Unhitched Management is elevating campground operations in the outdoor hospitality industry by creating family-friendly experiences that invite guests and owners to step away from the stresses of daily life and rekindle meaningful connections with nature and their loved ones.
Established to simplify the challenges faced by campground owners and operators, the company is committed to its mission of uniting families and communities with the great outdoors.
Climb Capital, the parent company of Unhitched RV, recently announced the formation of Unhitched Management, an RV resort and campground management company. Combining expertise in finance, operations, development, marketing, and hospitality, Unhitched Management offers a comprehensive approach to managing and operating RV resorts and campgrounds nationwide.
In an exclusive interview with Modern Campground, Robert Preston, CEO and founder of Unhitched Management, shared insights into the company’s guiding philosophy, encapsulated in its slogan, “Disconnect to Reconnect.” This ethos shapes every aspect of the company’s approach, from park design to guest services.
“Disconnect means disconnecting from the day-to-day stress, the hustle, the bustle of life both from our owners and our guests and getting people to put down their phones and to put down their tablets and to turn off the TV and to spend time with each other and to spend time outside,” Preston told Modern Campground.
Operational Expertise
This philosophy is the foundation of Unhitched Management’s comprehensive property management services, which include everything from bookkeeping to maintenance and capital expenditure project management. The company approaches its work with an owner’s perspective, focusing on increasing property value and enhancing cash flow.
“At the heart of who we are, our owners and investors understand the finances behind that and the objectives of an owner,” Preston said. “When we come into a distressed property or a poorly managed property, we’ve been able to increase the annual revenue by over 35% in the first year.”
He also emphasized that this approach provides owners with the opportunity to step back, allowing them to reconnect with their families and focus on other aspects of their lives.
The company’s emphasis on hospitality extends beyond its guest services to the physical design of its parks. Communal spaces such as large fire pits, inviting pools, and areas for group activities like pickleball and cornhole are prioritized to foster connections among families and guests.
“The idea is to facilitate those happenstance interactions where a family meets another family on vacation, forming a bond or friendship as their kids play together. So that’s perhaps one example of how it even permeates the actual design and layout of a park,” Preston added.
Preston also identified staffing, marketing, and operational complexities as the top challenges for RV park owners. Unhitched Management addresses these hurdles with innovative hiring processes, dedicated marketing teams, and proven operational systems that simplify management and enhance profitability.
Internally, the company emphasizes building a culture of service and mutual respect among its staff. Preston explained that Unhitched Management’s hiring process is rigorous, focusing on character and work ethic to ensure a team dedicated to providing exceptional guest experiences.
“In order to provide good hospitality to a guest, you have to have good hospitality to each other as a team,” he emphasized.
Preston also explained that the company prioritizes hiring individuals who are committed to staying long-term and places a stronger emphasis on character and work ethic than on resumes or formal qualifications. “Hospitality isn’t just an industry—it’s a mindset and an act of service,” he noted.
The company has a proven track record of revitalizing underperforming parks, often increasing annual revenues by over 35% in the first year.
Strategies such as dynamic pricing, targeted marketing, and the monetization of underutilized amenities contribute to campground success. According to Preston, simple upgrades like app-based payment systems for laundry facilities have significantly increased revenue.
Long-term vision
The company’s long-term vision includes nationwide expansion, with a particular focus on the Southeast and Sun Belt regions.
Preston also plans to add educational and consulting components to the company’s offerings, helping park owners navigate industry challenges and optimize their operations.
Additionally, a future goal for Unhitched Management is fostering relationships within the finance sector to provide or connect owners with the best debt and equity resources.
For more information about Unhitched Management and their campground services, visit their website here.
Featured image by Unhitched Management
