Depends where and the cost.
I rent a spot for 1400$ per year (well 6 months of camping), access to a lake (300 feet with only two trailer between me and the lake, they are off to a side, so I have a view of the water), my beach cat on the beach ready to go.
If I was to buy a waterfront lot or water access lot, I'd be looking at:
- 50000 to 200000$ for the lot depending on property
- 10000$ for a well
- 10000$ for a septic system (if approved)
- 5000 to 10000$ for an electrical entrance depending how far from the road
- 1000$ to 4000$ per year in property tax depending on appraised value
Sometimes, it's cheaper to find an old cottage that is only good to be demolished because at least it will already have a well, septic and an electrical entrance.
The property tax alone would be more than what I pay in rent for a lot. In NB, we have municipal and provincial property tax. The provincial tax is waived on the primary residence, but not on the others, so recreational property is taxed twice.
Do your homework and find all the costs of owning VS the cost of renting, the numbers will tell you what's best for you.