If it feels like we’ve been seeing more of these lately, you’re not imagining it. Another Amazon RV park proposal—this one in Hermiston, Oregon—just moved a step closer to reality after a city council vote cleared some required groundwork.
At its January 26 meeting, the Hermiston City Council approved annexing land near the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center (EOTEC). It also updated planning and zoning maps to allow an RV park to move forward. It’s not a final green light to build yet. But it does remove a key barrier that had been standing in the way.
What the council actually did
In plain terms, the council voted to bring roughly 20 acres at 1835 E. Airport Road into city limits. The city has to take that step before it can run utilities like water and sewer to the site. City officials emphasized that the vote was procedural, not an endorsement of the finished project. Additional permits and reviews are still ahead before construction could begin.
Who this RV park is aimed at
Plans call for a mid-sized RV park designed to serve a mix of users—but Amazon-related growth was clearly part of the conversation.
Hermiston has seen significant development tied to Amazon operations, including data centers, and city officials acknowledged that temporary and contract workers are a major driver behind the demand for RV spaces. Supporters said RV parks are often the quickest, most flexible way to meet short-term housing needs during construction projects, seasonal work, and large events held at the Trade and Event Center.
What this could mean for everyday RVers
While projects like this often start with workforce housing in mind, they don’t always stay that way.
In other communities, Amazon-linked RV parks have eventually opened at least some sites to the general public, typically once peak construction demand eases. For traveling RVers, that can mean another option in areas where campgrounds are scarce—often with full hookups, longer stay allowances, and better availability outside of event weekends.
Whether that happens here will depend on how the park is ultimately built and managed. City officials haven’t said whether the Hermiston park would reserve spaces exclusively for workers or operate as a traditional public RV park when demand allows.
Why not everyone is thrilled
Not everyone welcomed the idea. At least one local hotel operator warned the RV park could pull customers away from existing lodging and reduce room tax revenue. City officials pushed back, saying RV parks and hotels usually serve different customers. RV parks, they noted, tend to attract longer stays and work-related travelers rather than overnight guests.
A pattern we’ve been watching
RV Travel has previously reported on a much larger Amazon-backed RV park near Boardman, Oregon. That one was built to support data center construction and operations. The Hermiston proposal fits a pattern we’ve been watching: communities turning to RV parks as a practical, flexible housing solution tied to major employers.
For RVers, the takeaway is simple. Projects built for workers today sometimes become campgrounds you can book tomorrow—especially once the initial rush fades.
Final approvals and construction timelines haven’t been announced yet.
My next door neighbor is a high skilled Al welder. Works all over the country. Has a TT that he lives in “on site.” An excellent way to handle living arrangements.
Notice in the article, the “permitting’ buracrazy is not finished with their work.
Abilene, TX – same story. Brand new 2,300 site RV park for construction workers. To be used for ‘winter Texans’ (aka snowbirds) after construction done – ha! If winter Texans wanted to spend the winter north of the snowline they would stay home and won’t stop more than overnight in Abilene on the way south. Word is the traffic jams are horrible.