Seasonal RV Campgrounds - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Mazder · 02-09-2011, 09:16 AM

Hey Everybody,

I am just about to pull the trigger on a RV (link below), so feel free to let me know what you think of this maufacturer/model. If you have any manufacturer recommendations that offer a unit similar in layout/price, I'd greatly appreciate it, as I have not completely made up my mind as of yet. A few things I am looking for are as follows:

- full slide
- Some type of entertainment center
- jack/jill bunks, preferably one double at the bottom
- under $20,000.00

The real reason for this post is I would like some input from the great CP community regarding RV Seasonal campgrounds within relatively short distance to Calgary (2 hours max.). A friend of mine as a unit up at Pine Lake Leisure Club and he really likes it, however there may not be any units left (still waiting to hear back). In the meantime, I figured I'd check in with you all.

Any recommendations? Thanks in advance!

http://d2784124.u732.ttuhosting.com/...ls.aspx?id=121

Sliver · 02-09-2011, 09:22 AM

Honestly, that thing looks totally awesome. I can't believe the price as well - seems like a bargain. Have you looked at buying in the States at all?

Are you looking for a lot to park it on and just vacation to that spot all the time? I've never been to one of those places as I've always sort of thought they'd feel white trashy/trailer park boys. Are they better than that?

Mazder · 02-09-2011, 09:39 AM

I checked a couple sites in the U.S., but honestly don't see a huge difference. I think the Canadian RV stores have really adjusted their pricing lately to be more competitive...probably losing too much business over the last couple of years.

Yeah, a seasonal campground is one that you pay for the entire camping season (typically May to Sept), and you simply go out there as much as you like. There are definitely some nice campgrounds out there, such as the Pine Lake Leisure Club. That may be more on the up-scale side of things though, as it is a little more expensive than others.

Madman · 02-09-2011, 09:40 AM

Do you have any kids? Will you be using the bunks?

Our current trailer is like that with the bunks right beside the bathroom and it's a little cramped and potential for waking them up with using the can in the middle of the night - having the sink inside the bathroom is a plus.

If you do have kids, look at how kids get up to that top bunk if you are going to use it and also if you need to have a rail on the top one if your kids are smaller.

What kind of truck will you be pulling it with? (although not a big deal if you will be parking it all year round)

Mazder · 02-09-2011, 09:47 AM

Double post. Please ignore. Not sure how to delete.

Sliver · 02-09-2011, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mazder

I checked a couple sites in the U.S., but honestly don't see a huge difference. I think the Canadian RV stores have really adjusted their pricing lately to be more competitive...probably losing too much business over the last couple of years.

Yeah, a seasonal campground is one that you pay for the entire camping season (typically May to Sept), and you simply go out there as much as you like. There are definitely some nice campgrounds out there, such as the Pine Lake Leisure Club. That may be more on the up-scale side of things though, as it is a little more expensive than others.

Yeah that price seems so good so they must have come down to compete with the US prices.

The seasonal campground thing seems like a good deal. I'd way rather stay in that RV you're looking at versus most hotel rooms. The problem for me is I'm getting lazy in my old age and like the convenience/ease of staying at hotels, although you certainly pay for it.

Mazder · 02-09-2011, 06:20 PM

Bump...

Where are all the RV owners, surely you guys have some input on seasonal RV parks.

Maybe RV owners are too responsible and do not check the forums during work hours.

Don't let me down CP! I told my wife this would be by far the best resource for input.

02-09-2011, 09:50 PM

I would think that having an RV would enable you to travel around and see different parts of Canada/US instead of being limited to one place over the summer.

ken0042 · 02-09-2011, 11:46 PM

When I went to the RV show last week there were a LOT of places trying to sell seasonal RV lots. Most of them seemed to want just way too much.

As Puxlut said; I bought an RV so I could travel. If I wanted to stay put somewhere I'll build a cabin.

Sliver · 02-10-2011, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken0042

When I went to the RV show last week there were a LOT of places trying to sell seasonal RV lots. Most of them seemed to want just way too much.

As Puxlut said; I bought an RV so I could travel. If I wanted to stay put somewhere I'll build a cabin.

It makes sense to me. The cheapest cabin out there would probably start at 15x what this RV is worth.

ken0042 · 02-10-2011, 08:11 AM

Well, I think 15X is a bit of a stretch. To build a cabin about double the size of that RV would cost around 30-40K; and I've been looking at cabin lots that would make the total cost around $100K.

At the RV show they were asking anywhere from $75-100K for the lots they were trying to sell; bringing the total cost to the same ballpark. Add to that the RV lots were 50X100 feet; and cabin lots I have been looking at at least 4 times the size as well.

Sliver · 02-10-2011, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken0042

Well, I think 15X is a bit of a stretch. To build a cabin about double the size of that RV would cost around 30-40K; and I've been looking at cabin lots that would make the total cost around $100K.

At the RV show they were asking anywhere from $75-100K for the lots they were trying to sell; bringing the total cost to the same ballpark. Add to that the RV lots were 50X100 feet; and cabin lots I have been looking at at least 4 times the size as well.

Good god. I was assuming the RV lots would be like $200/month to rent. $75K-$100K is absolutely insane!

