
Boosting Camper Stays: Key Strategies to Revive Campground Reservations
In light of a noticeable decline in campground reservations across the U.S. and Canada, campground owners and operators face the need to adapt and innovate. The first-ever MC Camper Compass Report titled “Boosting Camper Stays: Key Strategies to Revive Campground Reservations” aims to provide strategic options to attract new visitors, increase the length of stays, and encourage repeat visits.
One significant finding is that offering discounts can effectively increase the length of stay and encourage repeat visits. Various discount strategies, such as offering a free night with a minimum stay, providing meal deals, establishing rewards programs, and partnering with local businesses for discounts, were highly favored by campers. Approximately 30% of campers indicated that such discounts would motivate them to extend their stay.
Enhancing amenities also emerged as a crucial factor in improving the overall campsite experience. Campers expressed a strong preference for modern facilities, such as comfortable cabins with power, quality camping equipment, cooking areas, covered camping sites, pools, internet access, and clean showers. Improvements in these areas would make the campsite more appealing, thereby encouraging longer stays and attracting a diverse array of campers.
The report also emphasizes the importance of providing a range of activities to retain visitors. Popular activities among campers include water-related activities like swimming, boating, and fishing, as well as community and family-oriented activities and onsite entertainment. Introducing such activities can significantly enhance the overall campsite experience, making the environment more engaging and enjoyable for various types of campers.
Key Insights
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Campers who are planning multiple trips (3 or more) are twice as likely as those who only are planning a single trip to mention that discounts could get them to stay longer or take additional trips.
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Generally, campers who stay in tents, RVs, or cabins are most likely to seek discounts, though RVers are less motivated by enhanced amenities. Cabin guests are least likely to cite better bathrooms and showers.
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It is notable that campers who decreased the number of nights they are planning to stay are more motivated by discounts than those who cancelled a trip.
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Campers who are planning to stay at free camping locations are much less motivated by discounts, yet are nearly equally likely to mention that enhanced amenities could motivate them to stay longer at a campground.
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Offering a range of discounts including free nights, meal deals, rewards programs, and local business coupons can significantly enhance campsite appeal.
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Providing modern facilities such as comfortable cabins, quality camping equipment, cooking areas, covered camping sites, pools, internet access, and clean showers will attract more campers.
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Including various water-related activities, community and family-oriented activities, and onsite entertainment can help retain visitors and encourage longer stays.
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Approximately 7% of campers indicated that nighttime events would motivate them to stay longer. Organizing events like live entertainment, campfire nights, and community activities can add a dynamic element to the camping experience, making it more attractive.