Nothing says “vacation” like checking into a luxe stay, putting your feet up, and enjoying the amenities. And we’re not just talking about guests opting to take their downtime in a five-star hotel. Nope—we’re talking about campers and RVers. Just because these intrepid travelers choose to stay in more natural accommodations doesn’t mean they aren’t looking for serious camping amenities.
As a campground or RV park owner, it’s important to keep up with the times and connect with the amenities guests are really looking for. Sure, good sites with nice shady trees and a clean spot to shower are important, but what is a modern camper looking for in their campsite amenities? And how can we cater better to modern campers to ensure we secure their bookings? From luxe experiences to highlighting local gems and ensuring the whole family is looked after, we’ll dive into the 5 modern campground amenities that increase your bookings and boost your park’s bottom line in no time.
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What Camping Amenities Guests Are Looking for Today
Did you know that 60% of campers choose a campground based on the amenities it offers? Having the right amenities for your campers is key to securing more bookings from the modern camper. This makes sense when considering how the camping world has evolved significantly. Gone are the days when camping meant roughing it out with just the basics—think tents, sleeping bags, and a campfire for warmth. Today’s campers are seeking a more comfortable and convenient experience, and this shift in expectations is something that campground owners can’t afford to ignore.
The rise of hospitality trends has played a significant role in this shift. Whether access to enhanced recreation facilities, reliable Wi-Fi, or even glamping options onsite, these modern conveniences are now seen as essential rather than optional.
First Things First: Essential and Basic Camping Amenities
When it comes to running a successful campground, providing clean, accessible, and high-quality basic amenities is the foundation of guest satisfaction. These essential camp amenities are often the first things that guests notice and rely on during their stay, and they can make or break their overall experience. By ensuring that these fundamental needs are met, you’re not just meeting expectations—you’re setting the stage for positive reviews, repeat visits, and word-of-mouth recommendations.
Guests expect the basics to be top-notch. Whether they are a family on their annual camping trip or an RV traveler looking for a convenient stopover, everyone appreciates a campground that takes care of the essentials. Investing in these core amenities shows your commitment to providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience, which builds trust and loyalty among your visitors.
The table below breaks down the basic amenities your campground should have to meet these expectations.
Basic Amenities Your Campground Should Have | Description |
Restrooms | Clean and accessible restrooms are non-negotiable. Make sure they’re well-maintained, stocked with supplies, and conveniently located. |
Showers | Hot showers are a welcome luxury after a day of outdoor activities. Ensure your shower facilities are clean and offer privacy. |
Drinking Water | Providing safe, potable water is essential. Whether through water fountains, taps, or refill stations, ensure guests have easy access to clean drinking water. |
Picnic Tables | Picnic tables offer a convenient spot for meals, relaxation, and socializing. Place them strategically around the campground to encourage guest interaction. |
BBQ Stations, Fire Pits, and Cooking Grates | These cooking amenities are a big part of the camping experience. Ensure they’re well-maintained, safe to use, and located in areas that minimize fire risks. |
Camp Store | Stock your camp store with essentials like snacks, toiletries, and firewood. This will be a convenience that guests will appreciate, especially if they’ve forgotten something at home. |
Laundry Facilities | For longer stays, laundry facilities can be a game-changer. Make sure they’re easy to use and well-kept. |
First Aid Station | Accidents happen, and having a first aid station on-site can provide peace of mind for your guests. Ensure it’s well-stocked with basic medical supplies. |
Shelters and Pavilions | These structures offer protection from the elements and serve as gathering spaces for events or group activities. They’re versatile and can enhance the guest experience. |
Focusing on these essential camp amenities creates a reliable and welcoming environment that meets the basic needs of every camper. It’s important to remember that guests rely on these amenities the most, and getting them right is key to the success of your campground.
