How to Starting a Primitive Campground Business

With the right measures and constant energy, a primitive campground can absolutely become a profitable investment.

A primitive campground is merely a campground with primitive backgrounds. Starting a primitive campground requires some crucial components to ensure success. Please note that if you intend to start this type of business, it is advisable to first look at the existing laws and zonal regulations in the country or state you reside in to know what is expected of you.

You also need to pay a visit to the regulatory bodies in your country to get all the information you need before you can legally open a primitive campground business from a small town in the United States and if you are good at what you do when it comes to creating a unique camping experience, it won’t be too long before your brand becomes a nationally recognized brand.

Steps on How to Start a Primitive Campground

1. Understand the Industry

First and foremost, it is important to state that the primitive campground sector is part of the gigantic Campgrounds and RV parks industry. Businesses in this industry are known to operate recreational vehicle (RV) parks and campgrounds, as well as recreational and vacation camps.

The industry also includes trailer and caravan parks and wilderness camps. These businesses also cater to outdoor enthusiasts and commonly provide access to facilities such as washrooms, laundry rooms, recreation halls and playgrounds.

From 2015 to 2020, the market for campgrounds and RV parks has grown by 1%, according to an industry market report conducted by IBIS World. Although this may not seem like a high number, it simply means the growth is slow and continuous, and also businesses are keeping up with the demand without being overwhelmed.

Census data statistics show that an average of ten thousand baby boomers are retiring every day, and many of them look to spend their retirement travelling across the continental United States in an RV. The latest count puts the number of RVs owned at 8 million- and they all need somewhere to live as they travel.

Millennial are also entering the marketplace. Millennial are the lock to pick in order to continue the growth of this industry as more and more of them are looking for an escape into nature. Millennial parents are sure to translate this love to their children; most people go camping with at least one other generation of their family.

Note that of the 1.4 million households that started camping in 2018 alone, 56% are Millennial and 51% are from non-white groups. Millennial currently make up the largest segment of campers at 41%, up 7 percentage points since 2014, and Gen Xers make up 36%, up 9 percentage points.

Notably, the explosion of camping is leading to greater diversity as well. Since the ethnic mix of campers was first measured in 2012, the percentage of non-white camping households has grown from 12 percent to 29 percent. What’s more, for the first time since measurement of new campers began in 2014, the percentage of new non-white campers (51%) in 2018 outpaced the percentage of new Caucasian campers (49%).

Also have it in mind that changes in life stage, specifically starting a family, are a major factor urging the growth of camping. Fifty-four percent of Millennial are now camping with kids and when asked what the main trigger that got them to camp more, the majority said having kids.

Experts believe that this group took the most camping trips and spent the most nights camping in 2018, and are substantially more likely to camp more often in 2019. Half of all campers also proclaim their love of the outdoors is what ignited their interest in camping. Note that this has become the leading driver over the last five years.

Campers in the United States are beginning to see camping and other forms of outdoor recreation (hiking, biking fishing, etc.) as one in the same. This trend is being driven primarily by younger campers.

These Campers are also sharing the love too with 48% of new campers reporting that other people got them interested in camping. Generally, campers – no matter age or ethnic background – view camping as a time to reduce stress, relax, clear their minds, and spend more time with family.

2. Conduct Market Research and Feasibility Studies

• Demographics and Psychographics

Primitive camping may be a bare-bone, refreshing proposition but doing it comfortably – and safely – requires some forethought and planning. Researching your campground ahead of time is imperative both for your safety and to ensure minimal impact on the place in which you’re camping.

Normally in the camping business, your customer types will depend on the type of campground you are running. With a primitive campground, your customers will like tent camping and if your campground also features sites with utilities, you’ll attract “glampers,” those with RVs that enjoy having all the comforts of home.

Experts in the industry also estimate 2020 Industry revenue at $8.7 billion, with major markets for the industry segmented by people aged 34 years and under (41%), 35 to 54 years (36%), and 55 years and over (23%).

