Building New Campground. Opinions Welcome!
My family is working on building a new campground from scratch and we would like to get some opinions from campers or campground owners. We considered building right off a major interstate on about 3...
Forum Discussion
Packbacker wrote:
My family is working on building a new campground from scratch and we would like to get some opinions from campers or campground owners. We considered building right off a major interstate on about 35 acres but are now looking at building on our own property. Our property is 12 minutes from the interstate. It is located on 500 acres of beautiful longleaf pine with unique sandhills topography and river access. We plan to offer typical park amenities such as pool, playground, splash pad, bath houses, etc. We also have miles of walking/bicycle trails, access to the slow, tranquil river and cabins rentals. Our main question we'd like opinions on is whether this type of park would be more attractive to campers versus a park right off the interstate and would the 12 minute drive be a turnoff? Also worth noting that the 12 minute drive is a 4 lane highway that is 55mph the entire ride.
First question is What is the Mission?
Do you have the Zoning to do what you want?
Why would I stop there.
Is there a Need?
Why would anyone stop there.
Is there existing Competition? Are they over filled?
Long term - Mid-term or Short term?
Do you want it to make Money?
Access to Sewer, Water and Electric?
Year round or Seasonal? Most seasons are SHORT too short.
Start off small - 10-20 with minimum investment and Risk, then expand later?
Need to have answers to these and many more questions.
I've owned a small park in my past life and the Sewer and Water are really Big $$ if they do not work. So IMHO you need to make very smart decisions especially relating to Sewer Costs. Layout needs to be Smart - Very Smart for customer and Owner, this will affect the Bottom line.
As in all Real Estate, Location, Location, Location. Needs to be where People WANT to BE.
Best of Luck,
