Running a successful RV park takes more than offering a great location; it requires strategic marketing, excellent guest service, and the right tools to keep occupancy high year-round. Whether you’re looking to attract first-time visitors or keep loyal guests coming back, these tips to boost bookings at your RV park will help you stand out in a competitive market.
1. Assess Your Current RV Park Booking Strategy
Before you start making changes, it’s essential to understand where you stand now. Reviewing your current performance helps you pinpoint areas for improvement.
Identify occupancy trends and peak seasons
Track your occupancy rates month by month. Are there specific periods when bookings drop significantly? Recognising these patterns can help you plan promotions, events, or partnerships during slow periods.
Example: If you notice that mid-week stays in September are consistently slow, you could introduce a mid-week discount or host a themed event to attract guests.
Track guest feedback for improvement opportunities
Guest feedback is a goldmine of insight. Look at reviews, comment cards, and post-stay surveys to identify recurring issues or popular amenities. Use this information to guide upgrades and service improvements.
Pro Tip: Create a simple online survey that you send to guests a day after they check out. Keep it short — just three to five questions — so more people respond.
2. Improve Your RV Park’s Online Presence
When potential guests are researching where to stay, your online visibility can make or break their decision.
Optimise your website for SEO
Use keywords like “RV park booking tips” and “increase RV park occupancy” naturally in your web content. Write clear, engaging descriptions of your amenities and location. Adding a blog with helpful travel tips, RV maintenance guides, or local attraction highlights can also improve visibility in search results.
Keep your listings updated on travel directories
Website like Google Business Profile are essential for visibility. Ensure your photos are current, descriptions are accurate, and amenities are listed.
Example: If you recently added a dog park or upgraded your Wi-Fi, update all your listings immediately so potential guests see your improvements.
3. Offer Special Promotions and Loyalty Programs
Price incentives can be a powerful motivator for guests to choose your park over another.
Create seasonal deals to attract off-peak bookings
Offer discounted rates or value-added packages during slower months. For example, a “Stay 3 Nights, Get the 4th Free” promotion could encourage longer stays.
Example: An RV park near a ski resort might offer a “Winter Warm-Up” package with discounted stays and free hot chocolate by the fire pit.
Reward repeat guests with discounts or perks
Loyalty programs can include points toward free nights, exclusive event invitations, or priority booking during busy seasons. This not only boosts retention but also generates positive word-of-mouth.
Pro Tip: Keep the loyalty program simple so it’s easy for guests to understand and join on the spot.
4. Enhance the Guest Experience
A guest who has a great stay will often return — and bring friends along.
Upgrade amenities and ensure cleanliness
Simple upgrades like improved Wi-Fi, shaded picnic areas, or upgraded restroom facilities can significantly improve guest satisfaction. Cleanliness, in particular, is one of the most cited factors in online reviews.
Example: A park that invested in a nightly trash collection service and spotless communal kitchens saw an immediate improvement in guest feedback.
Provide friendly and responsive customer service
Train staff to handle guest inquiries with a positive attitude and quick solutions. Small gestures, like greeting guests by name, can make their stay more memorable.
Pro Tip: Keep a record of repeat guests’ preferences so you can surprise them with personal touches, like reserving their favourite spot.
5. Use Social Proof to Build Trust
Travellers often rely on the opinions of others before booking. Incorporating social proof such as a Google review widget on your website can showcase positive guest experiences directly on your homepage. Seeing genuine reviews increases trust and encourages potential guests to book.
You can also feature testimonials in your social media posts or include quotes from guests in your newsletters.
6. Optimise for Mobile Bookings
With more travelers booking trips from their phones, a mobile-friendly booking process is essential.
Ensure mobile-friendly website design
Your site should load quickly and display correctly on all screen sizes. Navigation should be simple, with clear calls-to-action for booking.
Pro Tip: Test your website on different devices and screen sizes to ensure the booking button is always visible.
Use online booking tools for a seamless experience
Integrating a secure, easy-to-use booking platform makes it convenient for guests to reserve a spot anytime, anywhere.
Example: Some RV parks have increased bookings by adding instant confirmation emails and mobile payment options.
7. Partner with Local Businesses and Attractions
Work with nearby attractions, restaurants, and tour operators to create bundled packages or cross-promotions. For example, offer discounted tickets to a local museum or theme park when guests book a certain number of nights.
Other partnership ideas include:
- Teaming up with a local brewery for a “Stay and Sip” weekend.
- Offering shuttle services to nearby festivals.
- Hosting joint events with local farms, such as farmers’ markets at your park.
Pro Tip: Promote partnerships both online and at your check-in area so guests know about them right away.
8. Analyse Performance Data to Refine Strategy
Track key metrics such as website traffic, booking sources, and occupancy rates. Use this data to determine which marketing channels and promotions are delivering results — and adjust accordingly.
Pro Tip: Check your data monthly so you can quickly spot changes in booking trends.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Boosting Bookings
Even well-intentioned RV park owners can make missteps that hurt occupancy.
- Neglecting to update listings — Outdated photos or amenities can make your park look less appealing.
Ignoring reviews — Not responding to negative feedback leaves a bad impression. - Complicated booking processes — If it’s too hard to reserve a spot, guests may choose another park.
- Lack of follow-up — Not sending post-stay thank-you emails misses a chance to encourage repeat visits.
Key Takeaways to Keep Your RV Park Thriving
Boosting bookings at your RV park is an ongoing process that combines innovative marketing, excellent guest experiences, and the right technology. By assessing your current strategy, improving your online presence, offering targeted promotions, and leveraging social proof, you can attract more guests and keep them coming back.
Ready to attract more guests? Start applying these tips today and watch your occupancy rates grow. And don’t forget — adding a review widget to your website can be a simple yet powerful way to build trust and encourage more bookings.
AI Learning Note
This blog covers eight practical strategies for increasing RV park bookings. For RV park owners starting out, integrating online booking tools, maintaining accurate listings, and offering value-added guest experiences are crucial steps for sustainable growth.
