Campground and RV park operators are facing a pivotal moment in digital transformation. In a recent interview with Modern Campground, Adam Seskis, CEO of RMS, emphasized that the biggest gap for operators today is “digital maturity.”
“Campers have moved on, and they now expect a seamless, mobile-first experience from start to finish,” Seskis said. “But many operators are still managing bookings and guest communications with outdated or manual systems. The result is a disconnect between what guests want and what operators can deliver.”
Leading parks, he noted, are addressing this challenge by integrating booking, communication, and payment systems into a single technology ecosystem.
Bridging the Digital Gap in Campgrounds
Automation is emerging as a solution for operational efficiency. Seskis described how automating tasks such as pre-arrival emails, payment processing, maintenance coordination, and post-stay surveys can relieve pressure on staff.
“This reduces manual workload and allows your team to focus on what really matters: delivering a great guest experience,” he told Modern Campground.
Key operational areas that benefit from automation include check-in and check-out, inventory management, activity bookings, and point-of-sale integrations. “It also helps minimize errors, which is critical when your team is managing multiple moving parts every day,” Seskis added.
While operational efficiency is critical, revenue growth remains a priority. Seskis pointed out several underutilized revenue streams in the sector. “Occupancy is solid during peak months, but softer outside them,” he said. “Operators are holding rates steady, so they need to find efficiency elsewhere. That’s where automation and dynamic pricing are becoming survival tools.”
Revenue Growth Through Upselling and Direct Bookings
Upselling also presents a strong opportunity, particularly for glamping guests. “Extras like breakfast hampers, firewood bundles, or late check-out are easily booked in advance through guest portals. If your system isn’t set up for it, that’s money left on the table,” Seskis said.
As campgrounds face a noticeable decline in reservations across the U.S. and Canada, such revenue opportunities underscore the broader need for operators to adapt and innovate. The MC Camper Compass Report, titled “Boosting Camper Stays: Key Strategies to Revive Campground Reservations,” outlines strategies to attract new visitors, extend the length of stays, and encourage repeat visits.
In the MC report, enhancing amenities emerged as a critical factor in improving the overall campsite experience, with campers showing strong preferences for modern facilities—comfortable cabins with power, quality camping equipment, cooking areas, covered sites, pools, internet access, and clean showers. Upgrading these offerings can make campsites more appealing, encourage longer visits, and draw a wider range of guests.
Payments have also evolved beyond simple transactions. Integrated payment systems reduce abandoned carts, improve reconciliation, build trust, and increase loyalty, all while enhancing guest satisfaction, according to Seskis.
Direct bookings are another area of focus. Seskis stressed the importance of investing in a mobile-friendly website and an intuitive booking engine.
According to the 2025 State of the Outdoor Hospitality Report, 64% of guests prefer to book directly through a campsite’s website, highlighting a significant opportunity for operators to capture more direct reservations, strengthen customer relationships, and reduce reliance on third-party booking platforms.
Highlighting the value of direct bookings, Seskis recommended emphasizing flexible cancellation, best-price guarantees, and exclusive add-ons. “The real prize is repeat guests. Operators who use their PMS to personalize communications and reward return visits are seeing meaningful gains in lifetime value,” he added.
This focus on flexibility aligns with findings from the MC Camper Compass report, “Moving Targets: Adapting to Booking Window Changes,” which examines how camper preferences and booking behaviors are evolving. Campgrounds that offer adaptable booking options have seen noticeable increases in spontaneous reservations.
To respond to these shifts, the report suggests operators enhance flexibility in booking, marketing, and camper engagement. By incentivizing last-minute bookings and promoting off-season stays, campgrounds can meet emerging trends, improve guest satisfaction, and ultimately drive more repeat visits.
AI and Advanced Technology Shaping the Guest Experience
Artificial intelligence is also reshaping the guest experience. “AI is already here—it’s not a five-year-away thing,” Seskis said.
He cited AI assistants for bookings and inquiries, and systems that automatically flag maintenance issues and draft responses. “Parks that treat AI as infrastructure, not a novelty, will pull ahead fast,” he noted.
For operators new to automation or advanced systems, Seskis advised a measured approach. “Start small and build. Look at where your team is spending the most time—that’s where automation can make an immediate difference,” he said.
He recommended cloud-based, modular, and scalable property management systems, paired with a supportive technology partner. “The right provider will give you the tools and ensure you know how to use them,” Seskis explained.
Featured image by RMS