Guide To Marketing To RV Owners Seeking Cottage Rentals — RV Friendly Cottage Canada, Mobile Vacation Rental

Table of Contents

Introduction — RV friendly cottage Canada and mobile vacation rental

If you own a cottage or lakeside property and want more bookings, tapping the RV market is smart. RV owners are increasingly looking for places where they can park, plug in, and enjoy cottage comforts — a perfect match for hosts who can offer parking, hookups, and a bit of friendly local guidance. In this guide you’ll learn how to attract RV renters, what RV friendly cottage Canada means in practice, and how to market a mobile vacation rental so RV owners find and book it quickly.

This post is based on current market trends, booking platforms, and practical host experiences. I’ll cover where RV owners search, the features they actually want (hookups, space, access), how to write listings and price them, local partnerships to boost bookings, and real-life marketing templates you can use today.

(Quick note: the RV/rental market is growing and multi-platform — expect to list on camping marketplaces and traditional cottage sites to reach the best pool of guests.) (Verified Market Research)

Why market to RV owners? The opportunity explained

RV travel has been on the rise — more people want flexible, mobile stays and many combine cottages with a few nights parked on private land. For cottage owners, renting to RVers brings a few clear benefits:

Extra occupancy — you can host more guests without converting indoor space.
Higher shoulder-season bookings — RVs show up early/late in the season when cottage bookings taper.
Lower wear & tear — guests sleeping in their RVs cause less interior wear, and many bring their own linens.
Cross-sell income — add-on services (firewood, boat launch, guided tours) increase revenue.

To reach these guests you need to understand how they search (camping marketplaces, RV rental sites, and mainstream booking platforms), what matters most to them (hookups, level parking, privacy), and how to make your property discoverable and easy to book. Platforms like Hipcamp and Outdoorsy are popular discovery channels for RV travelers in Canada — list there in addition to cottage sites to get broader exposure. (Hipcamp)

What RV owners want — the checklist (make your listing shout “we’ve got this”)

When preparing your property, think like an RV owner. Here’s a checklist of the features that matter most:

Essentials

Level, wide parking area that fits trailers or motorhomes (measure length and width).
Electrical hookup options: specify 15A/30A/50A availability (or clearly state “no electrical hookup”). Know that many Canadian parks offer 15/30-amp, while larger motorhomes need 50A. (willowbendresort.com)
Fresh water fill point and grey/black water dump access or clear instructions where to dump nearby. If you don’t have a dump station on site, list the nearest public dump.
Safe vehicle turning radius and easy access to the road (no low branches, tight turns).

Comfort & convenience

Wi-Fi + clear signal map (many RVers work remotely).
Fire pit / picnic area and outdoor seating.
Access to washroom and shower facilities if you don’t want guests to use the cottage interior. (If you offer indoor washroom access, be explicit.)
Security lighting and clear signage for late arrivals.

Extras that win 5-star reviews

Fresh firewood, propane refills, and potable water top-ups.
Picnic table and level platform for awnings.
Local discount cards (restaurants, boat rentals, guiding services).
Quiet hours, garbage & recycling instructions, and a simple map for nearby essentials (grocery, gas, dump).

List these items clearly in your listing — RV owners search by features and will click on properties that state “50A, level parking, dump 2km” right away.

Where RV owners search (and how to get listed there)

To get bookings you must be visible on the platforms RVers use. Here are the main discovery channels and how to use them:

Camping marketplaces (Hipcamp, Outdoorsy, Campstay)
Hipcamp and similar platforms focus on campgrounds, private land stays and unique sites. They’re often the first place RVers look for private-land parking and glamping-style stays. Listing on Hipcamp gives you niche exposure to campers and RV owners searching for private lots, waterfront parcels, or unique stays. (Hipcamp)
RV-specific rental platforms (Outdoorsy, RVshare)
Platforms like Outdoorsy and RVshare focus on RV rentals but also promote campgrounds and RV parks experiences. If you partner with RV rental companies or have on-site parking for rented motorhomes, these platforms help you reach people already committed to RV travel. (Outdoorsy)
Traditional cottage sites and vacation rental platforms (CottagesInCanada, Airbnb, local cottage networks)
Don’t ignore mainstream sites — many RVers also search Airbnb and cottage sites for long-stay options or added privacy. Put “RV friendly” in your headline and first sentence so filters and searchers notice. Cottages in Canada stays and Airbnb’s “campsites/RV” categories are useful adjuncts. (cottagesincanada.com)
Local tourism boards and Facebook groups
Regional Facebook groups (e.g., “Ontario RVers”, “BC Camping & RVing”) and local tourism pages attract country-specific traffic. Post seasonal availability or short-notice deals here for quick bookings.
Your own website and Google My Business
Add a dedicated “RV Parking / RV friendly cottage” page with photos, specs and a booking widget. Use local SEO (city/province plus “RV friendly cottage Canada”) to rank in search results.

