A new RV park is on the way to Columbia area, and construction is already underway.
The project, Killian Road RV Park, at 234 Killian Road, is privately-owned and was approved by Richland County last year. Crews began clearing trees on the site this past spring. The goal is to have the park finished and open by November of this year.
When complete, the park will include about 55 spaces for RVs, along with two cabins that can be used for both short-term and long-term stays. Plans also include access to a 10-acre pond with kayaking and fishing., and the contractor and builder of the project, Andrew Rice, says a dog park could be added as well.
Rice, who is leading the project, says demand for RV parks in the Midlands is growing. Rice, who has another RV Park in Lexington, explained that RV parks often draw people working temporary jobs in the area, such as travel nurses.
“We have a lot of travel nurses that will get maybe a 2 to 4-month contract, and they’ll come work with the local hospitals and they’ll stay with us,” Rice said.
Rice also said that RV living has become a more affordable housing option. “Especially young people are trying to figure out how can I buy something and build something that’s mine rather than renting an apartment,” he said.
Not everyone is concerned about the RV park itself, but some neighbors like Blythewood resident, Kenneth Tyler say the infrastructure needs to keep up with the growth.
“If they’re gonna continue to grow like this, I think they need to widen all the roads in this area,” Tyler said.
If construction stays on schedule, the RV park is expected to open to the public this fall.
