RV Park Marketing: Advice, Ideas, and Tools

Nothing says happiness to an RV park owner than having every site booked up, full of happy RV-ers roasting marshmallows around the fire and enjoying every moment of their getaway. However, you aren’t alone if this sounds like a far-off dream. Occupancy rates for RV parks and full-hookup campsites hover around 68% on average in the US, meaning many park owners aren’t seeing fully booked-out sites every night of the season. 

So, what should an accommodations operator like yourself do? You need a well-thought-out, data-driven RV Park marketing plan! We’re here to help support your marketing efforts by offering our top tips, RV park marketing ideas, and advice to ensure you can take your marketing efforts to the next level, unlock more revenue for your business, and, of course, get your occupancy rate up a few notches. 

With that said, let’s get ready to do some serious RV park marketing 101! 

Importance of Having an RV Campground Marketing Plan

It’s no secret to those in the hospitality industry that camping, RVing, and glamping have seen huge surges in popularity over the past several years. From pandemic-induced changes to vacationing, the cost of living putting a damper on more exotic vacations, and customer preferences, enjoying the great outdoors is more popular than ever. 

Check out a few key facts and figures about RV parks and campgrounds:

• Since 2014, there has been a 98% increase in the number of households who camp three or more times annually.
• In the same ten-year period, RV use is up 96%, with an increase of over 6.4 million households taking an RV trip yearly.
• More than 11 million households now own an RV, the highest number ever recorded and a 62% increase since 2001. 

As you can see, RV parks and the nomadic lifestyle a camper or trailer can provide guests are things your park needs to tap into if you want to boost occupancy rates and increase revenue. 

Incorporating the right marketing tools and technology is essential in executing your marketing strategy efficiently. RV park management software can streamline your operations, manage reservations, and provide valuable insights into customer preferences and booking trends. This software can also help you manage your marketing efforts, track engagement metrics, and automate guest communications, ensuring a smooth, personalized experience.

RV Park Marketing Advice

Effective marketing is the lifeblood of any successful RV park, transforming it from a hidden gem into a bustling destination for travelers. From understanding your target demographics to leveraging cutting-edge technology like Newbook’s all-in-one property management system, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to elevate your RV campground marketing game. 

Identifying Target Demographics

Knowing your audience is key to effective marketing. Start by creating detailed customer personas that represent your ideal guests. Consider factors like:

1. Age groups (families, retirees, young adults)
2. Interests (outdoor activities, luxury camping, remote work)
3. Travel habits (seasonal travelers, weekend warriors)

Key Takeaway: By understanding these aspects, you can craft tailored inbound marketing strategies for your RV park that resonate with each group, ensuring your messages are relevant and engaging.

Analyzing Industry Trends

Keeping up with the latest industry trends is crucial for staying competitive in the RV park market. Analyzing trends in travel behavior, such as the growing popularity of remote work and the increasing interest in sustainable travel, can help you adjust your offerings and marketing messages. 

Staying ahead of trends is essential for staying competitive. Some key travel trends to consider include:

• The rise in remote work leads to more long-term stays.
• Increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly amenities.
• The popularity of digital nomadism requires reliable internet access.

Key Takeaway: By incorporating these trends into your RV park marketing ideas, you can attract a broader audience and meet the evolving needs of modern travelers.

Market Research and Competitive Analysis

Conducting thorough market research and competitor analysis is essential for developing a successful RV campground marketing plan. By understanding your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses, you can identify unique selling points that set your park apart. 

A thorough competitive analysis should focus on:

1. Compare pricing strategies and identify opportunities for flexible pricing.
2. Assess amenities and discover what differentiates your park.
3. Analyze promotional tactics to find gaps in the market.

Key Takeaway: Using this information, you can position your park more effectively, highlighting what makes it special and appealing to prospective guests.

Utilizing Data and Analytics

Data and analytics are pivotal in optimizing your RV park’s marketing strategies. You can make data-driven decisions that enhance your marketing efforts by tracking metrics such as website traffic, booking patterns, and guest preferences.

Data-driven decisions lead to better marketing outcomes. Key metrics to track include:

• Website traffic and conversion rates.
• Booking trends and occupancy rates.
• Guest demographics and preferences.

Key Takeaway: Utilize Newbook’s property and revenue management solutions to optimize pricing strategies, improve operational efficiency, and enhance your marketing efforts.

Customer Surveys and Feedback

Gathering customer feedback through surveys is a powerful way to understand your guests’ experiences and identify areas for improvement. Feedback can reveal insights into what guests love about your park and what they feel could be enhanced.

