What story is your Campground telling?
Empty campsites send silent signals to your guests. When potential campers drive through your property and see vacant spot after vacant spot, they might wonder:
“Why isn’t anyone staying here?” “Is there something wrong with this place?” “Did others have a bad experience?”
Think about your own shopping habits. Would you choose a restaurant with an empty parking lot over one that’s bustling with happy diners? Empty sites can create doubts in guests’ minds, leading to a cycle that’s hard to break:
Empty sites → Lower perceived value → Fewer bookings → More empty sites
Even worse, in today’s digital age, guests often check your online availability before visiting. Seeing lots of open sites during peak season might raise red flags about your campground’s quality or management.
The Real Numbers: A Wake-Up Call
Every empty campsite tells a story of lost revenue. As a campground or RV park owner, you know the feeling of looking across your property and seeing vacant spots that could be generating income. It’s not just about missing out on tonight’s revenue – it’s about the thousands of dollars that slip away each year when sites sit empty.
Let’s look at a real world example. Suppose a campground has 50 sites. Like many parks, they’re running at the national average of 68% occupancy. At $33 per night, here’s what their yearly revenue looks like:
- 50 sites Ă— 365 days Ă— 68% occupancy Ă— $33 = $409,530
By increasing their occupancy by just 20% (from 68% to 88%), their annual revenue jumps considerably:
- 50 sites Ă— 365 days Ă— 88% occupancy Ă— $33 = $529,980
That’s an extra $120,450 per year – without adding a single site or raising rates!
Why Are Sites Sitting Empty?
Here are some common reasons why sites can sit empty:
- Website isn’t showing up in Google searches
- Guests can’t easily book online. Does your site have direct booking?
- Too much reliance on word-of-mouth advertising
- Lack of dynamic pricing. Prices are stagnant, even during local events
- No follow up with previous campersÂ
- Local tourist attractions don’t know about you
While weather, seasons, and market conditions affect every campground, many factors driving low occupancy are within your control. Even during off-peak seasons, there are proven ways to fill more sites and boost your revenue
8 Ways to Boost Your Occupancy Rate Without Spending a Dime!
- Leverage social media: Create engaging content showcasing your campground’s best features. Encourage guests to share their experiences and photos.
- Optimize your website: Ensure your website is user-friendly, mobile-responsive, and provides all necessary information. Use SEO techniques to improve your search engine rankings.
- Implement a referral program: Offer incentives to guests who refer new campers to your site.
- Improve your review management: Respond promptly and professionally to all reviews, both positive and negative. Address issues and showcase your commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Create partnerships: Collaborate with local attractions, tour operators, or events to cross-promote and attract more visitors.
- Flexible pricing: Implement dynamic pricing strategies based on demand, seasonality, and local events.
- Enhance communication: Keep in touch with past guests through email newsletters, offering special promotions or updates about your campground.
- Offer unique experiences: Organize free activities or events that set your campground apart, such as stargazing nights, nature walks, or outdoor movie screenings.
