Campground Feasibility Study Generator

The US campground and RV park industry generates $8.5 billion annually, serving 80 million campers. Occupancy rates average 60-75% during the May-October season, with full hookup RV sites generating $40-$80 per night and cabin rentals at $80-$200 per night. The outdoor recreation boom, accelerated by pandemic-era lifestyle shifts, has driven 6% annual growth in campground revenue.

Market demand is supported by structural trends. RV ownership has reached 11 million households. Younger demographics (millennials and Gen Z) are adopting camping at higher rates than previous generations, with 57% of campers aged 18-40. Technical requirements include land with appropriate zoning, utility infrastructure (water, electric, sewer hookups), and amenity development (restrooms, showers, recreation areas).

Startup costs vary widely: $200,000-$500,000 to develop a basic tent and RV campground, $500,000-$2 million for a full-service facility with cabins and amenities. Break-even at 50% seasonal occupancy is achievable within 12-24 months. The project is viable near natural attractions, state parks, lakes, beaches, and highway corridors.

Success depends on the property's natural setting and proximity to recreation, the quality and cleanliness of facilities, and the ability to generate repeat bookings through a campground community that guests want to return to every season.

RV travelers (50% of revenue) book full hookup sites at $40-$80 per night for 2-7 night stays, with seasonal guests booking monthly at $600-$1,200. Tent campers (20%) pay $20-$40 per night for primitive or improved sites. Cabin and glamping guests (25%) represent the fastest-growing segment, paying $80-$200 per night for guests who want the outdoor experience without the equipment. Event and group bookings (5%) generate premium revenue for rallies, retreats, and family reunions.

The campground market within a 2-hour drive of major population centers (the primary draw area) supports $2-$10 million annually. A 100-site campground at 60% seasonal occupancy and $50 average nightly rate generates $450,000-$550,000 in annual site revenue, plus $50,000-$150,000 from store sales, firewood, equipment rental, and activity fees.

Competition from 5-15 campgrounds within the market area is managed through site quality (level pads, privacy between sites, shade trees), amenity investment (pool, playground, dog park, Wi-Fi), and community programming (organized activities, themed weekends, holiday events). Campground selection is reputation-driven: sites with 4.5+ ratings on Campendium and Google receive 2-3x the booking inquiries of lower-rated alternatives.