Last Updated on February 28, 2025 by Jeremy

Introduction:

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Hey there, RV campground owners! Are you looking to boost your revenue stream and attract more guests to your campground? Well today you’re in luck, and you’ve come to the right place!

I’m going to share some savvy money generating ideas and strategies that can help you build a loyal customer base and maximize your earnings, turning your campground into a cash-generating hotspot!

And guess what? We’ll even throw in a few creative ways to make money and strategies that involve the awesome power of SmugMug! So without any more hesitation, let’s make your campground the ultimate destination for RV enthusiasts like myself!

Repeat Bookings: The Golden Ticket

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Did you know that repeat customers spend, on average, 67% more than new customers? It’s true! According to Sixads:

“Instead of chasing after those new, difficult-to-reach customers, you could use your time better by focusing on retaining and engaging your existing customer base. Why do this? Well, according to one report, it costs five times less to retain an existing customer than it does to acquire a new one.”

Getting campers to return year after year is the holy grail of campground success. How do you achieve this? By delivering exceptional customer service and unforgettable experiences!

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up repeat bookings:

Step 1: Implement Exceptional Customer Service – Start by providing exceptional customer service to ensure that your guests have a positive experience during their stay at your campground. Train your staff to be friendly, helpful, and responsive to guests’ needs and inquiries. By providing top-notch service, you’ll increase the likelihood that guests will want to return for future visits.

Step 2: Create Unforgettable Experiences – Offer unique and memorable experiences that will keep guests coming back year after year. Host special events, activities, and amenities that cater to your guests’ interests and preferences. Whether it’s themed weekends, outdoor movie nights, photo stations, or guided nature walks, providing a variety of experiences will give guests plenty of reasons to return to your campground.

Step 3: Set Up a Booking System – Invest in a reliable booking system that allows guests to easily make reservations for their next stay at your campground. Make sure the booking process is user-friendly and intuitive, with clear instructions and options for guests to choose from. Consider offering incentives such as early booking discounts or loyalty rewards for repeat guests to encourage them to book their next stay with you.

Step 4: Capture Guest Information – Collect guest information during their stay, such as email addresses and booking preferences, so that you can follow up with them after they leave. Use this information to send personalized communication and special offers to encourage repeat bookings. You can also use guest feedback to improve your services and amenities and tailor future offerings to better meet guests’ needs.

Step 5: Implement a Follow-Up Strategy – Develop a follow-up strategy to stay in touch with guests after their stay and encourage them to book again in the future. Send thank-you emails or post-stay surveys to gather feedback and express appreciation for their business. Offer exclusive promotions or discounts for repeat bookings to incentivize guests to return for another stay at your campground.

Step 6: Promote Repeat Bookings Through Marketing – Promote the benefits of repeat bookings through your marketing channels, including your website, social media, and email campaigns. Highlight the advantages of returning to your campground, such as special discounts, VIP perks, and access to exclusive events or items such as photos. Use compelling visuals and persuasive messaging to entice guests to book again and again.

By following these steps, you can set up repeat bookings for your RV campground and increase revenue while building a loyal customer base of happy campers.

Pro-tip: While photo stations themselves may not directly increase repeat bookings, leveraging marketing strategies to offer memorable experiences through photos can significantly boost guest retention.

When campers purchase photos of their adventures, these visuals serve as constant reminders of the fun they had at your campground. Whether displayed in their RVs or homes, these images encourage guests to rebook and return for more unforgettable experiences.

Campground Art: Prints That Sell Themselves

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Imagine campers wanting to take a piece of your beautiful outdoor haven with them on their journey. By selling prints of your campground’s scenery, you’re giving them the chance to do just that.

“Expert Market Research projects that the global art market will continue to grow at a CAGR of 3.1% between 2024 and 2032, reaching a value of approximately $97.22 billion by 2032 .”

With a slice of that pie, you can set up a shop on your SmugMug site, allowing campers to browse and purchase prints that capture the essence of your campground.

Consider this future success story for your RV campground: Let’s say you partnered with a local artist to create stunning landscape prints of your own campground. Within the first month, you sell over 100 prints, generating an additional $2,000 in revenue.

This strategy not only adds a touch of artistic charm to the campground experience but also provides guests with a tangible memento of their stay. Plus, offering to ship these prints directly to their homes caters to those who want to relive their camping memories from the comfort of their living room.

It’s a thoughtful touch that keeps your guests connected to your campground long after they’ve packed up their RVs. Additionally, printing on metal or offering framed options adds durability and enhances the artwork’s presentation, making it a lasting keepsake for campers.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create and sell prints:

Step 1: Capture Stunning Photos – Start by capturing high-quality, captivating photos of your campground’s scenery, including landscapes, wildlife, and unique features. Invest in a good camera or hire a professional photographer to ensure that your photos are visually appealing and showcase the beauty of your campground.

