RV Parks and Campgrounds
Industry Profile Report
Dive Deep into the industry with a 25+ page industry report (pdf format) including the following chapters
Industry Overview Current Conditions, Industry Structure, How Firms Operate, Industry Trends, Credit Underwriting & Risks, and Industry Forecast.
Call Preparation Call Prep Questions, Industry Terms, and Weblinks.
Financial Insights Working Capital, Capital Financing, Business Valuation, and Financial Benchmarks.
Industry Profile Excerpts
Industry Overview
The 4,500 RV parks and campgrounds in the US provide sites to accommodate campers and camping equipment, including tents and trailers. Major revenue categories include fees for RV and tent sites and room or unit accommodations. Other sources of revenue include meals, snacks, and beverages; membership fees and dues; other rental fees; and groceries.
Seasonality
Business can be highly seasonal, depending on market-specific dynamics and weather conditions.
Dependence On RV Ownership
RV ownership trends can affect demand for stays in RV parks.
Industry size & Structure
The average RV park and campground company operates out of a single location, employs 4-5 workers, and generates about $1-2 million annually.
- The RV park and campground industry consists of about 4,500 firms that operate 4,900 establishments, employ about 24,000 workers and generate about $7.9 billion annually.
- The industry is fragmented; the top 50 companies account for 27% of industry revenue.
- The industry includes chains, franchises, and independent operators.
- Commercial parks and campgrounds are privately-owned. Public facilities are owned by government entities, such as the National Park Service and USDA National Forest Services.
- Large companies include KOA (Kampgrounds of America), Thousand Trails, and Jellystone Park.
Industry Forecast
RV Parks and Campgrounds Industry Growth
Recent Developments
Oct 5, 2024 - Summer Employment Shrinks
- Employment by RV parks and recreational camps sank 12.7% in July compared to a year ago after rising 14% in the previous July-versus-July annual comparison, according to the latest US Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Employment by the industry is highly seasonal and typically peaks in July. Meanwhile, average industry wages rose 13.7% year over year in July to $17.80 per hour but fell more than $2 versus January, BLS data shows. Rising consumer spending – up 2.6% in June year over year – and demand for affordable summer fun and outdoor experiences are driving business at RV parks and US campgrounds.
- Over 50 campgrounds and RV parks were among the victims of Hurricane Helene in September, according to the Outdoor Hospitality Industry (OHI), which has established a Disaster Relief Fund to help businesses damaged by the storm. According to OHI, the organization has heard from more than 50 parks in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida that have been impacted, with RV parks suffering the most severe damage. Mountain Stream RV Park in Marion, N.C., announced on its Facebook page that the park had been totally destroyed. OHI cited at least four cases where the campground is completely gone, noting that for some, it will take extensive rebuilding over multiple months to recover. OHI’s chief strategy officer, David Basler, said the number of RV parks and campgrounds affected is likely higher because power outages are preventing businesses from getting in touch.
- The 10 most scenic RV resorts in the US according to RVC Outdoor Destinations’ latest list published in July include Yosemite RV Resort, Coarsegold, California; Garden of the Gods RV Resort, Colorado Springs; Catherine’s Landing, Hot Springs, Arkansas; Sandusky RV Resort, Sandusky, Ohio; Live Oak Landing, Freeport, Florida; Pigeon Forge Landing RV Resort, Sevierville, Tennessee; Lake Raystown Resort, Pennsylvania; Gulf Shores RV Resort, Alabama; Pine Mountain RV Resort, Georgia; and Medina Highpoint Resort, Medina, Texas. All ten resorts offer Wi-Fi (some for free) and the usual RV park amenities.
- RV parks and campgrounds that have struggled to hire enough staff during recent peak summer seasons can expect relief from the expansion of the H-2B visa pool. President Biden in March signed into law the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2882), which authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to increase the number of H-2B temporary nonagricultural workers if it determines that “the needs of US businesses cannot be satisfied during fiscal year 2024 with US workers who are willing, qualified, and able to perform temporary nonagricultural labor.” Upon making that determination, DHS can approve an expansion of the H-2B visa pool by nearly 65,000 visas. These extra visas will be crucial to filling seasonal jobs in the leisure and hospitality industry – especially those in remote vacation destinations.
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