This post was originally published on August 31, 2021. It has been updated to include recent data and insights. 

Campgrounds have evolved in recent decades from simple sites and a fire pit to offer other campground amenities galore like waterparks, glamping yurts, portable jacuzzis, and more. Incorporating add-on amenities that compliment your park will not only attract more campers but also increase your revenue.

Campspot campground owners earned over $33 million in add-on revenue in 2022, a 26% year-over-year increase.

So far, from January 1 to March 14, 2023, campground owners on Campspot have already made nearly $7 million from add-on revenue alone.

After camp store revenue, the top revenue stream for campground owners in 2022 was add-ons such as firewood and daily rentals. As far as what types of amenities and add-ons campgrounds are looking to add in 2023, dog parks topped the list (26%).

After that, campground owners wanted to add internet access (23%), bathrooms (19%), special events (15%), general stores (13%), and playgrounds (13%).

Free Download: The Latest Camping Insights for Campground Owners 

Luckily, there are more opportunities than ever to offer new and creative amenities and items that delight your guests. View our top list of park add-on amenities that have not only grown in popularity but have generated substantial park revenue.

Read Next: Campspot’s 2022 Year-End Reca(m)p

Top Add-On Campground Amenities

1. Golf Carts

With expansive parks and numerous attractions, golf cart rentals are a great option. Many campgrounds already feature golf cart rentals but with the ability to include them as an add-on option within Campspot’s reservation platform, many have seen an increase in popularity.

2. Bike Rentals

Similar to golf cart rentals, bikes have great revenue potential. Eliminating the hassle of transportation, bikes allow campers to arrive with minimal camping supplies while still having the ability to travel to neighboring attractions or adjacent bike trails. Some bike options are more recreational than others and include multi-person bikes or pedal carts. Understanding the amenities and location of your park will help understand add-on revenue potential and what bike style is the best investment for your park.

3. Linens

For cabins and rentable units, linens are a must. Including these as an add-on option acknowledges the value of the product as well as eliminates the hassle later. A family arriving may need an extra set of linens and adding this product when booking the site, eliminates possible confusion later.

4. Boat Rentals

Rental boats showcase your natural resources and eliminate the hassle of transporting boats for guests. Water frontage is a selling point for booking campground stays. Find ways to showcase the natural amenity through add-on options.

5. Hammocks

Hammocks are a trendy item that has grown in popularity over the recent years. The ability to have compact travel and storage has been increasingly convenient when camping. For parks that offer tree coverage, this add-on option is a great consideration. A camper may not be committed to personally purchasing a hammock but may find it a convenient amenity to have available.

 

6. Mini Golf

Catch guests before their vacation time is filled with other activities and highlight your mini-golf course. By allowing them to book their experiences with their stay, you can showcase your amenities and make sure they have a complete picture of everything they can do within the park.

7. Jacuzzis and Hot Tubs

With waterparks and larger campgrounds, finding site-based attractions has been an add-on revenue generator. Personal hot tubs delivered to sites have been a fun option that many guests would not be aware of without add-on attention. Jacuzzis have a great way to keep campers inside the park and entertained.

8. Firewood and Fire Pits

As the camping industry has grown in recent years, it is apparent that many guests want to camp with ease and convenience. Providing firewood or access to a fire pit is just a simple way to add to the ease of the stay. Not only does offering firewood as an add-on allow you to understand your supply and demand before campers arrive, but it offers convenience for your guests.

9. Cabanas

Do you have an expansive waterpark with cabana options? Highlight this feature when reserving sites! Most guests may be unaware that you offer private cabanas unless notified before the stay.

10. Fun Pass

Do you offer many family fun amenities? Including a fun pass as an add-on may be just right for you. Combine several attractions into one pass and showcase what activities you offer. Include gem mining, crafts, jumping pillows, laser tag, and more! Even bundle a souvenir cup for more of an incentive.

11. RV Rentals

When it comes to campground amenities, RV rentals are another type you might consider making available at your park. It’s a great way to introduce curious campers to this type of camping. Set up and maintain a rig to allow campers an affordable but more upscale experience that allows them to be more hands off while still enjoying all of the incredible perks of the RV lifestyle.

 

Add-on campground amenities not only offer a differential advantage from other parks but create substantial revenue. You may already be offering many of these amenities, but highlighting them as add-on options will create further popularity and sales. With nearly 40% of campers saying they spend the entire time or most of the time at their campsite, there is more opportunity than ever to showcase all your park has to offer!

