How to Start My Own RV Camping Park

If you love the outdoors and enjoy camping, you may want to consider being an RV campground owner. Being an RV campground owner means meeting the needs of the campers. It takes long hours and quite a bit of maintenance, but camping is a booming industry that will rake in the profits for you.

1. Decide on where you want your campground to be located. The ultimate choice would be an isolated area, where there are lots of trees. This is the perfect scenario because it is quiet and peaceful for campers to enjoy. 


2. Create a business plan in order to get financing for your campground. You business plan needs to include what your plans are for your campground, what the results will be when the park is completed and what your target market is. You then present your business plan to investors or the bank you do business with to receive the funding you need.


3. Go to your local city hall to obtain a business license in order to operate your campground. You will also need to get a construction and development permit to build your campground.


4. Purchase some land if you don’t already own some; keep in mind that this is an expensive venture, but a worthy investment. Consider what kind of scenery you want to provide for you campers; trees provide a lot of shade, ponds creating fishing and swimming opportunities and hiking trails provide an active adventure. Whatever landscape you choose, be sure the land is level so it is easier for campers to park.


5. Be certain the land can be utilized as a campground. The zoning board will decide this for you after inspecting the land. Network with other campground owners through the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds. They also have a lot of information for new campground owners.


6. Hire people to get your project up and running or do it yourself if you have the skills. You will need landscaping, paving, wiring, plumbing, dump station, swimming pool, picnic area, fire pits, gaming area, bathrooms with showers, a laundry facility and business office.


7. Calculate the fee that you will charge your campers. Take into consideration your costs for staff and maintenance. You want to check what your competitors are charging because you don’t want to charge too much, but you also don’t want to charge a lesser amount that will not bring in profits for you.


8. Create a website for your campground. With most people using the Internet these days, people will be looking online for a campground. On your website you want to include the history of your campground, specials you may have, pictures of the campground and a place where customers can make a reservation right online.  Other ways to market your campground is to send out a press release to your local newspaper and create or purchase flyers to put around town in places such as convenience stores and the library.