Be on the lookout, Parrotheads — Jimmy Buffett is expanding his brand to RV parks. With development plans for 50 Camp Margaritaville RV Resorts in the next five years, there will be plenty of cheeseburgers in paradise to go around.
Florida is home to the singer-songwriter’s newest RV park, which recently opened to rave reviews. So, if you own a camper or just want to vacation among them, grab your flip-flops and head out to the coolest new RV park to come around in a while.
Jimmy Buffett turned his song ‘Margaritaville’ into a lucrative brand
Jimmy Buffett | Thomas A. Ferrara/Newsday RM via Getty Images
Buffett is the musician behind “Margaritaville,” a song he wrote in 1977 and included on his album Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes.
Known for his breezy island tunes that accentuate a feeling of escapism, the 75-year-old singer-songwriter has been entertaining audiences since the early ’60s.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, the “Come Monday” singer is worth an estimated $600 million. He’s considered one of the world’s wealthiest musicians.
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville to Launch a Cruise Ship https://t.co/cjSZAuHtqq
— TMZ (@TMZ) December 9, 2021
With more than 30 successful albums under his belt, the self-proclaimed beach bum parlayed his laid-back vibe into one of the world’s most successful hospitality brands. What began with a few restaurants has transformed into hotels, casinos, resorts, retail stores, a cruise line, senior living communities, and a line of licensed products carrying the “Margaritaville” name.
Buffett’s latest venture is a collection of RV parks — Camp Margaritaville RV Resorts — promising to have outdoor enthusiasts sitting around campfires while enjoying their favorite frozen concoction.
Camp in paradise at Camp Margaritaville RV Resorts
Camp Margaritaville- a luxury RV resort, is now open in Pigeon Forge https://t.co/UA2pv6Or1G
— WBIR Channel 10 (@wbir) June 16, 2021
So far, there are three Camp Margaritaville RV Resorts. The first opened in 2019 in Lake Lanier, Georgia, followed by a second resort in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in 2021.
The president of development at Camp Margaritaville, Jim Wiseman, told Business Insider: “What surprised us at Lake Lanier was the average daily rate we could generate with an upscale camping experience.” He said that led to the rapid expansion of the RV park idea, moving along much quicker than initially planned.
The most recent Camp Margaritaville RV Resort opened in January 2022 in Auburndale, Florida, an hour southwest of Orlando, America’s theme park capital.
Guests can bring a camper and rent a full-hookup site for about $70 a night. Camp Margaritaville RV Resort locations also offer “cabana” cabin rentals and premium motorhome sites with waterfront views and personal tiki huts.
The existing locations offer resort-style amenities, such as luxurious pools, waterslides, tiki bars, putting courses, entertainment stages, daily scheduled activities, playgrounds, and dog parks.
According to Business Insider, Buffett’s company plans to open 50 RV resorts in the next five years, including four more in 2022.
Can you live year-round in an RV park?
Campgrounds have come a long way since the bygone days of run-down trailer parks littering the landscape. Today’s RV parks offer high-end amenities that keep guests entertained, safe, and comfortable.
While some campgrounds offer a great spot to pull in for an overnight stop, others offer a rustic environment to enjoy the great outdoors. RV resorts typically have pools, activities, and entertainment so that guests can enjoy a relaxing experience.
Some campers end up having so much fun they choose to extend their stay. In fact, the trend of living year-round is plausible and gaining popularity as more people are attracted to the full-time RV lifestyle.
Drivin’ & Vibin’ explains that long-term RV parks allow year-round occupancy with a certain percentage of sites available for annual or seasonal stays. The remaining spots are left open for transient travelers. Taking advantage of discounted rates allows people affordable lodging at a fraction of the cost of apartment living.
Though Camp Margaritaville RV Resorts don’t allow long-term stays, they offer a great time worth checking out the next time you’re searching for your lost shaker of salt.
Keyword: Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville RV Parks Are Popping Up Across America