So you’ve found a buyer for your campground. Congrats! That’s the good news.
The bad news? They’re lowballing you like it’s a garage sale and acting like your thriving slice of outdoor paradise is a fixer-upper with a squirrel problem.
Deep breaths. Don’t torch the contract just yet.
At Campground Accounting, we work with legacy-minded campground owners who want to sell smart—not walk away frustrated. We know your business isn’t just land and picnic tables. It’s late nights, long summers, and years of sweat equity. So if the deal’s not quite there yet, we’ve got some powerful playbook moves that can help close the gap without compromising your hard-earned value.
Here are five proven strategies to help you close that campground sale now—and walk away smiling (with a bank account to match):
Think of this as “Be the Bank, Get the Interest.”
Instead of demanding the full amount up front, you finance part of the purchase. The buyer pays a chunk now, and the rest over time—with interest.
✅ You get monthly income.
✅ They get a deal they can actually afford.
✅ Everyone avoids the loan officer who says "no" more than a toddler.
Not ready to completely ride off into the RV sunset?
Consider staying on for 6–12 months post-sale and lease the space back from the new owner.
You earn income and help the buyer transition with your operational know-how. Bonus: they don’t call you 17 times a day wondering how to reset the septic pump.
Let’s be honest—your tractor is worth more than that buyer’s truck.
Instead of haggling over price, offer to include valuable assets like:
🛠️ Maintenance tools
🧾 Reservation software
📦 Vendor contracts
🔌 Infrastructure magic nobody notices—until it breaks
These inclusions increase perceived value without raising the price tag. Think of it as “Campground Plus.”
You know how this business runs. They… probably don’t.
So pitch a 3–6 month consulting agreement as part of the sale.
You walk them through the busy season, intro them to your vendors, and help them dodge rookie mistakes.
They feel confident. You get compensated. Win-win.
This is where you bet on the success you’ve already built.
Structure a deal where you get an extra payment if revenue hits certain milestones after the sale.
📈 Year 1: Hit $500K? You get a bonus.
📈 Year 2: Hit $600K? Another bonus.
It’s performance-based, future-friendly, and shows you believe in the business—without needing every penny upfront.
Selling your campground isn’t about taking the first offer and running. It’s about crafting a deal that works for both parties—financially, emotionally, and strategically.
At Campground Accounting, we’re more than your CPA. We’re your clarity creators, your decision-making wingwomen, and your behind-the-scenes strategists who help you exit right—not just fast.
👉 Ready to talk numbers, structure, and smart moves?
📅 Book a consultation
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🌲 And remember: there’s more to life than business—and more to taxes than being on time. Let’s press play on your next adventure.
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Donna Bordeaux, CPA with Campground Accounting
Creativity and CPAs don’t generally go together. Most people think of CPAs as nerdy accountants who can’t talk with people. Well, it’s time to break that stereotype. Lively, friendly, and knowledgeable can be a part of your relationship with your CPA, as demonstrated by Donna and Chad Bordeaux. They have over 50 years of combined experience as entrepreneurial CPAs. They’ve owned businesses and helped business owners exceed their wildest dreams. They have been able to help businesses earn many times more profit than the average business in the same industry and are passionate about helping industries that help families build great memories.