Camping Trends: Park Models and New England Discussion

The City of Riverside is progressing through early steps to add the estimated $30 to $33 million Blackjack Beach and RV Waterpark Resort. After the Washington County Board of Supervisors approved a development review, inspection, and code enforcement agreement in July, the Riverside City Council has done the same. Mayor Allen Schneider noted that the annexation process is lengthy, taking four to six weeks. The project includes 154 RV parking spots, a clubhouse over 14,000 square feet, and a waterpark resort over 70,000 square feet.

The White Township (Pa.) planning commission on Wednesday (August 5) reviewed final site plans for two proposed RV parks to support incoming Homer City Energy Campus workers. The Cartesian Company & Park Group Construction presented a plan for a 140-unit RV park at 4600 Lucerne Road. The commission also reviewed Ron Marsh's plan for two sites at 87 and 91 McLain Road, accommodating six travel trailers. Finalized plans are pending; approval is expected if they comply with township code.

Quartz has published an article about the continued popularity of recreational vehicles in the United States, noting that the interest is not exclusively American. The piece mentions that John Steinbeck traveled across America in a custom-built RV in 1960, and that various types of RVs are popular worldwide. According to the data cited, Australia has the highest rate of RVs per capita, with New Zealand a close second.

Officials say a long-planned RV park on 135 acres of former state open space in the Fort DuPont redevelopment project is back on track after the property appeared to be headed toward a potential Sheriff Sale. Developer Todd Burbage paid approximately $1.1 million earlier this summer and committed to paying the other $1 million owed for the property this fall. Construction is expected to begin in the coming months, with completion targeted for spring 2028.

The city of Asotin, Washington, has temporarily closed two waste disposal sites used by RVers and rafters due to a record surge in usage. The influx overwhelmed the local wastewater treatment plant, prompting officials to schedule a public hearing on August 24 to decide whether to continue the service. The sites include a free RV dump and a BLM-owned SCAT machine.

A group of Ellsworth residents living near a proposed 28-site RV campground on Bayside Road are asking the city to pause all new campground developments in rural zones. The neighbor coalition says the proposed Anchor In Campground will bring noise, traffic, and environmental and safety concerns. They plan to bring a broader proposal to the City Council in mid-August to change zoning rules that currently allow campgrounds in any rural residential area. The developer, Superior Realty Inc., says the land is zoned for the proposed use and neighbors have the right to be heard.