The perfect RV campground

Big Katuna wrote:
Google Earth Williston Crossings. Their pull thrus are layed out well. When you’re sitting on your patio your not seeing the neighbors sewer connection.

I love the place based on the user pictures I've found.

2 Retired wrote:

6) Please strongly encourage office staff to be as friendly as possible - and to tell the truth when a problem exists! We once were told no one was on our assigned site, adamantly told that, when we saw there was a rig there- and it looked like it had been there forever! They refused to believe us, and when we insisted they go to the site to see for themselves, they insisted we were wrong. It was late, we were very tired, and all we wanted was to go to sleep! Finally, we were offered another site, which was all we asked for in the first place. Problems occur, mistakes are human, but don't make it personal, please!

Thanks for all the input. Most of the problem is owners focused on profit rather than service to others. A focus on profits costs you profits.

Google Earth Williston Crossings. Their pull thrus are layed out well. When you’re sitting on your patio your not seeing the neighbors sewer connection.

Another layout I like because of its roads is Topsail Hill State Park in Florida.

The state didn’t build it. They bought a belly up RV resort. Two DPs can drive side by side. Easy backins and wide corners.

Big Katuna wrote:
Hah!! We are actually in this picture. Top row, far left. The draw? It’s in the heart of Ohio Amish/Mennonite country. We stayed 3 mos last summer. I agree the layout is practical but I wish there was 4-5 more feet between rigs. Also a few tight corners.
Hope we can go back this summer.

I'm working on a design with almost no line-of-sight between rigs. The current grounds are pretty rustic.

My wants will depend on location. The more remote the more I’d want provided. Laundry, mini mart, propane, full hookups, good level sites with decent separation, usable WiFi / internet access, good cell service. Shade is a big thing with us to help with cooling the MH.

If the CG reminds me of an RV sales lot I won’t stay there. If the CG reminds me of the Grapes of Wrath movie I won’t stay there. If you don’t keep the place clean I won’t come back.

Decide who your target campers are. Are you looking to creat a great campground, and RV park, an RV resort? Do you plan to cater to higher motor homes, or will TC’s, pop ups, etc be welcome.

Seven Feathers is a great place. I just stay in the parking lot and have a nice dinner in the casino. I have camped there in a trailer, in a boat on a trailer, and in the back of my pickup. It is half way to Seattle from my house. They need more rest rooms in the parking lot outside the RV park.

I once met a gentleman (worked on his private jet) who flew around the world with he and his buddys family for 5 years researching what made a great Ski resort. Then they built one.
If you have time, try to travel to some of the highest rated resorts and see what makes them tick. The one that comes to mind near me is Seven Feathers ("comfort stations" are a BIG plus for us). This place has campers crammed close together but it's still a fabulous place.
Also, and I am assuming you're NOT this way but there are some folks that absolutely hate customers in general. They show nothing but contempt for them and side with who ever is against them at every turn. If you feel that way, don't go into this business.

I truly wish you the best of luck and hope we can stay at your resort some day.

Cheers,
Scott

1)Few "Extras" for a site price, make it for a family of 4 and minimal more for extra people. Please don't charge a separate price for cable, WiFi, etc unless its not available for every site. 50 amp more than 30? OK. Of course more for sewered site, but all sewered sites the same.
2) Please don't jack up prices too much for a camp store. I think 20% above retail is fair
3) Of course, good, well maintained hookups. PLEASE - sewer hookups that are LOW enough to drain properly!
4) Good interior roads and site access large enough so the neighbor doesn't have to move his tow vehicle
5) Please have enough help so maintenance and landscaping can be done well.
6) Please strongly encourage office staff to be as friendly as possible - and to tell the truth when a problem exists! We once were told no one was on our assigned site, adamently told that, when we saw there was a rig there- and it looked like it had been there forever! They refused to believe us, and when we insisted they go to the site to see for themselves, they insisted we were wrong. It was late, we were very tired, and all we wanted was to go to sleep! Finally, we were offered another site, which was all we asked for in the first place.
Problems occur, mistakes are human, but don't make it personal, please!
7) Most important of all to me - consistency. Same rules for everyone. Enforce rules you think are necessary - enforce them for everyone the same.
Best of luck to you!

ppine wrote:
I have never been to an RV park I really liked.
Last year we got invited to the wine country in CA with a big group. I went with an open mind and paid $75 a night. I could not wait to get out of there. Too much pavement, too much noise, too many people and dogs in close proximity.
The best way to improve an RV park is bigger sites with more trees.

I like your inexpensive suggestions.

Big Katuna wrote:

Scenic Hills is hard to book monthly in the summer.
No pool, no clubhouse, no snack bar, no lectures, no boathouse, no store. Few children, well run, concerned on-site owner, and a great location.

Sounds doable.