Additionally, managing these amenities efficiently can be streamlined with the right tools. For instance, campground management software can help you stay on top of maintenance schedules, monitor guest satisfaction, and ensure that your amenities are always up to standard. This improves the guest experience and simplifies operations, making it easier to focus on what matters most—providing a great camping experience.
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Best Campground Amenities for the Modern Camper
In today’s competitive RV park and campground landscape, offering more than just the basics is key to standing out and attracting more bookings. Modern campers seek convenience, efficiency, and an overall seamless experience. Upgrading your campground amenities with innovative features can enhance guest satisfaction and boost booking rates. Let’s explore modern amenities that can make a big difference in your campground guest experience.
1. Painless, Paperless Check-In
One of the first impressions you can make on your guests is through a smooth and hassle-free check-in process. Adopting a contactless check-in system reduces wait times and minimizes the need for physical contact, which is increasingly important in today’s world. Guests can complete their check-in online or through a mobile app before they arrive, allowing them to start their camping experience as soon as they pull in. This level of convenience sets a positive tone for their stay.
2. Book Activities & Day Passes
Campers love having options for activities during their stay. Offering the ability to book activities or purchase day passes online or via a mobile app adds extra convenience for your guests. Whether booking a guided hike, reserving a spot for a fishing trip, or securing a day pass for local attractions, this feature enhances the guest experience by allowing them to plan their adventures easily. It’s also a great way to increase revenue by promoting add-on experiences that enrich their stay.
3. Going Cashless
Going cashless is not just a trend; it’s a smart move that simplifies transactions and enhances security. By offering cashless payment options throughout your campground, you make it easier for guests to pay on the go. This can be applied in various areas:
- Site Fees: Guests can pay for their campsite online or through a mobile app, eliminating the need for physical cash transactions.
- Camp Store Purchases: Enable cashless payments in your camp store, whether through credit cards, mobile payment apps, or digital wallets.
- Activity Bookings: Use contactless payment methods to let guests book and pay for activities, rentals, or passes.
Modern campers, especially those accustomed to using digital wallets and contactless payments, will appreciate the convenience. Plus, going cashless:
- Streamlines Operations: Reduces the time staff spend handling cash and managing transactions.
- Enhances Security: Minimizes the risks of handling cash, such as theft or loss.
4. Site Lock and Selection
Allowing guests to choose their preferred campsite in advance, or even lock in a specific site, can significantly enhance their experience. This feature offers several benefits:
- Personalized Stays: Guests can select sites based on their preferences, such as proximity to amenities, scenic views, or distance from other campers.
- Appeal to Repeat Visitors: Regular guests can reserve their favorite spots, making them more likely to return year after year.
- Increase Satisfaction and Loyalty: Giving guests control over their campsite choices can boost satisfaction and encourage repeat bookings.
By offering site selection and lock options, you provide a personalized experience that caters to individual needs, leading to happier guests and a stronger, more loyal customer base.
5. Automated Communication
Effective communication is key to a great guest experience; automation can make it effortless. With automated communication, you can send your guests timely updates, reminders, and personalized messages throughout their stay. Whether it’s a welcome message upon arrival, a reminder about check-out procedures, or suggestions for nearby attractions, automated communication ensures that your guests are well-informed and cared for. This improves their experience and frees up your staff to focus on other tasks.
Enjoying Nature In Style: Luxury Campground Amenities
As camping continues to evolve, so do the expectations of today’s campers. The rise of glamping and luxury camping has introduced a new level of comfort and sophistication to outdoor stays. Incorporating luxury amenities can set you apart if you want to elevate your campground experience and attract more guests.
Let’s examine how you can add a touch of elegance to your campground with some future-friendly, luxe upgrades for your campers.
1. Glamping Options: Yurts or Cabins
Glamping – short for glamorous camping – has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past decade. Since 2014, the number of campers opting for glamping-style accommodations has increased by 7 million visitors. Offering luxurious alternatives like yurts or cabins can cater to this growing demand. Here’s why they’re a hit:
- Comfortable Living Spaces: Yurts and cabins provide a cozy and stylish retreat from the elements, complete with comfortable beds and attractive decor.
