Before I start noticing similarities and differences, I want to define what mobile home parks, RV parks, and RV parks are. Trailer Parks are a designated area where many trailers are located in a small community. The trailers are rectangular in shape and have smaller front rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms to accommodate the size. Often patios are shared or there are no patios. Mobile home parks are a small designated mobile home community. Mobile homes are generally wider and feel more like a real home on the inside, especially if they are double-wide mobile homes. They have a boxier shape and the living areas are larger than a trailer. In RV parks, there are usually only RVs and in mobile home parks, there are usually mostly mobile home parks. RV parks, however, are intended for RVs.

RVs, or recreational vehicles, are a home on wheels. Some RVs pull behind another vehicle, and some RVs are motorized and are a home and vehicle all rolled into one. By the way, there are over 13,000 privately owned RV parks across the country and 1,600 state parks in the US. Getting straight to the point, there are some differences and some similarities. The first difference I see is that RV parks were meant for short term stays while mobile home parks and RV parks were meant for long term stays. Secondly, RV parks are meant for tourists and mobile home/trailer parks are meant for locals. As for the similarities, in some parts of this country, and in Australia, mobile home/RV/trailer parks can be used interchangeably. Another similarity would be lots of trailers/RVs/mobile homes in tight quarters. Regarding the amount of time typically spent in RV Parks vs. RV/mobile parks. If you notice in RV parks compared to mobile home/trailer parks, there is no high fee. There is no point in having a lot fee if the tenants only stay a few days. However, there is a point for a lot fee if the tenant stays a few years.

Many choose to live in RV/mobile home parks because mobile homes and trailers can cost upwards of $10,000 to move and trailers are similarly priced (according to my sister who lives in a mobile home). Trailers and mobile homes are often not easy to sell and loans are not easy to obtain, which is another reason renters want to continue living there for the long term. RVs can be so much easier to move – you can often disconnect your hookups, pay your RV park fee, and be on your way. I have never seen an RV park with a yard, but I have seen a few RV/mobile home parks with yards, a sign of staying right there. After talking to my sister, the mobile home/trailer parks don’t mention what to do in the area for fun, which means they are meant for locals who already know what’s in the area. However, every RV Park website I’ve been to mentions nearby activities. Some tourists know about the activities in the area, but most don’t, so they need all the help they can get. Many RV Parks, or RV Resorts I should say, have more amenities like pools, kids’ activities, etc. Some mobile home parks have similar services, but mostly more than 55 communities. Some amenities are intended to attract tourists to RV parks, which are not found in RV or RV parks.

To start with the similarities, in France, one cannot stay in an RV park or mobile home/trailer park for more than three months, even if they own the land. In Australia they are all the same and are known as “Caravan Parks”. RV parks, mobile home parks, and trailer parks are also similar in the fact that many people can live in their homes in a small amount of space. From the street while driving, it can even be hard to tell the difference. Also, in many places, including in the US, RV parks have RVs, RVs, and mobile home parks. Due to lifestyle and financial changes, many are beginning to live full-time, whether or not they are traveling in RVs. Some stay in RV parks, but many choose to stay in RV parks. However, this depends on the location. Some RV parks house not only regular trailers, but also travel trailers and other recreational vehicles. However, more and more RV parks now include the option of monthly, weekly, and daily rates. The monthly fee would be a batch fee, in effect.

So, by and large, mobile home parks, RV parks, and RV parks are family friendly. They may or may not have a batch fee. They may or may not have temporary connections. They may or may not be intended for tourists. They may or may not include amenities like a clubhouse and pool. They may or may not be permanent dwellings, but are considered, for one night or for a lifetime, home.

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RV_park