How to Install RV Hookups on Your Property

Thinking it might be time to install RV hookups on your land? Adding hookups to your property sets you up to use the space in a variety of convenient ways—think hosting friends and family, using your own RV as a full-time office space, or earning passive income as a Hipcamp Host.

If you’re considering renting out your land to campers who travel by motorhome, campervan, or travel trailer, you’ll see more bookings and a greater income potential with RV hookups, making the initial investment worth the time.

No matter the reason you’re considering installing RV hookups on your land, we’re here to share everything you need to know about RV hookup options, installation costs, and the different ways to set them up.

Types of RV hookups

RV hookups come in three main categories: electrical, water, and sewer. Each type serves essential functions for RV camping and calls for careful consideration during installation. While you can install just one, many RV owners and campers value having all three hookup types available during their stay.

Hipcamp Host Cameron A., who operates Campsite on the Caney in Tennessee, offers all three types: a sewer hookup, a water spigot hookup, and 20-amp, 30-amp, and 50-amp electric hookups.

“When we got the idea to start hosting, we thought our place would be perfect to host one group or family at a time as a full hookup, pull-through site, she said. “Guests love getting the whole property to themselves and having access to water, septic, and electric. My goal was quality, not quantity.”

Electrical hookups

Modern RVs rely on electrical hookups for everything from lighting to running appliances. These hookups come in 20- and 30-amp setups for smaller RVs and 50-amp connections for larger RVs. The choice for which to provide depends on the types of RVs you plan to host, but no matter what, all should be weatherproof.

Water hookups

Many property owners choose to provide potable water suitable for drinking with proper pressure regulation. This frees campers and visitors from having to haul in their own water.

To find a source, you may have to dig a trench or drill a well, and in cold climates, your system will need to be frost-proof. Offering an untreated fresh water supply, like from a well, is a relatively inexpensive option—but you’ll need to tell campers that this water may not be safe for drinking.

Sewer hookups

Whether you install a septic system or connect to the local wastewater sewer system, RV sewer hookups need to be properly sloped for efficient drainage, sealed against leaks, and easily accessible for maintenance, all of which can require a significant amount of space on your land. It’s also important to follow local health regulations—those listed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are an excellent place to start.

Step-by-step guide to installing RV hookups

Learning how to add RV hookups to your property may seem overwhelming, but you have options. It’s best to get started with some careful planning across all the systems involved so you can ensure they are safe, functional, and compliant for your RVing guests for years to come. Whether you’re comfortable with some DIY installation or prefer to hire professionals to help out, the following steps will help you get it all done.

Cameron leaned on professionals for her build but does some maintenance herself: “All of our hookups were installed by professional contractors except for running our water line from the meter and installing the water spigot and an inline water regulator,” she said. “We have also done some general work like installing new breakers or plugs in our electric box when they get damaged.”

Step 1: Do your research

Remember, it’s important that your hookups are compliant with any relevant safety regulations and legal requirements. Regulations may be found within zoning codes, building codes, and county ordinances—and it’s best to consult with a professional and book a final inspection when you’re done installing your hookups to ensure compliance.

Step 2: Plan your layout

Before beginning any installation work, take the time to carefully plan your layout. How many RV spaces do you want? How big will they be? Do you want to offer back-in RV pads or pull-through spots?

Generally speaking, each RV parking pad should be at least 20 feet wide by 50 feet long, with at least 20 to 30 feet between spots. Consider vehicle turning radiuses and access routes to account for terrain and drainage patterns.

Step 3: Add electrical hookups

Next up, determine the power requirements you need for your planned campsites—most RV hosts offer 30-amp or 50-amp electrical hookups. A 30-amp service supplies up to 3,600 watts of power, while a 50-amp service can provide up to 12,000 watts. For reference, microwaves, hair dryers, and toasters typically use about 10 amps of power each. Running a 15-amp air conditioner in an RV at the same time as a hair dryer and microwave could exceed the capabilities of a 30-amp electrical hookup. No matter what you choose, your electrical hookups will call for a weatherproof outlet box, receptacle, or RV pedestal, plus a breaker box and any required underground wiring.

Looking for something more basic? You can run a 10-gauge extension cord for 15-amp service. This may be enough to plug in one or two small electronics at a time, but not to run an air-conditioning unit.

Hip tip from Cameron: “Always use GFCI breakers rated for outdoors on your electrical panel! Consider also installing a regular 15- or 20-amp GFCI plug or two if there is room on your panel. They are so handy to have if you need a plug while working on the site or if your guest needs to use an extra plug outside to run fans, lights at night, etc.”

