How to Start an RV Park or Campground: Your Roadmap to Success

Dreaming of wide-open spaces, starry skies and a business that inspires adventure? Starting a campground or RV park can be your chance to carve out a little slice of heaven. And with more people hitting the road in search of fresh air and freedom, there’s never been a better time to turn that land into a welcoming stopover.

But building a successful campground or RV park takes more than clearing some land and adding electrical hookups. You’ll need a solid plan, smarter tools (like a sporting goods POS)  and a guest-first approach to make your outdoor vision a lasting success.

Starting an RV park or campground takes clear planning and careful execution. Every phase—market research, funding, infrastructure design—directly impacts the success of your operation. Here’s your full guide to starting a campground or RV park from scratch, complete with practical steps, strategic insight and tips to help your business flourish season after season.

• Step 1: Scout the market
• Step 2: Map your journey with a comprehensive business plan
• Step 3: Find the perfect plot and clear zoning hurdles
• Step 4: Design and develop your park or campsite infrastructure
• Step 5: Secure funding to fuel your vision
• Step 6: Establish operations and management systems that go the distance
• Step 7: Build a marketing strategy that draws a crowd
• Step 8: Assemble and train your crew
• Step 9: Open with a bang
• Is starting an RV park or campground profitable? 

Step 1: Scout the market 

Knowing your market is where everything starts, so before you dig  out your first site, it’s important to get a lay of the land (literally and figuratively).  Market research is where your journey begins.

Start by diving into tourism data in your region. Is outdoor recreation booming in your province or state? Are you near national parks, hiking trails, lakes or small towns that draw visitors? Try to understand not just where people are going, but why. Is it about affordability, nature, accessibility or community?

Do some friendly competitive intel, too. Visit nearby campgrounds and RV parks, read guest reviews and pay attention to what people love, or what’s missing. That research can reveal market gaps and inspire your own unique edge, whether it’s premium amenities, an eco-conscious setup  or curated guest experiences.

Step 2: Map your journey with a comprehensive business plan 

Your business plan is the backbone of your RV or campground’s success. It helps you stay on course when the road gets bumpy and gives potential investors confidence that you know where you’re headed.

Start by outlining your park’s concept and mission. Are you focused on families, retirees or upscale travelers? Be clear about the type of experience you want to deliver and set specific goals to guide your progress.

Next, take a close look at your target market, pricing structure and what makes your park unique. Are you offering eco-friendly amenities, oversized RV sites or luxury add-ons? Use competitor research and your expected costs to identify pricing tiers that balance profitability with guest expectations.

Finally, break down the numbers. List every startup cost—land, permits, infrastructure and marketing—and don’t forget ongoing expenses like utilities, staffing and maintenance. Build detailed financial projections that include revenue forecasts and account for seasonal demand. A strong plan not only keeps you focused but also shows investors and lenders you’re ready for the challenges ahead.

Step 3: Find the perfect plot and clear zoning hurdles

The right piece of land can make or break your business. Start by identifying property that checks all the boxes: enough space for your desired number of campsites or RV pads, proper drainage, utility access and potential for expansion. A scenic view or access to water doesn’t hurt, either.

But the legal side is just as important. Not every rural property is zoned for commercial or recreational use. You’ll need to:

• Confirm zoning regulations and, if needed, apply for rezoning.
• Apply for environmental permits, especially if your land is near protected areas, wetlands or waterways.
• Secure building and utility permits for everything from septic systems to electrical installations.
• Meet health and safety codes, including waste disposal, water quality and fire safety.

Timelines and unexpected hurdles are common: public hearings, long waiting periods or unforeseen zoning issues can all slow you down. Factor these into your schedule early. Be patient, keep track of deadlines and consider working with zoning consultants or land use lawyers if this is your first go at a campground or RV park.

Step 4: Design and develop your park or campsite infrastructure

The layout of your campground or RV is arguably one of the most important parts of starting your business. A well-designed campground or RV park should make life easy for both guests and staff. Start with a rough sketch, then bring in professionals to fine-tune it.

Plan utility infrastructure early—RV sites need water and a proper sewage system. For off-grid locations, consider solar, backup generators and water tanks. Tent sites don’t need hookups but should be near water spigots and restrooms.

Amenities like showers, restrooms, laundry, a camp store, picnic shelters, fire pits  and a playground enhance the experience and encourage longer stays.

