How to Start an RV Park: A Practical Startup Guide

Start a New RV Park with Clear, Realistic Guidance

Before you look at land or think about campsites, step back and ask if owning a business fits you. Running an RV park asks you to deal with people, property, and a lot of responsibility. It is not a small side project.

Take time to look at the bigger picture of owning any business. A good place to start is this guide on points to consider before starting your business. It walks you through the realities of risk, time, and responsibility so you do not go in with false expectations.

Passion matters here. When you face delays, permit issues, or infrastructure problems, will you push through or look for a way out? You may find it useful to read about how passion affects your business so you can be honest with yourself about why you want this.

• Ask yourself if you are moving toward something you want, or only trying to escape a job you dislike.
• Think about giving up a steady paycheck for a project that could take many months before it brings in income.
• Talk with your family about long hours, seasonal work, and the stress of a property-based business.
• Make a basic list of the skills you already have and the ones you may need to learn or hire for.

Get an Inside Look at the RV Park Business

You can save months of trial and error by learning from people already running RV parks. The key is to speak with owners who are far enough away that you will not compete with them. Many will share honest insight when they know you are not opening next door.

Use calls or visits to ask about what surprised them, what they would do differently, and what they wish they knew before they started. You can follow this guide on getting an inside look at a business so you ask the right questions.

Focus those talks on startup and approvals. You want to understand land issues, permits, and how long it took before they could welcome their first guests.

• Only contact RV park owners in other towns or regions to avoid dealing with direct competitors.
• Ask about zoning and permit challenges and how many agencies were involved.
• Ask what they wish they had done earlier, such as soil tests, engineering work, or market research.

Understand How an RV Park Works

An RV park is a property that rents defined sites to people traveling or living in recreational vehicles. Each site is a parking space with utility connections and access to shared facilities like restrooms or laundry. Your income comes from renting those sites and any extra services you offer.

Most RV parks are not small. You deal with land, roads, water, power, and sanitation. That means more planning and more capital than many service businesses. In return, you have a property-based business that can earn income from both short stays and long stays.

Your goal during startup is to understand how the pieces fit together before you build anything. When you have a clear picture, every step—land search, layout, permits, and funding—gets easier.

• Sites can be full-hookup (water, sewer, electricity) or partial (electric and water, or electric only).
• You may offer pull-through sites for easier access, and back-in sites where space is tighter.
• Many parks add restrooms, showers, laundry, a small store, and recreation areas.
• Guests might stay for a night, a week, a season, or longer, depending on your business model.

Choose Your RV Park Model and Scale

Before you think about numbers, decide what kind of RV park you want to run. Your model will affect land needs, permits, staffing, and how much money you need to start. It also shapes your daily life once the park opens.

An RV park is usually a capital-intensive project. It is rare to start one with a small savings account and no outside help. Some owners already have suitable land, which lowers the barrier. Others use bank loans, partners, or investors to fund land and infrastructure.

Think about whether you want to stay small and hands-on, or build a larger operation with more staff and amenities. There is no single right answer, but you must be clear before you invest.

• Overnight and short-stay park near highways or tourist routes.
• Seasonal or long-term park focused on retirees or workers who stay for months.
• Destination RV resort with strong amenities, recreation, and higher rates.
• Membership or seasonal lease model with a high percentage of recurring guests.
• Management contract where you run a park owned by a city or another owner.

Research Demand, Supply, and Profit Potential

Your next step is to confirm that people actually want and need an RV park where you plan to build. You want to see enough demand, at strong enough rates, to cover your costs and pay you a fair income. Do not skip this step.

Study travel patterns, local attractions, and existing parks. Look for signs of steady or growing use, not just a short-term spike. You can use this guide on supply and demand to help you think through how guest demand and local competition work together.

Then look at potential revenue. What are realistic rates in your area? How many sites will you need to cover expenses, debt payments, and your own pay?

• List all RV parks, campgrounds, and similar properties within a reasonable driving radius.
• Note their site counts, amenities, basic rate ranges, and how busy they seem in peak season.
• Look at tourism data, highway traffic, and local events that attract RV travelers.
• Check if nearby parks list wait lists or full seasons, which can signal unmet demand.

Pick a Location and Check Land Feasibility

Location is critical for an RV park. Guests want easy access, safe roads, and reasonable driving distance to the places they care about. At the same time, you need land that can handle roads, utilities, and wastewater systems.

