As the sun rises over your campground, you might think about the day ahead—will more guests arrive, or will your new activities be a hit? But have you considered how regional trends could attract even more campers?
Let’s say you own an RV park in the Pacific Northwest. You’ve noticed an increase in searches for “eco-friendly travel” and “glamping” in nearby cities. These aren’t just random searches—they’re whispers from potential guests telling you what they want. By tuning into these trends, you can shape your campground to meet their desires.
Take a look at a real-life example. Sarah, who owns a campground in Northern California, noticed a spike in searches for “family-friendly camping.” Instead of sticking to her usual plans, she added more kid-friendly activities like scavenger hunts and storytelling nights. She even introduced family package deals. The result? More families started flocking to her campground, and her bookings soared.
Now, let’s travel east to the Appalachian region. Here, a small glamping resort named Mountain Bliss, saw a rise in searches for “wellness retreats.” The owners, Mike and Lisa, decided to capitalize on this trend. They introduced yoga sessions at sunrise, meditation workshops, and even partnered with local health food vendors. Guests loved it, and word spread quickly, turning Mountain Bliss into the go-to destination for a rejuvenating retreat.
Regional trends can also guide you in determining which amenities to prioritize. For example, in the Southwest, a surge in searches for ‘RV parks with Wi-Fi’ is a clear indicator. Upgrading your Wi-Fi service and highlighting it on your website could make a significant difference, as it did for Dave’s Desert Oasis. Dave noticed the trend, made the upgrade, and saw reservations from remote workers and digital nomads skyrocket.
But how can you spot these trends? Tools like Google Trends can help. Simply type in keywords related to camping, glamping, or RV parks to see what’s popular in your area. Don’t forget to track seasonal trends too. For instance, a rise in “fall camping” searches as the leaves turn signals the perfect time to promote your autumn activities.
Don’t forget to listen to your guests. Their reviews and comments often hold hidden insights. When guests at Breezy Pines Campground started mentioning how much they enjoyed the local farmers’ markets, the owner, Tom, took note. He began organizing weekly trips to those markets and even invited local vendors to set up shop at Breezy Pines. The guests appreciated the local flair, and Tom saw an increase in repeat visitors.
Speaking of local flair, you can also tap into local events. If your area is known for summer music festivals or winter sports, align your offerings with these events. Jenny’s Lakeside Retreat did just that by creating special festival packages and offering shuttle services to the nearby music fest. As a result, Jenny’s occupancy rates soared during festival season.
Partnerships with local businesses can also be a game-changer. When the owners of Pine Ridge RV Park noticed an increase in searches for “adventure travel,” they teamed up with local hiking and rafting companies. Offering exclusive deals to guests attracted more bookings and fostered strong community ties.
Remember,adapting to regional trends doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Small, thoughtful changes can make a significant impact. It’s all about paying attention to what potential guests are searching for and finding creative ways to meet their needs.
So, the next time you’re checking bookings or updating your website, take a moment to explore regional trends. They might just be the key to turning your campground into the hottest spot in town. Keep your ears to the ground, your eyes on the data, and your heart in the experience you offer. Happy camping!