Online reviews significantly influence the success of your RV park reservations. Almost every camper reads reviews—in fact, one marketing study found 96% of customers read online reviews for local businesses before they visit. Positive reviews build credibility (most people trust them more than advertising) and increase your search result visibility. With so much depending on them, RV park owners must actively create reviews using both internet-based and on-site strategies.

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

  • A positive RV park review directly impacts bookings and online visibility.
  • Digital mechanisms like email follow-ups, Google listings, and social proof boost the volume of reviews.
  • On-site signage and reminders from staff members make it convenient for guests to leave feedback.
  • Responding to reviews builds trust and shows guests that their opinions matter.
  • Monitoring and responding to feedback generates repeat visits and loyalty.

Why Reviews Are Important to Your RV Park

Online reviews are not just an added extra-they are a must for a successful RV park business. Reviews work for the traveler just like personal recommendations do, quite often deciding whether a person reserves a stay or shops around. According to recent research, 95% of consumers read online reviews before making decisions, and a remarkable 85% trust these reviews as much as personal recommendations. Even more telling, 86% of consumers avoid businesses with negative reviews, making positive feedback crucial for attracting new guests.

For RV parks specifically, reviews provide essential assurance about site quality, cleanliness, staff friendliness, and safety before travelers invest their vacation time and money. The majority of campers consult multiple review sites before making a choice – 59% of consumers consult more than two review sites before making a decision. This thorough research process places reviews firmly at the center of the modern booking experience.

Digital Strategies to Boost RV Park Reviews

Technology is a major component of guest experiences nowadays, especially when it comes to requesting and collecting reviews. Because most campers use their phones or laptops to review and plan trips, every RV park owner needs to have a strong digital review strategy.

Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is often the first place travelers check when researching your park. Make sure you’ve claimed it and keep it up to date. Double-check that your name, address, phone number, hours, website, and amenities are all accurate. Choose the right categories (like “RV park” or “campground”) and upload high-quality photos of your sites, restrooms, store, and activities. A complete and visually appealing profile builds trust and helps guests feel confident about booking.

  • Respond to reviews: Don’t neglect to respond to every review you receive. Google itself calls out the fact that responding shows customers that you care and that positive reviews will “improve your business visibility” and prospects for visits. A mere thank you for a 5-star review or an apologetic reply with a solution for a 3-star stay can turn readers into future visitors.
  • Use direct links: Insert a link or short URL in your website or emails that takes visitors straight to your Google review page. The Google Business support even offers tools for making a “leave a review” link. Making it one-click easy will increase the number of reviews.
  • Keep information current: Complete hours and special events in a timely fashion (i.e. holiday hours or park renovations). Google wants complete, accurate listings. A complete profile looks professional and enables searchers to book with confidence.

Together, these GBP optimizations leverage Google’s own advice: it recommends claiming and updating your profile to improve your local ranking and responding to reviews on a regular basis to show you care.

Add a Review Section to Your Website

Turn your own website into a proof point. Future visitors to your website require assurance from other campers.

  • Publish real reviews on your website. Create a “Testimonials” or “Reviews” page featuring guest reviews, star ratings, or even Google reviews embedded. By putting those reviews on your website, you have instant credibility.
  • Use review widgets: If your site is on WordPress, include a plugin/widget to pull live reviews from Google, Facebook, or TripAdvisor. New user-generated content (e.g., reviews) can be beneficial for SEO, as Google “loves” new customer content.
  • Make it simple to review: On your “Reviews” page, include clear buttons that link to websites where guests can review (e.g. “Review us on Google” with your review link, “Leave feedback on Facebook”, etc.). Best practice is a short thank-you message on this page that politely asks for an honest review.

Automate Follow-Up Emails and Texts

Proactive communication can turn one-day visitors into reviewers. Send an automated message a day or two after check-out.

  • Email reminders: Use your reservation or CRM system to send a personalized thank-you email 1–2 days after departure. The email is short and friendly, thanks them for their stay, and then requests feedback with a direct link to your chosen review site(s). Emails are “your most trusted channel” for requesting reviews – a prompt follow-up typically yields a flood of responses. Some platforms collect reviews within their ecosystem—not directly on Google—so verify whether your software supports external review collection.
  • Text messages: If you have phone numbers, SMS can be very effective. Advanced campground software even allows for post-stay texts. One campground survey tool, for instance, highlights the fact that now you can “send a quick text message to your guests asking for new reviews.” Texts have an exceedingly high open rate and can nudge busy guests to respond immediately.
  • Timing is everything: Wait until guests have unpacked at home, but not so long that they forget about their visit. Usually 24–48 hours after check-out is a good time. Make your message polite and voluntary – explain that constructive feedback is utilized to improve the park.
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Encourage Reviews on Social Media and Newsletters

Don’t keep positive reviews to yourself – share them!