And keep sustainability in mind. Use native plants, energy-efficient lighting and solar to reduce maintenance, costs, and environmental impact. A smart layout makes for smoother operations and happier campers.

Step 5: Secure funding to fuel your vision

Starting a campground or RV park isn’t cheap, but with the right pitch and financials, it can be a compelling investment. Depending on your location, size and amenities, startup costs can vary greatly. Many owners secure funding through a mix of traditional bank loans, tourism or rural development grants, private investors or even personal savings and crowdfunding. No matter the source, lenders and investors will expect a solid business plan backed by realistic cost estimates, revenue forecasts, and a clear path to profitability. 

If you’re adding a retail component like a camp store, having a POS and inventory system can help you project retail margins and strengthen your proposal. And when you’re ready to launch or expand, financing solutions like Lightspeed Capital can keep your business moving forward.

Step 6: Establish operations and management systems that go the distance

Operational efficiency is the key to keeping your campground running smoothly—even when every site is full, the Wi-Fi’s glitchy and a thunderstorm just rolled through. Here’s where smart software comes in.

Start with a reservation system that’s easy to use and manages online and phone bookings without hiccups. Pair it with streamlined check-in and check-out procedures to reduce wait times and help guests settle in quickly.

Additionally, tools like Lightspeed Retail helps campground and RV park owners:

• Manage retail inventory for camp stores or rental gear
• Accept multiple payment types, including contactless and mobile
• Analyze sales data and guest trends to make informed decisions
• Sync online and on-site operations, making things easier for campers and staff alike

With the right systems, you spend less time on busywork and more time delivering memorable experiences. 

Step 7: Build a marketing strategy that draws a crowd

You’ve got the dream and your site settled, but now it’s time to start attracting your first guests. A strong marketing strategy can help turn curious travelers into loyal regulars.

That means building a strong brand, marketing consistently and making it easy for guests to find and book you. A user-friendly website with online booking is a must, especially if you’re targeting road-trippers and RVers who plan on the go. Lightspeed eCom can help you create a professional site that reflects your brand, integrates with your retail operations and gives guests a seamless booking and shopping experience whether they’re reserving a site or stocking up on supplies.

Marketing should be multi-channel. Leverage social media to showcase your property and connect with outdoor enthusiasts. Use email to stay in touch with past guests and share updates or seasonal promotions. And don’t underestimate the power of verbal reviews; word of mouth travels fast in the outdoor community, and a few glowing reviews can go a long way in filling your sites.

Step 8: Assemble and train your crew

Your guests might not remember every operational detail, but they’ll definitely remember how they were treated. A friendly, knowledgeable team is essential to creating the kind of experience that turns first-time visitors into lifelong campers. 

Depending on the size of your park, your staffing needs could include reservation and front desk employees, groundskeepers and maintenance teams to keep your facilities tidy and in top shape. If you plan to offer activities or programming, you may also need an events coordinator. Hiring people who are friendly, detail-oriented and genuinely passionate about hospitality makes all the difference. 

Step 9: Open with a bang

And now for the moment you’ve been waiting for: opening day!  Before your grand opening, host a soft launch for friends, family, or local partners. Offer free stays in exchange for honest feedback. Test your systems, iron out any kinks, and gather testimonials for your website. 

When it’s time to launch, plan an event that reflects your brand and the kind of experience you want to offer. Offer discounts to first-time guests, create a referral program, and invite media or influencers to help spread the word. Remember, a warm welcome is your best marketing.

Is starting an RV park or campground profitable? 

In the right location, with the right systems and strategy? Starting an RV park or campground can absolutely be profitable. With RV ownership growing and more people craving unplugged escapes (with just enough Wi-Fi), campgrounds and RV parks offer steady demand and room to scale.

Success doesn’t happen overnight, though, but with careful planning, clear branding and a guest-first mindset, your park can become a beloved stop on someone’s lifelong travel map.

Grow your outdoor business

Today’s travelers are fueled by wanderlust and looking for more than just a place to park; they want to create core memories. To deliver on those and grow your business, you need tools that work as hard as you do.

Lightspeed helps campground and RV park owners streamline operations, improve guest experiences and scale with ease. With flexible POS, inventory and reporting tools, you can manage everything between  check-in and checkout with confidence.

Talk to an expert to see how the right tools can help you run your campground more efficiently.