Use a structured approach to choosing your site. This guide on choosing a business location can help you think through visibility, access, and neighborhood issues. You will apply those same ideas to an outdoor property rather than a storefront.

Once you have candidate properties, you will check them for zoning, environmental issues, and utility access before you commit.

• Look for parcels with safe access for large RVs, including turning space and clear sight lines.
• Check whether the land lies in a floodplain or includes wetlands, which can limit use.
• Confirm nearby power capacity, water options, and how you would handle wastewater.
• Speak with local planning staff early to see if RV parks are allowed in the zoning district.

Understand Legal and Compliance Basics

You do not need to become a legal expert, but you do need to know who to contact and what to ask. RV parks often involve several layers of rules: state, county, and city. Expect to deal with land use, health, and building codes.

A helpful starting point is this overview of how to register a business. It explains the basic steps for entity formation, names, and licenses. From there, you can add RV park–specific permits like campground licensing and water or wastewater approvals.

If you feel overwhelmed, remember you can always work with a lawyer, accountant, or consultant who has experience with property-based businesses. Your job is to ask good questions and keep records.

• At the federal level, you may need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), especially if you form an entity or hire staff.
• At the state level, you may need to form a limited liability company or corporation, register for sales tax and lodging tax, and set up employer accounts.
• At the local level, you will deal with zoning approvals, site plans, building permits, health permits, and a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) before opening.
• Some states and counties require a campground or RV park license that covers sanitation, water, and wastewater facilities.

Decide on Structure, Ownership, and Funding

An RV park is usually too large to treat as a casual side venture. You are putting guests, vehicles, and property in the same place. Many owners use a formal entity and strong insurance to manage risk. That does not mean you must start as a large corporation, but you should think beyond a simple personal project.

Some small parks begin as sole proprietorships, then switch to a limited liability company as they grow. Others form an entity from day one because of land value, loans, or partners. You can learn more about structures, names, and registrations in this guide on selecting a business name and matching it with your registration.

You also need a clear plan for money. Your startup will likely need more than your spare savings. You may combine personal funds, loans, and possibly investors or partners to cover land, engineering, construction, and working capital.

• List all potential sources of funding: savings, partnerships, bank loans, or private investors.
• Open separate business accounts at a financial institution so you do not mix business and personal money.
• Consider talking with a lender early and review this guide on how to get a business loan.
• Work with a tax professional if you are unsure about the best structure for your situation.

Estimate Your Startup Costs

RV park startup costs are driven by land, infrastructure, and approvals. Even a modest park requires roads, pads, electrical systems, water, wastewater solutions, and buildings. You need a careful list before you start looking for money.

Take your time to list every item involved in land purchase, design, construction, permits, and pre-opening expenses. Then get quotes where you can. This guide to estimating startup costs can help you work through the whole picture.

Once you know what you need, you can test whether your planned site count and rates can realistically support the project.

• Land: purchase price or long-term lease, due diligence costs, surveys, and closing costs.
• Professional services: engineering, surveying, environmental reports, legal work, accounting, and design help.
• Infrastructure: roads, pads, power systems, water systems, wastewater systems, storm drainage, and buildings.
• Equipment and supplies: office gear, grounds equipment, safety gear, software, and initial store inventory if you plan one.
• Permits and approvals: application fees, inspection fees, and ongoing licensing before opening.

Write Your Business Plan

A written business plan helps you keep everything organized. It is not only for banks. It is your way to pull together your model, market, costs, and financial projections in one place so you can make better decisions.

If you have never written a plan before, follow a simple structure and keep it practical. You do not need fancy language. What you need is clarity. This guide on how to write a business plan can walk you through the main sections step by step.

You can always hire help to refine the plan, run numbers, or design a stronger layout if you plan to show it to lenders or investors.

• Describe your RV park model, services, target guests, and location.
• Summarize your market research and why you believe there is enough demand.
• List your major startup costs and how you plan to pay for them.
• Estimate revenue based on site counts, seasonal patterns, and realistic occupancy levels.
• Include a simple operations overview so you know how many people you need to run the park.

Plan Your Legal Registrations and Insurance

Once your plan feels solid, you can move into formal registration. Many small businesses start with a simple structure, then form a limited liability company when things grow. RV parks often move to a limited liability company or corporation earlier because of land value and risk.

Work step by step. First handle your business name and entity, then your tax registrations, then your local licenses. If you prefer not to handle forms on your own, you can work with a lawyer or a service company to file the paperwork.

