How To Start A Campground Business (23 Step Checklist)

Do you love to camp?

Do you love the smell of campfires and wood smoke drifting through the crisp morning air?

Do you love the outdoors and nature?

Do you like to see families enjoying good times outdoors?

If so, then starting a campground may be the perfect business for you.

How To Start A Campground Business

How Big Is The Campground Industry?

Camping is one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities in the United States.

In 2013, the annual revenue of campgrounds and RV parks was estimated at more than $5 billion.

In 2014, consumers spent an additional $1.5 billion on camping equipment.

In 2013, there were more than 40 million camping participants in the US aged six or older.

Why Starting A Campground Business Now Is A Good Idea

Americans spend billions of dollars a year on camping and camping-related products.

Because of the rising costs of gas, travel, and other vacation expenses, camping remains the number one choice of most Americans.

Campground Business Facts

Here are some facts and figures about the campground business:

Campground Business Startup Costs: $10,000 to $50,000

How Much Do Campground Owners Make: $10,000 to $1 million or more with an average $100,000

How Much Campgrounds Charge: $20 to $100 a night

What Skills Are Required: Love of hard work, organizational and basic computer skills, basic maintenance, people and customer service skills

Are Franchises Available: Yes

What Do I Need to Get Started: Land

Can I Start From Home: Yes

Campground Business Ideas

Campground business ideas are endless. Think about it.

There are already Boy Scout Camps, Girl Scout Camps, Church Camps, and Camps for the Handicapped.

Everywhere you look there are camps that cater to specific groups.

Starting a Campground that does the same can make yours a destination campground in your region or state.

“Camp Wheelie” for instance can be a campground that is 100 percent wheelchair accessible right down to the fishing dock, showers, camping spots and nature trails.

Maybe you want a campground along a fly fishing river that caters to fly fishermen.

Campground Business Themes

• Flyfishing campground
• Rafting, canoeing and kayaking campground
• Motorhome only campground
• Swimming campground
• Fitness campground
• Wheelchair friendly campground
• Extended stay campground
• Motorcycles only campground
• Tent camping only campground
• Seniors only campground
• Tiny Homes on wheels campground
• Trains campground for people who love all things trains
• Wildlife rehab campground for people who want to see nature up close while animals are rehabilitated
• Sailing campground for people who want to learn to sail while they’re camping

Additional Resources

Well-known and popular RV and campground resources include consumer sites and campgrounds for sale if you don’t want to start your own from scratch, as well as a couple of articles on starting a campground business.

http://www.gocampingamerica.com/

http://www.passportamerica.com/campgrounds

http://www.rvia.org/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5kDf95r-Fw

http://www.campgroundsforsale.com/index.html

http://www.reserveamerica.com/

http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/may2009/sb20090512_499502.htm

Online Campground Schools, Courses, and Tutorials

http://www.campgroundschool.org/enroll-online

https://www.inspiredcamping.com/starting-a-glamping-business/

http://www.arvc.org/about_arvc

http://www.ncsbsa.org/resources/ncs/

http://www.capterra.com/camp-management-software/

http://mobilehomeparkclassroom.com/home

Great Campground Business Blogs

http://www.liveworkdream.com/2007/10/12/life-as-a-campground-owner-never-underestimate-the-entertainment-factor/

http://blog.koa.com/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-koa-campground-owner/

http://www.coyoteblog.com/coyote_blog/2005/10/free_camping.html

http://www.leisureholding.com/blog?start=5

Slide Presentations

Rv Park Wifi Presentation from Lisa Tolan

YouTube Videos

Books & Magazines

http://www.rvparkuniversity.com/rv-park-investment-books-and-courses/rv-park-and-campground-investing-book.php

Camping Magazines

• Airstream Life Magazine
• Trailer Life Magazine
• Glamping with Mary Jane
• Camping Life

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