How Much Does It Cost to Start a Campground?

Thinking about building your own campground? While the potential is huge, the costs can be equally significant. What you spend depends on everything from your location and acreage to the type of guest experience you want to deliver. Before you break ground, knowing your numbers is the smartest move you can make.

Every choice counts. The land you pick, the utilities you install, the permits you secure and the amenities you offer—all of it shapes your budget. When you understand what drives each cost, you can prioritize what matters most and set your business up for long-term growth.

For entrepreneurs ready to dive into hospitality, RV parks can become a steady source of recurring revenue. The key is connecting your upfront investment to your future returns with a solid financial plan from day one.

In this guide, we’ll break down the major costs you should expect, highlight the factors that can move your budget up or down and explore ways to balance your spending with potential revenue streams. Let’s dig into what it really takes to launch a successful campground business.

• Estimated cost breakdown
• Factors that influence campground startup costs
• Potential revenue streams (balancing the costs)
• Set yourself up for success

Key takeaways: Campground startup costs

• Land acquisition: This is your biggest up-front investment. Rural land can start as low as $2,000 per acre, but if you want to be near top attractions or high-traffic destinations, expect prices to jump to $20,000+ per acre. Don’t overlook land prep—clearing, grading, surveys and environmental checks all add to your foundation costs.
  
• Development and infrastructure: Laying the groundwork for your park—roads, site pads and utility hookups (think electric, water, sewer, Wi-Fi)—usually falls between $60,000 and $200,000 for a smaller setup. The more amenities and guest facilities you add, the steeper the costs: $20,000 to $500,000+, scaling with your ambitions.
• Permits, licenses and legal fees: Securing all the right approvals, from business licenses to zoning to environmental permits, typically costs $10,000 to $50,000. In tightly regulated areas, expect both the price and the paperwork to go up. Investing in legal expertise now can save you major headaches later.
• Equipment, vehicles and early operations: Plan for $30,000–$50,000+ to cover the basics: maintenance tools, utility vehicles, initial supplies, payroll, marketing, insurance, and a cash buffer for unexpected expenses as you get up and running.
• Total estimated startup costs: If you’re launching a no-frills campground, expect a starting budget of $250,000–$500,000. For a destination park with robust amenities, the total can easily top $1 million, depending on your location, build quality, and vision.

Understanding what drives each cost—and how your choices shape your financial foundation—lets you prioritize your spend and build a campground that’s set up for steady, sustainable growth.

Estimated cost breakdown

1. Land acquisition and preparation

Land acquisition is often the largest upfront expense when starting a campground or RV park, and costs vary widely depending on your location. Rural land can start around $2,000 per acre, while land near popular attractions or scenic destinations may reach $20,000 or more per acre. Remember to factor in annual property taxes, which typically add another 1–2% of your land’s assessed value.

After securing your property, you’ll need to prepare it for guests. Industry estimates place clearing, grading, and surveying costs between $8,000 and $12,000 per acre, though this can increase for challenging or densely wooded sites. If your land borders wetlands or protected areas, you may also need environmental assessments—usually an added $5,000 to $10,000. These foundational steps are essential for building a safe, guest-ready campground with long-term potential.

2. Permits, licenses and legal fees

Navigating the world of permits and licenses can be one of the trickiest—and most time-consuming—parts of starting your RV park. You’ll likely need to secure a mix of business licenses, zoning approvals, health and safety clearances, and environmental permits before opening your doors.

The price tag varies widely: estimates indicate total permitting and licensing expenses run from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on your location and the complexity of your project. Hiring legal professionals, which often costs $2,000–$5,000, is a smart investment to ensure full compliance and avoid costly setbacks.

3. Infrastructure development

Infrastructure is the backbone of any successful campground, and it’s where much of your initial investment will go. According to industry estimates, designing your park’s layout, building internal roads and creating individual site pads typically costs between $60,000 to $200,000, though this can vary by region and site complexity. Installing utility systems—covering electricity, water, sewer or septic, and Wi-Fi—can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the number of hookups and the scope of the park. Don’t overlook guest facilities: restrooms, showers and laundry rooms generally add another $150 to $350 per square foot, based on their size and quality, according to Campground Consulting Group.

4. Amenities and facilities

Amenities elevate your park and attract more guests. Features like playgrounds, pools, or picnic areas generally cost between $25,000 to half a million dollars each depending on their scale. As you weigh which amenities to invest in, consider what sets your campground apart—unique features can boost your visibility and help you target higher-value guest segments.