Do not skip insurance. A property that hosts vehicles and guests needs strong coverage. You can start your research with this guide to business insurance basics and then speak with an agent who understands RV parks or campgrounds.

• Register your business with the appropriate state office, following guidance similar to the steps in the registration guide.
• Apply for federal and state tax numbers as required for your structure and state.
• Ask your city or county about general business licenses and campground or RV park licenses.
• Discuss general liability, property, and workers’ compensation insurance with a qualified agent.

Design Your RV Park Layout and Infrastructure

With the legal basics underway, you can design the physical layout of your park. This is where engineering and planning matter. A good design balances guest comfort, safety, and regulatory requirements with your budget.

You will work with a civil engineer and possibly an architect to lay out sites, roads, buildings, and utilities. Your job is to be clear about your model, your target guest, and your desired amenities. They will help you translate those goals into drawings that regulators can review.

This design phase is also where you prepare for building permits and campground approvals. The cleaner your design, the smoother the review process tends to be.

• Decide how many sites you want and how they break down by size and service level.
• Lay out internal roads with safe turning space and room for emergency vehicles.
• Plan locations for restrooms, laundry, office, store, and any recreation areas.
• Design water, wastewater, and electrical systems to meet state and local codes.

Essential Equipment and Software for an RV Park Startup

Once your layout is planned, you can build a detailed equipment list. This list helps you price your startup and avoid surprises. You will include site infrastructure, buildings, grounds gear, safety items, and the software you need to run the park.

Some of this equipment is installed during construction, such as power pedestals and sewer risers. Other items, like mowers or office computers, are purchased closer to opening. Keep everything on a single list so you do not miss anything important.

Use vendor catalogs, industry suppliers, and quotes from contractors to refine and confirm what you need. A good estimate here helps you set realistic funding goals.

• Site and utility infrastructure
  • Graded RV pads (gravel, asphalt, or concrete) for each site.
  • Electrical pedestals with correct outlets and breakers for 30 and 50 amp service.
  • Main electrical panels, transformers, and underground or overhead lines.
  • Water distribution lines, hydrants, valves, and backflow prevention devices.
  • Sewer risers at sites, lateral lines, and connection to septic or municipal sewer.
  • Central dump station with concrete pad and sanitary connections, if needed.
  • Storm drainage ditches, culverts, or swales to move surface water away.
• Buildings and fixtures
  • Office or registration building with desks, chairs, and storage.
  • Computers, monitors, printers, cash drawer, and phone system.
  • Restroom fixtures: toilets, sinks, showers, partitions, mirrors, and dispensers.
  • Laundry room equipment: washers, dryers, folding tables, and carts.
  • Storage building shelving, tool racks, and secure cabinets for chemicals.
• Grounds and maintenance equipment
  • Riding or walk-behind mowers and string trimmers.
  • Leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, and other landscape tools.
  • Hand tools: shovels, rakes, brooms, hoes, and pruning tools.
  • Utility vehicle or small tractor with a trailer for hauling materials.
  • Basic power tools, ladders, and repair supplies for small fixes.
  • Snow removal equipment if you operate in a cold climate.
• Guest and common area equipment
  • Picnic tables for sites and shared areas.
  • Fire rings or designated fire containers where allowed by local rules.
  • Benches in common areas, shelters, or pavilions if planned.
  • Playground structures and safety surfacing, if you offer a play area.
• Safety and sanitation equipment
  • Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide alarms in buildings.
  • First-aid kits and eyewash where you handle chemicals.
  • Pool safety gear and testing kits if you install a pool or spa.
  • Dumpsters or large waste containers and smaller trash cans around the park.
  • Pet waste stations with bags and collection bins.
  • Cleaning supplies and carts for restrooms and showers.
• Office and software
  • Reservation and property management software designed for campgrounds.
  • Point-of-sale system for your store or office.
  • Accounting software and basic office productivity tools.
  • Secure payment terminals for cards and digital payments.
  • Website hosting, domain name, and business email accounts.

Skills You Need (and How to Fill the Gaps)

Running an RV park pulls together hospitality, maintenance, and basic business management. You do not need to be perfect at everything on day one. You do need enough skill to make sound decisions and know when to call in help.

Make an honest list of what you can do well and what you know nothing about. Remember, you can learn many skills over time or hire people for the work you do not enjoy. This guide on how and when to hire can help you decide when it makes sense to bring someone in.