This post was originally published on August 31, 2021. It has been updated to include recent data and insights. 

Finding a Secure Campground Reservation Software

Campground reservation software unlocks enormous potential for growing RV parks and campgrounds. From point-of-sale (POS) systems, add-on amenities, housekeeping schedules, and remote check-in features, an online management system can save time and boost revenue. But not all software is created equally. As you compare campground reservation software solutions and determine what’s best for your campground, one thing to consider is security, practices, and transparency. Investing in a software that securely stores and protects your data will ensure you’re set up for success, and keep your business and your campers’ important information safe.

But what does secure software actually look like? Read on for advice on how to select the very best option for your campground.

Tip #1: Your Software Needs a Backup Option

As a campground owner, you’ve learned to plan for the unexpected. Whether it’s early arrivals, ice shortages, water leaks, or plumbing repairs, you rise to the occasion and adapt. Your reservation software should do the same! When it comes to a campground management solution, cloud-based options are essential. Unlike desktop apps or a pen and paper approach, cloud-based software can be accessed on multiple devices and always has a backup. When a computer crashes unexpectedly, you can be confident that your reservation data is safe and easily accessible on a different device.

Backups are also really helpful for reporting. By finding software that offers automatic reporting options, you can schedule reports to arrive directly in your inbox as a backup. If anything unexpected happens, you can be confident pulling up your backup data in those reports.

Questions to ask when exploring campground reservation software solutions: 

1. How does your company store my data?
2. What are your company’s backup options when it comes to securing our data?

Backup Options at Campspot

At Campspot, we store our data in Amazon Web Services (AWS) using Amazon’s flavor of MySQL database (Aurora MySQL). The database is only accessible to our internal systems and authorized users who have access to our production Virtual Private Network (VPN).  Furthermore, those users are regularly audited to ensure that access is still needed and appropriate.

For backup purposes, this database is copied in real-time to another AWS region for assurance and to not overload the website. The database also has a snapshot taken every morning; these are stored for 60 days. Campspot is deeply invested in the security of your data and in the rigor with which we protect and store your data.

Tip #2: Read the Fine Print

We get it. Terms and Conditions can be a little intimidating. But you shouldn’t have to have a law degree to be able to understand if your campground reservation software solution is secure. The right campground reservation software will be user-friendly and up front about your data security.

We recommend reviewing the Terms and Conditions and getting in touch to ask questions if there’s anything that’s unclear.

Here are some helpful terms to keep an eye out for when reviewing company policies and terms and conditions:

• “secure storage”
• “industry best practices”
• phrases similar to “ensures confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data”.

These key phrases show that the company you’re considering takes data and security seriously, and is aware of best practices.

Be cautious of anything that claims to store data on a “blockchain” or “append-only ledger”. These phrases can be a red flag that your data and your guest’s data may not be as secure.

Questions to ask when exploring campground reservation software solutions: 

1. How is data managed at your company?
2. What are examples or ways you might use our data at your company?

Data Terms & Conditions at Campspot

At Campspot, we believe that important data is yours, and yours alone, and you have the right and responsibility to know how it is stored and used. We clearly state in our service agreement that “You retain all ownership rights in and to the Customer Data provided by you or on your behalf that is associated with your Account.” 

We’re often asked if we share our data and with whom. We welcome these conversations and want to be clear that Campspot does not share data. In fact, information is never shared outside of an internal need-to-know basis, not even with industry partners and investors. Not only would sharing data with partners be unethical but also illegal and that’s a stance that Campspot takes very seriously.

One of the common misperceptions about Campspot is that we market to a campground’s customers via the Marketplace or other advertising channels. Though we advertise and promote the Marketplace as a whole in order to connect more campers to your campground, we do not, nor would we legally be able to, market to your customers directly. Your customer data is secure within your system.

If your customer creates a Campspot.com account or explicitly opts into marketing communications from the Campspot Marketplace, they may receive Marketplace advertisements encouraging them to book more camping trips. Rest assured, under no circumstance would Campspot advertise to customers that only booked with your campground directly.

Tip #3: Look for Certifications

When it comes to software security, actions speak louder than words. There are a few certifications you can look for that require external audits and third-party endorsements including PCI, SOX, and SOC to name a few of the more popular ones. These certifications take rigor and require external audits to acquire. Knowing that your reservation software company is willing to go above and beyond with these certifications can help assure that they will be intentional about your data.

Questions to ask when exploring campground reservation software solutions: 

1. What certifications do you have?
2. Are there any additional certifications you plan to pursue?
3. Is there anyone at your company dedicated to security and compliance?

