What Are Park Model RV's?

Park Model RVs (PMRVs) are small, house-like recreational units designed to deliver real residential comfort in a compact footprint. Built to the ANSI A119.5 standard and typically inspected under RVIA, they’re usually 400 square feet or less, often with a loft for sleeping or storage. Unlike traditional travel trailers, PMRVs feel like thoughtfully crafted micro-cabins: full insulation, proper windows and doors, durable finishes, and real kitchens and baths. At Polaris Modular, our Park Model, like the Riverbend, leans into that boutique feel with clean lines, expansive glazing, and materials that hold up in hospitality settings.

PMRVs are not the same as HUD-code manufactured homes or IRC modular homes. Manufactured homes and IRC modular dwellings are permanent residences permitted as real property on foundations, while PMRVs are recreational units that are set on blocks or piers and tied down, then connected to utilities much like an RV. That difference in code path is why PMRVs often move faster through approvals for resort and campground use, and why they’re so attractive to glamping operators who want speed to market without compromising the guest experience.

Glamping is, at its core, experience-first lodging. Guests want nature, design, and comfort in one package—something more memorable than a hotel corridor and more refined than a tent. PMRVs fit this perfectly because they can be placed with a light site touch, oriented to a view, and furnished like a high-end suite. Big glass to frame the landscape, a cozy bed with quality linens, a real shower with good water pressure, and a small but efficient kitchen do most of the heavy lifting. Add a few hero amenities and you’ve created the kind of stay people photograph and share.

From a business standpoint, the model is straightforward: pair a beautiful site with premium micro-cabins and charge for the experience. In many drive-to leisure markets, PMRV nightly rates can land in the $180–$260 range depending on season, design, and amenities. Occupancy in the 45–65% band is common for well-positioned sites. That pencils into roughly $2,400–$5,000 in gross monthly revenue per unit before expenses such as cleaning, utilities, maintenance, insurance, platform fees, and management. Market dynamics, competition, and seasonality will move those numbers up or down, but the levers are clear: view, privacy, and distinctive amenities drive both occupancy and rate.

Differentiation matters, and this is where modular hospitality shines. A private sauna or cold plunge, a stargazing deck with a soaking tub, or a well-designed outdoor kitchen can elevate a listing into a destination. These add-ons don’t just look great; they increase average daily rate and length of stay. Thoughtful lighting, firepit zoning, and paths that preserve privacy between units can turn a small cluster of PMRVs into a micro-resort that commands a premium and earns five-star reviews consistently.

Success with PMRVs still depends on doing the practical work upfront. Zoning and land-use rules vary, so confirm where PMRVs are allowed, RV parks, campgrounds, and in some jurisdictions on private parcels, as well as any limits on full-time occupancy. Plan utilities early, whether that’s power and well/septic or full municipal connections. Map drive paths, parking, and fire access, and align with any local health or lodging requirements. When those basics are handled, the factory aspect takes over, bringing predictability to timelines and quality.

For hosts listing on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo, presentation and operations will make or break your returns. Invest in professional photography, write copy that sells the experience rather than just the features, and use dynamic pricing to ride demand curves. Keep check-in seamless, finishes durable, and turnover tight. A strong brand story across multiple units, cohesive exterior language, recognizable interiors, and a signature amenity like a sauna experience, compounds your marketing and lets you scale from two units to a village without reinventing the playbook.

Polaris Modular’s role is to lower risk and accelerate launch. We help you select the right code path, confirm feasibility with your jurisdiction, and design a PMRV that photographs beautifully and operates efficiently. In the factory, our documented QA system and third-party inspections protect consistency; on site, we coordinate delivery, crane set, tie-downs, and hookups so you can shift quickly into furnishing, listing, and revenue.

If you’re exploring a glamping concept, a Park Model RV is often the fastest way to prove demand and create a brandable guest experience. Bring us your land and your vision, and we’ll help you turn it into bookings—with a Riverbend-caliber PMRV that guests remember and a business that scales when you’re ready to add the next one.