Comprising the largest portion of campgrounds and RV parks industry revenue, people aged 34 and under have increased participation in outdoor activities. Free Wi-Fi and music festivals with campsites have contributed to the segment’s growth over the past five years.

Also note that people aged 35 to 54 have more or less reached their peak earning and so contribute more to disposable income and free time to travel. People aged 55 and over currently represent the smallest segment, but they are expected to become the fastest growing segment in the industry.

Almost 10% of RV owners are over the age of 55, and they typically have more disposable income and leisure time due to retirement.

3. Decide Which Niche to Concentrate On

Indeed campground business ideas are endless, especially in the United States. There are already Boy Scout Camps, Girl Scout Camps, Church Camps, and Camps for the Handicapped. Everywhere you look in the country there are camps that cater to specific groups.

Starting a Campground that does the same can make yours a destination campground in your region or state. Here are few business themes to consider for your primitive campground;

• Flyfishing campground
• Rafting, canoeing and kayaking campground
• Motorhome only campground
• Swimming campground
• Fitness campground
• Wheelchair friendly campground
• Extended stay campground
• Tent camping only campground
• Seniors only campground
• Tiny Homes on wheels campground
• Wildlife rehab campground for people who want to see nature up close while animals are rehabilitated
• Sailing campground for people who want to learn to sail while they’re camping

The Level of Competition in the Campground Industry

Camping is growing in popularity. According to the 2019 North American Camping Report, America is home to 78.8 million campers, an increase from the 71.5 million counted in 2014.

Its appeal casts a wide net, is multi-generational and crosses a deep economic swath. And for the first time in the study’s history, the percentage of new campers from non-white multicultural groups (51%) outpaces that of Caucasians (49%).

Campground rentals and other accommodations account for about 80% of industry revenue; other sources of revenue include membership fees (5%); and sales of food and beverages (4%). RV parks also generate revenue by selling fuel, souvenirs, and vehicle parts and accessories.

Have it in mind that demand in this industry is driven by personal income and tourist travel. The profitability of individual campgrounds tends to depend mainly on site occupancy rate and effective marketing. Note that bigger campgrounds have advantages in diversity of site offerings and amenities.

But small campgrounds can compete well by marketing to their target demographic and by obtaining desirable locations. The US RV parks and campgrounds industry is fragmented: the 50 largest companies account for about 25% of industry revenue. Most RV park operators are privately held, single-location companies.

4. Know Your Major Competitors in the Industry

Here are some of the most popular Primitive Campgrounds or camp spots in the United States of America;

• White Mountain National Forest.
• Olympic National Park – Port Angeles, Washington.
• Sawtooth Mountains. Credit
• Badlands National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Grand Teton National Park
• Glacier Bay National Park
• North Cascades National Park

Economic Analysis

Starting and running a primitive campground can be a good investment, but expect a lifestyle change. If you’re looking for a way to bring meaning into your life and spend time connecting with nature, starting this business will help you towards it.

Even better, buying a campground or RV park that’s already listed for sale can be a leg up, and since most are family businesses, you will likely be supported throughout the journey.

There are several revenue streams for primitive campgrounds in the United States. The priorities of baby boomers and millennial are different, and to maximize your own revenue you will have to satisfy them both. Baby boomers are known to put a lot of their budget on food, beverages, and campground fees. Baby boomers tend to also show a preference towards RVs and the comfort they bring to being in nature.

However, one of the drawbacks that campgrounds have- which deter Rvers from picking them- are the restrictions on extending their vehicle. Building a campground which has the resources to allow this will greatly appeal to your target demographic.

On the other hand, millennial tend to prefer campgrounds that offer Wi-Fi and full amp hook-ups, spending more of their budgets towards campsites that offer glamping, or glamorous camping. Experts also believe that people like to engage in different activities when they’re out in nature, such as fishing, canoeing, and mountain biking. The amenities you offer will help you establish your brand.

