Event marketing offers significant potential for campground operators looking to increase revenue and retain campers, especially given recent growth in the outdoor hospitality sector. Historically, the RVing retiree segment has seen steady expansion, driven by the aging baby boomer population. However, recent shifts reveal that Millennials and Generation Z are now propelling this sector’s remarkable surge, prioritizing experiences over material possessions. About 80% of campers try a new form of camping each year, with 40% in 2023 expressing a desire to travel for natural events like eclipses or meteor showers (source). With the rise in demand for experiences, event marketing is a powerful strategy for driving reservations and increasing camper loyalty. Keep reading to discover actionable campground marketing ideas to tap into this growing trend and boost campground bookings.
Importance of Event Marketing
Strategic event marketing plays a crucial role in planning and hosting special events at campgrounds, helping to draw in campers and ensure the event’s success. These events can range from themed weekends and RV rallies to larger regional tourism events such as music festivals or sports tournaments. The benchmarks of successful event marketing include diversified revenue streams, the attraction of new customers, and strengthened brand loyalty through meaningful guest experiences.
Hosting events such as natural event watch parties can draw campers who may not have otherwise considered the location, generating additional revenue through campsite bookings and even the sale of branded merchandise. Additionally, these events can foster community engagement by partnering with local businesses, enhancing the overall experience for campers and encouraging repeat visits.
Leveraging Technology in Camping Events
Incorporating technology into event marketing serves to streamline operations and improve guest experiences. Online event registration, automated communication, and mobile ticketing systems can make event planning more efficient for campground operators. Data collected through these systems provides valuable insights into guest preferences, allowing operators to tailor future events more effectively and make strategic marketing decisions.
Spot2Nite offers solutions that integrate directly with property management systems, providing a seamless way to manage event-based bookings. This technology enables campgrounds to provide a streamlined experience for guests, from reserving a campsite to purchasing event tickets, all within one platform. These innovations not only improve operational efficiency but also enhance the guest experience, increasing the likelihood of repeat bookings.
Strategies for Revenue Growth
Campgrounds can maximize revenue by offering a variety of event-related products and services. A la carte options, such as concert tickets or guided tours, allow campers to customize their experiences. Bundling these options with camping reservations encourages larger purchases and increases overall revenue.
Partnerships with local businesses and content creators can further enhance event marketing efforts. Collaborating with influencers or local tourism boards can help promote events to a broader audience, increasing visibility and driving more bookings. Upselling event-related merchandise, such as branded apparel or souvenirs, provides additional revenue opportunities during events.
Ensuring Guest Retention
Event marketing is also an effective tool for retaining campers and enhancing long-term loyalty. Studies show it’s 6 to 7 times more expensive to acquire a new guest than it is to retain an existing one, making retention a top priority for campgrounds. In fact, a 5% increase in customer retention can boost revenue by 25-95% for a significant return on investment (source). By fostering a sense of community through social interactions and memorable experiences, campgrounds can encourage repeat stays.
For example, offering a discounted rate for campers who rebook during an event can help build anticipation for next year’s gathering. Loyalty programs and incentives can further reward returning guests, increasing overall satisfaction and engagement. Satisfied, loyal guests also tend to book more often, spend more, and promote your campground through reviews, social media, and word-of-mouth referrals — one of the most valuable and cost-effective campground marketing resources.
Case Studies: Success in Event Marketing
EclipseFest 23
EclipseFest23 in Klamath County, Oregon, is a prime example of how event marketing and technology integration can drive revenue and enhance guest experiences. Organized by Impressions Design & Marketing in partnership with RVLove and Spot2Nite, this event combined camping with a rare natural phenomenon—the annular eclipse. By leveraging a pre-ticket launch landing page six months in advance, the event organizers collected 18,000 email subscribers through a mix of press releases, social media ads, and destination marketing channels. Email campaigns played a crucial role, starting with weekly updates and increasing to every other day as the event approached, keeping EclipseFest23 top of mind for potential attendees. Additionally, SEO-driven blog content published on state tourism platforms and sponsor websites like Spot2Nite provided direct booking links for nearby campgrounds, making reservations seamless for campers and campground owners alike. Social media updates and partnerships with RV and camping influencers, such as RVLife and CampgroundViews, expanded the event’s reach, while early bird pricing incentivized attendees to book early. This multi-channel marketing strategy generated $84,000 in revenue and created a once-in-a-lifetime experience for attendees.
Matt’s RV Rally
The Matt’s RV Reviews Rally at Camp Margaritaville RV Resort in Auburndale, Florida, skillfully blended community-building with well-timed execution. Hosted by popular YouTuber Matt Foxcroft, the rally attracted RV enthusiasts for a weekend of fun, games, and education. Matt promoted the event via his YouTube channel, website, and email marketing, fostering excitement among his followers. Meanwhile, the resort used its own marketing channels to encourage upsells and collect guest feedback. The rally’s timing, just before the Florida RV Supershow, encouraged attendees to extend their stay, driving additional revenue for the resort during the shoulder season. By engaging both the influencer’s audience and the resort’s guests, the event built a loyal community while boosting ancillary revenue from on-site amenities like the general store and restaurants. This blend of influencer-driven marketing and strategic scheduling helped ensure a highly successful event.
The Future of Event Marketing
The future of event marketing and technology for camping is poised for significant advancements, driven by emerging trends and shifting consumer expectations. AI-powered trip planning tools like AdventureGenie are becoming central to how campers organize their trips, offering personalized itineraries and suggestions based on preferences.Partnerships like Spot2Nite and RVshare elevate these offerings by combining RV rental and campground packages, making event planning both convenient and effortless.
With 40% of campers increasingly interested in trips centered around natural phenomena such as eclipses and meteor showers, alongside 36% exploring food tourism and 31% seeking visits to small towns, there is a clear shift towards experiential, nature-based events (source). Moreover, digital upsells are on the rise, with many property management systems now offering pre-arrival and in-stay marketing of services like firewood, equipment rentals, or event merchandise. These trends align with Spot2Nite’s integration of add-ons, catering to evolving consumer desires. Sustainability also plays a growing role, as campgrounds adopt eco-friendly practices to minimize environmental impact through the use of digital technologies and partnerships with green-conscious suppliers for a more responsible approach to campground marketing and revenue acceleration.
Start Leveraging Event Marketing Today
For campground operators, event marketing presents a valuable opportunity to increase revenue and guest retention. By leveraging technology and creating memorable experiences, campgrounds can attract new visitors, foster community engagement, and ensure long-term loyalty. Incorporating these strategies into your business model can help drive growth and create lasting connections with campers. Get connected with Spot2Nite today to take advantage of additional campground marketing ideas and unlock access to an audience of over 60 million campers looking to book outdoor accommodations and unforgettable camping experiences.