February 13, 2025
Imagine this: You’ve just spent hours driving, your passengers (human or furry) are cranky, and all you want is a place to crash for the night. You’re not looking for an Instagram-worthy experience—you just need a clean spot to park, a hot shower, and Wi-Fi that actually works. That’s a stop.
Now flip the script. Your guests have planned their trip around you. They’re pulling in, excited about your unique amenities, events, or local attractions. They’re not leaving in the morning—they’re here for the experience. That’s a destination.
So…which one are you marketing?
Marketing your campground as a stop when it’s a destination (or vice versa) is like advertising a spa retreat to someone who just needs a gas station. The way you position your business affects your pricing, your guest expectations, and most importantly—your bottom line.
Too many campground owners try to be both, hoping to attract every kind of traveler, and end up with messaging that confuses rather than converts. The key is leaning into what you already are and making it work for you.
There are two main types of campgrounds, and knowing which one you are makes all the difference.
🔹 Located near major highways or high-traffic routes
🔹 Guests need easy check-ins, quick stays, and no-fuss amenities
🔹 Success comes from speed, affordability, and accessibility
🔹 How to Market It:
🚗 Think: The perfect place to recharge before hitting the road again.
🔹 Guests plan their trip around your park
🔹 Offers an experience beyond just a place to stay
🔹 Success comes from amenities, events, and creating memories
🔹 How to Market It:
🏕️ Think: A place worth driving to, not just stopping by.
If you’re unsure where your campground fits, check:
✅ Your booking patterns – Are people staying one night or several?
✅ Your guest demographics – Are they road-trippers or families looking for an escape?
✅ Your reviews – Are guests raving about convenience or talking about experiences?
The more you understand how guests view you, the better you can market effectively.
The worst thing you can do is try to be everything to everyone. Define whether your park is a stopover or a destination, tailor your marketing strategy, and watch your business thrive.
So… are you a pit stop or the main event? Understanding this can transform your entire marketing approach and make sure your campground gets the right guests pulling in.
🚀 Need help positioning your business? Campground Accounting is here to help you stop the overwhelm, boost profits, and make your campground work for YOU. Let’s build a marketing strategy that fits your business—because there’s more to life than business.
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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.