- Modern Conveniences: Include amenities like Wi-Fi, charging stations, and TVs to enhance the guest experience and keep them connected.
- Linens and Robes: Providing guests with luxe-feeling robes and linens while they cozy up inside their yurt can make for an unforgettable experience in nature.
- Private Spaces: Whether it’s a secluded spot to sip coffee or a more premium experience like a private hot tub, adding bonus private amenities like this can add to the feeling of luxury glampers are looking for.
2. Enhanced Food Options
Gone are the days when camping food was limited to hot dogs and s’mores. Modern campers are looking for various dining options that offer convenience and quality.
By adding cafes and bistros to your campground, you allow guests to enjoy delicious meals without leaving the site and offer guests:
- Quality Dining on the Go: Cafes and bistros can serve fresh, locally sourced meals that cater to various dietary preferences, from vegetarian options to gourmet sandwiches and pastries.
- Comfort and Convenience: Having a place where guests can grab a coffee, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, or have a quick lunch between activities adds a layer of comfort to their stay, making your campground more attractive to those who appreciate good food and convenience.
Additionally, in today’s camping landscape, guests are looking for more than just a place to pitch a tent—they’re seeking memorable experiences, and food plays a significant role in that. In fact, 36% of campers actively seek new culinary experiences during their trips. By upgrading your campground amenities to include enhanced food options, you can cater to this growing demand and set your site apart.
3. Recreational Rentals
Adding recreational rentals to your list of campground amenities can significantly enhance your guests’ experience, making your site more attractive to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether your campground is near a lake, river, or forest, offering equipment like kayaks, paddleboards, and mountain bikes provides guests with opportunities to explore the natural surroundings without needing to bring their own gear. Let’s discuss why recreational rentals are necessary for modern campgrounds and RV parks.
Kayaks and Paddleboards
If your campground is near a body of water, offering kayak and paddleboard rentals is a great way to attract guests who love water-based activities.
- Accessible Adventure: Not every camper owns a kayak or paddleboard, but many would love the opportunity to get out on the water. Renting these activities makes them accessible to all guests.
- Appeal to Families: Kayaking and paddleboarding are fun, family-friendly activities that keep guests entertained for hours, making your campground more appealing to families looking for a well-rounded outdoor experience.
- Create Unique Experiences: Offer guided tours or set up specific routes that guests can follow, adding an educational or adventurous element to their stay.
Mountain Bikes
For campgrounds situated near trails or scenic routes, mountain bike rentals are a fantastic way to engage guests who enjoy cycling or exploring on two wheels.
- Explore the Surroundings: Offering mountain bikes allows guests to explore more of the area surrounding your campground, whether they’re interested in tackling challenging trails or simply enjoying a leisurely ride.
- Cater to Different Skill Levels: Stock a range of bikes to accommodate various skill levels, from beginners to experienced riders, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
- Promote Health and Wellness: Biking is a great way for guests to stay active during their stay, and promoting wellness can be a unique selling point for your campground.
Other Recreational Rentals
Beyond the basics, consider expanding your rental offerings to include equipment like:
- Fishing Gear: Offering fishing poles and tackle for campgrounds near lakes or rivers can attract anglers looking to cast a line.
- Canoes and Rowboats: These are great alternatives for guests who prefer a more relaxed water experience.
- Winter Sports Gear: If your campground is open year-round, consider renting out gear for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the colder months.
Adding recreational rentals to your campground amenities boosts your appeal and elevates the overall guest experience. With the right mix of equipment and activities, your campground can become a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both adventure and relaxation in one place.
4. Entertainment
In today’s competitive camping market, providing entertainment options as part of your campground amenities can significantly enhance your guests’ experience and keep them coming back year after year. With campers spending an average of $19 more per day on travel expenses compared to previous years, investing in entertainment can also greatly increase revenue and guest satisfaction. Let’s explore how incorporating entertainment into your campground amenities can make a big difference.
