Launching or growing a campground sounds pretty amazing: Fresh air, meeting new people, building a place where families and travelers can relax and recharge.
But there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes. From setting up campsites to managing bookings and maintaining the property, you’ll need more than just a love for nature. You’ll need a solid business plan.
One that helps you lay out everything from your site map to your marketing, without any second-guessing.
Wondering how to draft?
This campground business plan template is here to guide you through the process!
The importance of a campground business plan
A campground business plan is not just paperwork—it’s the foundation for setting up and running your campground business.
It serves as a clear roadmap that helps you map out your goals, budget, and daily operations before you invest time and money. Here’s why a business plan matters:
- Helps you decide your services, prices, and how to handle slow seasons before you start.
- Keeps you on track with your goals and lets you make smart changes as your campground grows.
- Shows realistic financials to attract lenders or investors and secure funding faster.
- Enables you to spot problems early, avoid wasting money, and build a strong campground.
In short, a campground business plan gives you direction, helps you manage risk, and increases your chances of long-term success.
What are the key elements of a campground business plan?
A campground business plan should include all the key components that clearly explain how your business will operate and succeed.
Let’s break down each key component you should include and how to structure them.
1. Executive Summary
The executive summary is a snapshot of your entire campground business plan—essentially an elevator pitch for your campground.
This section summarizes the most important highlights of your plan to give readers (potential investors, partners, or loan officers) a clear idea of your project’s scope and viability.
Even though it appears first, it’s often easiest to write this section last, once you’ve completed all other sections. This will help you pick the key aspects from each.
While planning your executive summary, try to cover these points:
- Campground concept & location
- Business model
- Target market
- Unique Selling Propositions (USPs)
- Marketing efforts
- Financial projections
- Funding needs (if any)
Remember, this section should entice the reader to continue through the rest of your plan. So, keep the tone positive and confident. And make sure it’s simple and concise (one to two pages maximum).
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2. Business Overview
This section provides a detailed portrait of your campground business at a high level. It clearly explains who you are, what you plan to do, and why.
Think of it as an introduction to your brand’s story and objectives. Keep the writing straightforward and factual while conveying enthusiasm for the project. This foundational section sets the tone for the rest of your plan.
Here are the key elements to include in your business description:
- Business name and legal structure: Introduce the name of your campground or RV park and the business entity (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership).
- Location and property details: Describe the campground’s location, size, and environment. Are you situated off a major highway, near a national park, or by a lakeshore? What is the capacity (number of campsites)?
- Founding team and ownership: Introduce the founder(s) or key owners. If you have partners or investors, mention them.
- Mission and vision: State your mission (the purpose of your campground) and vision (what you hope to achieve in the long run).
- Future goals and objectives: List a few short-term and long-term goals you aim to achieve.
In short, the business overview section should clearly articulate what your campground business is and aims to be. By the end of this section, the reader should fully understand your campground’s concept, the gap it fills or problem it solves, and the driving force behind it.
3. Market Analysis
A thorough market analysis demonstrates that you have done your homework on the camping industry and understand the market dynamics you’re entering.
Hence, this section is crucial for convincing readers that there is a real demand for your campground and that you know your target market and competition. It typically has a few sub-parts:
Industry Overview
Provide an overview of the campground and RV park industry, including its current market size and growth potential. This context shows that you understand the broader environment.
Target Market
Identify your customer segments. Who will frequent your campground? Perhaps weekend campers from the nearest city, retirees traveling in motorhomes, or adventure tourists visiting a nearby national park.
Define their demographics (age, income, family status) and psychographics (interests, travel habits).
| Segment | Demographics | Psychographics |
|---|---|---|
| Young Families | 25–40 yrs, mid-income, with kids | Value family time, prefer nature-based |
| Segment | Demographics | Psychographics (Vacations) |
| Adventure Seekers | 20–35 yrs, lower to mid-income | Seek thrills, rugged outdoor experiences |
| Retirees | 55+ yrs, upper mid-income | Prefer peaceful, comfortable camping |
| Eco-Tourists | 25–50 yrs, educated, eco-conscious | Prefer sustainable, eco-friendly options |
| Weekend Wanderers | 30–50 yrs, professionals | Short trips, stress relief, and value amenities |
Location Analysis
If your campground is local or regional in nature, analyze the local tourism market and demand.
How many visitors come to your area for camping or outdoor recreation annually? Are there seasonal fluctuations?