There is a lot of money to be saved by knowing your land inside and out. In fact, most of your time as owner-operator will be spent tending to the land, fixing things that have come apart, and finding ways to add more amenities for your customers.

For instance, by understanding the technical details of how power lines run through your land, you may be able to fix a small issue by yourself, or at the very least, know what a fair price would be for a contractor to charge you to fix it. Among eligible households, reports also show that only 42% of households are non-campers that don’t participate in the outdoors industry at all. It simply means that more than half of the households surveyed are camping.

Specifically, 44% of households are active campers, going camping more frequently, multiple times yearly. Suffice to say, the art of camping and RV tripping lives on, slowly dazzling new generations.

5. Decide Whether to Buy a Franchise or Start from Scratch

If you are interested in owning a primitive campground in the United States, it is advisable you leverage on the franchise Business model to set up your own business. It is one of your best bets because entrepreneurs regularly seek the best franchises available.

Have it in mind that franchising is a $1.3 trillion industry and these franchises are considered superior to start-ups. Here are some of the best campground and RV Park franchises to buy in the United States of America;

• Kampgrounds of America Inc
• Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts

6. Know the Possible Threats and Challenges You Will Face

A primitive campground business comes with unique challenges, and no two businesses experience the same types of challenge. In the design of a campground, hiring a licensed and reputable landscape architect is mainly an important consideration.

In designing, make sure that the parking design provides the targeted amenities. You also have to submit the landscaping prints and park blueprints to county and local officials for approval.

Another challenge you might likely face is the time it takes to process and receive approval to construct a primitive campground. You will have to take the time to submit the plans at least one year in advance to the opening of the projected park.

The approval in different areas demands a waiting period and public hearing before beginning the construction. This allows the time for the community to input a submitted plan. Another challenge you might face will be the cost required to start the business, especially when it comes to the permit that varies from one municipality to another.

7. Choose the Most Suitable Legal Entity (LLC, C Corp, S Corp)

To properly start a business in the United States, you will need to follow the same basic steps as any new business owner. That means filling out paperwork, paying a few fees and meeting with some strategic advisers.

To start, visit your local chamber of commerce to register your business so that there are no surprises come tax season and consider incorporating your business into an LLC as soon as possible to protect your personal assets. As a matter of fact, if your aim is to grow the business and attract a good number of clients for your primitive campground, then choosing Limited Liability Company, LLC is the best option for you.

Have it in mind that setting up an LLC protects you from personal liability. If anything goes wrong in the business, it is only the money that you invested into the limited liability company that will be at risk. Limited liability companies are also simpler and more flexible to operate and you don’t need a board of directors, shareholder meetings and other managerial formalities.

Some other factors to consider before choosing a legal entity for your primitive campground include; limitation of personal liability, ease of transferability, admission of new owners and investors’ expectation and of course taxes. If you take your time to critically study the various legal entities to use for your primitive campground, you will agree that limited liability company; an LLC is most suitable.

However, you can start this type of business as limited liability company (LLC) and in future convert it to a ‘C’ corporation or ‘S’ corporation especially when you have the plans of going public.

Upgrading to a ‘C’ corporation or ‘S’ corporation will give you the opportunity to grow your primitive campground so as to compete with major players in the industry; you will be able to generate capital from venture capital firms, you will enjoy separate tax structure, and you can easily transfer ownership of the business.

8. Choose a Catchy Business Name from the Ideas Below

In terms of choosing a name for your campground, it is advisable you become creative because whatever name you choose for your primitive campground will go a long way to create a perception of what the location represents. If you are considering starting your own primitive campground, here are some catchy names that you can choose from;

• Honey Bear Hollow Campground
• The Outdoor Explore
• Natural Pursuits
• Nestled in Nature
• Nature Walks
• Indian Lakes Campground
• Indian Springs Campground
• Lake Haven Retreat
• Lake Monroe Village Resort
• Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort
• Outdoor Outlanders
• Outlast Outdoors
• Expedition Traditions
• Expert Expeditions
• Trusted Trekkers
• Moccasin Meadow Campground
• New Lisbon Family Campground
• New Vision RV Park
• Wild Wishes
• Basecamp
• Ready Resources
• Resourceful Recreation
• Outdoor Oasis

9. Discuss With an Agent to Know the Best Insurance Policies for You

In the United States and in most countries of the world, you can’t operate a business without having some of the basic insurance policies that are required by the industry you want to operate from. Therefore, it is quite necessary to create a budget for insurance and perhaps consult an insurance broker to guide you in choosing the best and most appropriate insurance policies for your business.