Outdoor Movies
Outdoor movies are a classic way to entertain guests of all ages, offering a memorable and relaxing experience under the stars, and there’s lots to love about this simple amenity as a campground operator:
- Family-Friendly Fun: Set up a large screen and projector in an open area where guests can gather with blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy family-friendly films. Consider hosting themed movie nights or double features to keep the experience fresh and exciting.
- Easy to Implement: Outdoor movie setups are relatively easy and cost-effective to implement, requiring minimal equipment and space. Plus, they create a sense of community among campers as they gather together for a shared experience.
- Revenue Opportunities: Consider offering concessions like popcorn, drinks, and snacks during the movie, adding an extra revenue stream to your campground operations.
Live Shows
Live entertainment, such as music performances, comedy acts, or local theater, can add a dynamic and interactive element to your campground.
- Appeal to a Wide Audience: Live shows can appeal to a wide range of tastes, from families with kids to adult campers looking for evening entertainment. To appeal to different groups, offer a variety of performances throughout the camping season.
- Highlight Local Talent: Partner with local artists and performers to bring unique, region-specific entertainment to your campground. This will support the local community and provide guests with an authentic cultural experience.
- Special Events: Host special events or themed weekends featuring live entertainment, which can attract new guests and encourage repeat visits from campers looking for a fun and unique experience.
Incorporating entertainment into your campground amenities strategy enhances the guest experience and makes your campground a more attractive and engaging destination. By offering outdoor movies, live shows, and other entertainment options, you can create a lively and enjoyable atmosphere that sets your campground apart from the competition.
Promoting Your Camp Amenities
Once you’ve upgraded your campground amenities, the next crucial step is promoting them effectively to attract more bookings. After all, your investments in new features and comforts won’t yield results if potential guests don’t know about them.
The table below summarizes some core campground marketing strategies you can implement to promote your campground amenities.
Tactic for Promoting Camp Amenities | What to Do |
Leverage Your Website | Use professional photos to highlight your amenities.Provide clear, enticing descriptions of each feature.Make it easy for visitors to find information on your site. |
Use Social Media | Post regularly about new amenities and behind-the-scenes content.Invite guests to share their experiences and tag your campground. |
Email Marketing | Feature new amenities and exclusive offers.Offer discounts or special perks related to new features through targeted promotions. |
Partner with Influencers | Host strategic influencers relevant to your market and encourage them to share their experiences.Amplify their posts on your channels to reach a broader audience. |
By effectively promoting your enhanced campground amenities, you can reach more potential guests, increase bookings, and ultimately, grow your business. Whether through your campground marketing efforts on your website, social media, or through influencer partnerships, the key is consistently highlighting the unique features that set your campground apart.
The Power of Modern Campground Amenities
In today’s competitive landscape, offering the right mix of campground amenities is crucial to attracting and retaining guests. From essential services like clean restrooms and showers to luxurious glamping accommodations and engaging recreational rentals, each amenity is vital in enhancing the guest experience. By understanding what modern campers value – a quick, cashless check-in or the thrill of kayaking on a pristine lake—you can create a destination that appeals to a wide range of visitors.
The right amenities don’t just satisfy your guests; they set your campground apart, making it a top choice for travelers seeking adventure and comfort. However, managing these amenities efficiently is key to maximizing their impact on your business. This is where campground reservation software like Newbook comes in. By streamlining operations, from booking activities to managing site selection and automating communications, Newbook helps you optimize your amenities and boost your revenue.
Ready to take your campground to the next level?
Discover how Newbook can help you create seamless guest experiences, increase bookings, and simplify the management of your campground amenities by getting in touch today. Don’t just offer a stay—offer an unforgettable experience.
Your all-in-one, online booking system
Newbook is your all in one online booking system. Talk to us today to learn how you can improve operations and increase booking for your business.