Are you looking for ways to increase visibility and bookings at your campground? Here are 10 tips to get your campground on the map, plus strategic tools to help you thrive.
Property Management Systems & OTAs
Selecting a property management system that allows for both online reservations and direct integrations with OTAs is crucial. Spot2Nite is a commission-free OTA serving as a centralized marketplace for an audience of over 60 million campers.
Strategic Tools: Checkfront, Firefly Reservations, Good Sam Campground Solutions, MYSites, Newbook, ResNexus, ResortForward, RMS, Roverpass, Staylist.
Establish an Online Presence
Create a professional, mobile-optimized website that showcases your campground’s site types, amenities, activities, area attractions, location, contact information, and a prominent button for online reservations with a strong call-to-action like “Book Now”. Ensure it’s full of clear, vibrant photos and videos.
Strategic Tools: WordPress (content management system), Wix (website builder).
Search Engine Optimization
Optimize your website for search engines by incorporating relevant keywords, meta tags, and descriptions. Publish blog content (500+ words each) that is useful to your guests, such as camping-related guides, activities or events that drive tourism to your area, and any local state or national parks.
Strategic Tools: Google Keyword Planner (for keyword research, Yoast SEO plugin (for optimizing content)
Third-Party Listings
Claim your property listings on industry-relevant online directories and respond to reviews. Prospective guests often utilize these platforms when actively researching destinations. Keep a list of every website on which your property is mentioned and make it a quarterly task to review and update with new photo and video.
Strategic Tools: Google My Business, TripAdvisor, Yelp, The Dyrt, Good Sam, RV Life Campground Reviews
Leverage Social Media
Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to share engaging photos and videos of your campground. Encourage campers to share their experiences using a designated hashtag for your property and leave reviews that you can use as positive testimonials of the guest experience.
Strategic Tools: Hootsuite (social media management tool), Canva (easy-to-use templates for visually appealing graphics)
Participate in Camping Organizations
Register with the national ARVC organization – there are several state-level associations as well offering educational resources and advertising opportunities. Participate in online forums, discussion groups, and social media communities dedicated to camping and RVing.
Strategic Tools: Engage with relevant communities on Facebook like Campground Reviews and The RV Bunch.
Email, Push & SMS Marketing
Collect email addresses and phone numbers from guests and prospects and send regular newsletters or updates about your campground. Provide exclusive offers and news about upcoming events. Include a standard email sign-up form on your website, but also consider a giveaway contest for lead-generation.
Strategic Tools: Hubspot, OneSignal, MailChimp, Constant Contact, Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
Pay-Per-Click & Digital Media Advertising
Consider running targeted online advertising campaigns using platforms like Google Ads or Meta Ads across Facebook and Instagram. Focus on keywords and demographics relevant to your target audience with eye-catching photo and video.
Strategic Tools: Spot2Nite offers full PPC and digital media buying packages including search, display, geofencing, and premium pre-roll video. Email [email protected] for info.
Attend RV Shows & Events
Set up a booth at RV shows, outdoor expos, and relevant events in your geographical area and any major feeder markets. RVers most often travel within a 200 mile radius. Offer promotional materials like a rack card, special discounts, and giveaways to attract visitors and collect leads via email and phone number.
Strategic Tools: Use a QR-code generator for quick scans on a mobile device that link attendees to a giveaway website page.
Partner with Content Creators
Collaborate with popular camping content creators who can visit and promote your campground through their blogs, social media, or YouTube channels. Some require payment, but many are interested in a complimentary stay. Agree on specific deliverables ahead of time and draft an agreement to uphold these.
Strategic Tools: Consider providing a discount code unique to each content creator for tracking ROI.
By utilizing these strategies, you can greatly increase exposure and bookings for your campground. Interested in learning more about connecting your campground to Spot2Nite and obtaining commission-free reservations? Discover how much you could earn with our revenue calculator tool.