Here are some of the basic insurance policies that you should consider purchasing if you want to start your own primitive campground in the United States of America;

• General insurance
• Health insurance
• Liability insurance
• Risk Insurance
• Workers compensation
• Building/Property insurance
• Overhead expense disability insurance
• Business owner’s policy group insurance
• Payment protection insurance

You can contact the following leading insurance companies in the United States of America to purchase the needed insurance policies for your primitive campground;

• Allstate Insurance Group
• Liberty Mutual
• Progressive Insurance Group (PGR)
• Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC)
• New York Life Insurance Company
• Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
• MassMutual (Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company)
• Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

10. Protect your Intellectual Property With Trademark, Copyrights, Patents

In the general campground industry, usually you may not ever have the need to file for intellectual property protection/trademark. This is because the nature of the business makes it possible for you to successful run the business without having any cause to challenge anybody in court for illegally making use of your company’s intellectual properties.

However, if you are looking to protect your unique design, company’s logo and other documents or software that are unique to you or even operation concepts, then you can go ahead to file for intellectual property protection. If you want to register your trademark, you are expected to begin the process by filing an application with the USPTO. The final approval of your trademark is subjected to the review of attorneys as required by USPTO.

11. Get the Necessary Professional Certification

No matter how large or small a primitive campground is, it requires a qualified manager to run its operations and successfully generate revenue. Note that the job of a campground manager is mostly offered as team positions with an office manager and a maintenance manager.

A good number of campground employers take a combination of work experience into consideration, and degrees or certifications are typically not necessary. If you’re looking to be an owner-operator or campground manager, although degrees and certifications are not mandatory, gaining necessary industry certificates will definitely serve as an added advantage for you.

If you’re interested in furthering your expertise in this industry and to become an experienced manager, below are few certifications to consider.

• The Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification
• The Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification
• Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) Certification

12. Get the Necessary Legal Documents You Need to Operate

As you continue the process of starting your own primitive campground, you will want to become conversant with the local, state and federal laws that govern campsites. For instance, you may be expected to obtain a campground operator license and welcome regular inspections by the state health department.

There are also environmental laws you will need to be aware of. For instance, your guests may or may not be expected to get fishing licenses based on the privacy of the waterway and the type of fishing performed. In addition, it is not necessarily your job to enforce state and federal laws that you see being broken on your campground property, but it is your job to report each incident so the proper authorities can enforce those laws.

It is also imperative that you educate your guests about laws that they might accidentally break. These are some of the basic legal documents that you are expected to have in place if you want to legally run your own business in the United States of America;

• DBA
• EIN
• Business and liability insurance
• Federal Tax Payer’s ID
• State Permit
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Business License
• Business Plan
• Employment Agreement (offer letters)
• Operating Agreement for LLCs
• Insurance Policy
• Online Terms of Use (if you have a website)
• Online Privacy Policy Document (basically for online payment portal)
• Company Bylaws
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

13. Raise the Needed Start-up Capital

Note that costs to open a primitive campground business depend on what you are starting with. Assuming it’s nothing, costs include the purchase of land and these costs vary depending on location and the number of acres being purchased.

Land may range from $1,000 an acre if it has a lot of “unusable” land or upwards of $10,000 an acre if most of the land is flat, it’s on a lake or river, or it has outstanding views.

For buying an existing campsite, prices range from about $100,000 to over $2 million. Licensing and permitting, including sales tax and occupancy certificates fees will also depend on the size of the operation, what you are offering and the location. For instance, you may have to pay a fee for each soda machine you have on the premises, or a fee for each employee.

