Recreational vehicles fill nearly all the bays Nov. 10 at the FMWR RV Park, located on First Street.

Occupancy rates average 75% in first two months of operations, FMWR reports

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — Since Fort Leonard Wood’s new RV Park opened Sept. 1, it has been filled or nearly filled to capacity, according to Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation officials.

“We’re looking at about 75 percent occupancy — that’s been our average over a span covering September and October — and there have been times when it has been completely full,” FMWR Supervisory Recreation Specialist Jeffrey Barrett said.

Located on First Street, the park features 12 bays with full electric and water hook-ups, and offers daily, weekly and monthly rental packages. The design of the park is intended to serve two types of customers: military families needing temporary lodging as they await permanent-change-of-station moves and visitors coming to Fort Leonard Wood for recreation purposes, such as hunting, fishing or hiking.

“So far, the majority of our rentals have come from PCSing families,” Barrett said. “We’re hoping that by springtime, when hopefully the COVID surge slows down, we’ll see an influx of recreators.”

Barrett said the early usage numbers show FMWR has definitely met a need.

“RV recreation is huge, and it’s a trend we didn’t know was as popular as it is until we put the park in,” he said. “Hopefully, we will continue to see this trend in the right direction.”

The early success of the RV Park even has officials talking about a possible expansion, although no plans are in place at this time, according to FMWR Business and Recreation Chief Katy Carter.

“Right now, the park is meeting the needs of our customers, but we do hope to expand in the future given the positive feedback we’ve received and the occupancy rates we’ve seen,” she said.

“We have been so excited for the very busy start,” Carter continued. “This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our Garrison leadership. We are so thankful to be able to support our RV families.”

RV Park rates are $25 per day, $160 per week or $575 per month, and spaces can be reserved by calling the Outdoor Adventure Center at 573.596.4223.

More information about the FMWR RV Park is available online at https://leonardwood.armymwr.com/happenings/rv-park.