Customer feedback is invaluable for improving services. Implement methods such as:

• Online surveys are sent after guests’ stays.
• Suggestion boxes in common areas.
• Personalized follow-up emails requesting feedback.

Key Takeaway: Use this feedback to refine your RV campground marketing plan and address areas where your park can improve, ensuring a positive experience for future guests.

Enhancing the Guest Experience for Your RV Park

Ultimately, the key to successful RV park marketing lies in enhancing the guest experience. From the moment guests arrive, every interaction should reflect the quality and uniqueness of your park. Key aspects include:

• Personalized services: Offer tailored experiences based on guest preferences.
• Facility maintenance: Keep your park clean and well-maintained.
• Effective communication: Use Newbook’s platform to streamline guest interactions through automated communication.

Key Takeaway: By focusing on these areas, you can create a memorable stay for your guests, encouraging repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

RV Park Marketing Ideas

To truly stand out and boost bookings, your RV park needs more than just great facilities—it needs smart marketing. This section covers a range of effective RV park marketing ideas to help you attract new guests and keep current ones coming back. 

Enhance Your Website

Your website often gives potential guests the first impression of your RV park. To make a lasting impact, ensure it’s user-friendly, visually appealing, and informative. Here are some essential elements to include:

1. High-quality photos of your facilities and surroundings
2. Clear descriptions of amenities and services
3. Online booking functionality on your website using Newbook’s system
4. Engaging content, like a blog with useful articles that cater to your audience

A strong website can be the hub for your inbound marketing RV park strategy, driving direct traffic and increasing conversions.

Participate in Local Events

Engaging with the local community is a great way to boost visibility and attract guests. Sponsor or participate in local events, such as fairs, festivals, or outdoor activities. Not only does this showcase your park as an active and engaged community member, but it also provides an opportunity to distribute promotional materials and connect with potential customers. This approach can be a key component of your RV campground marketing plan, helping you build relationships and foster a positive reputation.

Use Email Marketing Strategies

Email marketing is a cost-effective way to keep in touch with past guests and attract new ones. Regular newsletters can feature special offers, park updates, and travel tips. This personalized outreach can bring past guests back to your RV park and pull those uncertain about booking over the line, converting them to paying customers.

Consider the following strategies for email marketing your RV park:

1. Segment your email list by interests and past behaviors.
2. Send regular newsletters featuring special offers and park updates.
3. Include valuable content like travel tips or local event announcements.

Leverage Social Media

Social media platforms are powerful tools for engaging with your audience and promoting your park. Share stunning visuals of your park, host giveaways, and post user-generated content to create a community around your brand. 

Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow you to showcase your park’s unique aspects and keep followers updated on events or promotions.

Check out the table below for a rundown on the types of social media content you can use to kick your RV park marketing into high gear:

Type of Social Media Content	Usage in RV Park Marketing	Impact on Marketing Efforts
Visual Content	Share high-quality photos and videos of the park, facilities, and local attractions.	Increases engagement and provides visual appeal, showcasing the park’s atmosphere and amenities.
User-Generated Content	Encourage guests to share their own photos and experiences, reposting them on the park’s social media accounts.	Builds community and credibility by showing real guest experiences, increasing trust among potential visitors.
Promotional Posts	Announce special offers, discounts, or seasonal packages.	Drives direct bookings by creating urgency and highlighting value deals, especially during off-peak seasons.
Interactive Content	Host polls, quizzes, and contests related to travel and outdoor activities.	Boosts engagement and increases visibility, encouraging interactions that can lead to greater reach.
Behind-the-Scenes	Share behind-the-scenes looks at park operations, staff introductions, and preparations for special events.	Humanizes the brand and creates a personal connection with potential guests, making the park feel more welcoming.
Informational Posts	Provide tips on RV maintenance, travel routes, and local attractions.	Positions the park as a knowledgeable resource, attracting guests who value expertise and planning support.
Event Coverage	Live coverage of events in and around the park, like festivals or themed weekends.	Generates excitement and showcases the park as a vibrant destination, attracting event-goers and tourists.
Reviews and Testimonials	Share positive guest reviews and testimonials, both written and video.	Builds trust and social proof, encouraging bookings from potential guests who rely on others’ experiences.

Incorporating social media into your RV campground marketing strategy can increase visibility and engagement, drawing more visitors to your park.

Attract New Guests by Using Online Travel Agencies

Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) are invaluable for reaching a wider audience. Use Newbook’s channel manager to list your park on popular OTAs, ensuring your rates and availability are synced across all platforms in real time. This integration expands your market reach and helps maintain consistency and avoid overbookings. Being visible on multiple OTAs can significantly boost bookings, especially from guests who prefer booking through familiar platforms.

