Buying a campground franchise can be an excellent way to earn a profit while you encourage the all-American love of the Great Outdoors. After all, nearly six out of every 10 households have a resident who has gone camping. That means that when you invest in a campground, you won’t have to do much convincing that your business is worth supporting.
However, it’s important to remember that family campgrounds — like countless other businesses and franchises out there — have their busy seasons. If you run a campground franchise already, you may know that the spring, summer, and early fall (particularly around holiday weekends and summer breaks) tend to be popular. But as we transition into the late fall and early winter, you may start to notice that business may drop off a bit. And while many campgrounds are located in areas that offer favorable weather year-round, chillier temperatures and less predictable weather may have you worried about how much money you’ll have coming in.
No matter the time of year, running a campground franchise can be rewarding. But if you want to make sure that you’ll continue to rake in the profits during the off season, here are three tips you’ll want to keep in mind.
Take Reservations Online
If you haven’t already made the switch to an online reservation system, there’s no time like the present. Whether you have to close your campground for a couple of months or you remain open year-round, having an online reservation platform can encourage campers to book their trips in advance. This can be a good way to keep money coming in during the slower months and ensure that your campground isn’t overlooked by those who want to book trips in a more convenient way.
Stay Open Through the Winter
In some cases, it may make financial sense to close up your campground for the winter. But for many campground franchises, staying open through the fall and winter is one of the best ways to maintain profitability. You could even limit how much of your campground stays open, which will allow you to cut down on necessary staff while providing the means for campers to enjoy their stay. If you can scale down your operations without sacrificing the camping experience, you may be able to entice adventurers to brave the colder temperatures — especially if you have some family cabins on-site!
Promote Special Events or Offers
While COVID-19 has put some major restrictions on what kinds of large events can be held, campground franchises and other outdoor or agricultural businesses have a bit of a leg up. During the fall and winter, you may catch the eye of couples and families alike who want a break from staying home. Whether you host a fall harvest weekend or a winter holiday discount, you may appeal to those who would rather stay in a cabin than get cabin fever at home. What’s more, you can promote these events or discounts on social media — and because you’ll need to limit space, you can create a sense of urgency that will compel campers to make their reservations quickly.
If you’re worried about how your campground will fare during the off season, you probably aren’t alone. However, with a bit of ingenuity, you can continue turning a profit even when your campsite isn’t as busy. For more information on how we can help your campground business succeed year-round, please contact us today.