You should also think about professional advisors. A lawyer, accountant, and insurance agent who understand small business can save you from costly problems later. You can use this resource on building a team of professional advisors for ideas.

• Customer service and communication with guests from different backgrounds.
• Basic maintenance and troubleshooting for water, power, and sewer issues.
• Property care, including lawn work, small repairs, and safety checks.
• Comfort with reservation systems, emails, and simple record keeping.
• Planning, scheduling, and supervising staff as your park grows.
• Problem solving and staying calm in busy or stressful moments.

Set Up Your Brand, Identity, and Pricing

Your RV park needs a clear identity so guests can remember you and trust you. That identity includes your name, logo, sign, website, and printed materials. It also includes how you set your prices and what value you promise.

Start with a business name that fits your location and style, and make sure you can register it and get the matching domain. Then build a simple, professional look across your cards, website, and sign. You can explore ideas with these guides on corporate identity, business cards, and business signs.

For pricing, you want rates that cover your costs, reflect your amenities, and stay in line with your market. This guide on pricing your products and services can help you think through fixed costs, variable costs, and demand.

• Check that your chosen name is available for registration and as a domain.
• Plan your logo, color scheme, and sign style as part of one identity.
• Build a website using this overview of how to build a website so guests can find you and book.
• Set base rates for nightly, weekly, and monthly stays, plus any extra services you offer.

Plan Your Pre-Launch Marketing

You want guests ready to book when you open. Marketing for an RV park is part online, part local, and part word of mouth. Start early, even while construction is underway, so people can follow your progress.

Think about how you will show your park: photos, simple descriptions, and clear directions. If your park is near a town or attractions, connect with local tourism groups or businesses that already draw visitors.

Because your park is a physical place, you can also think about a grand opening once you are ready. These ideas on planning a grand opening and how to get customers through the door can give you simple, practical steps.

• Build a basic website and claim your business on major listing and review sites.
• Create simple social media profiles to share updates and construction progress.
• Connect with local tourism offices and event organizers.
• Prepare opening specials or packages that make sense for your model, if you choose.

What Daily Life Looks Like Once You Open

Even though you are still planning, you should know what a “normal” day might feel like after launch. This helps you decide if this lifestyle fits you before you commit. RV parks mix quiet times with busy turnover days.

Picture yourself walking the property early, checking utilities, and greeting guests. Then picture handling phone calls, emails, and maintenance issues that pop up. If that sounds like a good fit, you are on the right track.

Use this picture of a typical day as a test. Could you see yourself doing this day after day, especially during peak season?

• Morning: check departures, walk the park, and make sure restrooms and common areas are ready.
• Late morning: handle check-outs, answer questions, and coordinate maintenance tasks.
• Afternoon: manage check-ins, help guests find their sites, and keep an eye on traffic inside the park.
• Evening: respond to minor issues, watch for safety concerns, and review the next day’s arrivals and work list.

Pros and Cons to Think About Before You Commit

Every business has strengths and trade-offs. An RV park can be rewarding if you like property, people, and the outdoors. It can also be stressful when things break, demand slows, or weather gets in the way.

Your job now is to weigh these factors with clear eyes. The goal is not to scare you off. It is to help you decide if the challenges are ones you are willing to handle.

If you have doubts, go back and talk with more owners outside your area. Their stories can help you see real-world results beyond what you imagine.

• Advantages
  • Property-based business with income from site rentals and add-on services.
  • Multiple revenue models: nightly, weekly, monthly, seasonal, or membership.
  • Growing interest in RV travel and outdoor stays in many regions.
  • Ability to add services such as cabins, storage, store sales, or recreation for more income.
• Challenges
  • High initial cost for land, engineering, and infrastructure.
  • Complex approval process involving zoning, health, environmental, and building rules.
  • Seasonal patterns that may cause swings in cash flow.
  • Constant need to maintain roads, utilities, and buildings.
  • Responsibility for guest safety and property care every day you are open.

Red Flags to Watch for Before You Buy or Build

Some problems are hard or costly to fix later. It is better to catch them early, while you can still walk away or change direction. Take red flags seriously and look for second opinions from engineers or advisors when needed.

Use your due diligence time to dig deeper into zoning, soil conditions, flood risk, and past violations on any property you consider. This is not wasted time. It is insurance against a project that cannot move forward.

If you face several major red flags on the same site, it may be safer to consider another property rather than trying to force a project to work.