Campspot Certifications

Campspot has SOC and SOX and is pursuing PCI-DSS Merchant Level 1 certification as we grow. These compliance certifications are lengthy processes that require significant ongoing investments, both in terms of time and resources, and entail annual upkeep. We take the responsibility of data stewardship very seriously and remain committed to investing in these security measures.

As you look for a reservation system that is right for you, be empowered with an understanding of what questions to ask about your software’s security. By asking the right questions before you join and onboard, you can avoid major headaches and problems in the future.

Read Next: Cyber Security 

If you are interested in learning more about Campspot’s features or about whether or not it’s right for you, reach out to our team at sales@campspot.com or customersuccess@campspot.com.

How did you join the camping industry? Maybe it was a passion for the outdoors. A family legacy.  Perhaps you were looking for a new adventure or business opportunity. Regardless of your path, we’re guessing you don’t get out of bed every morning excited to write cancellation policies and determine your campground rules and rates. Yet, these elements of your operations are essential to your overall success and ability to grow your business. 

To break down the process and make it a breeze, we spoke with Marcia Neese, owner of Riverwalk RV Park. In this post, we share her wisdom in the hopes that it helps fire you up to write a cancellation policy that’s clear, informed, and well-suited to your business and campers’ needs. 

Why Create a Cancellation Policy? 

While you want your guests to enjoy themselves and have a relaxing experience, structured rules and guidelines—while they might seem like a drag—can actually ensure a guest’s experience is a positive, frictionless experience.  A cancellation policy is a great way to be upfront and transparent with your guests about your business’s unique rules. By spelling out the details for them, you’ll avoid any surprises or misunderstandings along the way. 

Online Cancellations Are Unique to Your Park

Riverwalk RV Park is a destination park located in Jonesville, North Carolina, that is often very busy with weekend traffic and events. Guests can time their visits during an ax-throwing competition, or visit local wineries, restaurants, and more! With 48 transient campsites, they needed to write a cancellation policy that reflected their specific business model. In our conversation with Marcia, she stressed the importance of building a policy that works for you. There is no “cookie-cutter” solution or verbiage that fits all cases of the industry. Marcia also stated, “More is better when writing a cancellation policy. Do not be vague. Guests can know what is expected and it makes things easier for desk help to advise with a more thorough policy.” If you review their online cancellation policy you will notice a detailed outline of rates and refunds. 

Accepting Online Cancellations Through Email

Some aspects of the hospitality industry allow for cancellation via email. At Riverwalk RV Park, they do not accept cancellations through that channel. All disclosure is only seen through their website and by allowing email cancellations, it opens the door for a lot of back and forth. By limiting this option, they can protect their time as well as ensure all guests see their policy on their website.

Cancellation Policies Protect Your Investment

As demand for campsites continues to grow, the need for cancellation policies has become increasingly apparent. Guests, afraid to not get a campsite at all, may prematurely book only to cancel and rebook later. Campgrounds, on the other hand, may face a larger number of last-minute cancellations because of weather forecasts or plans changing and rush to fill last-minute occupancies. With holidays, in particular, campers often book very far in advance—even up to a year. Marcia noted that campgrounds need to be very strict with their policies around holidays. Protect your time and investments with a cancellation fee and a limited refund policy the closer the cancellation occurs to the stay. As you will ultimately still experience cancellations, knowing you have protected your time and investment will help elevate the inconvenience. 

Another point to consider is weather forecasts and cancellations. Marica noted a recent change to their policy that served to eliminate campers canceling from weather forecasts. By breaking down their policy into day increments, they could offer refunds or campground credit depending on the notice a camper would provide. 

Do Strict Cancellation Policies Reduce the Number of Overall Reservations? 

Cancellations are a key piece of campground management and should be built with consideration to your park’s needs and investment. In the case of Riverwalk RV Park’s season, they experienced their first year with an increased cancellation policy. Even with this change cancellations did not slow but all rebooked within 30 second to a minute later. Remember, guests are modern consumers who encounter cancellation policies in many facets of their lives. While it’s possible you may deter a few campers, ultimately you’re safeguarding the overall experience of your guests, and the financial stability of your business.  

Key Things to Consider Including 

• Required deposits, if they are requested for specific types or lengths of stays
• The amount you will refund depending on how far in advance the cancellation is made  
• How you handle “no shows” 
• If and how your holiday reservation policy differs from your normal policies 
• Which circumstances qualify for a refund 
• Late check-in rules 
• Where to go to answer questions or for further assistance 

Where Should the Cancellation Policy Live? 

