Campground management and ownership takes a lot of dedication and, oftentimes, problem-solving. For many, it might feel like you are on your own, but you’re not. There are tons of resources available online allowing you to tap into industry professionals who have been there and done that.
In this blog, we outline some of the great resources, from podcasts to online communities, available to help owners succeed and their campgrounds thrive.
Facebook Groups:
Facebook might seem like an endless web of news and baby pictures but it can also be used to pick the brains of other campground owners facing similar challenges. Here are a few that we go to when asking questions ranging from best practices to ideas for events and even legal advice when dealing with troublesome guests.
There is even a group for those new to the industry or thinking about getting into management:
Get into the RV Park and Campground Business Group
Podcasts:
When managing a campground there is a lot of day-to-day tasks that don’t require much brainpower. So why not fill that time with ideas and tips about campground management? Podcasts are a great way to immerse yourself in industry conversations even when you’re doing something like mopping floors.
The RV Atlas - Although the majority of their podcast covers tips for RVers, they do have 4 podcasts centered around campground management tips.
The Camp Owners Podcast - “We sit down with camp industry experts, leaders, and fellow camp owners to hear how the camp dream transpired for them, learn from each other, and discuss some of the biggest issues in the private camp industry.”
Woodall's Campground Management: WCM Fireside Chats covers everything from trends to tourism statistics that could impact your park. Although these are videos, they can be listened to instead of being watched.
Blogs:
Bored on a Sunday afternoon or looking for something to read before bed? Blogs are a perfect way to fill up your free time while expanding your knowledge base or even just get event ideas.
Bonfire: Bonfire is a campground management and reservation software provider but Bonfire’s blog is packed with useful tips, tricks, and ideas. Check out some of our favorite ones below or browse them all here.
Campground Accounting: This company provides campground accounting. Their blog might be a little less fun than blogs like Bonfires, but if you are looking for great information for tricky subjects like permits, this is the blog for you. Find some of our favorites below:
Publications and Websites:
Good Sam Guide Series - This directory is released every year and is packed with over 15,000 services, RV Parks, public campgrounds, and more. You can stay on top of what RVers are looking for, what is being offered by your competitors, and more.
Woodall’s Campground Management - Woodalls has been a leader in the campground industry for almost 100 years. Sign up for their newsletter and get a weekly digest of news, trends, and reports.
ARVC- The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds is perhaps the most important organization to be a part of as well as use. ARVC puts out an abundance of helpful content. Follow them on Facebook or sign up for their newsletter to get access to industry reports and campground management news.
KOA - KOA’s content is mostly geared towards campers, however, each year they release an extensive report on industry trends. Click here for 2019’s report and keep an eye out for 2020’s report which should be released in April or May 2021.
Software and Online Tools:
Online Reservation & Management Tools: Finding the right software for your park can be a daunting process, but is a must in this online-driven world. Click here to read our article on choosing the right software for your campground where we breakdown the top management and online reservation tools - Astra, Bonfire, Campground Master, and Campspot.
Simple Website Builders: You have to have a website and online presence. If you want to build your website yourself, there are great tools out there. Check out Squarespace and Wix. Each cost less than $50 a month and can be built in one day.
Websites to List Your Campground: Although you will want to drive the majority of your online reservations to your own website, we suggest you list your park on as many websites as possible. This will only help with exposure. Below is a list of the sites where people are looking to book their park:
Airbnb has expanded into camping, especially glamping. You do have to have a cabin or stationary RV to list.
From online communities that connect you to other campground owners to top industry organizations helping you stay on top of industry trends, there are a plethora of resources out there for campground owners and managers to take advantage of.
Together we can all help each other succeed and keep campers happy. If you have anything to add to this list, please reach out to us at howdy@letsbonfire.com.
If you want to know more about Bonfire's simple to use campground management software and dedicated online booking pages, please reach out to us at howdy@letsbonfire.com. When comparing management software, what should you look for when finding the perfect software for your company? In this blog, we dive into choosing the perfect software for your campground based on size, cost, and more.
Need help marketing your campground without the use of marketplaces? We got your back there too. Check out our blog on marketing RV Parks and campgrounds where we explore everything from paid ads to the use of email marketing.
