Why Grit Matters in RV Park Investing By Frank Rolfe

Tommy Lasorda—a legendary figure in baseball—spent more time with the Dodgers than any other coach or player. Over his long tenure, he concluded that the single most decisive attribute in success is grit. But how does this apply to the niche of purchasing and managing RV parks? Below, I outline how determination plays out at each stage of the process and why it separates average operators from high performers.

When Searching for the Right Property

Determination is key to uncovering opportunity. The right RV park seldom appears by chance—you must persistently examine deal after deal. Once you define key metrics (location, site mix, revenue potential, expense structure), your success comes down to volume. A committed investor who reviews 100 deals will consistently outperform one who stops after 20 because of discouragement.

In Delivering an Exceptional Experience

Top RV park owners obsess over the guest’s experience. If your aim is to make your park among the most highly rated in the region, you will quickly see the difference. That level of care is rarely accidental; it comes from a commitment to excellence in cleanliness, amenity upkeep, customer communication, and continuous improvement.

In Building and Keeping a Strong Team

It’s been said you can change systems more easily than replace people. While training matters, you can’t carry underperforming employees indefinitely. Be determined to recruit, retain, and if necessary, replace staff who don’t pull their weight. A park’s reputation and operations hinge on having the right people in place.

In Growing Revenue

A small increase in occupancy or ancillary income often falls straight to the bottom line in RV parks, making revenue enhancement highly impactful. If you target—for example—a 7 % lift in revenue annually and work toward it relentlessly, you can achieve it. In today’s market, extra amenities, dynamic pricing, and longer-stay incentives are all fertile ground for income gains.

In Managing Expenses

Cost control isn’t just about cutting—it’s about creatively rethinking each line item. With resolve, you’ll find dozens of tweaks (energy management, materials sourcing, vendor renegotiation) that improve margins without degrading service. Yet discipline is required: slashing marketing or preventive maintenance may save money in the short term, but ultimately erode net income.

In Meeting and Beating Budgets

Your budget is your roadmap. To stay on course, you must review monthly variances, isolate deviations, and respond immediately. Every business faces seasons or unplanned stress. In those times, grit is what keeps you from falling off track. As Winston Churchill put it, “If you are going through hell, keep going.” That kind of resolve is essential.

Final Word

Grit—unyielding resolve—is the characteristic that distinguishes competent RV park owners from outstanding ones. In a field where small advantages compound, a determined mindset makes all the difference. If your resolve has wavered lately, renew it now—and commit to being relentless in pursuit of your goals.

By Frank Rolfe

Frank Rolfe has been an active investor in RV parks for nearly two decades. As a result of his large collection of RV and mobile home parks, he ha