The death of the 10-year rule? Navigating RV park age restrictions in 2026

If you’re like me, cruising in a classic—mine’s a 1987 Fleetwood Pace Arrow—you know the “gatekeeper anxiety.” You pull up to a beautiful park after a long day of driving, only to be met with a cold stare from a manager with a clipboard.

In 2026, the RV nomad lifestyle is facing a seismic shift. Corporate-owned parks are tightening their grip, and the infamous 10-year rule is being used as a weapon to “sanitize” the road.

But for those of us living the full-time RVing life in vintage rigs, we aren’t just looking for a parking spot; we’re defending our right to exist on the road without being treated as subhuman.

What is the 10-year rule in RV parks?

The 10-year rule is a private campground policy that restricts access to RVs manufactured more than a decade ago. It is not a federal law, yet it acts as a gatekeeper for thousands of acres of prime camping land.

While parks claim it’s about “safety standards” or “electrical compatibility,” those of us with older rigs know the truth. It’s about maintaining a “resort” aesthetic to justify the high nightly rates. I’ve had parks tell me this, and besides the costs, it’s another reason why I most often avoid them. Whether your rig is a meticulously restored classic or just a well-loved home, a rigid age ban ignores the person behind the wheel and the actual condition of the vehicle.

The “Airstream Exception”: Many 10-year-rule parks exempt Airstreams regardless of age, as their timeless aluminum design is often considered an exception to policies aimed at reducing “junky” or unsafe units.

Why corporate greed is fueling RV age bans in 2026

We’ve seen a massive takeover of the “mom-and-pop” campgrounds we used to love. Private equity firms like Blue Water and Cedarline Outdoor are acquiring independent sites at record speeds and standardizing exclusionary policies.

• Aesthetics over community: Corporate boards want shiny, six-figure rigs in their brochures. A 1987 Fleetwood doesn’t fit their “luxury outdoor hospitality” brand.
• The insurance excuse: Managers often hide behind “liability” claims, suggesting older Fleetwood or Winnebago wiring is a fire hazard—even if we’ve spent thousands on modern DIY solar and lithium upgrades.
• Standardized exclusion: These conglomerates have implemented “network-wide” bans, meaning if you’re flagged at one property, you’re effectively banned from dozens of locations across the country.

⚠️ The 2026 Insurance Gap

Beyond park aesthetics, there is a technical trap looming: many major insurers (like Progressive and Geico) have begun dropping “Full-Timer” liability coverage for rigs over 20 years old. Even if your vintage rig is a masterpiece, most corporate parks require proof of active insurance at check-in.

If your policy has been canceled due to your rig’s age, the park has a bulletproof legal “out” to reject you—regardless of how pretty your paint job is. Always verify your coverage is “Full-Timer” rated before mentioning your rig’s age to a park manager.

New 2026 legal threats: California AB 630 and the “disposable RV”

The pressure isn’t just coming from the parks; it’s coming from the state. In January 2026, the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles and the ACLU filed a major lawsuit (CD 11 Coalition for Human Rights v. City of Los Angeles) challenging the implementation of California AB 630.

This law allows counties like Los Angeles and Alameda to immediately dispose of “inoperable” RVs valued under $4,000. This is also the lien sale value, which puts well-kept RVs at risk. For a nomad in a vintage rig, being turned away by a park due to a 10-year rule often forces you onto the street—where you are now at risk of having your home seized and destroyed in as little as 72 hours.

The danger of AB 630 isn’t just the tow—it’s the crusher. Unlike standard impounds, where you have 30 days to pay the fees, the January 2026 pilot program allows the city to bypass the storage requirement if the vehicle is deemed ‘public health hazard’ or ‘inoperable,’ effectively ending your home’s life on the spot.

Comparison: The “resort” vs. the “road” in 2026

How we are fighting back: The 2026 nomad rebellion

We aren’t taking this lying down. From Reddit forums to legislative halls, the fight for nomad rights is intensifying:

• Antitrust advocacy: Groups are lobbying for enforcement under the Competition and Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act of 2025 to stop corporate “cartels” from fixing prices and exclusionary rules.
• The EXPLORE Act advantage: One year after the EXPLORE Act became law, federal land agencies are aggressively modernizing BLM and National Forest campgrounds with better tech and accessibility, providing an emerging sanctuary from corporate bans. Unfortunately, this is still in the pilot phase and may take years to fully be implemented.
• The “condition-over-age” pivot: We are pressuring parks to adopt a “safety inspection” model. If my ’87 Pace Arrow has brand-new tires and a professional paint job, it shouldn’t be barred while a trashed 2017 rig gets in.

Tips for the vintage nomad: Getting past the gatekeepers

If you’re rocking a classic and need a place to stay, use these “pro-nomad” tactics:

1. Rebrand your rig: Never use the word “old.” You have a “professionally restored vintage motorhome.”
2. The “photo portfolio” trick: Keep a folder of high-res photos showing your clean exterior and updated interior. Send this before you mention the year.
3. Support the independents: Whenever possible, give your money to the small, family-owned parks listed on The Dyrt or Campendium. They are the ones keeping the spirit of the road alive.

FAQs about RV park bans and the 10-year rule

Bonus: The “condition-based entry” email template

Copy and paste this when booking at a park with a 10-year rule:

Subject: Reservation Inquiry: Restored [Year] [Make/Model] Vintage Motorhome

“Hello [Manager Name],

I am interested in booking a stay from [Dates]. I am traveling in a professionally maintained and restored [Year] [Model]. While I know some parks have age guidelines, my rig has been fully updated with [new paint/roof/solar/tires] and meets all modern safety standards.

Attached are four current high-resolution photos of the exterior and interior. We take great pride in our ‘vintage’ home and would love to spend a few days at your facility. Please let me know if this meets your requirements!”