Step 2: Provide Print Options That Suit Your Campers’ Preferences – As a campground owner, your priority is to offer print options that cater to the preferences of your campers. Consider providing a variety of printing materials and sizes to accommodate different tastes and budgets. Here are some options you can consider:

• ~ High-quality paper prints: Offer prints on premium paper that showcases the vibrant colors and details of your campground’s scenery. This option is ideal for campers who appreciate traditional art prints.
• ~ Canvas prints: Provide canvas prints for campers looking for a more textured and artistic feel. Canvas prints add a touch of elegance to any space and are particularly popular for larger prints.
• ~ Metal prints: Consider offering metal prints for a modern and sleek look. Metal prints are durable, scratch-resistant, and provide a unique glossy finish that enhances the visual impact of your photos.
• ~ Custom framing: Partner with a local framing shop to offer custom framing options for your prints. This allows campers to choose frames that complement their décor and personal style.

By providing a range of print options, you can cater to the diverse preferences of your campers and enhance their experience at your campground. Be sure to communicate these options clearly on your website and in your marketing materials to help campers make informed decisions when purchasing prints of your campground’s scenery.

Step 3: Set Up an Online Shop – Create an online shop on your campground’s website or use a third-party platform like SmugMug to showcase and sell your prints. Organize your prints into categories, such as landscapes, wildlife, and seasons, to make it easy for customers to browse and find what they’re looking for.

Step 4: Price Your Prints – Determine the pricing for your prints based on factors such as size, print quality, and production costs. Consider offering different pricing tiers to appeal to a variety of budgets and preferences. Be sure to factor in shipping costs if you plan to offer worldwide shipping.

Step 5: Promote Your Prints – Promote your prints through your website, social media channels, and email newsletters. Share sneak peeks of new prints, behind-the-scenes photos of your photography process, and customer testimonials to generate excitement and interest. Consider offering special promotions or discounts to incentivize sales and attract new customers.

Step 6: Provide Excellent Customer Service – Provide excellent customer service to ensure a positive buying experience for your customers. Respond promptly to inquiries, address any concerns or issues promptly, and go above and beyond to exceed customer expectations. A satisfied customer is more likely to become a repeat customer and recommend your prints to others.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can create and sell prints of your campground’s scenery, providing campers with a lasting reminder of their outdoor adventures while generating additional revenue for your campground.

Engaging Contests: Fun for All

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Hosting contests throughout the year is a fantastic way to keep campers engaged and excited about your campground. According to a website called G2:

“75% of participants felt more connected to a brand as consumers.”

Imagine the fun and camaraderie as campers come together for themed contests like a Halloween costume contest where campers can showcase their spookiest outfits, or a Christmas decoration extravaganza where each campsite transforms into a winter wonderland.

For added excitement, consider a unique twist, such as assigning each campsite a specific theme from different decades like the 70s, 80s, or 90s, or genres like disco, hard rock, or hip hop. The mystery adds an element of surprise and anticipation, making the contest even more thrilling.

Displaying the contest entries in galleries on your website keeps your renters entertained year-round and garners exposure for your campground. And here’s the kicker: You can even sell prints of these contest entries, adding another revenue stream to your campground. Plus, these contests create buzz and excitement, attracting new bookings and strengthening your campground’s brand.

Here are some tips for hosting engaging contests:

Tip 1: Choose Relevant Themes – Select contest themes that resonate with your campground’s audience and align with the camping experience. Consider seasonal themes, holidays, or outdoor activities that are popular among campers. For example, you could host a pumpkin carving contest in the fall or a best campfire recipe contest during the summer.

Tip 2: Offer Prizes and Incentives – Provide attractive prizes and incentives to encourage participation and make the contest more exciting. Prizes could include campground merchandise, gift certificates, or discounts on future stays. Consider partnering with local businesses or sponsors to offer unique prizes that appeal to your audience.

Tip 3: Promote Participation – Promote your contests through various channels, including your website, social media, campground signage, and email newsletters. Create eye-catching graphics and engaging content to grab campers’ attention and encourage them to participate. Consider creating a dedicated contest page on your website where campers can learn more and submit their entries.

Tip 4: Make It Easy to Enter – Keep the entry process simple and straightforward to maximize participation. Provide clear instructions on how to enter the contest and any rules or guidelines that participants need to follow. Consider using online entry forms or social media hashtags to streamline the submission process and make it easy for campers to participate from anywhere.

Tip 5: Showcase Contest Entries – Display contest entries in galleries on your website or social media channels to showcase participants’ creativity and build excitement. Encourage campers to vote for their favorite entries or share their own submissions with friends and family. Highlighting contest entries helps create a sense of community among campers and fosters engagement with your brand.

Tip 6: Engage with Participants – Engage with contest participants throughout the duration of the contest by responding to comments, sharing updates, and encouraging interaction. Show appreciation for participants’ efforts and contributions, and thank them for their participation. Building a positive relationship with contest participants can help strengthen brand loyalty and encourage future engagement with your campground.

By following these tips, you can host engaging contests that delight campers, foster a sense of community, and enhance the overall camping experience at your RV campground.

Exclusive Membership Programs: VIP Treatment for Repeat Guests

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Reward your most loyal campers with an exclusive membership program that offers perks and benefits beyond their regular stay. According to Zippia:

“Increasing customer retention rates by just 5% can lead to a profit increase of 25% to 95%.”

