Has your park made a commitment to protecting the environment by implementing practices such as a recycling program, installing energy-saving devices and using biodegradable cleaning products? If so, your park may be eligible to participate in the ARVC Plan-It Green Friendly Park Program.


Has your park made a commitment to protecting the environment by implementing practices such as a recycling program, installing energy-saving devices and using biodegradable cleaning products? If so, your park may be eligible to participate in the ARVC Plan-It Green Friendly Park Program.

First and foremost, implementing green practices is the right thing to do to help protect and preserve our environment. But there are other advantages of earning the Plan-It Green Friendly Park designation. Once your park earns this distinction, you can promote it on your web site and in your GoCampingAmerica.com listing to show your guests how much you care about the environment and to attract like-minded campers.

Going green can also result in significant cost savings over time. For example, ARVC member-park Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve in Santee, Calif., winner of ARVC’s 2018 Plan-It Green Friendly Park of the Year award in the Large/Mega category, has installed 14,000 solar panels on their RV storage panels. They now produce over one million kilowatt hours of clean energy every year – that’s equal to 50 percent of the entire park and campground’s power needs!

Gary Quigley, CPO, owner of ARVC member-park Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest in Harrisville, Pa., winner of ARVC’s 2018 Plan-It Green Friendly Park of the Year award in the Small/Medium category, advises park owners to think green before starting any project. “We have done several remodels of buildings and facilities now and with each one, we put in the right faucets, shower heads, lighting, hand dryers, washers, dryers, thermostats, tankless hot water heaters, motion sensors, low-voltage lighting, efficient A/C and furnaces and the proper landscaping right from the start. That way, the buildings are as efficient as they could possibly be and minimize our environmental impact!”

For your park to be recognized as a Plan-It Green Friendly Park, you must meet at least nine of the following 16 eco-friendly criteria:

  • Actively demonstrates and communicates conservation, recycling practices to employees, guests.
  • Park provides recycle bins for cans, paper, glass and plastic
  • Park uses energy-saving products and appliances
  • Park uses motion sensors or other lighting control devices
  • Park uses non-toxic biodegradable cleaning products
  • Park invests in landscaping practices and techniques that minimize water usage
  • Park landscaping consists of wood chip, pebble, paved, or grass paths
  • Park uses post-consumer recycled products
  • Park participates in on-site organic composting
  • Park utilizes energy efficient lighting products and solutions
  • Park uses programmable devices and/or timers for thermostats and/or sprinkler systems
  • Park utilizes renewable energy power sources
  • Park uses low voltage lighting kits to light walkways, patios, decks, etc.
  • Park uses water-saving faucets, toilets, shower heads, water heaters and/or laundry
  • Park utilizes recycled water systems
  • Park recycles hazardous waste materials (i.e.: batteries, electronics, toxic chemicals)

More than 30 ARVC member-parks across the country have already earned the Plan-It Green Friendly Park designation. Now, it’s your turn! To submit your park for consideration to be designated a Plan-It Green Friendly Park, visit arvc.org/Plan-It-Green to download an application.