Listing on at least two or three of the platforms above maximizes reach. Cross-posting helps fill gaps — Hipcamp can bring weekend campers, while cottage sites pull longer-stay renters.

How to write an RV-friendly listing that converts

Your listing text must be clear, specific, and feature-driven. Here’s a simple structure that works:

Headline (include target keywords)

“Lakeside Retreat — RV friendly cottage Canada — 50A parking & dump 3km”

Opening paragraph (first 1–2 sentences — include keywords)

Start with: “Perfect for RVs: level 50A parking, potable water fill and private firepit — this RV friendly cottage in [Region/Province] is ideal for couples or families who want cottage comforts with mobile convenience.” Use the exact phrase RV friendly cottage Canada at least once in opening paragraph.

Feature bullets (quick scan)

Site size & exact parking dimensions
Hookup details (amps, water, dump)
Check-in/parking instructions and travel time to nearest dump/gas/shops

Photos & captions

Show wide-angle shots of parking approach, hookup points, and turning radius. Add captions like “50A outlet on-site (see photo)” or “Level pad for trailers up to 30 ft”.

Rules & expectations

Be explicit about quiet hours, generator rules, pets, number of vehicles, and whether guests may use cottage interior.

Pricing & fees (clarity sells)

Add a clear parking fee and optional add-ons (firewood, extra people, late check-in). Charging a small daily fee for hookups is standard and expected.

Using this format keeps the listing scannable and converts clicks into bookings.

Pricing strategy for RV stays

RV guests often expect lower nightly rates than cottage renters, but they may stay longer or book off-season. Here’s how to price fairly and profitably:

Base price = your usual nightly rate * 0.6–0.8 for RV-only stays (if they’re not using the cottage interior).
Hookup fee = CAD $10–$25 per night for electricity/water access (or set a flat per-stay fee). Offer 50A at higher fee than 30A.
Add-on services = firewood ($10–$20 bundle), potable water top-up ($10), tow-in parking assistance ($20).
Discounts for longer stays = 7+ day stays get 10–15% off; month-long stays get higher discounts. RVers often prefer steady, reliable parking for weeks at a time.
Shoulder-season premiums = charge full cottage rate when the RV parking includes full use of cottage amenities during peak weeks; allow blended pricing when guests book both cottage and RV spot.

Test different price points and watch occupancy — platforms like Hipcamp and Airbnb provide insights on local demand.

Real-life marketing ideas and campaigns that work

Here are tested tactics to attract RVers and convert them into bookings.

“Plug & Play” campaign (email + social)
- Subject: “New — RV friendly cottage with 50A + dump 2km”
- Copy: Share 3 photos (parking, hookup, firepit) and a short testimonial from a past RV guest. Link to the booking page.
- When to send: late winter/early spring when RVers plan season trips.
Bundle with local RV rental companies
- Partner with a local RV rental company (CanaDream, Outdoorsy partners) and offer a package: discounted parking for renters, or a pick-up/drop-off point. These local partnerships get you in front of renters who need a place to park. (Canadream)
Facebook & Instagram ads targeted to RV profiles
- Target people interested in RVing, outdoor travel, or who follow RV pages. Use a short video showing easy access and hookups.
Seasonal promotions on Hipcamp
- Offer a “Spring launch” discount for April–May to attract early-season RVers. Hipcamp frequently promotes unique private sites to its user base — seasonal offers can push your listing higher in their feeds. (Hipcamp)
Referral program with local businesses
- Give local cafes, marina, or gas stations a referral card. Offer guests a discount for mentioning the referral. It’s low-cost and builds local goodwill.

