At least 29 RV parks and resorts are temporarily closed as a result of damage from Hurricane Ian, according to information gathered so far from the Florida Campground and RV Park Association (FCRVA), as per the News & Insights report of the RV Industry Association.
“I’m happy to report that many of the RV parks and campgrounds that were impacted by Hurricane Ian have reopened and have power,” said Bobby Cornwell, executive director and CEO of the FCRVA, which hosts CampFlorida.com.
Most RV parks remain closed in the Fort Myers and Ft. Myers Beach areas.
“The majority of the affected parks are in Lee and Collier counties,” Cornwell said. “We are reaching out to our members, but it’s hard to get exact numbers because there are some park owners we haven’t been able to reach.”
Cornwell said it would take a while to determine how much time the affected parks will need to reopen. Some have reopened relatively quickly. Others will require more time.
“There are a few parks that received extensive damage due to the storm surge and will require a total rebuild,” Cornwell said. “But the good news is the majority of RV parks in southwest Florida are open and have power, and most will be open for business to accommodate returning Snowbirds and other visitors this winter.”
Cornwell said the FCRVA has set up a disaster relief fund to assist park operators who are struggling to rebuild. Donations can be sent to the Florida Campground Association Disaster Relief Fund, 1340 Vickers Road, Tallahassee, FL 32303.
Additionally, some RV parks have set up their own GoFundMe pages seeking donations to help their staff members recover. Some RV park staff members lost their homes during the hurricane.
The association also listed the RV parks and resorts in Florida that have been affected by Hurricane Ian and their websites to monitor its status and how to help. Click here to see the list.
For questions or an update on a park’s operational status, contact FCRVA at (850) 562-7151 or visit www.campflorida.com for a listing of Florida RV Parks. Park updates are also being posted on www.facebook.com/campflorida.