You will also need to design the campground, including roads, the locations of the sites, and amenities you are providing. These may include playgrounds, a dog walk area, rec. room, and boat ramp, hiking trails, roads and bridges.

You will also need to install electric, plumbing and septic systems, build bathhouses, bathrooms, fencing, rec. buildings, installing a pool and building any other amenities you plan. Here are some of the options you can explore when sourcing for startup capital for your primitive campground;

• Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
• Raising money from investors and business partners
• Sell shares to interested investors
• Applying for loan from your bank
• Pitching your business idea and applying for business grants and seed funding from, government, donor organizations and angel investors
• Source for soft loans from your family members and your friends.

14. Choose a Suitable Location for your Business

Have it in mind that the most important part of starting a campground business is having a location where people actually want to camp. You are probably interested in starting a primitive campground business because you already own some land that doesn’t get used to its full potential.

Therefore, you have to think long and hard about whether your land truly has that campground vibe. If you are in the process of looking for a parcel of land to buy for this purpose, don’t be afraid to be picky. While the market for campgrounds and RV parks would be any place beautiful and worth admiring, the most reserved spots are on the outskirts of national parks according to the North American Camping Report.

Campers value the accessibility and proximity to the 58 national parks that the US boasts of – not to mention more than 10,000 state parks. Reports also have it that over three-fourths of all campers stay within 200 miles of their homes- meaning the market for campgrounds and RV parks is expansive, and all over the country.

However, it will be up to you to pick where to build your new business, whether you want to continue to live in your state or invite change into your life and move elsewhere.

The Outdoor Industry Association reports the western seaboard ranked the highest in camping occurrence at 63%. The northeast part of the country ranks the lowest, at 52%. Logically, this seems to fit given the greatly differing weather patterns in these parts of the country.

15. Hire Employees for your Technical and Manpower Needs

A primitive campground business is ideal for any individual who enjoys the outdoors and dealing with people. The right person for this business also has experience in management, including accounting, budgeting, hiring staff, and keeping inventory.

Campground owners need a plethora of skills if they want to do all of the work without hiring anything out. Skills that will help include: Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Office management, Customer service, Accounting, Working with heavy equipment, Landscaping and design.

In addition, it is time to build a team when the number of sites you have is too high for you to maintain all by yourself. You may have to clean each site, and at a minimum, empty the trash. You also need to complete site maintenance early in the morning so that you are in the office to check people in and out.

However, if you think you have grown to the point where it’s difficult to manage yourself, or even with a spouse, you should have the income to hire at least a part-timer to help you with some of the physical work. You may also hire someone to mind the office. Once you decide to hire outside help, ensure to check references and do a background check.

The person has to be trustworthy enough. Even if the person is working the grounds, you want someone you can trust not to break into your customer’s campers or lift some of the camping gear your customers might leave outside.

The Service Delivery Process of a Primitive Campground

To attract a diverse population of campers, you will want to have space for camper hook-ups as well as spaces or platforms for people to pitch tents if they wish. A bathroom that includes showers and flushing toilets is a necessity. Fire pits or grills represent other amenities that are standard at campgrounds, as are picnic tables and trash cans.

Also note that some campgrounds have a main office with supplies and food available for purchase and games or activities to rent. Having a variety of options means people can “choose their own adventure” and decide how rugged they would like to camp.

For individuals who prefer to camp with an RV, you will need to have even more infrastructure. A camper hook-up should include electric, sewer and water utilities. You can also decide to offer cable TV and high-speed internet or Wi-Fi. A general rule of thumb is to have no more than 10 hook-ups per acre, with each spot having its own fire pit and picnic table for added coziness and convenience.

Have it in mind that it is easy to start your own primitive campground business assuming that guests will be respectful and peaceful, but rules and policies will quickly become necessary. If you are not sure what kind of rules you will need, it is advisable you seek out some popular campgrounds and ask for a copy of their policies and procedures.

