Margaritaville is opening RV resorts as it diversifies see what it's like to stay at the newest location in Florida with tiny homes

Brittany Chang/Insider

• In January, Margaritaville opened its latest RV resort in Auburndale, Florida.
• The hospitality empire wants to open up to 50 RV resorts over the next five years.

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville empire is growing and diversifying faster than the time it takes to find your lost shaker of salt.

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The brand inspired by simple Jimmy Buffett lyrics now has a portfolio that includes nearly every aspect of the hospitality industry, from resorts to cruise lines to retirement communities.

Margaritaville Resort Times Square.      Brittany Chang/Insider

Source: Insider

John Cohlan, CEO of Margaritaville Holdings, has said the company may be the "fastest-growing hotel brand" in the US.

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Source: Insider

But there's one particular Margaritaville segment that seems to be expanding its footprint faster than the rest: its "casual luxury" RV resorts.

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Source: Insider

The hospitality empire currently has three RV resorts: one in Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida.

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The first resort in Lake Lanier, Georgia opened in spring 2019.

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Shortly after, the US saw a COVID-19 pandemic-induced road travel boom.

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Since then, Camp Margaritaville has seen "off the chart" receptions and reviews stronger than the company initially predicted, Jim Wiseman, the president of development at Camp Margaritaville, told Insider in 2021 …

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… "which is why [Margaritaville] is trying to get in the business so fast."

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Source: Insider

In January, it launched its third location in Auburndale, Florida about an hour southwest of Orlando.

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The recent opening is just one of five locations Margaritaville plans to launch this year as it aims to open 30 to 50 more RV parks over the next five years.

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Source: Insider

But the hospitality company isn't in the business of constructing new RV resorts.

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Instead, it updates existing RV camps to fit its own recognizable branding and programs.

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Before the 66-acre Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins Auburndale became a hub of Margaritaville and RVing enthusiasts, the site was known as Cabana Club.

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Conveniently for Margaritaville, Cabana Club already had plenty of amenities like a large pool, tropical bar, mini-golf course, and famed water slide, according to YouTube video tours of the site.

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Source: YouTube

When Margaritaville stepped in, the most obvious aesthetic change was in the branding, which has all been replaced with Margaritaville's bright and kitschy logos.

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Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins Auburndale has 183 RV sites, including 11 "Super Premium" RV suites, that all bask under direct Florida sun.

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The basic RV site can accommodate all vehicle sizes and includes a grill, hookups, and a picnic table …

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… while the premium sites have all of the above plus a "tiki hut," an outdoor television, lounge chairs, and a hammock.

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But if you didn't come with or in a RV, you can always stay at one of the 60 cabana cabins complete with a kitchen, living room …

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… bedroom, and bathroom.

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These tiny homes can sleep up to six people and have the luxury of air conditioning, televisions, and a connected back deck. Think of it as an Airbnb on an RV resort.

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A night at the basic RV sites ranges from around $70 to $200 …

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… while the cabins and premium RV sites start at almost $200 nightly.

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This price includes WiFi for remote workers who need to get some work done while lounging by one of the two pools …

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… as well as access to all the on-site amenities.

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These include the gym, laundry room, bathhouse, and all the on-site leisure activities.

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Trust me, there's plenty of them. It's hard to feel bored at Camp Margaritaville Auburndale.

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There are several lounge chairs for basking in the warm sun. But if you're looking for more active activities, the site is filled with hidden treasures that can appease any fussy children.

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The site is so large, guests can rent golf carts to get around.

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The main activity area right by the park's entrance includes most of the site's leisure amenities.

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Here, you'll find a pool with a water slide …

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… a dog park …

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… corn hole …

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… plenty of lounge seating near the bar …

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… and a mini golf course.

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The family-friendly site also has an indoor arcade …

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… an outdoor children's playground …

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… and a shallow children's water play area.

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But you might need your golf cart to access the basketball court and second pool, which are separate from this main leisure area.

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Source: Insider

There are also plenty of programs throughout the day, from happy hour to live music to limbo and bingo.

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And it wouldn't be a Margaritaville without a bar or two: Both pools have al fresco bars for guests.

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If you're looking for a leisurely afternoon stroll under the sun, you can walk along the boardwalk over the lake.

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But if you'd rather have a peaceful afternoon, take a seat at a lounge chair and enjoy an obligatory afternoon margarita.

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You are, after all, staying in the perfect place to waste away again.

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