RV Parks Without 10-Year Rule: Where to Stay with an Older Rig

So, your RV has a few stories to tell. A little sun fade here, a creaky hinge there. Maybe it's got a cassette player and curtains that scream 1998. But under the hood? It runs like a dream. Sound familiar? Then you've probably come across the infamous 10-Year Rule.

If you've been turned away or just worried you might be because your rig isn't fresh off the showroom floor, you're not alone. The good news? Plenty of places still welcome well-loved rigs with open arms. You just have to know where to look, what to say, and how to prepare. Let's dig in.

What is the 10-Year Rule, Anyway?

The 10-Year Rule is one of those things RVers either barely notice or really, really notice. Basically, some RV parks have a policy that bans rigs older than ten years. Yep. Even if yours is in perfect working condition.

Why? Well, park owners say it's about safety and aesthetics. They don't want to risk fires from outdated electrical systems or deal with unsightly RVs bringing down the vibe of their property. Some parks take this rule seriously, with walk-arounds and photo requirements. Others? It's more of a suggestion.

But here's the kicker. A well-maintained 20-year-old rig with a solid power setup and polished exterior can be far safer and cleaner than a five-year-old one that's been dragged across the desert for months without a wash. Unfortunately, the rule doesn't always account for that.

The Problem for Vintage Rigs and Budget Travelers

There's something about traveling in a rig with history. It's like driving your own tiny piece of nomadic nostalgia. But the 10-Year Rule can feel like a slap in the face to anyone who's poured time, love, and repairs into keeping their RV on the road.

The issue hits full-timers and budget travelers the hardest. Not everyone can afford the latest Class A with all the bells and whistles. Some folks intentionally buy older rigs to rebuild, rework, and make them their own. The rule can feel like a form of classism by shutting out people who've chosen a simpler, more sustainable way to travel.

A 10-Year-Old RV is Hardly Vintage

A 10-year-old RV is hardly vintage these days. In fact, many rigs that are a decade old still have modern features, clean interiors, and solid engines. So why the cutoff?

Could the 10-Year Rule Change?

There's growing discussion within the RV community about the relevance and fairness of the 10-year rule. A few reasons why we might see this rule soften or shift in the future:

1. More People Are Living Full-Time in Older Rigs

Van life and full-time RV living have exploded in popularity, especially post-2020. Plenty of folks are living full-time in older, well-maintained vehicles. As this trend continues, more parks may start relaxing the rule to accommodate demand.

2. Better Build Quality Means Longer Lifespan

Modern RVs and campervans are being built to last longer. Ten years ago, quality was already solid, and now, with regular maintenance, a 15-year-old rig can look and run like new. Many park owners are beginning to acknowledge that age isn't always the best indicator of condition.

3. Pushback from Travelers

Some travelers have already started avoiding parks with age restrictions altogether, preferring boondocking or RV parks without those rules. If enough people vote with their wheels, parks may follow suit and update their policies.

4. The Shift Toward Eco-Friendly and Self-Contained Rigs

With more rigs running off quiet, clean systems like solar and portable power stations, the focus may shift from age to environmental impact and independence. Parks might care more about how you manage noise, emissions, and energy, rather than how many candles your rig has on its birthday cake.

Will the 10-year rule disappear entirely? Probably not overnight. But we're likely to see more parks adopt a "condition-based" policy rather than enforcing a hard age cutoff. As long as your rig is clean, safe, and self-sufficient, you'll have no trouble finding great places to stay, and maybe, in a few years, that 10-year number will feel as outdated as the rule itself.

In the meantime, read on to find out where you can go and what you can do.

Where to Go: RV-Friendly States with Looser Rules

The great thing about the open road is that there's always somewhere else to go. And lucky for older rig owners, some states are much more relaxed when it comes to age limits.

Texas

Texas is a great example. With a huge RV culture and thousands of parks scattered across the state, you'll find many that either don't have a 10-Year Rule or only enforce it loosely.

Florida

Florida might have more resorts with age restrictions, but it also has a huge number of independently owned parks and boondocking options, especially inland or in the Panhandle.

Arizona

Arizona is another solid bet. With warm winters and endless desert views, older rigs are a common sight. Especially around Quartzsite, a seasonal RV mecca with very little interest in what year your RV rolled off the line.

Other Options

Places like New Mexico, Oregon, and Tennessee are also worth checking out. The key is to get off the beaten path. High-end luxury resorts will be more likely to enforce restrictions, while smaller parks tend to care more about how your rig looks and behaves than how old it is.

How to Find RV Parks Without the 10-Year Rule

So, how do you track down these RV havens that don't care about your odometer? First, ditch the assumption that it'll be front and center on their website. Most parks don't advertise their age rules. But here's what you can do:

• Use review-based apps. Campendium, RV Life, and iOverlander are goldmines. Look for user comments about age rules, acceptance of older rigs, or even horror stories (so you know where to avoid).

• Call ahead. It's old-school, but it works. Ask, “Do you have any age restrictions on RVs?” Most parks will appreciate the honesty and give you a straight answer.

• Send photos. If your RV is technically older than 10 years but looks good, offer to email over a few pics. A clean, well-kept exterior can be more convincing than the number on your title.

RV Parks That Welcome Older Rigs (No 10-Year Rule)

While plenty of parks quietly enforce the 10-year rule, there are just as many that welcome rigs of all vintages, as long as they're roadworthy and in good shape. Here's a list of some traveler-approved RV parks and resorts across the U.S. that are known for being more inclusive, friendly, and open to older setups:

1. Escapees RV Club Parks—Nationwide
This membership-based network is famous for welcoming RVers from all walks of life, no matter how old their rig is. With multiple parks across the U.S., Escapees focuses on community over cosmetics, making it a solid option for long-term travelers in classic rigs.