Safety, rules and legal considerations

Before you start hosting RVs, check local bylaws and insurance rules:

Zoning & permits — some municipalities limit short-term parking of RVs on private property (check your municipal bylaws). If you charge for parking, additional business licenses or taxes may apply.
Insurance — update your homeowner insurance to cover short-term guests and ask RV guests for proof of vehicle insurance if you accept liability for on-site parking. Consider a short-term rental insurance endorsement or ask guests to show their own.
Waste management — black-water dumping on private land may be regulated; provide clear instructions and point to the nearest public dump if you don’t allow on-site dumping. Ontario Parks and provincial park systems list dump stations across provinces — include nearest options in your guest pack or listing. (Ontario Parks)

Being transparent about rules avoids conflicts and bad reviews.

Host workflows for smooth RV stays

Create simple systems so arrival, parking and hookups are effortless:

Pre-arrival email — send directions with GPS coordinates, clear photos of the driveway, turnaround instructions, and hookup locations.
On-site signage — durable signs showing “RV Parking →” and numbered hookup posts avoid confusion at night.
Arrival assistance — offer optional host-guided parking for a fee (useful for larger rigs).
House manual page — dedicate a page to RV info: amperage, where to dump, where to fill water, quiet hours, emergency contacts, and local service shops.

These small touches lead to 5-star reviews from RV guests who value clear guidance.

Cross-promotions and local partnerships to grow bookings

Partnering locally is one of the most cost-effective ways to get more RV guests:

RV rental companies — work with CanaDream, local Outdoorsy hosts, or regional rental services to be a recommended parking spot. Offer discounted add-ons for their clients. (Canadream)
Marinas and boat rental shops — offer bundled discounts for guests who rent boats or gear.
Campground cooperatives — list your private spot as an overflow site for nearby campgrounds during peak weekends.
Local tourism boards — ask to be included in “where to stay” pages targeted to road-trippers and RV communities.

These partnerships often create a steady stream of referrals without heavy ad spend.

Measuring success — what metrics to track

Keep an eye on a few simple KPIs to know what’s working:

Occupancy rate for RV slots (monthly & seasonally).
Average nightly revenue (include hookup fees and add-ons).
Lead channels — which platforms (Hipcamp, Airbnb, direct) bring bookings.
Repeat guest rate — RVers who return are your best long-term customers.
Reviews and ratings — track mentions of parking, hookups, and communication; respond to feedback quickly.

Use platform dashboards and a simple spreadsheet to track these numbers.

Templates you can copy — listing headline + pre-arrival message

Listing headline (use on Airbnb/Hipcamp/CottagesInCanada)

“RV friendly cottage Canada — 50A + water fill, level pad, private firepit, Wi-Fi”

Opening sentence (listing description)

“Perfect for RVs and motorhomes: level 50A pad, potable water fill on site, and an easy turn-in from Highway 7 — our lakeside property is a short walk to the beach and ideal for families or couples traveling by RV.”

Pre-arrival email (short)

Hi [Name], welcome! Your GPS coordinates are: [lat,long]. Park on the crushed-stone pad and connect to the 50A outlet (photo attached). If you need help reversing into the pad, text me and I’ll come out. Nearest dump is at [location] (km). Enjoy the firepit — firewood is $15/bundle if you want it waiting on arrival. See you soon — [Host name].

Use and adapt these templates to save time and reduce guest confusion.

Final checklist — get your RV-friendly listing live this weekend

Measure pad and write exact dimensions.
Decide which hookups you can offer and test them (15A/30A/50A).
Take 8–10 clear photos showing approach, hookups and turning space.
Draft your listing headline with “RV friendly cottage Canada” and post on Hipcamp + one cottage platform + Airbnb. (Hipcamp)
Create a pre-arrival message and a one-page RV guest manual.
Set pricing (base + hookup fee + add-ons) and enable weekly discounts.
Reach out to one local RV rental company or campground for a partnership.

Do these steps and you’ll be visible, bookable, and ready for RV traffic.

Closing — small changes, big returns

Marketing to RV owners is a smart move for cottage hosts. With a few straightforward changes — clear listings, measured parking, explicit hookups, and proactive communication — your property can tap a steady flow of guests who travel with their own beds and want the freedom of the outdoors plus cottage comforts. The RV market is growing, discoverable on specialized platforms like Hipcamp and Outdoorsy and supported by traditional cottage rental sites, so list in multiple places and make your RV offering obvious. (Verified Market Research)