Outdoor Hospitality News

For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.

RV Park Expansion at Yakima Fairgrounds to Boost Local Tourism and Revenue

Yakima County is making significant strides to revitalize its RV park at the fairgrounds in an effort to host major events and attract visitors year-round. 

A $2 million investment from the Supporting Investments in Economic Development funding has already supported the first phase of renovations, resulting in the addition of 168 RV spots. 

According to a report by Apple Valley News Now, the project was completed just in time for the fair last year and upgraded many of the spaces to include 50-amp power, water, and sewer services.

Kathy Kramer, president and CEO of the Central Washington State Fair, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s progress: 

“We completed the renovation just in time for fair last year and now it has 168 RV spots. We’re excited about that, as we were able to add 50-amp power, water, and sewer to just about every one of those spots.” 

These improvements are seen as key in attracting RV rallies and conventions, events that are expected to generate new revenue for the fairgrounds while also benefiting the local economy.

Yakima County officials, including County Commissioner Kyle Curtis, emphasize the importance of diversifying revenue sources to stimulate the local economy. 

“In Yakima County, we’ve got to think outside of the box. We’ve got to attract things that bring additional economic input, and this is one strategy that we’re deploying,” Curtis stated.

The county has already contracted HLA Engineering and Land Surveying to plan the second phase of the project, which will expand the RV park’s capacity by adding spaces in an adjacent field. 

When completed, the expanded park will be able to accommodate nearly 300 RVs.

The long-term goal of the project is to enhance the fairgrounds’ appeal as a destination for RV enthusiasts, which could drive additional tourism and economic activity in the region. Kramer noted the broader impact on local businesses: 

“These folks coming from all over the country in their RVs to take advantage of our wineries, breweries, and outdoor activities, are going to be spending money in our community.”

The county’s investment in RV park renovations highlights an industry trend in which municipalities are looking to boost their local economies by catering to the growing RV market, with the potential to attract both regional and national events. 

The renovation and expansion of the RV park at Yakima County’s State Fair Park aligns with emerging trends in the RV industry, particularly the shift towards more premium amenities. 

As noted in the October 2024 MC Hospitality Highlights report, there is a growing demand for luxury RV parks, with searches for such facilities increasing across various regions. This trend is particularly evident in the Midwest, where searches for luxury RV parks grew by 64%. 

Yakima’s upgrades, which include enhanced utilities and an expanded park with nearly 300 spaces, are an example of how RV park operators can adapt to changing consumer preferences for more comfortable, well-equipped facilities. 

The county’s investment in infrastructure reflects the broader industry movement towards catering to travelers seeking higher-quality RV park experiences, offering an opportunity for fairgrounds and campground owners to attract both short- and long-term visitors.

Advertisement

Send this to a friend
Hi, you might find this article from Modern Campground interesting: RV Park Expansion at Yakima Fairgrounds to Boost Local Tourism and Revenue! This is the link: https://moderncampground.com/usa/washington/rv-park-expansion-at-yakima-fairgrounds-to-boost-local-tourism-and-revenue/