What is the 10-Year Rule?

The 10-year rule is one upheld at some campgrounds and RV parks that says no rigs older than 10 (or sometimes 15) years are allowed to stay in the park. 

Most avid campers and RV enthusiasts know this is a fairly loose rule that is not always entirely enforced, even at the places that say they enforce it. In general, the rule means that park management can reject an RV based on its appearance. 

So, When Can You Get Away with Having an Older Rig?

Luckily, a good many campgrounds and RV parks around the country don’t have this rule at all. And if they do, you will probably be allowed in if you can:

• Prove your rig is well maintained – Oftentimes, if a check-in attendant can look out the window and see your RV isn’t duct taped together and is in reasonably good shape and maintained,  you’ll likely be fine to stay. In some cases, you may have to send a picture of your rig in advance at the time of booking.
• Your stay is short term – Many campgrounds and parks waive the RV age rule for any travelers who are doing short-term stays. If you’re looking to stay in a place for a month or more, you may have to contend with the age rule more than others. The idea behind enforcing the rule in this way is so campgrounds can avoid having to evict someone from a spot if they stop paying. This of course depends on local tenancy laws.

When Might You Be Held to the 10-Year Rule?

You’re more likely to encounter and be held to the rule if: 

• You want to stay in high-end RV resorts – It may be harder to get into the more upscale RV resorts with an older rig because these parks want to maintain a certain appearance across their parks. But you should still call to inquire about your particular rig if you are concerned about being turned away. 
• You operate anything but a Class A – Sometimes the age restriction on RVs isn’t even so much about the age of the rig but is more about the type. In a few campgrounds and parks that really enforce the rule, Class A rigs may be the only RV types allowed.

The bottom line: Every campground and RV park will have their own specific, hard-and-fast rules as well as bendable rules. As long as you are cordial and polite and look like you are a typical camper or tourist, and you simply ask about the regulations regarding older RVs, you’ll probably be fine.

Have you ever had any issues staying at a campground with an older RV? If so, what was your experience like? Let us know in the comments or contact us today!