Consult with local utility companies about potential service upgrades, and install appropriate circuit breaker panels and weatherproof outlets, as needed. Solar options may also be worth exploring, especially in off-grid locations, as they can power RV electrical hookups too.

In all cases, hire a licensed electrician for final connections to ensure you comply with local safety codes. Cameron can’t stress this enough: “When safety and risk are concerns, I definitely recommend stepping back and letting professional contractors take over on bigger jobs like installing electrical hookups,” she said. “To us, safety is our top priority, and it’s crucial that electrical hookups are installed correctly and that we don’t cut corners. GFI breakers, correct wiring, and proper grounding are essential for the safety of your guests, and it’s best to hire a certified electrician to wire up your electrical hookups.”

Step 4: Add water hookups

The first step to installing water hookups for RVs is to determine where you’ll source the water. You may be able to tap into the local water supply to run a faucet or water hose to the campsites. In other cases, you may need to drill a new well and install a water tank. Cameron from Campsite on the Caney says, “I recommend installing your own water lines if you have a tractor or can rent a trencher. We used our tractor to trench a 2-foot-deep trench and then we ran a water line from our meter to one water spigot.”

Once you’ve got your source, test the quality of the water to ensure it’s safe for drinking. A licensed plumber can advise you on proper connections, while you may turn to your local health department or EPA-certified labs for water testing.

Other factors you may consider with your water hookups include: 

• Proper pipe sizing to maintain adequate pressure
• Frost protection with deep trenching
• Backflow prevention devices
• Shut-off valves at key points
• Plans for regular maintenance

Hip tip from Cameron: “Install an inline water regulator on your water line and bury it with a 5-gallon bucket with lid around it so you can easily access it in case it needs to be replaced or adjusted. The bucket acts as homemade water meter access. You can also install the regulator onto your water spigot using brass garden hose fittings. We like to use a water regulator on our line as a precaution to protect our guests’ RVs from high water pressure.”

Step 5: Add sewer/septic hookups

Proper blackwater waste management is crucial for any RV campsite—those sewer hoses have to connect somewhere if the RVers are staying long enough. Start by evaluating your septic tank capacity or city water/sewer-system access. Ask your local health department your septic questions, or check with the public works department for sewer access. They can direct you to other helpful resources, like: 

• Your county health department
• Licensed septic inspectors
• Local licensed plumbers

When installing sewer or septic hookups, keep in mind that all drainage lines should maintain a slope to prevent clogs and ensure proper flow. You’ll want clean-outs for maintenance access, and you should consider whether a dump station may be necessary.

For her septic system, Cameron recommends “a professional company to install the septic and field lines, because you definitely need the proper machinery to trench and dig.”

As you go through this process, it’s once again important to comply with environmental regulations and local codes, like drain-field requirements. Each state has its own septic rules and regulations, usually listed under environmental or health services. Your county’s health department website may also have resources about local permits and inspection requirements.

Costs associated with installing RV hookups

How much it costs to install an RV hookup depends on the specifics of your property. The farther the RV site is from the electrical, water, or sewer connections, the more it will cost to get them set up properly. It’s also helpful to be aware of potential extra costs like permits, excavation costs, inspections, ongoing maintenance, and additional professional labor.

How much does it cost to install RV hookups?

• Electrical hookups can start as low as $500 to $1,000 for a basic 30-amp RV setup and run as high as $2,000 for 50-amp. Upgrades to the main electrical system can add to this cost substantially.
• Water hookups may involve investing anywhere between $3,500 and $15,000 to drill a new well, plus about $1,000 to install a water line. Pressure systems can add another $1,000 to $2,000 to the total cost. With a DIY install using her own tractor, Cameron spent about $350.
• Sewer line installation can cost about $2,000 per campsite, plus between $3,000 and $12,000 to install a new septic system. Though likely unnecessary, adding a dump station could be an additional $2,000 to $5,000.

Legal and regulatory considerations

Exact laws and regulatory requirements vary by location. As a landowner, it’s best to look into applicable zoning laws, building codes, campground regulations, and permit requirements before getting started with RV hookups. Hired electricians, plumbers, and other professionals can usually advise on what is needed when it comes to these laws and regulations.

Along with legal compliance, it’s also important to prioritize ethical concerns. Take the time to consider environmental factors like water conservation, waste management, and septic safety. Think about how your water and sewer hookups may impact the local plant and animal life. It’s all of our responsibility to make our lands safe for Hipcampers and the environment alike.

How to start earning extra money hosting RVs and campers on your land

RV hookup installation is a significant investment in your property, but the potential returns from increased bookings and rental income can make it worthwhile. Listing on Hipcamp can offset the costs of any installation, as it’s a great way to market your RV campsites, earn bookings, and maximize your property’s potential.