How to Decide Between Short Term and Long Term RV Resort Stays

When you're planning an RV trip, one of the first choices you face is how long to stay in one place. Some travelers like to keep moving, hopping from one park to the next. Others prefer settling in, slowing down, and staying for weeks or months. Each style of stay has its own benefits and challenges, depending on how you like to travel.

If you’re searching for an RV resort for short term stay or trying to decide if a longer visit makes more sense, the answer isn’t always obvious. Timing, amenities, and your travel goals all play a role. Here's how to think it through so your stay, no matter the length, feels just right.

What Makes a Short Term Stay a Good Fit

Short term stays tend to appeal to travelers who are on the move or exploring something new. If you’re unsure how long you'll be in an area or stopping overnight between destinations, a quick stay keeps your plans flexible.

• It’s great for trying out RV life for the first time or visiting a new destination without a long commitment.
• Weekend getaways, holiday breaks, or warm-weather escapes often work better when they’re short and simple.
• A good RV resort for short term stay will not cut corners. Full hookups, fast check-in, easy parking, and reliable internet help you settle in fast and leave just as easily.

At Oak Alley RV Resort, all 570 RV sites come with full hookups including water, sewer, and 20, 30, or 50 amp electric service. Each site also includes its own water spigot and free high-speed WiFi with an internet modem ready for pickup at the office. Even for short visits, having access to basic comforts makes a big difference. Things like clean bathhouses, a laundromat that’s ready when you need it, and working WiFi can turn a short break into a much better stay.

When you're only in town for a few days, you want everything to be simple and streamlined. Short term stays give you flexibility and help keep travel fun, without having to worry about too many details. Sometimes, a short visit is the refresher you need before moving on to the next stop.

Why Some RVers Prefer Long Term Stays

Slower travel has grown popular, especially among those who enjoy warmer winters in places like Central Florida. Long term stays give you the chance to do more than just rest and recharge.

• Snowbirds, digital nomads, and full-timers often choose long stays to set a routine
• The extra time gives you space to build connections, join activities, and try out hobbies in a laid-back setting
• Little details, like picking up mail, using a big laundry room, or finding a favorite walking path, become easier when you stick around

When you stay longer at a place like Oak Alley RV Resort, you start to notice the things that make life easier. There are 12 pickleball courts for friendly matches, a dog park where pets can play, a heated swimming pool and jacuzzi to unwind, and a fully equipped wood shop with classes so you can learn new skills or enjoy old hobbies. This kind of setup turns a resort into a living space instead of just a place to sleep.

Lots of RVers prefer returning to the same spot every winter. Familiar surroundings make life easier. You know where things are, you recognize the friendly faces, and you get a chance to enjoy what the resort and the area have to offer without hurrying through it. In a long term stay, you might host family or friends, try every restaurant in the area, or start a tradition of joining group events and morning walks. The days take on a nice rhythm because you have time to enjoy every part of the resort and the simple routines of daily living.

Things to Think About Before Deciding

Making the right choice really depends on personal preference. Before booking, think about how you want to use your time and what you need to feel comfortable.

• Are you looking for something fast and flexible, or would you rather unpack and stay a while?
• Do you want to plug into a community with social options and group hobbies or keep things simple and quiet?
• Will you need strong WiFi for work or video streaming, lots of laundry access, or activities during longer days?

If you have special plans or certain must-haves in mind, write those down so you don’t forget when you’re searching for a resort. Some travelers prefer to decide once they arrive. They might book a short stay to test it out, then extend if things feel right. Staying open to how the place feels can be part of the fun.

It's helpful to picture a normal day and think about what will help you feel comfortable. Do you want to wake up to a familiar walk around the park, or are you hoping for a new view every few days? Would you rather settle in and join morning yoga or organize a friendly pickleball game, or is it enough to have a peaceful cup of coffee before heading out for a day trip? No two RV travelers are exactly the same, and that's part of what makes the lifestyle special.

As you decide, it’s also good to talk with other travelers. Chatting with neighbors can help you understand what a resort is really like for both short and long stays. Some people love the activity and community that comes with staying put for a while, while others prefer the adventure of hitting the road and seeing something new.

What Makes Either Stay Better

No matter how long you stay, certain features make RV resorts easier to enjoy. These aren't luxuries, they're standards that shape your day-to-day experience in simple but useful ways.

• Full hookups at each site (with water, sewer, and multiple electric amps)
• Private bathrooms you don’t have to share with a crowd
• Fast and free internet that actually works where you park
• On-site laundry that’s available when you need it

Extra features make time pass more enjoyably. Pickleball courts, scheduled classes, warm pools, a dog run, or hobby areas can fill in the quiet moments with something meaningful or social. When these are offered year-round, they’re just as nice for someone staying two nights as they are for those staying two months.

Oak Alley RV Resort gives you a clean, well-kept place to relax whether you want a mini vacation or an entire season under the Florida sun. You’ll appreciate easy access to everything, from the simple perks like an onsite post office to the little touches that make you feel at home, like lending libraries, community gatherings, and organized activities. If you’ve never tried a longer RV stay before, you might enjoy the surprise of making new friends and feeling part of a friendly community.

Some travelers like having different options for every trip. That could mean a short visit while passing through, or into something longer when their schedule allows. Either way, it’s helpful to know what makes the experience great so you can enjoy your time, however long you stay.

Find Your Stay, Your Way

There’s no rule for how long you should stay at an RV resort. It’s all about choosing based on your plans, preferences, and pace. Some of us like to pack in new experiences, while others would rather slow down and soak it all in.

Short term stays give you variety and freedom. Long term ones offer the comfort of routine and stronger community ties. When you’re clear about what you want from your trip, both styles can work beautifully. You just need to decide what kind of days and nights you want to have.

Deciding between a short or long stay might seem like a small thing, but it really shapes the memories you’ll take home. Whichever you pick, the most important thing is making sure you feel at ease so you can really enjoy your time on the road.

Planning a trip to Central Florida is simple with Oak Alley RV Resort. Our location in Webster, Florida, offers you the flexibility to enjoy a comfortable stay, whether it’s for a quick getaway or an extended visit. Relax with spacious accommodations, reliable internet, and convenient on-site amenities. See how your schedule fits by exploring our RV resort for short term stay options, and give us a call when you’re ready to map out your route.