Include data on the region’s popularity as a camping destination, and highlight if your chosen location offers advantages (scenic beauty, proximity to attractions, lack of other campgrounds nearby, etc.).
Market Needs and Trends
Explain the market needs and current industry trends. For instance, you might point out an emerging trend of national park visitation or a lack of pet-friendly campgrounds in the area—any unmet need that your business will fulfill.
Overall, conducting a detailed market analysis helps you and your readers validate the business potential. If applicable, use reliable data and useful statistics (from outdoor associations, travel reports, etc.) to reinforce your points.
4. Competitive Analysis
The competitive analysis section is all about knowing your primary competitors and showing how you’ll compete and thrive.
Start by identifying other campgrounds and RV parks in your vicinity or within your niche.
Analyze a few direct competitors: How many sites do they have? What amenities and rates do they offer? What are their strengths and weaknesses?
This part might include a brief comparison table or just descriptive paragraphs. The goal is to show you understand how you’ll position your campground.
Perhaps your research shows a competitor campground that is always fully booked, indicating high demand. Or perhaps existing options are run-down or lack certain features—opportunities for you to stand out.
Highlight the gap your campground will fill. Discuss what will make your campground unique? State any special features, like scenic attractions, unique amenities, or an underserved niche.
If required, you may include a SWOT analysis in your campground business plan. It’s a great way to summarize your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
Here’s an example of a simple SWOT analysis for a new campground:
This will help you, as well as readers, get a quick visual reference for the internal and external factors that can affect your campground’s success.
5. Services Offered
This section of your campground business plan details what exactly you’re offering to customers—basically, how visitors will spend their money at your campground.
Start by outlining your core offerings. Typically, for a campground, this includes services like: Tent camping sites, RV sites with or without hookups (electricity, water, sewer), Cabins or tiny homes, as well as Glamping tents (if you have them).
Next, list other services or facilities that enhance the camping experience. For example: Restrooms and hot showers, a dump station for RV waste, picnic tables and fire rings at each site, laundry facilities, a swimming pool or lake access, playgrounds, hiking trails on the property, Wi-Fi access, etc.
Lay out any value-added services that will be part of your business model. Also, add the products you’re planning to sell on-site. These might include:
- Camping supplies (flashlights, tents, batteries)
- Food and drinks (coffee, snacks, bottled water)
- Souvenirs (T-shirts, hats, mugs)
- Firewood, ice, charcoal
You don’t have to list every single item. Just group them into categories.
If you offer unique experiences (guided nature walks, kayak rentals, an on-site cafe, or a camp store), list those as well. These can differentiate your campground and also act as additional revenue streams.
Lastly, don’t forget to discuss your pricing strategy. What will you charge per night for each type of site or cabin? How does this compare to local competitors?
While writing this section, focus on the benefits to the customer as well. It’s not just a dry list of features; emphasize how these products and services meet the needs or desires of campers.
6. Marketing and Sales Strategy
Having a fantastic campground set up is one thing, but you also need a solid marketing and sales strategy to attract campers and keep the sites booked.
This section of your business plan outlines how you will reach your target market, persuade them to choose your campground, and maintain steady occupancy.
Here’s what to cover in your marketing and sales plan:
- Branding and positioning (your campground’s name, logo, and overall image)
- Digital marketing strategies (website and social media)
- Advertising and promotions (targeted ads, flyers, and billboards )
- Partnerships with local outdoor sports shops, RV dealerships, or tour operators
- Sales process and reservation
- Customer retention strategy (email newsletter, loyalty programs)
Your marketing and sales strategy should be realistic and targeted. You don’t need a massive budget to effectively market a campground if you smartly use online channels and local networks. However, do allocate some budget for marketing in your financial plan.
7. Management Team
Investors and lenders often say they invest in people as much as ideas. And the management team section is your chance to showcase who is leading the venture and why they’re capable of making it successful.
To plan this section effectively, first introduce yourself as a campground business owner/founder as well as other co-founders (if any).
Provide a brief bio for each, highlighting relevant experience and skills. If you have experience in hospitality, tourism, outdoor recreation, or management, definitely mention it. (Even indirect experience can count!)
If you have a small team or key management staff, describe the roles and responsibilities of every person in it. Maybe one person is the General Manager handling daily operations and HR, another is responsible for bookkeeping and finances, etc. It’s good to delineate who will handle what in the business.