It is also imperative to have guests sign a campground liability waiver that states that camping involves inherent risks for which the campground owners cannot be held liable. You may also want a basic campsite use agreement that states the check-in and check-out times for each guest and outlines all associated fees and expectation of payment.

16. Write a Marketing Plan Packed With Ideas & Strategies

Marketing your primitive campground business depends on where you are located and the type of people you are catering to. The ideal way to promote is word of mouth, which means customer service that goes above and beyond. You can also advertise on social media sites, send out flyers and advertise on sites for campers, at specialty outdoors stores and on radio and television, if possible.

Radio and TV ads are quite costly, so this may not be something you can do upfront. When marketing your campground, just ensure to tell potential customers about the amenities that make your campground the best. If you have a large lake, list activities such as fishing, boating, canoeing and swimming.

When advertising hiking trails, add the length and difficulty of the trail. Let potential customers know if you have a camp store, a recreation area and the types of sites you offer.

17. Work Out a Reasonable Pricing for your Services & Products

Most campgrounds make their main income by renting out sites. It may also have a small store that is stocked with camping gear, non-perishable food and other items that campers may find useful. A popular seller is ice, so adding an ice freezer will also make some money for the business.

The charge per night depends on the amenities, the location of your campground, the location of the site and the type of site. Note that sites might go from $10 per night to over $100 per night. Primitive sites would be the cheapest, while sites that provide electric, water and Wi-Fi hook-ups might cost more.

In addition, if you have amenities, such as a pool, a rec. room, a playground and more, you need to charge a little more per site so that you can cover the cost of putting those amenities in, and cover the cost of maintenance.

Have it in mind that your profit is dependent on many things, including the number of sites you have, whether you have cabins for rent, the business expenses and start-up liabilities, such as loans for land. A smaller campground with extensive liabilities will make less profit than a larger campground with the same amount of liabilities.

However, if you are able to keep costs down, your profit will be larger. Before you set pricing for your sites, you’ll need to figure your monthly overhead. This includes mortgage payments, utilities, employee costs, licensing and permitting fees and inventory.

For items that are not paid monthly, divide yearly payments by 12 to get the monthly cost. Once you get your monthly overhead, you’ll be able to figure how much you need to charge for each campsite.

If you charge different prices at different times of the year, or if you give discounts, you’ll also have to figure that in. If your monthly overhead is $3,500 and you have 100 sites, you’ll have to charge $35 a night just to break even, unless you have a camp store or other amenities that you charge for.

18. Develop Iron-clad Competitive Strategies to Help You Win

The primitive campground line of business is not a competitive industry, but you must come up with a unique and highly creative strategy to be able to outsmart your competitors in the industry. Make your business more competitive by taking several steps:

• Add more sites
• Check your accounting to ensure that you are charging a fair amount that covers utilities and your liabilities
• Ensure that you are sold out by making your campground the best place to go in your locations
• Create a budget and stick to it
• Add additional services that you might charge for, such as ice, firewood, and a store

19. Brainstorm Possible Ways to Retain Clients & Customers

In order to attract and retain customers, you need to target your advertising to those who would most likely use your campground. If you offer only primitive campsites that require a hike to get to, advertise to those who like to hike.

If you provide enough hiking trails with great sights, hikers will come back time and again. If you have sites that offer electricity, Wi-Fi and other amenities, advertise to those with RVs. Keep all sites, no matter which type, clean and easy to access. Make roads easy to navigate for the longer RVs. These are all features that you would advertise to “glampers.”

Another strategy you need to employ in order to generate repeated sales from your customers and also to retain them is to ensure that your facility is on point and your customer services does not fluctuate.

If your services and customer service fluctuate, you are likely going to struggle to get your customers coming back to purchase your products or services. Ensure that you offer your customers incentives if you want to retain them and of course continue to generate repeated sales from them and also to attract new customers.

