, portfolios, syndications, or those without RV park experience
Hybrid Model
You handle strategy and oversight while software automates operations and local staff handles physical tasks.
Pros
- Lower cost than full management
- Retains control
- Scalable with technology
- 2-5 hrs/week involvement
Cons
- Still requires some time
- Need to manage staff remotely
Best for:
Tech-savvy investors who want passive income without full management fees
Management Fee Structures
What to expect when hiring a third-party manager.
| Fee Type | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage of Gross Revenue | 4-8% | Most common; aligns manager incentive with revenue growth |
| Percentage of Net Revenue | 8-15% | Less common; better aligns with profitability |
| Flat Monthly Fee | $2,000-5,000/mo | Predictable cost; may not scale well with park size |
| Performance Bonus | +1-2% | Extra fee for exceeding occupancy or revenue targets |
Example: 50-Site Park at $400K Revenue
At 6% of gross revenue, annual management fee = $24,000. This is often the difference between a 12% and 6% cash-on-cash return. The question is whether that $24,000 buys you enough time savings and expertise to justify the cost.
How to Evaluate Management Companies
Key questions to ask before signing a management contract.
RV park experience
How many RV parks do they currently manage? What sizes?
Geographic presence
Do they have staff or partners in your market?
Technology stack
What software do they use? Can you access reports?
Fee structure
All-in cost including accounting, marketing, etc.?
Contract terms
Length of contract? Termination clause? Performance guarantees?
References
Can you speak with other owners they manage for?
Reporting cadence
Weekly, monthly, or quarterly updates? What metrics?
CapEx authority
Spending limits before requiring your approval?
The Hybrid Model: Self-Manage with Software
Modern RV park software like Camp Operator lets you capture most of the benefits of professional management without the 4-8% fee.
- Reservations and payments are fully automated
- Guest messaging happens without your involvement
- Reporting dashboards give you real-time visibility
- Local maintenance person handles physical tasks
- You review weekly and handle exceptions only
- Total time: 2-5 hours per week
Cost Comparison
50-Site Park, $400K Revenue
Similar cost, but you retain control, build operational knowledge, and can scale to additional properties without linear fee increases.
See the Hybrid Model in Action
Watch how Camp Operator automates operations so you can self-manage remotely.
Related Investor Resources
Skip the Management Fee
Start your free trial of Camp Operator. Self-manage your RV park remotely with 2-5 hours per week.