In order to ensure that guests agree to your cancellation policy, it’s important to make it a seamless part of their booking experience. As a best practice, be sure to use a reservation software that offers the ability for guests to view your cancellation policy when they book. By ensuring they are able to view your terms, you maintain transparency and allow you to follow up later in a way that’s expected. 

As you build your own cancellation policies and park rules, be sure to explore other campgrounds and parks that are similar to yours. Remember to build a policy that works for you and note what others have included and found helpful. By building out structure to your cancellation policy, you can save yourself stress and future headaches while providing great customer service to a thriving industry.

 

When deciding on a reservation software, “management” terms are used interchangeably. However, not all Campground reservations systems are the same. It is crucial to unpack all features and understand if you require a platform to just take online reservations or capture more aspects needed for campground management.

What industry was the software intended for? 

Often, suppliers service with industries in mind — such as hotel hospitality or the campground industry. Reservation systems and management tools will look a lot different for those seeking hotel operations versus campground management. The native industry that software was created for impacts every facet of operations today. Tools such as OTA integration, housekeeping, reporting, reservations, and automation may overlap, but the ins and outs of operations will look vastly different.

Instead of simply comparing features, take the time to dive into the details and know if your process and workflows will be compatible with the software you are considering. This diligence will eliminate later frustration when you try to accommodate long-term guests, group reservations, or other campground-specific scenarios.

What features do you need?

Reservation software can offer simply online reservations or encompass a variety of campground management tools. Features can include dynamic pricing, meter reading, gift card capabilities, lock site features, text messaging, grid optimization, add-ons, remote check-In, e-signatures, point-of-sale system, accounting tools, and housekeeping as well as online reservations.

Overall, look for features that fit your work style. If you spend a lot of time away from the front desk, make sure your management system is cloud-based and able to be viewed on mobile. If you have several e-commerce locations on-site make sure your POS system can facilitate several locations.

Additionally, when choosing a campground management platform, make sure the solution can grow with you. Your current needs may only include online reservations but can your software handle growth and expansion in the future? Would your business benefit from other features? Campspot is a campground management platform that allows you to turn off features and explore them slowly as you grow. Find a solution that fits your current needs but also allows you to grow in the future.

Revenue Driving Versus Supplying

The difference between simply a reservation software and a campground management system is the approach to growth. Reservation systems can simply be an expense if it is not offering other areas of financial growth. With a campground management system, you can strategize growth opportunities and capture more revenue through an array of smart features.

 

 

One RV park customer in Wyoming used Campspot’s dynamic pricing feature to vary rates based on occupancy levels and made an extra $6,000 in one month from this feature alone.

Another campground customer in New York saw an 86.5% increase in their golf cart rentals the first year they switched to Campspot.

Instead of viewing online reservations as a business expense, it can be a revenue-driving tool with the right campground management platform. Explore all features and see how they can save your time and increase your revenue.

If you have any questions or have interested in viewing a live demo about Campspot’s Management Software please contact us here.

Campgrounds offer many full-service business model structures adopted from the hospitality industry. With the capabilities to offer high-end amenities, glamping options, vacation rentals, and more, it only makes sense to have a (POS) point-of-sale system that can help elevate your business even more!

Explore Campspot’s POS system and see why over 5.4 million items were sold this last year alone.

With Campspot’s POS system you can manage your camp store, snack shack, or tackle and bait shop all in one platform. With such a cloud-based system, each location reports real-time statistics with portable capabilities. Easily bill a customer on your phone for that campfire wood or propane on the other side of the park. In the same way, the camp store inventory can be separate from the snack shack while being under one account to gather and export reports. As you receive merchandise from your vendors, you can easily organize and monitor inventory.

 

 

From everything to the candy bar, souvenir water bottle, t-shirt, or fishing bait, you can showcase it all without being limited with maximum product restrictions! This detailed breakdown of products allows for easy inventory organization and a seamless checkout process. Even your newest store employee will be able to find merchandise and check out quickly. Additionally, since each guest’s information is captured at checkout, you can easily search a name, add it to the sale, and better understand sales trends and preferences.

 

 

When it comes to vacation experiences, we have seen the hotel industry provide ways to enjoy and indulge without payment hassles at the moment. Room service bills, spa experiences, snacks in the lobby, all of which can be added to the bill. What you may not realize, when a customer books through Campspot’s reservation platform, credit card information is captured within PCI-compliant guidelines to offer similar service capabilities. Easily allow your guests to purchase a t-shirt, snow cone, or treat and add it to their bill. When the camper at the waterpark wants ice cream, they can stop in without worrying about grabbing their wallet. Without payment hassles at the moment, you are sure to see an increase in revenue.