  • Share on social: Pull out guest quotes or star ratings in your social media posts (Facebook, Instagram, etc.). Posting real camper experiences on social media can generate interest and show future guests what to expect. For example, post a photo of a camper lounging at your lake with a caption that includes a quote from their 5-star review. Tagging guests (with permission) will encourage them to share the post too.
  • Newsletter highlights: Include a “Review of the Month” or “Guest Testimonials” in your email newsletter. This reminds your subscriber list about the quality of the park as well as subtly encouraging others to provide feedback. Since reviews are viewed as highly trustworthy, this tactic can boost click-throughs and bookings from your email list.
  • Encourage user-generated content: Ask followers to share their photos and reviews of your park. You might sponsor a contest (“Share your favorite campsite photo – winners get a free night”) that naturally generates testimonials and social chatter.

Offline Methods That Encourage More Reviews

While online methods are vital, don’t dismiss the power of personal connection. Most guests will respond to more of a human touch, especially in hospitality settings like RV parks.

Use On-Site Signage with QR Codes

Display noticeable signage in high-traffic areas like the front office, bathrooms, or exit gates with a simple message: “Loved your stay? Leave us a quick review!” Include a large, scannable QR code that leads the user directly to your review page. This simplifies the review process for guests who are already using their phones.

This technique works as it removes friction from the review process. In a single, fast scan, visitors are taken straight to the review page. It’s simple, low-pressure, and easy to update or customize seasonally. Placing these signs strategically around your property ensures that guests are asked for reviews at several touchpoints along their stay.

Train Staff to Ask for Feedback at Checkout

Last impressions are helped along by your host or front desk team. Try a friendly reminder at checkout, such as “We hope you had a wonderful time! If you’d like to review us, here’s how.” Keep printed cards or small flyers on hand with steps and QR codes so that guests can take action at their convenience.

The messages should be casual, polite, and expressed in terms of gratitude rather than as a requirement. You wish to make guests feel valued and enabled to share their reviews. Tell them that 56% of clients prefer businesses that respond to reviews, so have your team mention that you read and respond to every review personally, which can continue to motivate guests to do the same.

From Feedback to Loyalty: Turning Reviews into Repeat Visits

Reviews don’t need to be the end of the guest experience; they can be the beginning of a lasting relationship. Responsibly engaging with reviews shows that you value guest feedback and are committed to creating wonderful experiences.

When you respond to positive reviews, thank guests individually and sincerely, remembering specifics from their stay. For negative reviews, reply professionally and constructively, recognizing concerns and explaining any steps you’ve taken to resolve issues.

Smart Tools That Make Review Management Easy

You don’t have to manually manage reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp, and TripAdvisor. RV park reservation software often includes review marketing as part of the package. For instance, RoverPass highlights how its platform offers integrated marketing tools to “send promotions, manage reviews, and track guest preferences” all in one place. This enables you to automate review requests or newsletters at set times without needing to juggle systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get more reviews without annoying my guests?

A gentle reminder at check-out or through post-stay email is fine, but repeated nagging reminders will be counterproductive. Train staff to ask only after a great stay (never on arrival or during the time of issues). Send an automatic thank-you email or text message a day or two after departure with a simple request and review link.

2. What’s the best site to prioritize for reviews?

For most parks, Google should be your top priority. It dominates the global search engine market with a share of 89.66%, and its reviews are prominently displayed in both Google Maps and search results. Start by claiming and maintaining your Google Business Profile. After that, focus on platforms popular with travelers, such as Facebook, TripAdvisor, Yelp, and RV-specific directories like RV Life or Good Sam Review.

3. Can I remove or report unwarranted negative reviews?

Generally, no – not unless the review breaks the terms of the site. Each site only deletes content that is in contravention of its policies (spam, hate speech, personal information, etc.). Otherwise, take criticism constructively. Reply to it in a response and try to resolve the situation. If a review is clearly fake or abusive, you can report it (Google has a flag option within Google Business Profile). In most cases, however, your best course of action is to respond professionally.

4. Should I offer guests Wi-Fi in return for reviews?

Offering free Wi-Fi is almost a standard amenity nowadays, but it must not be contingent upon leaving a review. Rather than conditioning Wi-Fi on a review, utilize it as an amenity: if you have a logon portal, you can ask for an email address (opt-in) when guests log on. You could then email them a review link afterward. The secret is to never hold back or limit Wi-Fi access as a review quid pro quo – travelers expect connectivity. Instead, view Wi-Fi as another channel to interact with them.

5. How do I collect reviews if my travelers pay in person and not online?

Even for cash bookings, you have options. Firstly, capture basic contact information at check-in or check-out (phone number or email for receipts or future promos)—with their permission, of course. Then you can follow up via text or email, just like online bookings.

Second, leverage your park’s physical spaces: put up QR code signage at the exit or on brochures and receipts, as described above. You can also offer a short digital survey on a phone or tablet at the office before they leave.