Partner with Local Businesses

Collaborating with local businesses can create mutually beneficial partnerships. And it’s no secret people love to “Shop Local” when traveling close to home or in faraway places. To capitalize on this movement, consider:

• Offering package deals with local restaurants or adventure tours.
• Providing discounts for guests who visit partner businesses.
• Featuring local products in your park’s store.

These partnerships can enhance the guest experience and support local businesses, creating a win-win situation.

Build a Consistent Brand

A consistent brand image across all marketing channels helps build trust and recognition. Ensure your messaging, visuals, and tone are uniform across your website, social media, and physical materials. This consistency reinforces your park’s identity and makes it easier for guests to remember and recommend you. A strong brand presence can distinguish your park in a crowded market, making it a cornerstone of effective RV campground marketing.

Encourage Positive Reviews and Testimonials

Positive reviews and testimonials are powerful endorsements that can sway potential guests. Positive reviews and testimonials are powerful endorsements that can sway potential guests. To encourage reviews:

• Send automated follow-up communication through your RV park software
• Offer incentives like discounts for future stays.
• Showcase testimonials on your website and social media.

Highlighting these positive experiences can significantly influence prospective guests’ decisions.

Create a Loyalty Program

A well-designed loyalty program can encourage repeat visits and build a community of dedicated guests. Offer rewards such as discounts on future stays, exclusive access to amenities, or special gifts for frequent visitors. This incentivizes repeat business and fosters a sense of belonging among your guests.

Loyalty Program Feature	Description	Impact on Guest Retention
Discounts on Future Stays	Offer percentage-based or flat-rate discounts for guests who frequently stay at the park.	Encourages repeat visits by providing financial incentives for guests to return.
Exclusive Access to Amenities	Provide loyal guests with access to special amenities such as premium sites or private events.	Enhances the guest experience and makes them feel valued, increasing satisfaction and loyalty.
Points System	Implement a points-based system where guests earn points for each stay or expenditure, redeemable for rewards.	Motivates continued patronage by allowing guests to accumulate and redeem points for various rewards.
Personalized Offers	Send customized offers or packages based on guests’ past stays and preferences.	Increases relevance of promotions, making guests feel understood and valued.
Exclusive Events	Host special events or gatherings exclusively for loyalty program members.	Fosters a sense of community and exclusivity, encouraging guests to stay loyal to the park.
Early Access to Bookings	Allow loyalty members to book sites before general availability.	Gives guests an advantage in securing preferred dates and spots, boosting their satisfaction.
Special Gifts or Upgrades	Provide occasional gifts or complimentary upgrades to loyal guests.	Creates a memorable experience and demonstrates appreciation, enhancing guest retention.

Offer Discounts and Promotions

Special offers and promotions can attract new guests and fill vacancies during off-peak times. 

Strategic discounts and promotions can stimulate bookings and boost your park’s occupancy rates. This can include pricing sensitive to the seasons and changing demand. But without spending hours manually changing prices after hours of research, it’s not a realistic option for RV park owners. Tools like Newbook, however, allow you to implement a dynamic pricing strategy, ensuring accommodation businesses can maximize revenue and remain competitive in the ever-changing RV park market.

Run Online Ads

Online advertising is a targeted and effective way to reach potential guests. Use the following platforms:

• Google Ads: Target keywords related to RV camping and travel.
• Facebook Ads: Target specific demographics and interests.
• Instagram Ads: Use visually appealing images and stories.

By combining these ads with Newbook’s revenue management solutions, you can optimize pricing and maximize revenue, ensuring a balanced and profitable approach to marketing.

Unlock Powerful RV Park Marketing

You are ready. Ready to unleash your inner marketing guru, ready to take your RV park marketing to the next level, and, of course, ready to improve occupancy rates and increase your business’ revenue? You have all the knowledge and advice you could ever need to get started on the RV marketing plan that works best for you and your park. Now, all that is missing from your toolkit is powerful, all-in-one property management software like Newbook. 

With Newbook’s comprehensive suite of features—from seamless online bookings and real-time OTA integrations to self-service kiosks and advanced revenue management solutions—you can streamline operations and focus on what really matters: delivering an exceptional guest experience. Empower your marketing efforts with technology that ensures efficiency, enhances visibility, and drives growth. 

Let Newbook help you turn your marketing strategies into tangible results and elevate your RV park to new heights by getting in touch with one of our expert team members today.