Part of what you need to do to achieve this is to track progress, results or outputs with the aim of improving on them quickly as the case demands. When it comes to managing your customers and building a loyal clientele base, you should purchase customized CRM software.

With a customized CRM system, you can easily stay in touch with your clients (you can carry out quick surveys, you can introduce new products and prices to them without any hitch, you can felicitate with them on their birthdays and other anniversaries, you can keep track of their progress, you can send bulk SMS and customized e – mails and above all, you can easily receive complaints and feedback from them).

20. Develop Strategies to Boost Brand Awareness and Create a Corporate Identity

The growth potential of your primitive campground depends on how much adjoining land is available and the sort of brand you have created for your campgrounds. Campground owners could make over $1 million per year if the campground is large enough and is popular.

If a campground is small but is always booked to capacity, the owner could buy adjoining land to create more campsites and significantly increase business.

However, no matter the industry you belong to, the truth is that the market is dynamic and it requires consistent brand awareness and brand boosting cum promotion to continue to appeal to your target market. Here are platforms you can leverage on to boost your brand and create a corporate identity for your primitive campground;

• Place adverts on both print (newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community – based events
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote your primitive campground
• Install your billboards in strategic locations all around your city or state
• Distribute your fliers and handbills in target areas
• List your primitive campground in local directories/yellow pages
• Advertise your primitive campground in your official website and employ strategies that will help you pull traffic to the site
• Position your Flexi Banners at strategic positions in the location where your primitive campground is located.
• Ensure that all your staff members wear your branded shirts and all your vehicles are branded with your logo.

Tips to Note When Building a Primitive Campground

1. Pick a Quiet Place

Note that campers don’t really have much to block out noise or heat, other than a piece of nylon cloth in the form of a tent. And, of course, the sound deadening properties of a tent are zero. Pick a section of land that is at the end of a dead-end street, or some out of the way spot. And make sure there are ample trees.

2. Make Water and Electricity Available

Your potential customers will only need access to potable water and enough electricity to plug in a radio. They do not need sewer connection. They will also need a gravel or concrete area to stand and move around on, that won’t create mud that will track into their tent. The tent, itself, should be on grass next to this “pad”.

3. Explicitly Mark the Site and all Utilities

To properly ensure that the camper does not go on the wrong space, be sure to clearly mark the space number, and then repeat the space number on the utilities. Make sure that the signage you use is of professional grade – spray painting a number on a sheet of plywood, or directly on the power riser, is not a good idea.

4. Provide a Picnic Table and Fire Pit

A simple picnic table is functional, lasts almost forever, and is cheap. And a metal fire pit contains the fire, which improves safety, and it also tells customers where to build the fire. In addition you might also want to put a grill on the top for hot dogs, etc.

5. Use Something Attractive to Mark the Camp Site Boundaries

Have it in mind that an attractive, decorative fence is the hallmark of a good camp site. It not only shows the camper the boundaries of their site, but looks good, too. These split rail fences are normally about 10’ in length and can be made of white PVC vinyl, or real, rustic wood.

To create the impression you want, be sure to do a good job of installation and maintenance. While the fences improve the look of the area, they will equally hurt it if allowed to fall into poor repair.

6. Put Some Firewood Out There

Unless you plan to sell firewood, be sure to leave enough out there at each camp site that they have plenty to make a campfire. If you have any dead trees on the site, here’s your chance for real conservation. It does not have to be fancy wood – just something that will burn.

Having wood at each site is a real turn-on for campers, and they will appreciate your courtesy. And a happy camper will return and tell their friends.

Conclusion

Primitive camps are a great source of income, and require little capital investment to build or maintain. So, look around your RV park and see where you can set up a camp site section. It will be, dollar for dollar, one of the best ideas you’ve had in a long time.

While there are a lot of factors to consider before buying and owning a campground, the end result can be lucrative. The work that goes into owning your campground may seem daunting, but it is all worth it for the benefits that come with it.

As a cash business that is busy throughout the summer, owning a campground can be a smart investment with the potential for a large profit.