Solo Female RV Living, Where It All Started – How to Choose an RV Park
Choosing the Right Full-Time Stationary Parking Spot
Choosing the right full-time parking spot is a critical decision for anyone embarking on the RV lifestyle. The right location can make all the difference between a fulfilling and enjoyable experience and a frustrating and disappointing one. Whether you are stationary or travelling, it’s important to thoroughly evaluate an RV park before you arrive. There are several factors to consider when choosing a full-time parking spot, including proximity to essential services, access to outdoor activities, and community amenities. By carefully evaluating these factors and researching potential locations thoroughly, anyone can find the perfect spot to call home and enjoy the freedom that the RV lifestyle has to offer.
When I first decided to give full-time RV living a try, back in 2009, I did quite a bit of research before deciding where I would park my RV when I finally bought it. Choosing a full-time parking spot is no easy task. I was so new to RVing I had no idea what to even look for.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Parking Spot
When choosing a parking spot for an RV, there are several factors to consider to ensure a comfortable and safe experience. Firstly, the location should offer easy access to basic amenities such as clean water, electricity, and waste disposal facilities. Additionally, the spot should provide a level and stable surface for parking to avoid any accidents or damage to the RV. The size and length of the parking spot should also be considered, to ensure that it can accommodate the size of the RV comfortably. Other important factors include the surroundings, such as noise levels, access to outdoor activities, and the availability of essential services nearby. You will want to take into consideration what is included in the price, what the surrounding areas are like, is crime a factor?
Many RV parks have a 10 year rule, as in your RV has to be newer than 10 years for you to stay there, a lot of parks will give special permission if you send in a picture of your RV, but if you know where you want to park before you buy your RV, you might want to check in about the age of your rig. It’s a common conversation in many of the RV groups I’m in on Facebook.
Fort Victoria RV park has a 15 year rule, but they will make exceptions if you send pictures, nothing is guranteed though. Something to keep in mind if you are just searching for information before you go full-time, is where you want to park, and what kind of RV you want to live in. If you haven’t purchased your RV yet you might want to read my experiences with the different types of RV’s I’ve lived in over the years. Check it out here.
My Experience at Fort Victoria RV Park
When I first looked at Fort Victoria I was certain I wouldn’t be happy there, it appeared to have a lot of really run-down rigs and that made me nervous about the quality of humans who might be living there. The rent here for temporary includes hydro up to a certain amount and then you pay if you go over. There is wifi folks paying the daily or weekly rate. For full-time long-term spots, you pay your own hydro bill and get your own internet from Shaw. Cable TV is included, same with water, garbage, and sewer.
For those of you full timers worried about mail you can get your mail delivered to Fort Victoria, all your amazon deliveries will either land at the office or on your front porch.
Location and Price
It’s my opinion that these are the two most important factors when choosing a full-time stationary RV spot. Same as if you wanted to buy a house, you want to park your RV somewhere you actually want to be, whether it’s close to work, or close to the beach, you want a great location. There is one Rv park in Victoria that is an amazing location, but the price is absolutely off the charts! No way could I have afforded to live there full time, I still can’t, the park is called Salish Seaside RV heaven.
Fort Victoria RV Park won for me based completely on price and location. At the time I was a small business owner doing a 6-7 day commute to downtown Victoria. My finances were tight and so was my time.
Neighbors and Space Modifications
Living in an RV park offers a range of benefits, including access to essential amenities, a strong sense of community, and convenient access to nearby attractions. When choosing an RV park, it’s important to consider the rules and regulations regarding modifying your spot. Some RV parks may allow residents to make modifications such as adding decks, porches, or sheds to their spots, while others may have strict regulations prohibiting any modifications. It’s important to carefully evaluate these rules and regulations to determine whether the RV park is a good fit for your needs and preferences. While some people may prefer a more flexible approach to modifying their spot, others may be content with a more rigid set of rules.
I had the most amazing spot at Fort Victoria RV Park. I loved my neighbours, my spot was huge and it backed onto the storage area so I only had neighbours on two sides. You are able to put up fencing to keep your dogs contained and you could have a porch and stairs but there were rules about the size. I had a rather large garden shed, you can never have enough storage when you first start out, and never enough storage when you are full time and stationary!
Living with Pets or Children
When it comes to living in an RV park, rules and regulations regarding pets and children are essential considerations. Some RV parks may allow pets but with specific restrictions such as the breed, size, or number of pets per spot. Additionally, some RV parks may have a strict set of rules governing children’s activities and play areas, while others may offer a more relaxed environment with plenty of amenities catering to young families. It’s important to evaluate these rules and regulations when choosing an RV park to ensure that it aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. If you have pets or children, you may want to look for an RV park that offers ample space for them to play and explore, as well as facilities such as playgrounds or dog parks.
Fort Victoria RV Park and Campground has discounted rates for double occupancy. That’s probably why there weren’t many kids living there when I did. Families are more than welcome in the nightly weekly area of course. There is even a kid’s play area on-site, in fact, my brother brought his family from Texas to visit and we all stayed at this park, my folks in their RV in the temporary area and me in my stationary spot. My nieces and I played in the park several times and they seemed to really enjoy it, and so did I.
Fort Victoria allows 2 pets per site with restrictions. Pets are to be leashed and picked up after immediately.
RV Facilities and Amenities
When choosing an RV park, the facilities and amenities available are important factors to consider. These amenities can include essential facilities such as electricity, water, and sewer hookups, as well as additional amenities such as Wi-Fi, cable TV, and laundry facilities. Other potential amenities may include recreational facilities like swimming pools, fitness centers, and playgrounds. When selecting an RV park, it’s important to evaluate these amenities carefully to ensure that they cater to your needs and preferences. Some RV enthusiasts may prioritize amenities such as Wi-Fi or laundry facilities, while others may prefer a park with ample recreational facilities.
Fort Victoria has all the basic amenities and is very well kept and managed. There is Wifi, cable, laundry, and the showers had heated floors if I recall correctly. There is a playground but not a lot of children.
Victoria is rumoured to have the mildest climate in all of Canada, this is a debate I have been in many times with people, some folks call it the California of Canada. It’s true, it’s a great place to live, we do experience winter here, although not like the rest of Canada by any means. If you will be in your RV during the winter it’s important to prepare for that properly. Here’s an informative blog post about Winter RV Living.
Sole Female RV Living – Conclusion
Many folks find the idea of solo female RV living a little scary at first. Anything new and different can be a little intimidating. I was super nervous to get into this lifestyle. I had no idea what to expect. I think the fact that I moved into a really great location and had the most amazing neighbours made all the difference in the world. Whether you are doing this alone, or with a partner, it can be the most amazing experience, but like the other parts of life, there are always going to be challenges.
Fort Victoria RV Park – For Fulltime RV Life…Do or Don’t?
My Stay at Fort Victoria RV Park and Campground was a very pleasant one, in fact I have returned several times and stayed for long periods when my work has taken me to Victoria. Currently, I take my camper van instead and leave my big Class A in Nanaimo. If I were looking for a place to park and live in my RV I would definitely have Fort Victoria on my list of places to stay if they will take me now, my RV is a 2002, so it’s a chance I might not get in.
I would recommend this park to anyone who asked me if it was a decent place to stay and live full time in Victoria BC, Canada. The price is still good, it’s under $1000 a month if you get into the permanent area, the location is great, close to the highway, 20 minute commute to downtown. Many parks and lakes are also close by. Victoria is a pretty small town but there are still a few RV parks to choose from.
