What Is The RV 10-Year Rule?

The “10-year rule” for RVs is a common (but not universal) policy used by many RV parks and campgrounds. RV parks and campground use the “rule” to exercise some kind of control the appearance, age and condition of vehicles allowed to stay on their property.

Here’s how it works and why it exists:

What the 10-Year Rule Means

The 10-year rule simply refers to the fact that if your RV, motorhome, or trailer is more than 10 years old, the park may require approval before allowing you to stay. This doesn’t mean you can’t stay there — it just means the park or campground owners or managers want to check the appearance and condition of your RV first.

Why Parks Have This Rule

Despite what some might ways, the rule isn’t about discrimination against older RVs — it’s focused on maintaining the overall look and safety of the park.

Some reasons include:

• Maintaining a clean, well-kept image for guests.
• Preventing safety hazards (leaks, electrical issues, etc.).
• Reducing long-term or abandoned vehicle concerns.
• Appealing to insurance or local regulations that require certain standards.

How It’s Enforced

• Some parks will ask for a photo of your RV if it’s over 10 years old.
• Despite the “rule,” If your RV looks well-maintained and clean, they’ll almost always make an exception.
• Some luxury RV resorts enforce it more strictly, while smaller or rural parks are often more flexible.  It mostly depends on if the rule is going to impact income for the park or resort.

Here Are Some Tips If Your RV Is Over 10 Years Old

1. Keep it clean and in good repair — both inside and out.
2. Be prepared with clear, flattering photos taken in advance to show the manager if asked.
3. Call ahead and ask at the time of  booking.  Mention your RV’s age — most will say, “Send us a photo; if it looks good, you’re fine.”
4. Know that you have options: Public campgrounds (like state and national parks) generally do not enforce any rule like this.

Bottom Line

The “10-year rule” isn’t a law — it’s a typically only a private campground policy meant to ensure esthetic, quality and safety standards. Most parks are happy to make exceptions for well-kept, older RVs.

Call us at St. George The “10-year rule” for RVs is a common — but not universal — policy used by many RV parks and campgrounds to control the age and condition of vehicles allowed to stay on their property.

Here’s how it works and why it exists 👇

What the 10-Year Rule Means

The 10-year rule simply means that if your RV, motorhome, or trailer is more than 10 years old, the park may require approval before allowing you to stay.  This doesn’t mean you can’t stay there — it just means the park wants to check the appearance and condition of your RV first.

Why Parks Have This Rule

Despite what some say, these rules aren’t about discrimination against older RVs — it’s about maintaining the overall look and safety of the park.

Some reasons may include:

• Maintaining a clean, well-kept image for guests.
• Preventing safety hazards (leaks, electrical issues, etc.).
• Reducing long-term or abandoned vehicle concerns.
• Appealing to insurance or local regulations that require certain standards.

How It’s Enforced

• Often parks will ask for a photo of your RV if it’s over 10 years old.
• If your RV looks well-maintained and clean, they’ll almost always make an exception.
• Some luxury RV resorts enforce it more strictly, while smaller or rural parks are often more flexible.

Tips If Your RV Is Over 10 Years Old

1. Keep your RV clean and in good repair — both inside and out.
2. Take clear, flattering photos in advance under your own terms so you have them to  show the manager if asked.
3. Call ahead at the time of booking and mention the age — many will say, “Send us a photo; if it looks good, you’re fine.”
4. Know that you have options: Public campgrounds (like state and national parks) do not enforce this rule.

Bottom Line

The “10-year rule” isn’t a law — it’s a private campground policy meant to ensure their esthetic, quality and safety standards are met. Most parks are happy to make exceptions for well-kept, older RVs. RV Repair.

If you want to do a routine check up or if you have specific concerns about meeting the standards for a 10+ year old RV, give us a call at St. George Mobile RV Repair.  We will be happy to check your rig and make suggestions and repairs.