Welcome to The PARQ Brief. This first issue brings together recent industry reporting and practical park model education for people considering a seasonal retreat or guest accommodation. The news below was published in September; the research and reference material are clearly dated. Our focus is on questions that can help you plan your next conversation, whether you have a destination in mind or are still exploring.
The short version
What to know today
- August park model shipments increased year over year. This first issue puts that update alongside product documentation, outdoor hospitality research and a site-first buyer checklist.
01 / Industry shipments
Park model shipments increased in August
Recent industry update · Published September 24, 2026
Reported facts
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) August manufacturer survey recorded 423 wholesale park model RV shipments, compared with 400 in August 2025, an increase of 5.8%. The association reported a 16.4% year-over-year decline in its broader total-RV shipment measure. RVIA presents park model shipments separately in the report.
Who this matters to
- Seasonal retreat buyers · Campgrounds · Resorts · Glamping operators
- Seasonal buyers can use this as category context. Operators should put it alongside their own guest inquiries and site plans before deciding whether to add accommodations.
02 / Standards & documentation
Ask about the documentation behind the design
Recent industry update · Published September 24, 2026
Reported facts
In a September 24 explainer, RVIA described its seal as a manufacturer’s certification of compliance with the association’s adopted standards. It also described regular, unannounced inspections at member manufacturing facilities.
Who this matters to
- Seasonal retreat buyers · Campgrounds · Resorts · Glamping operators
- For an individual retreat, this builds a practical owner’s file. For a campground or resort, it gives the operations team a common reference when preparing staff and maintaining units.
03 / Outdoor hospitality
The outdoor setting deserves a place in the brief
Research context · Published April 14, 2026
Reported facts
KOA’s 2026 Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report release says glamping represented 29% of camping experiences in 2025, while 31% of new campers chose glamping accommodations. It also reports that 77% of campers considered being in nature sufficient without structured programming or extra amenities. The research covers the United States and Canada; it is not a park-model-only study.
Who this matters to
- Glamping operators · Resorts · Wineries · Wedding venues · Short-term-rental hosts
- A winery or wedding venue might explore a quieter guest experience around its existing setting. A short-term-rental host can test that idea against actual guest feedback and local feasibility.
04 / Park model basics
Start with the intended use
Park model basics · Evergreen reference
Reported facts
RVIA describes a park model RV as a unit built on a single wheeled chassis for temporary recreational, camping or seasonal use. Its reference identifies ANSI A119.5 as the park model construction standard and explains that manufacturers do not design these units as permanent residences.
Who this matters to
- Seasonal retreat buyers · Landowners · Campgrounds
- If you own land, begin with the location and proposed use. If you plan to stay in a park, start a conversation with that park’s management.
05 / Site readiness
Put utilities on the first checklist
Site planning · Evergreen references
Reported facts
RVIA’s park model experience article describes connections to site electricity, water and sewer. Michigan EGLE’s separate guidance addresses water and wastewater capacity for park models in licensed Michigan campgrounds. That guidance is specific to its jurisdiction and setting.
Who this matters to
- Landowners · Campgrounds · Resorts · Wineries · Wedding venues · Short-term-rental hosts
- For landowners and hospitality operators, the next useful document may be a short list of site facts and open questions.
One useful next step
Before the next conversation.
You do not need every answer before starting a conversation. Choose the line that fits your plans and make a short project note. This is a planning exercise, not a determination that a site or use is permitted.
- Seasonal retreat buyers: name the destination, the months you hope to visit and the people who would use the space. Ask the park operator about its requirements before settling on a model.
- Landowners: write down the location, intended use and what you know about access and utilities. Identify which local offices should review the proposal.
- Campgrounds, resorts and glamping operators: gather the guest questions your current accommodations do not answer. Compare those needs with your site and operations requirements.
- Wineries, wedding venues and short-term-rental hosts: describe the stay you want to offer, then investigate the site-specific requirements and operational work before making guest promises.
Keep the note to one page. Separate confirmed facts from preferences and questions so the next person you speak with can help you make progress.
Read the originals
Sources & dates
Source publication dates and reporting periods are separate from this edition’s date. Undated background material is identified below.
- RV Shipments 23,600 in August (opens in a new tab)
RV Industry Association · September 24, 2026. Publication date displayed in RVIA’s report index; report period is August 2026. · Covers August 2026
- RVIA monthly shipment report index (opens in a new tab)
RV Industry Association · Index corroborates September 24, 2026 publication of the August report.
- Commitment to Compliance: How the Seal Strengthens Floor-Level Safety (opens in a new tab)
RV Industry Association · September 24, 2026. Date displayed on article.
- 2026 Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report release (opens in a new tab)
Kampgrounds of America · April 14, 2026. Date displayed on release. Findings include 2025 camping experiences; this is background research, not October news. · Covers 2025 experiences and 2026 travel intentions
- What is an RV? (opens in a new tab)
RV Industry Association · Undated reference page; checked October 2, 2026.
- Reasons To Stay In A Park Model RV (opens in a new tab)
RV Industry Association · April 28, 2021. Older experience article, used only for general site-utility context.
- Cabins and park models (opens in a new tab)
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy · Undated official reference; checked October 2, 2026. Applies to Michigan licensed campgrounds.
- PARQ priority list (opens in a new tab)
PARQ · Includes optional State and Intended use fields. Joining the priority list does not enroll you in daily newsletter emails.