Developer Unveils Ambitious 120-Unit Thunderbird RV Park Project on SR 260

Recreational Investment Group L.L.P. announced the successful acquisition of nearly 16 acres on September 12, located at the northwest corner of Highway 260 and Dickison Circle, for $1 million. This land will be developed into a new recreational vehicle (RV) park named Thunderbird RV Ranch.

The site is currently zoned C-3 commercial and is projected to accommodate 120 to 130 lots targeting middle-class travelers. Camp Verde Town Manager Miranda Fisher noted in a recent email that the park is not intended for long-term stays, emphasizing the tax benefits it would bring. The town collects a 6.65% sales and bed tax, which contributes significantly to local revenue.

Dari Mahboubi, a partner at Recreational Investment Group, explained that the initiative to acquire land began about a year and a half ago. “We aim to develop RV parks primarily for families, travelers, couples, and remote workers,” Mahboubi stated. The company focuses on projects ranging from 100 to 200 pads across the Southwest and Midwest.

Thunderbird RV Ranch will charge between $800 and $850 monthly for lots, which will range in length from 40 to 70 feet and will include several pull-through sites. “There’s a great opportunity to build family-friendly parks that are affordable,” Mahboubi remarked. He aims to avoid creating either a mobile home park or a facility beyond the means of average traveling families.

The development is anticipated to create around eight jobs and is currently awaiting utility permits from the town. Mahboubi projected that construction could commence by the end of the year or early January, with a duration of approximately 12 months.

Planned amenities include a fitness center, washing facilities, vending machines, and a general store. Additionally, a 2,100-square-foot clubhouse is on the agenda, along with outdoor kitchens and a dog park. “We’re committed to providing a well-rounded experience,” Mahboubi added.

The project received unanimous approval from the Camp Verde Town Council on November 1 after a narrow vote from the Planning and Zoning Commission, which split 4-3. Concerns regarding water conservation for landscaping were raised during the discussions, as the park plans to utilize town water.

Located within Camp Verde’s “Opportunity Zone,” the project benefits from state and federal incentives established in 2018. These incentives allow investors to earn capital gains tax deductions by maintaining their investments in low-income development areas. If held for at least a decade, investors can also avoid capital gains tax on profits.

Fisher expressed optimism about the project, particularly given the site’s topographical challenges. “We’ve been in discussions about how to manage the large wash that runs through the property,” she said. Mahboubi acknowledges the advantages of the opportunity zone, but he insists that the project’s viability stands strong regardless of that designation. “The demand in this area is significant,” he affirmed.