11 SKP Co-Op Parks are the crown jewels of the Escapees parking network, offering fantastic RV parking at an amazing value. That’s why I’m constantly surprised to learn how many of our members either aren’t aware of the co-op parks or have misconceptions about who can stay there. Read on to discover more about this under-appreciated membership benefit.
What Are the SKP Co-Op Parks?
Decades ago, the Escapees RV Club helped to start the co-op parks. But unlike the club-owned Rainbow Parks, the 11 SKP Co-Ops are separate, non-profit organizations, each independently managed and maintained by their residents.
The park residents have membership and occupancy rights in a cooperative (or “co-op”) organization, which in turn owns the land and common facilities, like clubhouses and pools. The members support the co-op through one-time lease payments and annual maintenance and operation fees, and by volunteering their time and services.
RV Site at Timber Valley SKP Co-Op, Sutherlin, OR
Some SKP Co-Op Park members live in their park year-round, but most of them are still active RVers who travel for a large part of the year. While they’re away, they often allow the park to rent out their site to visitors.
You will find SKP Co-Ops in Washington, Oregon, California (two parks), Nevada, Arizona (three parks), New Mexico, Texas and Florida. Several of these locations are ideal cool-weather destinations, while the parks in the central and northern Pacific states are perfect for escaping the worst of summer’s heat.
Staying at an SKP Co-Op as a Guest
The misconception I hear most frequently about the SKP Co-Ops is that you must be at least 55 years old to stay in them as a visitor. Not true! For legal and tax reasons, most (but not all) of the SKP Co-Ops do have a minimum age requirement to buy a membership. However, all of them welcome visitors of any age, including children. The only requirement to stay at an SKP Co-Op as a visitor is that you must be a current Escapees member.
Sunset at The Ranch SKP Co-Op, Lakewood, NM
Each co-op sets its own policies about visiting RVers. Some accept reservations, but many do not. A few have limits (although they’re fairly generous) on how long you can stay at one time or in one calendar year. Most will let you stay on a member-owned lot, but a few have designated spots for guests. Before you visit, it’s a good idea to review the park’s website and then call the park to be sure you understand their particular policies.
Benefits of Staying at a SKP Co-Op Park
One of the first things you’ll notice when you visit an SKP Co-Op is the outstanding quality of the park. At most parks, you’ll find wide interior roads for big rigs, and spacious sites with plenty of room for your RV and your tow vehicle or toad plus extra outdoor living space. You can expect the park to be spotless, well-maintained and nicely landscaped, reflecting the pride that the members take in their home. And at many parks, you’ll discover extra amenities that are difficult to find anywhere else—like the infinity-edge swimming pool at Jojoba Hills in California, or the wood and metal workshops (available to guests) at SKP Saguaro in Arizona, or the mature trees and decks with stunning views at Park Sierra in California.
Working on the deck overlooking the mountains at Jojoba Hills SKP Co-Op, Aguanga, CA
The SKP Co-Ops are also a stunning value. Where else can you find this level of quality and full hookup sites for just $20 to $35 per night? Most parks also offer weekly and monthly discounts. Even better, many of the SKP Co-Ops have special incredible offers for first-time visitors, such as a flat $50 for your first week! Again, check the park’s website for specifics.
Each SKP Co-Op has its own personality that reflects the local geography and culture. But one thing that all the co-ops have in common is that as a guest there, you will be among friends. Everyone there is an Escapee, so there is an instant sense of belonging to a family. Guests are always invited to join in the park’s many and diverse activities. And if you’re new to the RV lifestyle, you’d have a hard time finding a group of more experienced travelers who would happily share their expertise and favorite destinations with you.
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Becoming a Co-Op Park Member
If you fall in love with a particular SKP Co-Op Park, you might eventually decide you want to become a member and use that park as your “home base”. Each park has its own bylaws and procedures for membership. But in general, you make a one-time payment, or “buy-in”, for your lot lease. That payment may range from $8,000 to about $30,000, depending on the park. If there are improvements on the lot, like a deck, storage shed or casita, their cost will usually be added to your buy-in. However, whenever you decide to leave the park, you will get all of that money back! Some parks even permit you to also get back the cost of any capital improvements you made to your lot while you lease it.
In addition to the refundable buy-in payment, all co-op park members pay a modest annual fee—generally $1,000 to $3,000 per year—to cover property taxes, insurance, and ongoing maintenance and operation of the park. Many of the parks will reduce a portion of your annual fees if you place your lot in the rental pool when you’re not occupying it.
RV site at Park Sierra SKP Co-Op, Coarsegold, CA
Once you’re a member of an SKP Co-Op, you can stay on your lot anytime you want and for as long as you want. All you pay is the cost of your electricity usage.
Be aware that most of the parks have a multi-year waiting list for new memberships. For this reason, many RVers (my wife and I included) decide to join the waiting list long before they think they might be ready to buy a membership. All it takes is a small refundable deposit (usually $500 or $1,000). Make sure you understand how your selected park handles their wait list. Some offer newly available lots to the top name on the list, and you get a limited number of “passes” before your name is returned to the bottom of the list. Others have a more complex “seniority bidding” process that allows you to buy a membership only when you’re ready, even if that’s many years later.
Whether you visit the various SKP Co-Op Parks as a guest or establish a home base at one by buying in as a member, you will be enjoying one of the unique and most valuable benefits of your Escapees membership—and you’ll be surrounded by other RVers who share your lifestyle and outlook.
