Campground guests today don’t just want a campsite; they expect an experience. Whether they’re in their RV or opting for tent camping, travelers are looking for comfort, connection, convenience, and a touch of magic in their camping trips. This guide, tailored for campground and RV park owners, explores the top campground amenities that will help you attract more guests, boost revenue, and stay ahead in 2025.
What You Will Learn in This Blog
- Which top campground amenities drive bookings, supported by recent statistics and consumer behavior.
- Why modern travelers, from campers to RV rentals guests, now expect digital booking, clean facilities, outdoor activities, and pet-friendly features.
- How to evaluate whether to enhance existing RV park amenities or add brand-new features.
1. Modern Bathrooms & Showers
Nothing turns guests off faster than a poorly maintained restroom. For RV campers and tent users alike, access to clean, hot-water showers, day and night, is fundamental. The ARVC Benchmarking Report regularly lists clean bathrooms among the top expectations for any campground or rv campground.
Action Steps:
- Ensure consistent cleaning routines
- Add ADA-accessible and family-size stalls
- Invest in hot-water systems that handle peak usage
2. Reliable Wi‑Fi Connectivity
Even a short camping trip often includes remote work, streaming, or staying connected with loved ones. Today’s park visitors need solid internet service, whether they’re in RV sites or seated around a picnic table. Poor coverage can hurt your camping experience, especially for longer stays.
Action Steps:
- Install secure mesh Wi‑Fi covering all tent sites and RV sites
- Monitor usage and scale as guest counts grow
- Offer a free tier and an upgraded paid tier
3. Full Hookup Sites (Water, Electric, Sewer)
For many, staying at a park without full hookups is off the table. Hookups are essential, especially at RV resorts and private rv park communities, because they support everything from water needs to sewer disposal. As of 2024, 89% of campgrounds across the U.S. offer full hookups, according to ARVC.
Action Steps:
- Confirm 30/50-amp electric, potable water, and sewer at all sites
- Label hookups clearly and provide user instructions
- Maintain seasonal servicing to avoid disruptions
4. Online Reservations & Dynamic Pricing
Travelers expect modern booking experiences. They want definitive pricing, clear availability, and instant confirmation, no phone calls. Nearly 50% of campers prefer digital booking, especially in parks near high-demand areas like the Great Smoky Mountains, Joshua Tree, or Big Bend National Park.
Action Steps:
- Implement systems like RoverPass with mobile responsiveness and dynamic pricing
- Sync systems for real-time availability and rates
- Offer clear site descriptions and intuitive park maps
5. Laundry Facilities
Extended stays at RV sites or cabins often require laundry services. Guests appreciate being able to freshen up on-site rather than hunt for laundromats, which may be far off or closed seasonally.
Action Steps:
- Provide coin- or app-operated machines
- Keep the laundry room clean and stocked
- Add vending machines for detergent and essentials
6. Camp Store / Provision Shop
A well-stocked camp store saves guests a trip into town and adds incremental revenue. From essentials like propane and firewood to souvenirs and snacks, a store supports demand and convenience.
Action Steps:
- Focus inventory on visitor needs and local specialties
- Stock branded items, local crafts, and camping gear
- Optimize layout and use point-of-sale data on popular items
7. Family-Friendly Recreation
Parks that cater to families, whether offering tent camping or RV resort stays, see higher occupancy and stronger repeat ties. Pools, playgrounds, and weekend activities are key draws. In larger parks, over 80% include pools; smaller parks can stand out with a quality playground or sports area.
Action Steps:
- Install age-appropriate playgrounds, ideally with picnic shelters nearby
- Maintain pools and public spaces
- Host weekly events to engage families
8. Pet-Friendly Amenities
Pets are part of the family. Campers traveling with cats or dogs expect dog parks, leash-free trails, and access to water dishes. Award-winning parks like Jellystone include off-leash areas and pet-waste stations, while Sun Retreats extends that welcome across large properties.
Action Steps:
- Build easily accessible, fenced dog parks with shade
- Add pet waste stations and water fountains
- Include site tags for “pet-friendly” filtering
9. Outdoor Recreation Access
Guests choose campsites and RV parks that provide easy access to outdoor adventures, like a day hike along a nearby hiking trail or a morning fishing trip beside a pristine lake. Campgrounds near national parks or featuring private nature trails score well in guest reviews.
Action Steps:
- Clearly mark and map trails on your park map
- Partner with guided-tour operators
- Add gear rental for outdoor activities
10. Innovative & Sustainable Features
Nearly 70% of travelers say sustainability influences their choice of lodging. Eco-friendly features, solar lighting, smokeless fire pits, composting toilets, EV charging, and native plant landscaping, enhance experiences and reflect environmental care.
Action Steps:
- Implement solar-powered LED path lighting and recycling stations
- Install smokeless fire pits in dining areas and picnic areas
- Incorporate EV charging and low-impact facility design
Compliance, Trends & What’s Next
Campground operators must meet evolving regulations, such as those addressing wastewater or smoke from fire pits in counties like Greene or states like Tennessee. Staying ahead reduces fines and improves guest trust.
Trends to Consider:
- Regulation compliance integrated with guest tech
- Advance and last-minute bookings via mobile platforms
- Value-based upgrades for existing assets
Roverpass Tip:
“It’s not about adding more campsites, it’s about enhancing what’s already there.” Start with the fundamentals and scale wisely.
Conclusion & Next Steps
By investing in these ten essential amenities, campground owners can significantly elevate the guest experience, whether your visitors are weekend tent campers, long-term RVers, or families seeking a relaxing nature escape. The key is to start with a focused amenities audit, leverage digital tools like RoverPass for streamlined reservations and dynamic pricing, and commit to one impactful upgrade per season.
These strategic improvements are more than just checkboxes—they’re revenue drivers and reputation builders. By aligning with modern guest expectations and operational trends, your campground won’t just keep up, it will stand out.
Are you ready to transform your park into one of the most sought-after destinations in 2025? Let RoverPass help you get there with the tools and insights designed for forward-thinking campground owners.
FAQs: Top Campground Amenities & Guest Expectations
What is the 10-year rule at campgrounds?
Some parks have appearance standards that restrict RVs older than 10 years to maintain a clean, modern aesthetic. However, many allow exceptions upon inspection or with photos provided in advance.
What does “full hookup” mean at a campsite?
A full hookup site provides water, electricity (usually 30/50 amp), and sewer connections, making it ideal for RV travelers who want all the comforts of home while on the road.
How can I make my campground more appealing to guests?
Focus on consistent maintenance, modern amenities, digital convenience, and unique recreation offerings. Small touches, like clean restrooms, strong Wi‑Fi, and a welcoming camp store, have a big impact on satisfaction and reviews.
What recreational amenities do campers value most?
Pools, hiking trails, playgrounds, fishing areas, and pet-friendly zones rank high. Guests also appreciate community fire pits, sports courts, and organized activities that enhance social interaction.
What are some low-cost upgrades that can still impress guests?
Improved lighting, enhanced signage, seating areas, clean landscaping, and well-stocked restroom supplies all contribute to a better guest experience, without major capital investment.
