Man camp vs. RV park
| Man camp | RV park | |
|---|---|---|
| Housing provided | Yes (units) | No (pads) |
| Capital per space | Higher | Lower |
| Rent per space | Higher | Lower |
| Worker needs an RV | No | Yes |
| Services | Often laundry, meals | Laundry, amenities |
| Density | Set by your site plan, utilities, and local rules | Up to 10 spaces per acre under Abilene’s 2026 rules |
Last updated 2026-10-19. Sources: elmdalervpark.com (Oct 2026); West Texas Tribune (Mar 30, 2026); FOX West Texas (Jan 13, 2026); JRH Engineering case study.
Common questions
What is the difference between a man camp and an RV park?
A man camp provides the housing units, and often laundry and meals. An RV park provides pads and hookups, and workers bring their own RVs or trailers.
Which is cheaper for a worker near Abilene?
In 2026, Elmdale RV Park advertised RV sites at $675 a month with utilities, while a 399 sq ft furnished cottage listed at $1,850 a month. The RV site is cheaper only if the worker already owns an RV.
How dense can an RV park be in Abilene?
Abilene’s 2026 RV park rules cap density at 10 spaces per acre with two parking spaces per unit.
Can one site mix crew units and RV pads?
Yes. The Childress data center camp, for example, combines housing for 420 people with a 150-space RV park on 32 acres.
Which is better for an investor?
RV pads are simpler to build and rent for less, and workers must bring an RV. Crew units rent by the room to employers and can move to the next job. Many operators start with pads and add units as contracts sign.