I stand corrected...my wild guesses at numbers were super far off, although I am curious about the cabin and lot you can buy for $100K. If that's true, I'd seriously look into it. I just figured you'd start at $250K for a little hovel somewhere.

socalwingfan · 02-10-2011, 08:27 AM

This place is run by my wife's relatives

http://creevalleyrvpark.com/

GrrlGoalie33 · 02-10-2011, 09:50 AM

Are you looking for a place to rent a season lot, or buy? There are lots of parks that only cater to folks who purchase vs those who rent.

With a trailer that inexpensive, look at payments similar to a car loan (5 year) vs a 'RV Mortgage' (10-15 year). You can hedge some of the depreciation if you're making larger payments. Especially if it's your first RV, you're probably going to be looking at upgrading in the next couple of years. If you stick with a traditional 'RV Mortgage', you end up rolling your depreciation losses into the next unit and so on. If you pay it off over 5 years, you're not going to take as big of a hit when it's time to trade in. This is probably the best advice I can ever give in regards to RV'ing. Those damned units lose as much value as cars, if not more.

Mazder · 02-10-2011, 11:34 AM

I am looking to rent only. Even if you can find a cabin/lot for $100,000, which I highly doubt, that it still quite a bit more expensive than paying $2000 to $3000 a year to rent a lot. What I typically see for sale is a fifth wheel on a small lot for about $130,000 to $150,000, and that is just ridiculous.

Frankster, where did you see this deal for $100,000?

I also want to stay relatively close to Calgary. Within a couple hours drive if possible.

GrrlGoalie33 · 02-10-2011, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mazder

I am looking to rent only. Even if you can find a cabin/lot for $100,000, which I highly doubt, that it still quite a bit more expensive than paying $2000 to $3000 a year to rent a lot. What I typically see for sale is a fifth wheel on a small lot for about $130,000 to $150,000, and that is just ridiculous.

Frankster, where did you see this deal for $100,000?

I also want to stay relatively close to Calgary. Within a couple hours drive if possible.

I wasn't the one with the deal...Do you have Kids, or is it just you and your wife? That also makes a big difference on the types of places you might want to spend your summers...

ken0042 · 02-10-2011, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sliver

Good god. I was assuming the RV lots would be like $200/month to rent. $75K-$100K is absolutely insane!

I stand corrected...my wild guesses at numbers were super far off, although I am curious about the cabin and lot you can buy for $100K. If that's true, I'd seriously look into it. I just figured you'd start at $250K for a little hovel somewhere.

Just doing a quick look I found this lot for $60K
http://www.realtor.ca/propertyDetail...ertyId=9806553

I have been pricing out building a cabin; and I have my materials cost around $30K. So factor in another $10K for incidentals and you are around that $100K mark 90 minutes from Calgary.

The other thing to keep in mind; many recreational lots are not on MLS. The property I own in Manitoba (which is why I was pricing out a cabin) was found by my brother in law. It was right beside his property; there was a for sale sign in amungst the weeds.

Mazder- you may want to contact the organizers of the RV show 2 weeks ago and ask for a list of exhibitors. Their website is http://www.rvda-alberta.org/rvshow.asp?location=Calgary

Might also be worth going to the Boat & Sportsman show that is coming up; there might be some crossover between the two similar ideas.

Sliver · 02-10-2011, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken0042

Just doing a quick look I found this lot for $60K
http://www.realtor.ca/propertyDetail...ertyId=9806553

I have been pricing out building a cabin; and I have my materials cost around $30K. So factor in another $10K for incidentals and you are around that $100K mark 90 minutes from Calgary.

Oh I see. Maybe you can build a cabin from scratch, but most people couldn't. Plus you have to factor your time as having a value so I think $40K is a super big stretch. Like if you bought a lot for $60K and built a cabin for $40K and then wanted to sell it, I'm sure you'd factor in a lot more than $0 for your time/effort/skill to build the place.

I'm back to thinking $250K is more reasonable for a fairly basic cabin plus lot.

GrrlGoalie33 · 02-10-2011, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken0042

Might also be worth going to the Boat & Sportsman show that is coming up; there might be some crossover between the two similar ideas.

This was last weekend, wasn't it?

ken0042 · 02-10-2011, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sliver

Oh I see. Maybe you can build a cabin from scratch, but most people couldn't. Plus you have to factor your time as having a value so I think $40K is a super big stretch. Like if you bought a lot for $60K and built a cabin for $40K and then wanted to sell it, I'm sure you'd factor in a lot more than $0 for your time/effort/skill to build the place.

I'm back to thinking $250K is more reasonable for a fairly basic cabin plus lot.

$190 K in building costs would get you a lot more than a "fairly basic cabin." You can have a basic cabin built for you for under $50K. Or a decent 800-900 square foot cabin build for $60-70K.

Anyway- getting back to my original point; there are a lot of options for somebody who is looking for an RV lot without getting into the amounts of money that I have seen RV lots going for. I think the key here is thinking a little outside the box.

Frankster- you are right; that one was last weekend. But there is a different one in March that might prove to have more options: http://www.outdooradventureshow.ca/c...tor/index.html