If you are interested in opening your own RV park or campground but need help knowing where to start, you are not alone.
One of our members recently had the same question. Kayla asked for advice on this very matter in a recent post. She wrote:
“I am going to open an RV park. Best advice and tips for an amazing campground with your favorite amenities?”
When opening an RV park, asking this question is a great place to start. By polling real RVers you can get a sense of what the majority of campers look for when finding a palace to park their trailer.
So, I’ve summarized all of the responses from REAL RVers in the list below. I hope it helps you plan the next best RV campground around!
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Over the past couple of years, there has been a growing trend of owning RV land, whether for personal use or to open an RV campground. With campground reservations so hard to get and house prices soaring, people are resorting to living in an RV on their own land.
There are pros and cons of owning RV land, but one big pro is being able to make money off it if zoning allows it, of course.
A lot of thought must go into developing RV land, and most of it revolves around what campers look for in an RV campground. If you know what campers want, you can give it to them!
There are many things that real campers want when traveling. The following is a list of the top-rated suggestions for an ideal RV park or campground.
1. More space! The #1 thing that RVers want is more space between campsites. Campers want to avoid being right on top of their neighbor when spending time outdoors.
2. Shade trees or shade structures
5. Privacy between campsites (like bushes)
7. Age restrictions for older adults
10. Be mindful of sewer placement for neighboring campsites
11. Pool and adult-only hot tub
14. Card-operated laundry facilities (preferably with app notifications)
15. Local recommendations for things to see, places to eat, etc.
18. Activities for all ages (such as ice cream socials, bingo, etc.)
19. Sports areas (like pickleball courts)
26. Water attraction (such as a pond, slash pad, or lazy river)
28. Separation of adult and family-friendly campsites
29. Space between campsites (this was mentioned many, many times)
31. Neighbor’s sewer located away from neighbors (also mentioned a lot)
35. Shrubs or other vegetation between sites (another one mentioned often)
36. Larger concrete pad to accommodate canopy
37. Enforced pool or hot tub hours (including a curfew and adult-only times)
38. Snacks or Treat Options On-Site
40. Accessible Sites and Areas for the disabled
41. Less expensive spots with no hook-ups for single-night stays
44. Pet sitting or “check-in” service
48. Fishing pond or lake feature
49. More space between campsites (did we mention this? :-)…)
50. Fenced-in play area or playground for children
52. Nicely maintained grounds and roads
55. Not too close to the freeway or highway
56. Limit political flags or signage
59. Add a few buddy sites
61. Open pet areas or dog runs
62. Griddle in a fire ring
63. Campground fire pit for the weekends
64. Have hot water (versus lukewarm water)
65. Accommodate larger RVs that have multiple slide-outs
66. Level ground (this was mentioned quite a bit!)
70. Small gated patio areas that are dog-friendly
71. Separate long-term and short-term renters
72. Enforced pet rules (i.e., dogs on leashes)
73. Quiet hours enforced at 10:00 pm
74. Propane tank service (i.e., pickup and delivery)
75. Offer multiple recycling and garbage stations
76. Community BBQ or entertainment space
77. Cornhole or other yard games
78. Offer shower rooms that are separated
79. Keep sites away from storage areas, garbage sites, and propane tanks
80. Keep roads free from potholes
81. Have an on-site manager
82. Extra hooks in shower areas
83. Offer a sturdy and dry place to sit after showering
84. Pillow jumping pads for kids
85. Live music on the weekends
86. Ample parking near the laundromat
87. Washing machines and dryers that accommodate oversized bedding
88. Lots of laundry machines so that many people can wash at once
89. Keep the on-site water spigot above ground (vs. in the box under the ground)
90. Try to arrange a public transportation stop to visit local sites
92. Provide clear photos of each site online
94. Clubhouse for community activities and rainy days
95. Hot tub (this suggestion was received A LOT)
96. Dog park (this was also suggested A LOT)
97. Be mindful of how to reply to suggestions online (be positive)
99. Doggie daycare (this was suggested multiple times)
100. Gym or another workout area
101. Laundry facilities that accept cards (mentioned frequently)
104. Indoor pool for chilly areas
106. Space between sites (One more time – mentioned the most!)
107. Shrubs or separation between sites (yep, listing this again since it was commented on so many times)
108. Stock the store with emergency items (bandages, water, flashlights, firewood and starters, lighters, garbage bags, and wine…)
109. Have an “on-call” number when management is not on-site
If you have room to spare but don’t need the money or don’t want to open a full-on campground, there’s a fun alternative. You can become a Harvest Hosts host!
We normally talk about Harvest Hosts from the RVer’s perspective, but you can be a host, too. You can learn more about this by exploring this site –> https://rvlifestyle.com/BecomeAHost
You know we love our RAD Power bikes – and have featured them for years, but we recently tested out and LOVE our new Lectric foldable ebikes. Being able to fold them up allowed us to put them in our Wonder rear garage area for a recent RV Lifestyle Gathering. You can check out our experience with them right here on our YouTube Channel.
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The RV Rider bike rack for RV’s, motorhomes, and fifth wheels carries 2 E-Bikes (up to 80 lbs. each) on the back of an RV Motorhome, a 5th wheel, or a flat towed vehicle. A 2″ hitch is required for this rack. Special features include universal heavy-duty wheel holders for heavy load carrying capacity. These wheel holders can fit any tire up to 5″ wide and include a ratchet wheel strap. Locking frame grabbers secure the bikes in place. This bike rack is not compatible with bumper pull, travel trailers or bumper mounted hitch receivers.
If you want to look at everything they offer, not just the RV Rider rack — go here and explore all the options!
December 09, 2022at2:24 am, Shelley Cuevas said:
It was mentioned that they want a site large enough to accommodate a camper with slide outs but don’t give dimensions. I am building a site on my farm and could use as much input as possible.
December 06, 2022at12:24 pm, Donald Haskin said:
The wishes people have come down to three things, more space, more amenities, and more upkeep; which all means more expense. At the same time people are complaining about high campground prices and looking for more boondocking spots. You can’t have it both ways, if you want more space, more amenities, and spotless facilities, expect and be willing to pay for them.
December 07, 2022at7:32 pm, Team RV Lifestyle said:
Excellent point, Donald – Team RV Lifestyle
December 06, 2022at11:35 am, Melanee McCann said:
Great suggestions. I would like to add one more…allow us to lock in our sites. Some places won’t allow that. We get switched to another site. Then when I arrive the site is too short or won’t accommodate slide outs or awnings.
December 07, 2022at7:31 pm, Team RV Lifestyle said:
Locking in a site is a great suggestion – thanks for sharing, Melanee! Team RV Lifestyle
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Sign up and get a free Packing List for your next trip and free perks, discounts and RV travel tips!
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