2. Quartzsite BLM Lands—Arizona
Not technically an RV park, but if you're into boondocking, this desert hotspot is iconic. Thousands of RVers flock here each winter, many in older rigs, to enjoy relaxed rules, wide-open spaces, and total freedom. There's no age check here; just bring your solar and your sense of adventure.

3. Lazy L & L Campground—New Braunfels, Texas
Located on the Guadalupe River, this Texas gem is known for being welcoming and relaxed. If your rig is clean and well cared for, they won't give you a second glance about its age. The riverside views and easygoing vibe are the real draw here.

4. Betty's RV Park—Abbeville, Louisiana
A small park with a big heart, Betty's is beloved by full-time travelers and those with vintage rigs. It's more like staying with family than a formal resort. There's no 10-year rule here, just good people, good vibes, and Cajun hospitality.

5. Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort—Las Vegas, Nevada
While some Vegas-area parks are strict, Oasis is more about luxury and layout than micromanaging your rig's year. If your RV is well-kept and doesn't look like it's falling apart, you'll likely be just fine. Great for a splurge stay near the Strip.

6. Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort—Elephant Butte, New Mexico
Close to New Mexico's largest lake, this park is laid-back and known for its inclusive policies. They tend to focus more on behavior and upkeep than birthdates. Plenty of older RVs roll through here without issue.

7. Gulf Waters Beachfront RV Resort—Port Aransas, Texas
Beach access, palm trees, and no hard-and-fast 10-year rule. This resort does care about appearance, but they're usually flexible with well-maintained older rigs. It's worth calling ahead to confirm.

8. The Springs at Borrego RV Resort—Borrego Springs, California
Surrounded by desert beauty and known for its spa-like atmosphere, this resort is a treat. They're more interested in cleanliness and courtesy than model years. Vintage RVs are often welcomed if they're in tidy condition.

9. Jojoba Hills SKP RV Resort – Aguanga, California
Another Escapees-affiliated park, Jojoba Hills, is all about community. They welcome rigs of all ages as long as they're safe, functional, and well-kept. If you're a fan of vintage, this is your crowd.

10. Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post – Albuquerque, New Mexico
This funky, Route 66-style park embraces RV culture—old and new. They even have vintage trailers on-site as rentals. You're not just accepted here with an older rig—you're celebrated.

If you're ever unsure whether a park has a strict policy, your best bet is to give them a ring. Many places are far more flexible than their websites suggest, especially if you mention that your rig is in great shape and you're traveling with your own quiet, off-grid power source.

Modernize Your RV

A little secret weapon is to have modern upgrades like solar panels and a power station, which can actually help your case. A rig that powers itself cleanly and quietly is less of a burden on park resources and makes you look more like a responsible traveler.

Take the BLUETTI AC200L Portable Power Station as an example. It's sleek, silent, and powerful enough to run your fridge, lights, and even an A/C unit. Pair it with solar panels, and suddenly you're the park's dream guest. No noisy generator, no strain on their power grid, and no fumes wafting into your neighbor's rig. Power your router, security camera, and laptop during an outage — and still have juice for coffee. It can also run a CPAP for 3+ nights on one charge, or recharge an oxygen concentrator daily via solar. You can check it out here.

Tips for Getting Accepted (Even With an Older RV)

Look, you don't have to lie. But there are ways to make your older rig shine bright like a diamond when it comes time to book:

• Keep it clean. First impressions matter. Wash the outside, fix up any obvious dings, and make sure windows aren't fogged up. A well-cared-for rig is half the battle.

• Update where you can. New curtains, modern light fixtures, and upgraded power sources (like the AC200L) can show that you care about your setup.

• Talk to park managers with confidence. Be honest, but also show that you're not a liability. Mention that you're self-contained, quiet, and respectful. If you're running solar and battery power, highlight that.

• Show your upgrades. That new power station or solar rig isn't just useful, it's a badge of honor. It says you take your travels seriously.

Why Portable Power Changes the Game

Here's the thing: older rigs weren't always built with today's power demands in mind. But that doesn't mean you're stuck. Investing in a portable power station like the BLUETTI AC200L opens a world of flexibility.

Not only does it power essential gear, but it also gives you backup during blackouts or power dips at dodgy RV parks. With a 2,400W output and expandable capacity, it can handle just about anything you throw at it.

It's especially handy when you're staying off-grid or in parks with limited hookups. And if you ever need to show you're not reliant on their electrical setup, the AC200L is your proof.

Let's say you're parked up somewhere beautiful with no power nearby. No worries. Solar charges your BLUETTI during the day. At night, it keeps the essentials humming. It's quiet, clean, and the neighbors won't even know it's there.

The 10-Year Rule Doesn't Have to Stop You

The road is still open to you. Even with an older rig. Maybe even especially with an older rig. You've got character. History. Maybe you even know how to fix your own water pump, unlike some folks with brand-new Class As.

Yes, some places might give you trouble. But most won't, especially if you've got a rig that looks good and behaves itself. Parks are businesses. They want guests who are polite, low-maintenance, and pay on time. If that's you, then age shouldn't be a deal breaker.

And let's not forget the rig isn't the adventure. It's the vessel that gets you there.

In a world full of flashy new motorhomes and strict resort policies, older RVs still have a place. They just need a little more planning and maybe a few thoughtful upgrades. Like a good power station.

You've got this. Now go find that perfect spot, roll up, plug in (or don't), and enjoy the view. No matter what year your RV was born. Ready to make your RV more off-grid ready? Check out the BLUETTI AC200L here.