 

 

As a campground business owner, finding a reservation system that not only services booking needs but also point-of-sale management can give back well deserved time. Not only are you able to easily organize and manage products, but also report and gain important information on customer buying habits.

Whether you’re a novice or professional when it comes to camping, it is inevitable that at one point or another you will forget something. With this fear in mind, it is easy to overcompensate and pack too much. To escape from the everyday humdrum of life, it is important to consider what is essential and what to not bring camping. Follow this list of 8 items you should never bring camping—and campground owners, share this list with your campers to help them stay informed!

1. Electronics

Though it may seem challenging at times, camping provides an opportunity to truly unplug. Avoid packing video games, expensive electronics, laptops, and music players. Not only will it ensure that nothing is damaged during your vacation, but it allows you to take the time to truly experience the nature around you. Whether it is exploring a new trail or taking in the sunrise, you should not be distracted by your usual electronic demands.

2. Glass Items

In the hustle of packing food and grocery items, it can be easy to forget the packaging involved. Packaging can include glass canisters or bottles that may easily break during transport or use. Glass items, when accidentally broken, become a hazard to yourself and fellow campers when shards are left on the ground. Finding alternative sustainable packaging options ensures that nothing will harm the environment while eliminating extra things that need to be carried or disposed of later.

 

 

3. Single Use Plastic Bottles

To prevent unnecessary waste, it is important to pack a reusable water bottle instead of a disposable, one-time use bottle. Reusable water bottles and thermoses eliminate the need to use countless plastic bottles that you have to transport back and forth—or worse if you don’t recycle them and they end up in landfills or eventually the ocean. Campgrounds offer potable water resources to make refilling easy and safe for staying hydrated while camping.

4. Body Sprays and Fragrances

Though it may seem like a personal challenge to not wear your favorite fragrance for any extended length of time, it is important to consider the many reasons why you should leave perfume at home. Camping provides the opportunity to give yourself a bit of a break when it comes to personal appearance. Enjoy the opportunity to get a little dirty, sweaty, or out of your comfort zone. Additionally, many fragrances often attract unwanted animals and bugs while contaminating the fresh outside air. Pack your trusty deodorant stick only and embrace the wild.

5. Wet Wipes

Most campers are unaware of the long-term effects of wet wipes and flushable wipes. In just a single camping season, these products can do considerable damage to campground waste management, sewer, and septic systems. Campgrounds appreciate contentious campers who care about the environment and their facilities. When it comes to wet wipes, even those that claim to be flushable, please leave them at home.

 

 

6. Everything and the Kitchen Sink

Avoid packing excessive cookware that takes up space. Not only does it ensure your favorite pan does not get ruined, but it also allows you to try fun ways to cook in the outdoors. Use tin foil to create dishes that cook over a campfire or challenge yourself to make a three-course meal on a roasting stick. Minimalistic cooking saves you the time and hassle of excessive dishwashing and provides a more relaxing camping experience. Your gourmet meals may look a little different at the campsite, but they will surely be more memorable to make.

7. Personal Jacuzzis

Some new campers may have trouble living more minimally than in everyday life. Learning to leave extra amenities and unnecessary luxuries at home can ensure authentic camping experiences. Avoid packing inflatable personal jacuzzis and bulky items that distract from the experience of other campers. These are a huge energy and resource drain on RV parks, and most owners are adapting their rules to outlaw personal jacuzzis or other inflatable personal-sized pools from the onset. Instead, take the opportunity to explore natural water resources that you otherwise would not be able to.

8. Electric Heaters

Electric heaters may seem like an essential item to pack, but many campers are often unaware of their impact. Heaters risk melting or igniting nearby objects or forgotten flammable canisters such as bug spray. Camping also often takes place in compact spaces that do not allow for the adequate safety distance a heater requires. Additionally, space heaters require certain electrical outlets and extension cords while using a lot of power. Opt for other ways to stay warm instead, like cuddling up to your camping buddy, packing appropriate thermal clothing, and using insulated sleeping bags. As Smokey Bear reminds us, only you can prevent wildfires!

The best part of camping is to experience new things and relax with loved ones in the great outdoors. Conscientious and minimalist packing will allow you to create new memories, share more laughs rather than things, and give yourself a much-needed break.