Michigan lawmakers are considering a proposal that could significantly change how long RVers can stay in campgrounds—and potentially reshape parts of the state’s housing landscape.
A bill introduced by State Rep. Rachel Smit (R-Shelbyville) would remove Michigan’s current six-month limit on campground stays for qualifying properties. Under existing law, campground residency is capped at 180 days.
The proposed legislation would allow certain campgrounds to host long-term residents indefinitely, though it would not grant permanent residency status for purposes such as voter registration.
Tied to housing and workforce shortages
The proposal is framed as a response to persistent housing shortages and tight rental markets in parts of Michigan. Campgrounds located within 50 miles of communities facing documented housing or workforce shortages could qualify, as could facilities in areas under declared states of emergency.
Eligibility would also be based on economic benchmarks, including counties where rental vacancy rates fall below 5% and where median gross rent exceeds 30% of median household income, which are common indicators of housing stress.
Supporters say the change could provide flexible housing for traveling nurses, utility workers, disaster response crews, and others who often struggle to find short-term rentals in rural or high-demand areas.
In some northern Michigan communities, officials have pointed to situations where incoming workers had few options beyond living in RVs.
Major infrastructure upgrades required
The bill would not simply open the gates to year-round camping. Campgrounds seeking to host long-term residents would need significant infrastructure improvements.
Requirements include individual water, sewer and electrical hookups for long-term sites, along with properly placed fire hydrants.
For winter operation, that likely means burying water lines below the frost line, insulating or heat-taping exposed plumbing, upgrading electrical pedestals, and designing pads that can withstand freeze-thaw cycles.
In short, many traditional seasonal campgrounds would need to invest heavily to operate safely through Michigan winters.
A new business model for campgrounds
If enacted, the legislation could create a new revenue stream for operators. Long-term residents provide a predictable monthly income during off-season months when tourism slows. However, monthly rates typically generate less per-night revenue than peak summer stays.
Operators would also face a shift in day-to-day management. Long-term residents require leases, clearer rules, possibly background checks, and year-round maintenance such as snow removal and emergency response.
Some campground owners may find themselves operating more like manufactured housing communities than traditional vacation parks.
Debate over risks and consequences
The proposal has sparked debate. Some lawmakers and critics question whether allowing extended RV residency addresses root housing shortages or merely shifts the burden to campgrounds.
Concerns have also been raised about public health and safety if infrastructure fails during harsh winter conditions, and whether long-term RV living could evolve into de facto permanent housing without adequate consumer protections.
Supporters counter that the measure is not a comprehensive housing solution, but a practical, short-term tool to ease pressure in tight markets.
Could other states follow?
Michigan is not alone in facing workforce housing shortages, especially in rural, tourist-heavy, or disaster-prone regions. Across the country, many states still limit campground stays to 30 days, 90 days, or six months to prevent campgrounds from becoming unofficial mobile home parks.
If Michigan moves forward, other states grappling with housing shortages could face similar questions: Should campground residency caps be loosened to support workers and boost local economies? Or do such changes blur the line between recreational camping and long-term housing in ways that create new challenges?
For RVers and campground operators alike, the bigger issue may be this: As housing pressures grow, will campgrounds increasingly become part of the housing conversation—not just the vacation industry?
The bill remains under committee review.
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RVT1249b
As a resident of Michigan’s U.P. (late spring through early fall only these years), I can confirm that decent rental housing is sparse in many areas. State parks already max out on short stays. Rather than the State turning its parks in to worker camps, I see this as a great opportunity for the private sector with public support. Streamline zoning and use permitting processes, as well as the sanitation permitting process for hookups. What most communities fear is the stereotypical ‘trashy trailer park’. Give them some ordinance controls to avoid this. Lower interest money would also help with construction.
We experienced this first hand when we started our fulltime adventure 6 years ago in Northern California. There were few places to stay as campgrounds had long term contracts with utility companies for worker housing. As we traveled the US, we found that the longer the “housing” contract, the more slum-like the campground became.
That’s my fear as well.
Thinking of the recent dramatic increases in overnight state park campground prices (think Idaho and Oregon), this seems like it’d need serious cost analysis to ensure 1) long term would be paying their share (and metered electricity) and 2) there would still be access for travelers.
if state parks can meet the environmental requirements for a larger year around campground, some modern entrepreneur surely can too.