Consider offering early access to booking, discounted rates, special events, and personalized amenities for members. This not only rewards loyal guests for their continued patronage but also creates a sense of exclusivity and belonging. Promote these programs through email campaigns and social media to entice guests to join and keep them coming back year after year.

Here’s how you can effectively promote your membership program through email campaigns:

Step 1: Build Your Email List – Start by collecting email addresses from your current guests and website visitors. Offer incentives such as discounts or exclusive content in exchange for signing up for your email list. You can also encourage guests to join your membership program during their stay by highlighting the benefits they’ll receive.

Step 2: Create Compelling Email Content – Craft engaging and personalized email content that highlights the value of your membership program. Include details about the perks and benefits members will receive, such as early access to booking, discounted rates, special events, and personalized amenities. Use persuasive language and compelling visuals to capture your readers’ attention and encourage them to take action.

Step 3: Segment Your Email List – Segment your email list based on factors such as past booking history, interests, and demographics. This allows you to tailor your email content to specific groups of guests and increase the relevance and effectiveness of your campaigns. For example, you can send targeted emails promoting your membership program to guests who have visited multiple times or expressed interest in loyalty programs.

Step 4: Send Targeted Campaigns – Send targeted email campaigns promoting your membership program to segmented groups of guests. Personalize your messages based on each group’s interests and preferences to maximize engagement and conversions. Use A/B testing to experiment with different subject lines, content, and calls to action to optimize your campaigns for better results.

Step 5: Measure and Iterate – Track the performance of your email campaigns using metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. Analyze the data to identify what’s working well and areas for improvement. Use this information to iterate and refine your email marketing strategy over time, ensuring that your membership program continues to attract and retain loyal guests.

By following these steps, you can effectively promote your exclusive membership program through email campaigns and incentivize guests to join, ultimately increasing customer retention and boosting revenue for your RV campground.

Adventure Packages: Curated Experiences for Every Camper

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Enhance your guests’ camping experience with personalized adventure packages tailored to their interests and preferences. Research from Forbes and Skift reveals that:

“57% of travelers prioritize meaningful experiences over material possessions, emphasizing the value of creating lasting memories through travel.”

Whether it’s exploring ancient cities, indulging in local cuisine, or marveling at natural wonders, travelers seek enriching experiences that resonate with them.

To create these memorable experiences at your campground, follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify Your Target Audience – Understand the interests and preferences of your target audience, whether they’re outdoor enthusiasts, families, or adventure seekers.

Step 2: Curate Unique Experiences – Brainstorm a variety of activities aligned with your campground’s location and amenities, such as guided hikes, fishing excursions, stargazing nights, and more.

Step 3: Package Your Experiences – Combine activities into themed adventure packages, like a “Family Fun Package” with scavenger hunts and campfire storytelling, or a “Wilderness Explorer Package” featuring guided hikes and wildlife spotting tours.

Step 4: Price Your Packages – Determine pricing based on activity costs and additional expenses, offering tiered options and add-ons to accommodate different budgets.

Step 5: Promote Your Packages – Market your adventure packages through your website, social media, email newsletters, and local partnerships, highlighting unique experiences to attract new visitors.

Step 6: Provide Excellent Customer Service – Deliver exceptional service throughout guests’ stays, ensuring well-organized activities and responsiveness to their needs, and encourage feedback and reviews to enhance promotion.

For example, imagine a family of outdoor enthusiasts staying at your campground. By offering a “Family Adventure Package” that includes guided nature hikes, wildlife spotting tours, and a campfire cooking class, you provide them with a memorable and enriching experience tailored to their interests. This personalized touch not only enhances their stay but also encourages them to return for more unforgettable adventures.

Conclusion:

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And there you have it, fellow campground owners! With these creative strategies, SmugMug magic, and a whole lot more, you can maximize revenue for your RV campground while creating unforgettable experiences for your guests. From capturing precious memories to selling stunning prints and hosting engaging contests, the possibilities are endless.

By implementing these strategies, you can transform your RV campground into a thriving destination that attracts visitors from near and far. Whether you’re encouraging repeat bookings through exceptional customer service, selling prints of your campground’s scenery to eager campers, or showcasing your commitment to sustainability, each step brings you closer to achieving your campground’s goals.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to put these strategies into action, elevate your RV campground business, and create experiences that keep guests coming back year after year, right? Whether you’re a seasoned campground owner or new to the industry, these innovative approaches can help you unlock new revenue streams and establish your campground as a must-visit destination!

Ready to take the next step?

Disclaimer: Please note that the examples and success stories referenced throughout this article are provided for illustrative purposes only. While they represent successful strategies employed by various RV campground owners, individual results may vary based on factors such as location, market conditions, and operational considerations. We encourage you to adapt and customize these strategies to suit your unique circumstances and business objectives. As with any business endeavor, thorough research, careful planning, and experimentation may be necessary to achieve desired outcomes.

Cheers!