• Zoning that does not allow RV parks, or only allows them under conditions that seem very difficult to meet.
• Land largely in a floodplain or containing wetlands that limit where you can build roads and sites.
• Poor soil conditions that make wastewater systems very hard or expensive to install.
• A history of water or wastewater violations on an existing park you plan to buy.
• Road access that is unsafe or too tight for large RVs, with no clear way to improve it.
• Local market data showing low occupancy and many vacancies at nearby parks over long periods.

Pre-Opening Checklist

As you get close to launch, it helps to work with a simple checklist. This keeps you from forgetting small but important details. Adjust this list based on your project, local rules, and advice from your advisors.

Use your checklist to confirm you have met legal requirements, prepared your property, and set up basic systems for guests and payments. If something feels unclear, pause and get help before you open.

To avoid common problems, review this guide to mistakes to avoid when starting a small business. Many of those points apply directly to an RV park project.

• All required entity, tax, and license registrations completed.
• Zoning approvals, site plan approvals, and building permits closed out.
• Health and campground licenses, pool and food permits (if needed) in hand.
• Certificate of Occupancy (CO) issued for each building and for the site as required.
• Reservation, payment, and accounting systems tested and ready.
• Essential equipment, safety gear, and supplies in place and checked.
• Website, sign, and basic marketing messages live.
• Opening staff trained on basic procedures and safety rules.

101 Tips to Organize and Run Your RV Park

These tips cover many angles of planning, organizing, and running an RV park so you can see the whole picture.

Use the ideas that match your goals and ignore the ones that do not fit your plans right now.

You may want to save this page so you can come back whenever you need fresh ideas or a quick checkup.

To keep things manageable, choose one tip, apply it, and then return for another when you are ready to keep improving.

What to Do Before Starting

1. Write down why you want to own an RV park and what you expect your daily life to look like so you can see if this is truly a fit for you and your family.
2. Visit several RV parks outside your local area and take notes on layout, amenities, and guest flow to clarify what you like and do not like.
3. Decide which primary guest groups you want to serve, such as traveling families, retirees, long-term workers, or remote professionals, because each group expects different services.
4. Choose a business model early, such as mostly overnight stays, mostly seasonal sites, or a balanced mix, since this affects land needs, utilities, and revenue patterns.
5. Review your personal finances and risk tolerance so you know how much you can invest, how much you must borrow, and how long you can wait for income.
6. Meet with local planning or zoning staff in potential areas to learn where RV parks are allowed and what approvals are needed before you look at specific parcels.
7. Order basic research on any promising property, including floodplain status, soil conditions, and access issues, before you sign a purchase contract.
8. Collect ballpark cost information from engineers and contractors for roads, utilities, and buildings so you can screen out properties that will be too expensive to develop.
9. Sketch a simple site layout for each candidate property to see how many sites, roads, and buildings might realistically fit under typical spacing standards.
10. Talk honestly with family members about time demands, on-call duties, and seasonal workloads so everyone understands what starting an RV park involves.

What Successful RV Park Owners Do

11. Walk the park daily with a notebook and look at it from a guest’s point of view so you can spot maintenance issues and small improvements before guests complain.
12. Track basic performance measures such as occupancy by month, average daily rate, and average length of stay so you can make decisions based on facts instead of guessing.
13. Set a goal to reinvest a portion of profits each year into upgrades like utilities, roads, or amenities to keep the park competitive over time.
14. Build relationships with local tourism offices, chambers of commerce, and nearby attractions so your park becomes part of regional travel plans.
15. Train staff to handle common questions and small decisions without waiting for you so guests get faster answers and you are not pulled into every detail.
16. Keep written emergency plans for severe weather, fire, medical incidents, and utility failures and review them with staff at least once a year.
17. Schedule a yearly review of state, county, and city rules that apply to campgrounds so you can adjust policies or facilities before inspections.
18. Maintain a long-term improvement list ranked by safety, guest impact, and cost so you can act quickly when funding or slow time appears.
19. Join at least one industry association or peer group so you can compare notes on trends, regulations, and best practices with other park owners.
20. Prepare a simple playbook for peak weekends that spells out staffing, traffic control, and cleaning frequencies so busy periods run in a controlled way.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

