There are a lot of reasons why investors are currently seeking out a campsite business for sale. Campgrounds have always had a mass appeal due to their family-friendliness, access to nature, and perhaps now more than ever their COVID-related safety. While it’s generally been deemed unsafe to travel to different hotels and houses, staying outdoors allows you access to fresh air and practice social distancing. Therefore, now is a great time to invest in campgrounds, offering them as alternatives to traditional vacation spots. But nonetheless, it’s one thing to think about investing in a campground. Actually doing it and offering a successful campground is another issue entirely.
There are a lot of issues to consider when examining a campsite business for sale, or for that matter a plot of land that could become a campground. Certainly, it’s possible to buy a campground and be successful. But ask yourself a few questions first.
Should I Buy a Franchise?
Not all campgrounds are entirely independent, and with good reason. It can be difficult to run your first campground entirely by yourself. Considering a campsite business for sale related to a franchise offers the benefit of name recognition, for one thing. Campers often like returning to the same campsite over and over again, and realizing that their favorite campground has changed hands can make them uncomfortable. In order to retain your business, you may want to keep the name and branding that the campground business you’re considering presented originally. Another benefit of doing this is that it’s easier for people to find you. Even if you aren’t buying into a franchise, retaining a campground’s existing identity allows you to maintain the same website, reviews, and much more. It helps you avoid some of the aches and pains that come with starting a new business.
You may also want to buy a new plot of land while buying into a campground franchise. Some people like the idea of establishing a new campground but appreciate the help that comes from a franchise. You’ll need to make locals and travelers aware of your campground, but you’ll still have franchise recognition. Furthermore, your campground may be listed as a location on the parent company’s website, and you can sometimes benefit from their advertising resources. Buying a franchise gives you a kind of template to follow.
What Kind of Location Am I Investing In?
There are a lot of different locations at which campgrounds can be set. A campsite business for sale can be found virtually anywhere across the United States. Although people can camp in more extreme locations, a designated campsite probably needs to be located in an area that is accessible. It’s ideal if your campground is not located in a place that would be too intimidating for parents with children. A Kampgrounds of America study revealed that about 20% of all campers valued campsites that are kid-friendly. This isn’t a market that you would want to miss out on.
You should also think about how long the summers last in areas that you’re considering. Summer is the prime time for camping. Though parts of spring and autumn also appeal to campers, you will probably make most of your profits during the summertime. You may even need to shut your campground down during the winter.
What Kind of Maintenance Will It Require?
Think about the type of maintenance your campground will require. If your campground has a water source, you’ll want to make sure that it is both clean and properly blocked off; you can’t be sure that campers won’t break the rules and go swimming or fishing when they aren’t allowed to, but you can provide them with proper warnings.
Furthermore, family-friendly campgrounds are campgrounds that aren’t overwhelmed with debris. Make sure it’s properly clear, and that campers are aware of the type of wildlife that is present.
Buying a campground will inevitably require a good bit of work. But if you assess a potential campground correctly, you can lessen some of the burden for yourself and create a successful business.