Patients at a Houston cancer center are finding an unconventional way to save on housing costs. As healthcare costs rise, so does the need for more accessible and flexible housing solutions for patients seeking life-saving treatment at leading hospitals and other medical institutions. A solution is emerging at Blue Water RV Resorts, which is providing affordable and supportive housing near medical facilities.
Jetstream Med Center RV Resort, managed by Blue Water, has witnessed this transformative impact firsthand, currently housing approximately 60 cancer patients and their family members in their own and rented RVs. The park offers daily, weekly, monthly or even yearly lease-free stays.
With fully equipped bathhouses, laundry facilities and outdoor spaces with amenities including pools and BBQ grills, the resort offers patients a comfortable environment that meets their personal needs while supporting their healthcare experience. Additionally, a shuttle service, launching soon, will take guests directly to the local cancer center.
“The rise of RV living near medical centers is more than a trend; it’s a critical step toward making healthcare more attainable for all,” said Steve Castleberry, General Manager at Jetstream Med Center RV Resort. “This model is about more than financial relief—it’s about empowering patients with comfort, flexibility, and a sense of community during a time of profound need so that they can heal.”
Surveys conducted by Jetstream RV Resorts at Med Center reveal that patients save an estimated $500-$600 per month by choosing RV living over traditional accommodations. This affordability allows more individuals to focus on their health without financial stress.
Founded in 2002, Blue Water Development specializes in investing, developing, and managing RV resorts, campgrounds, hotels, marinas, and attractions. Its facilities are located in East Coast states from Maine to Florida with new additions in Texas, Montana, and Oregon.
This article was based on a press release from Blue Water Development.
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We stayed in the Lakeview RV Resort in Houston,TX several times while MD Anderson Cancer Center was ridding me of leukemia. The last stay was for an entire year! The folks that run that park are very attuned to us needing medical care. They even contract a shuttle service that runs between the park and several Houston hospitals. The ability to stay in our “home away from home” made the whole experience much easier and more comfortable. I was stuck in the hospital for a month at a time – several times. Having our own trailer, and all the friends we made down there, made my wife feel much safer and comfortable. This whole adventure stretched over a five year period of time.
Thanks for relaying your first hand experience Tommy. I love this idea and hope the expansion trend continues. We spent at least 500 days/nights of recoup time on our rig between 2112 and 2018 but always in private parks in S. California, near LA.
I really like this trend and while I pray our medical stays are in the rearview, this option seems fantastic.
I’m with you on the “rear view mirror”, Cancel.
Hi Tommy. After reading your comments over the years of staying in Houston for treatments I figured it was at MD Anderson. One of the best in the country, if not THE best. I am happy to read you are rid of that disease and you have been blessed with many more years. And I can only imagine the difference Lakeview made in your recovery!
Anderson was also instrumental in my getting as perfect a match as possible for a stem cell transplant. After two years I was finally able to make contact with this amazing person – who happens to reside in Poland. We’ve been emailing back and forth for two weeks now and it has been fun.
That’s so cool, Tommy! I’m glad you found your donor. You can thank them for me, too, for their generous gift of life. I always look forward to your comments and your emails, thanks in part to your donor. Take care.🤗 –Diane
me too MM ..hugs
Thanks, Matt. Have a good night.🤗 –MM aka Diane aka lots of other stuff
that’s a story I wish I could hear from you in person 🙂
Tommy: Medical science is indeed incredible. I’ve read your comments for a few years now and wondered what you were being treated for – thank God and science and a willing donor you are still with us. I appreciate your candid and oft times funny comments. The newsletter wouldn’t be the same without you in it! Thanks for your insights and all those years “…on the road again”.
Ditto that, Doug. You and Tommy are among my very best “buddies” here and I appreciate you both soooo much! When I see a comment come in from either of you, I can’t wait to read what you have to say. In fact, I was literally just thinking about you and Joan, because of a program I’m listening to on my vintage portable radio in the bathroom (where I listen to an all-news station) about someone losing their partner after decades together. I was wondering how you’re doing today, and here you are.😊 Thank you both (and some others, of course) for your always-welcome comments. Have a great day.🤗 –Diane
You are very kind, DW/ND. Thank you for your comment. Diane too. I occasionally send her long-winded emails and she never complains – ha.
Tommy…🤗 –Diane
This is so needed! I hope the trend extends to all major hospital centers nationwide….
I understand the hospital in Bend Oregon, a fairly rural region, has several FHU sites. They are intended to reduce travel costs for outpatients. Some RVer family found are grateful for them during an emergency stay.
Wow, novel idea. I know first hand how great this would be. You could have your pets with you too. I feel the money you could save as the article stated is in the low end really.
This is wonderful! I’ve known a young lady who was needing treatments and didn’t know where she was going to be able to stay that she could afford. I’ve also heard that the American Cancer society can advise patients too about housing.
The cancer treatment center in Great Falls MT had an RV park about 20 years ago. Thought it was really neat
Thank you, RV Travel! Good to know! Have a great weekend and safe travels!