Moreover, you can add a simple organization chart to showcase your business’s team structure and decision-making hierarchy. For instance:
If you have mentors, advisors, or have hired a consultant with industry experience, you can mention them to strengthen the team. This shows you have access to experienced counsel.
8. Operations Plan
The operations plan section details the day-to-day running of your campground. How will you deliver the experience you’ve promised and keep the business running smoothly?
This section gives readers insight into what it takes behind the scenes to operate a campground or RV park efficiently. It’s especially important if you’re seeking funding, as lenders/investors want to know you have a practical execution plan.
The following are a few questions to answer while drafting your operations plan:
- Who will manage the campground, and what staff roles will you need?
- What’s your plan for maintaining the grounds and facilities? How often will each maintenance task be done?
- How will you manage guest reservations, check-ins, and late arrivals?
- Will you operate year-round or seasonally, and what will your hours be?
- How will you handle supplies, rentals, and utility needs?
- What guest policies and service steps will you use to ensure a good experience?
By covering these operational aspects, you reassure readers that you know how to run this campground on a practical level. It even gives a clear understanding that a campground is not a “set and forget” business, but it requires consistent work and management.
9. Financial Projections
The financial projections section is where you translate all the ideas and plans you’ve discussed into numbers.
This section demonstrates the financial viability of your campground business and is often scrutinized by investors or lenders. Solid, realistic projections give confidence that your business will be profitable and sustainable.
Your campground’s financial plan should typically include forecasted financial statements for the next 3-5 years. Here are the key components to cover:
- Revenue projections: Revenue comes from site rentals (nightly or monthly fees)
- Operating expenses: Salaries, utilities, maintenance, insurance, supplies, marketing costs, and reservation system fees
- One-time startup expenses: Land development, construction, and equipment purchase
- Profit & Loss forecast: A yearly (or monthly for the first year) projection of profits and losses
- Cash flow projections: Cash flows in (from customers) and out (for expenses and loan payments) for each month or quarter
- Balance sheet: Expected assets (cash, equipment, land value), liabilities (loans, accounts payable), and equity
- Break-even analysis: The estimated revenue needed to cover all the costs and sustain the business.
Additionally, clearly state your assumptions (occupancy rates, pricing, expense growth, etc.) in narrative form, and ensure the numbers align with those assumptions.
It’s also wise to mention any financial buffer or contingency. Campground income can depend on weather, and a rainy season may reduce revenue. Show that you have a plan in place—whether it’s a line of credit or conservative budgeting with extra room for safety.
10. Funding Request
This section details how much money you need and how it will be used if you are seeking funding.
Start by clearly stating the total amount you’re asking for. Then, list what you’ll spend the money on, like buying land, setting up utilities, building restrooms, adding cabins, buying equipment, and marketing your business.
For more clarity, you can add a pie chart illustrating the use of startup funds. Something like this:
| Category | Estimated Amount (USD) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Land Purchase/Lease | $150,000 | Acquire land for campground operations |
| Site Development | $100,000 | Land clearing, roads, and utility setup |
| Campsite Setup | $80,000 | Tent pads, RV hookups, cabins, glamping tents |
| Facilities Construction | $70,000 | Build restrooms, showers, reception area |
| Equipment & Supplies | $30,000 | Maintenance equipment, outdoor gear |
| Marketing & Promotions | $20,000 | Branding, website, advertising, launch events |
| Working Capital Reserve | $25,000 | Cover the first 6 months of operational costs |
| Total | $475,000 |
Furthermore, discuss what type of funding you want. For example, a business loan, an investment, or a mix of both.
If you are asking for a loan, mention how you plan to pay it back, such as using the campground’s seasonal income. Also, show that you have a financial backup, like savings or a line of credit, in case your income is lower than expected during bad weather seasons.
Overall, keep this section short, simple, and clear. The goal is to show lenders or investors that you know how much you need and how you will use it wisely.
Download a free campground business plan template
So, ready to put together your own campground business plan? But need a little extra assistance with that? Worry not; we’ve got you covered. Download our free campground business plan template PDF to get a jumpstart.
The template will provide a ready-made format and some prompts so you won’t miss any critical information. It covers all the sections, from the executive summary to the financial projections. Just fill in the details for your specific campground business, refine, and you’ll have a professional plan in no time.
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Summary
Now that you’ve explored this detailed guide and got a free template, it should be much easier for you to draft a business plan for your campground.
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