Operating an RV park is never an easy endeavor. While it has an enormous potential to be successful and bring in a good income, you must understand the needs of your potential customers as well as the amenities you need to put in place to guarantee they have an exceptional outdoor experience.
When you take into account the growing competition within the industry, you will understand the importance of designing your RV park and ensuring you put in place the necessary amenities.
Always remember that one of the surest ways to draw in more guests and guarantee they return is by making available certain must-have RV park amenities.
Most Important Amenities an RV Park Must Have to Be Successful
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Full Hookups
The primary essence of water hookups is to be certain that guests will have unrestricted access to fresh water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
In terms of electricity hookups, it works to provide the necessary power for appliances, lighting, and heating/cooling systems in the RV.
Sewer hookups on the other hand are meant to guarantee that guests can conveniently dispose of wastewater without contending with the stress that comes with frequent trips to a dump station.
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Wi-Fi and Connectivity
You will find that a good number of your guests need fast internet to ensure they can keep up with work, stay in touch with family and friends, stream entertainment, and access information regarding local attractions.
Ensuring you have a good and reliable Wi-Fi network throughout the RV park will boost the number of guests you draw to your RV park.
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Clean and Modern Bathrooms/Showers
Ideally, RVers need clean and hygienic bathrooms with adequate supplies of toilet paper, soap, and hand sanitizer. To guarantee the success of your park, it is recommended you install showers with adequate water pressure, temperature control, as well as privacy features.
Do not neglect the importance of ventilation especially since it works to prevent moisture buildup while also maintaining a fresh atmosphere.
Steady cleaning and maintenance schedules are very important to be certain these facilities align or surpass the expectations of guests.
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Recreational Facilities
Recreational amenities are known to add value and entertainment options for guests all through their stay. For instance, installing a swimming pool ensures that your guests can have a fun and refreshing way to cool off during hot days.
Designing your park to include a playground area makes it easier to attract families traveling with children, ensuring they get a safe and fun space to play.
Other things like hiking trails or nature walks make it possible for guests to explore the surrounding area and connect with nature. Consider other recreational facilities like a fitness center, game room, or sports courts (e.g., basketball, volleyball).
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Pet-Friendly Environment
You will come across RV travelers who see their furry companions as a very vital part of the family. As such, it is recommended you create a pet-friendly environment to be certain you can draw in and retain these guests.
This more or less entails designing designated pet areas where dogs are allowed to exercise and play off-leash safely. You would also want to put in place pet waste stations with bags and disposal bins.
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Well-Designed Campsites
Nothing would guarantee success for your RV park as much as a properly designed campsite. You must make sure that your RV sites are properly designed with the right amount of space, level ground, and easy access for RVs of varying sizes. Keep in mind that options for pull-through sites, back-in sites, and sites with shade will fit varying preferences.
Aside from that, inculcating things like picnic tables, fire pits or grills, and outdoor seating areas will further boost the comfort and enjoyment of guests.
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Laundry Facilities
You can never go wrong with providing on-site laundry services for your guests, particularly those on extended trips. This would work to guarantee the long-term success of your park.
Consider providing things like washers, dryers, and laundry supplies to ensure that your guests can easily tend to their laundry without going off the park.
Always remember that a clean and well-maintained laundry facility with enough machines and operating hours will bring a substantial level of convenience and value to the guest experience.
Other Less Important Amenities You Can Have in your RV Park
1. On-Site Convenience Store
Although not considered a necessity, note that putting in place an on-site convenience store will resonate with your guests.
It will give them the opportunity to purchase necessary items, snacks, beverages, and camping supplies without the need to step outside the park.
2. Pet Washing Station
This is another valid amenity to look towards providing even though it is not considered necessary. Truth be told, a pet washing station will most definitely boost the amount of visitors you can draw.
Although not everyone will need this station, your guests with pets will appreciate the convenience of being able to wash and groom their pets on-site.
3. Community Bulletin Board
There are many ways community bulletin boards help cultivate or even foster a sense of community among guests. Simply put, it refers to a place within your park where guests are allowed to share tips, recommendations, upcoming events, or even items for sale or trade.
4. Book Exchange/Library
Although not necessarily needed within a park environment, keep in mind that providing a book exchange or a small library will entice guests who appreciate reading.
Although most travelers are known to come with their entertainment, providing access to a wide range of books would prove ideal for leisurely reading during downtime or evenings.
5. Outdoor Games and Activities
Making available outdoor games and activities will indeed inculcate a good level of fun and variety in the guest experience.
Consider additional like horseshoe pits, bocce ball courts, cornhole boards, or even organized group activities such as nature walks or scavenger hunts.
6. Propane Refill Station
Even though a good number of RV travelers won’t be needing propane refills all through their stay, putting in place an on-site propane refill station will make their stay more comfortable. It will work to relieve your guests from the stress that comes with finding an off-site refill station in a new location.
7. Picnic Areas with Barbecue Grills
If possible, it is recommended you create designated picnic areas that feature barbecue grills. Keep in mind that this would boost the outdoor dining experience for guests.
Although a good number of RVers always carry their cooking facilities, you can’t go wrong with providing access to a communal barbecue grill.
8. Dump Station with RV Washing Area
Although full hookups are very important in every RV park, designing a dump station that comes with an adjacent RV washing area will be an additional amenity your customers will appreciate. This ensures that your guests easily empty their tanks before departure.
9. Fitness Center or Outdoor Exercise Area
Not everyone pays so much attention to their fitness or will be willing to make use of this facility, but having it within your park will definitely ensure your park appeals to those who value staying active. Be sure to make available basic exercise equipment, including treadmills, stationary bikes, or outdoor workout stations.
10. Nature Observation Areas
You can also come up with designated nature observation areas within the RV park. This will resonate with guests who love birdwatching, wildlife spotting, or looking to just immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Consider fitting these with benches, informational signage regarding local flora and fauna, as well as strategic viewpoints.