A check-in office, camp store, or small retail space can range from $20,000 to $80,000 to build and furnish. If you’re including cabins or glamping structures, expect to spend even more. While these additions come with higher upfront costs, they significantly enhance guest experiences and can justify premium pricing by attracting guests looking for upgraded accommodations.

5. Equipment and vehicles

The right equipment keeps your campground running efficiently day in and day out—which means it’s not a place to cut corners. Expect to invest $5,000–$10,000 in maintenance essentials like mowers, trimmers, and landscaping tools. To keep your team mobile and responsive, plan for $10,000–$30,000 for vehicles such as golf carts, ATVs, or utility trucks.

Don’t forget the backbone of daily operations: office supplies, computers and a reliable POS system to manage bookings and retail sales. A robust sporting goods POS like Lightspeed not only streamlines transactions and inventory, but also empowers you to run your camp store efficiently—tracking popular items, managing supplier orders and delivering seamless guest experiences from check-in to checkout. With powerful analytics and integrated payment solutions, you’re equipped to make smarter business decisions and fuel your campground’s growth. Clear signage for navigation and branding is another must-have, which can set you back up to $20,000 for custom designs.

6. Initial operating expenses and working capital

Before your park starts generating steady revenue, you’ll need funds to cover initial operating costs. Payroll and staff training can range from $8,000 to $12,000 a month or more, depending on your team size. Utilities like electricity, water and internet for the first few months typically cost between $5,000 and $8,000.

Marketing and advertising to get the word out for your campground is essential, with costs usually setting you back up to $1,000 for flyers, brochures and other promotional assets. You’ll also need to budget for insurance premiums, initial inventory for your camp store and a contingency fund for unexpected expenses.

Factors that influence campground startup costs

How many sites you develop sets the pace for your spending. Smaller parks (20–30 sites) need less land, fewer hookups and simpler roads. Go bigger—75 sites or more—and costs climb fast, especially with extra water, sewer and electrical needs for each spot.

Location drives your budget too. Land near tourist magnets or national parks comes at a premium compared to rural plots. Local zoning and permitting can add to your bill—tougher regulations mean higher fees and longer timelines.

Your amenity lineup matters. A basic campground with shared restrooms and standard hookups costs far less than a resort-style park with pools or clubhouses. Premium perks attract guests, but don’t forget the ongoing maintenance—they’ll pad your operating budget.

Land conditions impact your spending from day one. Raw, untouched acreage needs clearing, grading and full utility hookups—costly but customizable. Land with existing roads or utilities saves on prep but often comes with a higher sticker price.

Build quality and materials are key. Invest in sturdy, professional-grade construction for fewer repairs later. Opting for bargain materials cuts costs up front but can mean bigger expenses down the road.

Finally, decide if you’re building new or buying existing. Ground-up builds offer more control and customization, but require bigger upfront investment and patience before you see returns. Buying an established park means instant cash flow but might mean major upgrades to match your vision.

Potential revenue streams (balancing the costs)

Revenue for campgrounds isn’t limited to site rentals—it’s about creating multiple ways to generate income. While rental fees are the backbone, additional streams can help offset the cost to build a campground and improve profitability over time.

• Site rental fees: This is where most of the revenue comes from. Rates vary depending on location, size and amenities. Premium spots—like waterfront views or pull-through sites—justify higher prices.
• Camp store sales: Stocking firewood, snacks, camping gear and souvenirs isn’t just convenient for guests; it’s a consistent revenue source.
• Amenity rentals: Equipment like kayaks, paddleboards or bikes can turn unused space into income. Guests appreciate the added experience, and it’s an easy way to boost earnings.
• Activity fees: Guided tours, nature workshops or special events are easy add-ons that guests are often happy to pay for. They also make your campground feel more engaging.

Combining these revenue streams creates a steady flow of income—helping to balance the cost to start a campground while supporting long-term growth.

Set yourself up for success

Launching a campground or RV park is a major investment, but with the right planning, it can deliver lasting financial rewards. Every decision you make—from the land you purchase to the amenities you offer—directly shapes your guest experience and your bottom line. The secret is striking a balance between upfront spending and the long-term value that sets your park apart.

A detailed, flexible financial plan is essential. Unexpected costs are inevitable, so building in a strong contingency fund helps you stay resilient. Prioritize investments that make the biggest impact, like a trusted campground POS software and always keep an eye on your budget to maximize returns.

With strategic planning and efficient management, your campground has the potential to become a reliable revenue generator and a brand you’re proud to build. Talk to an expert to discover tools like Lightspeed that can streamline your operations and set your business up for long-term success.