21. Create opening, mid-day, and closing checklists that list the exact areas staff must inspect so critical tasks are not forgotten during busy days.
22. Standardize your check-in routine so every guest receives the same information on rules, quiet hours, pets, and emergency contacts.
23. Use a reservation system that records rig length, amperage needs, and site preferences to reduce placement errors and last-minute shuffling.
24. Build a cleaning schedule for restrooms, showers, and laundry that increases during peak times and decreases during slow times to match real use.
25. Keep a written maintenance log that records each issue, the location, the date reported, and the fix so you can identify recurring problems.
26. Set up service contracts early with trash haulers, septic service providers, pest control companies, and equipment technicians so you know who to call when needed.
27. Write step-by-step procedures for power loss, water interruptions, and sewer problems so any trained staff member can respond correctly under stress.
28. Cross-train staff in at least two functions, such as front desk and grounds work, so you can cover absences and sudden rushes without panic.
29. Clearly mark site numbers and directional signs along internal roads so guests, deliveries, and emergency responders can find locations quickly.
30. Maintain a simple inventory sheet for supplies like cleaning agents, restroom paper, and store basics and update it on a set day each week.
31. Schedule regular inspections of electrical pedestals, water connections, and sewer risers and record the results to show you are monitoring safety.
32. Define job roles in writing so staff understand who handles reservations, who handles maintenance, and who makes final decisions in each area.
33. Use a basic work-order system for repairs so staff can report issues, and you can track when they are assigned and completed.
34. Review your staffing plan before each major holiday or high-demand period and adjust shifts and roles to match expected arrivals and departures.
35. Keep an up-to-date list of trusted local contractors for tree work, road grading, plumbing, and electrical projects so you are ready for urgent jobs.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

36. Study camping and RV travel patterns in your region so you understand which months typically bring high, medium, and low demand.
37. Learn how local weather affects occupancy, such as winter peaks in warm states and short summer peaks in colder regions, and plan staffing accordingly.
38. Identify which state and local agencies regulate campgrounds and RV parks and read their campground standards before finalizing your park design.
39. Understand how lodging and occupancy taxes apply to RV sites in your area so you can factor them into pricing and financial projections.
40. Look up typical occupancy ranges for similar parks and use conservative numbers when building your financial model instead of assuming full sites.
41. Pay attention to which guest segments are growing, such as younger campers who expect strong internet access or long-term guests who want stable monthly rates.
42. Monitor how nearby RV parks and campgrounds set their pricing and amenities and note where your park can stand out rather than copying them.
43. Follow news about campground safety incidents, especially floods and storms, and adjust your own emergency planning and site placement accordingly.
44. Track interest in glamping and alternative accommodations, even if you start with only RV sites, so you know which add-ons may make sense later.
45. Evaluate the balance of short-term and long-term guests in your region so you can choose a mix that supports both income stability and guest experience.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

46. Make sure your business name, address, and contact details are consistent across major directories so guests can find and recognize your park.
47. Use clear, honest photos of your actual sites, restrooms, and common areas to set accurate expectations and build trust.
48. Describe site length, surface type, and hook-up details in plain language so guests with larger rigs can decide quickly if a site will work.
49. Keep your website simple, easy to load on phones, and focused on core questions such as location, site types, amenities, and booking steps.
50. Offer online booking with real-time availability so traveling guests can reserve without waiting for office hours.
51. Encourage satisfied guests to post honest reviews and respond briefly and respectfully to both praise and criticism.
52. Collect email addresses from interested guests and send occasional updates about improvements, seasonal opening dates, and booking windows.
53. Build simple partnerships with local attractions, guides, or events so your park becomes the natural place to stay for those activities.
54. Post timely updates about road work, weather issues, and special events on your website or social channels during busy seasons.
55. Attend regional shows or outdoor events where RV owners gather and bring handouts that answer basic questions about your park.
56. Use clear, easy-to-read entrance signage that complies with local rules so guests can spot your driveway without sudden braking.
57. Review your marketing efforts at least once a year and stop spending on channels that rarely lead to reservations.
58. Create a recognizable photo spot or small landmark in your park that encourages guests to take pictures and share their experience.
59. Set aside time each week to check the performance reports from your reservation system so you can adjust offers based on real data.

Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)

60. Explain key rules at check-in in a friendly tone so guests understand expectations before they park and set up.
61. Hand each arriving guest a short welcome sheet that lists quiet hours, pet rules, speed limits, and emergency contact methods.
62. Be clear about any extra charges, such as additional vehicles or late departures, so guests are not surprised at checkout.
63. When you must say no to a request, suggest another option, such as a different site or time, to show you still want to help.
64. Record notes about returning guests’ preferred sites or locations so you can greet them by name and offer familiar options.
65. Treat any safety concern raised by a guest as important, investigate it promptly, and report back on what you found and did.
66. Ask staff to use simple terms when explaining hookups, dump station procedures, and rules, especially to guests who are new to RVs.
67. Thank guests who point out problems, such as leaks or damaged fixtures, and let them know when the issue has been addressed.
68. Use short, optional surveys to ask guests how they found your park and what would most improve their next stay.
69. When you change a major policy, explain the reason behind it so long-term and returning guests are more likely to accept it.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)

70. Write down your cancellation and refund rules in plain language and use them consistently to avoid arguments at the front desk.
71. Set a clear check-in window and late-arrival procedure and make sure every guest receives those details with their confirmation.
72. Define quiet hours and enforce them politely but firmly so all guests understand that rest is part of the service you provide.
73. Create a simple complaint-handling process that starts with listening, then restating the concern, and ends with a clear plan to resolve it.
74. Reserve a small budget or credit pool for goodwill gestures when the park clearly makes a mistake that harms a guest’s experience.
75. Train staff to stay calm during conflicts, avoid raised voices, and bring in a supervisor when a situation starts to escalate.
76. Document serious incidents such as injuries, property damage, or major rule violations with dates, times, and actions taken.
77. Provide an easy way for guests to reach you after office hours, such as a monitored phone line, for urgent matters.
78. Review guest feedback at the start of each season and choose two or three recurring issues to fix so guests see visible improvements.
79. Share positive feedback and success stories with your team to reinforce the behaviors that lead to strong reviews.

Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term)

80. Place trash and recycling containers in convenient spots near paths and common areas so guests are less likely to leave waste at sites.
81. Label waste containers clearly and use different lids or colors so guests can quickly see where to place trash and recyclables.
82. Install water-saving fixtures in restrooms and showers to reduce water use and take pressure off wells or local supplies.
83. Use energy-efficient lighting along roads and walkways and consider timers or motion sensors where constant lighting is not needed.
84. Provide clear guidance on safe fire use near fire rings and follow local burn rules to protect trees, structures, and neighboring properties.
85. Choose native plants for landscaping where possible so they need less irrigation and support local wildlife.
86. Use cleaning products that are suitable for septic systems and local wastewater rules to protect your infrastructure and environment.
87. Teach staff basic low-impact practices, such as staying on established routes and packing out litter during rounds, so they model good behavior for guests.

Staying Informed (Trends, Sources, Cadence)

88. Schedule time at least once each season to read current camping and outdoor hospitality reports so you see emerging trends early.
89. Follow national and regional campground organizations so you hear about regulatory updates and best-practice guidance that affect your park.
90. Watch developments in booking and communication technology and adopt tools that make sense for your park size and guest base.
91. Keep an eye on announcements from nearby RV parks and campgrounds to understand how your prices and amenities compare.
92. Participate in owner discussion groups that focus on sharing experience-based information and avoid groups that mainly spread rumors.

Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)

93. Build a yearly budget that reflects high, medium, and low seasons so you can plan when to save cash and when to invest in upgrades.
94. Use slower periods for tasks like deep cleaning, staff training, and infrastructure projects instead of waiting until the next busy season.
95. Prepare written emergency response plans for local hazards and review them regularly so staff know their roles during crises.
96. Adjust your rate structure each year based on actual occupancy and guest demand rather than leaving rates unchanged by habit.
97. When new competitors enter your market, focus on strengthening your guest experience and distinct strengths instead of reacting only with price cuts.

What Not to Do

98. Do not ignore low areas, drainage paths, or floodplain information when placing sites and buildings, because poorly placed structures can face repeated water damage.
99. Do not assign large rigs to sites that are too short, too tight, or hard to reach, since this leads to preventable damage and unhappy guests.
100. Do not delay essential maintenance on electrical service, shade trees, or wastewater systems, because failures in these areas can create serious safety and legal problems.
101. Do not add new amenities or accommodation types until your existing sites, utilities, and guest service processes are stable and well controlled.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, Kampgrounds of America, National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds, National Park Service, Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, Campspot, RVBusiness, Analytics.Loan, REI Co-op, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, SBDCNet, CRR Hospitality, RoverPass, ZipRecruiter, Campground Consulting Group, Booking Ninjas