🏡 Is a Park Model Right for You? Comparing Tiny Homes, RVs, and Park Models

So, you’ve caught the "downsizing" bug, or maybe you're dreaming of a cozy vacation home that doesn’t cost as much as your first house. You’ve heard the buzzwords: tiny home, destination trailer, Recreational Vehicle (RV), maybe even Recreational Park Trailer (RPT). But what’s what? And more importantly—what’s right for you?

Let’s unpack it.

🚐 The Good Ol’ RV: Mobile, Yes—Comfortable? Eh…

Traditional Recreational Vehicles (RVs) are designed for mobility. They’re great for road trips, tailgating, and channeling your inner nomad. But after a few weeks of climbing over your partner to get to the bathroom or cooking dinner in a closet-sized kitchen, you might find yourself craving a bit more space (and sanity).

RVs are built for travel—not for seasonal living. If you're dreaming of spending entire seasons somewhere sunny, or creating a getaway that feels more like a home than a suitcase, you may want to keep scrolling.

🏠 Tiny Homes: Trendy but Tricky

Tiny homes are adorable. HGTV told us so. But they often come with zoning headaches, financing hurdles, and let’s face it—living full-time in 200 square feet can test even the strongest relationships. Not to mention, if you want to move it, good luck finding someone with a truck (and a permit) big enough to haul it.

Also, many municipalities aren’t quite sure what to do with tiny homes. Are they houses? Sheds? Spaceships? That gray area makes them hard to insure or place legally.

🏡 Park Models: The Best of All Worlds

Here’s where park models (also known as Recreational Park Trailers) shine.

Think of a park model as the ideal blend between an RV and a tiny home—but smarter. They’re built to ANSI A119.5 standards, which means they’re technically a type of RV. But unlike their road-tripping cousins, park models are meant to stay put, giving you the space, comfort, and livability of a traditional home—with the freedom to relocate if needed.

Whether you're after a vacation home, a camping cabin at your favorite retreat, or a full-on seasonal living setup, park models deliver. Most offer residential-style kitchens, full bathrooms, queen-sized bedrooms, and even lofts or decks. They’re also easier to finance than tiny homes and more spacious than RVs.

🌲 Where Do You Put One?

Glad you asked. Destination trailers and park models are welcome in many RV resorts, campgrounds, and private lots. Some communities are even built specifically for them, offering amenities like pools, pickleball, and social events (think “glamping” with a side of margaritas).

🛠️ The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a comfortable, flexible, and affordable option for part-time or seasonal living, a park model might just be your perfect fit. It’s a vacation home without the mortgage, a camping cabin without the bears, and a destination trailer that feels like home—because it is.

Want to see what’s possible? Come tour one in person or explore our current models online. You bring the dreams—we'll bring the keys.