How to Run a Successful Campground and RV Park Business
Owning a campground or RV park can be fun and exciting. In fact, there are many available campgrounds and RV parks for sale. Yet, running one successfully requires a certain level of understanding concerning its operations in order to generate a profit. Now is the time to consider the day to day responsibilities, overhead costs, attracting customers and staying competitive.
Important as the details are, the first step of the process is to get acquainted with the outlook of the industry. Next, review these helpful tips on how to run a campground and RV park as a successful business enterprise. Other entrepreneurs have already successfully gone through this process, and the best way to learn about how to successfully run a campground and RV park business is to get advice from those who are currently doing it.
Choose a good location
Ideal location spots for campground and RV parks are often bordering national parks, state parks or beautiful geographical landmarks. The location you choose should also offer some essential amenities and conveniences, without the noise and stress of everyday life. Remember, to a lot of people, camping and RV trips are vacations.
Finding a location that balances seclusion and accessibility will certainly attract more clients and help increase traffic. Keep in mind this location is where you may be living in for a multitude of years, so make sure both you and your family are comfortable with it.
Consider the amenities it offers
Campgrounds and RV parks range from very rustic and minimalist to cozy and resort style. Some business owners may prefer to hunt for a fixer-upper that can be built up and expanded as they see fit. Others would rather choose a property that has an established system already, limiting the amount of time and money they have to invest.
You may choose to add additional facilities as you see fit, such as a pool or a play structure for children. Consider your target market when adding amenities. Are you catering mainly to backpackers or families? Answering basic questions ahead of time will save you time and money while making decisions later on.
Activities, such as rafting or rock climbing are other features that can attract guests. When large groups check-in to camp or RV, it is likely that they’ve come to enjoy both nature and the activities your property has to offer. For those that are keeping their schedules open, close proximity to fun activities may be a selling point at your campground.
Create a Community
Campgrounds and RV parks have the potential to become regular destinations for your guests. To encourage people to return- create a sense of community with annual events, activities, and clubs. Fourth of July celebrations, water balloon fights for kids, and book clubs will help guests of all ages feel included and give them long-lasting memories. Creating communities turns camping into a tradition, and helps ensure the experience you provided will be one they return to multiple times in their lives.
When building a community, keep in mind the demographic of guests you are expecting in order to properly tailor the types of events and activities.
Be Ready to be a Jack-of-all-Trades
Buying a campground and RV park is perfect for someone who loves the outdoors and working with people. A typical day for an owner/operator consists of varied activities- and it is likely that each day will differ from each other. You might start your day interacting with clients, checking campers in and out, supervising breakfast, or organizing reservations.
Be prepared to expand your toolkit to include a wide variety of skills, the kinds of problems you might face will differ on a day to day basis, and at times it may be more financially responsible for you to personally take care of a problem, rather than hiring a contractor.
Depending on your skillset, some of your day could be spent going around your site and fixing things or conducting routine maintenance. There may be events planned that day that need attention, facilities on the property that need to be opened and monitored, and a myriad of other things that require your attention.
Market Your Property as a Destination
Not all campgrounds and RV parks have a strong marketing and online presence, which is an essential element that increases exposure for your business and sets you apart from your competition. Begin by creating an attractive and informative website that’s easy to navigate. Highlight the uniqueness of your property and include the nearby attractions.
Consider including interactive features, which will allow users to check availability and see the events you have planned. Your business should also have a strong social media presence, as most millennial campers will refer to Facebook and Instagram to get more information about your property, such as guest reviews, comments, and posts. Posting aesthetic and alluring pictures will attract followers and engage your audience. It will also help your brand stand out and become legitimate.
Your Path to Success
To operate a successful campground and RV park business, it’s crucial to pick the right location, consider the amenities it could offer your guests, and build a welcoming community. Be sure to place emphasis on providing great customer service because guests are likely to leave comments describing their experience, and suggest your campground to their family and friends.
Buying a campground and RV park is a big decision, and when approached with research, patience, and excitement, it can turn out very well. Start browsing through different properties to find the perfect one to suit your needs!
Sources:
Rolfe, Frank. “Is Buying A RV Park Worth The Investment?” Is Buying A RV Park Worth The Investment? - RV Park University, 2018, www.rvparkuniversity.com/articles/is-buying-an-rv-park-worth-the-investment.php.
Staff, Campground Connection. “Buying a Campground – FAQs.” The Campground Connection :: Frequently Asked Questions, 2017, thecampgroundconnection.com/faqs.html.
Staff, KOA. “A Day in the Life of a KOA Campground Owner.” KOA, 2018, koa.com/blog/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-koa-campground-owner/.