When guests roll into your park, they’re not just looking for a place to park their RV—they’re looking for a great experience. And while big-ticket improvements like pool upgrades or new cabins can certainly impress, it’s often the small, thoughtful amenities that guests talk about, remember, and return for.
You don’t need a big budget to deliver standout hospitality. In fact, some of the highest-impact improvements you can make are relatively simple—and surprisingly affordable. Let’s explore a few guest-centric features that can elevate your campground experience and boost your reviews without blowing your budget.
Guest Convenience is King
Today’s travelers expect more than just hookups and a picnic table. They want convenience, comfort, and a sense that their needs were anticipated. Think about your last stay at a well-run hotel or short-term rental. Was it the thread count that made you smile—or the fact that everything just worked?
That’s the mindset guests bring with them when they pull into your park. And they notice the details.
Golf Cart Rentals or Courtesy Shuttles
A small fleet of golf carts can transform your guest experience—especially at larger parks or those with any kind of elevation change. Whether rented by guests for exploring the grounds or used as courtesy shuttles for older visitors, families with kids, or folks hauling firewood, carts offer flexibility and comfort.
They also solve a common frustration: the long walk from a remote site to the pool, laundry, or general store in the heat of summer.
You don’t need dozens—just enough to create a sense of access. And don’t underestimate the marketing bonus of seeing happy guests cruising your grounds with ease.
Text Messaging for Guest Communication
Email has its place, but for real-time communication during a guest’s stay, text messaging is a game-changer. Whether you’re confirming check-in times, sending site numbers, alerting guests to weather concerns, or promoting tonight’s food truck, guests appreciate quick, direct communication.
Better yet, texting can streamline your front desk. Fewer calls, fewer misunderstandings, and faster service—without requiring more staff.
Many property management systems now include built-in texting tools, making it easy to communicate with guests in real time. Whether you’re confirming check-ins or promoting on-site events, integrated messaging is simple to implement—and guests are coming to expect it as part of the experience.
Firewood, Ice, and Propane—Delivered
It might not sound like much, but guests love convenience. Offering on-site delivery of firewood, ice, or propane—especially through a mobile app or text system—can boost both satisfaction and revenue.
Whether you’re using a staffer to make rounds or letting guests order from their phones, the message is clear: we’ve thought of what you’ll need, and we’ll bring it right to you.
Small touches like this can turn a good stay into a great one, especially for families or older guests who don’t want to trek across the park in the dark for a bundle of firewood.
Mobile Check-In and Digital Maps
Campgrounds that streamline check-in—especially in the heat, rain, or late hours—stand out immediately. If guests can handle their paperwork in advance, receive a text with their site number and map, and go straight to their spot, that’s a win.
Bonus points if your park map is mobile-friendly and interactive. Guests often want to explore without carrying a soggy paper map. Make it easy.
Clean, Well-Lit Common Areas
This one isn’t “small” per se, but it’s often overlooked: good lighting and well-kept shared spaces communicate care. Guests don’t need luxury—they want clean bathrooms, functional laundry, shaded picnic areas, and safe pathways.
Don’t underestimate the value of fresh paint, good lighting, and working faucets. These are foundational amenities, not extras. And they’re often mentioned in reviews.
Wi-Fi That Actually Works
Let’s be honest—promising “free Wi-Fi” and delivering spotty coverage is worse than offering none at all. Guests expect to check email, stream content, or even work remotely. And when it doesn’t work, they’ll let you—and the world—know.
You don’t have to offer enterprise-level speeds, but consistency matters. If you can only guarantee strong coverage in the clubhouse or a specific area, say so upfront. Better still, invest in a managed Wi-Fi system with dedicated support, so your staff isn’t constantly rebooting routers or fielding complaints.
The Unexpected Extras
Sometimes it’s the truly unexpected that makes guests smile—and share their experience with others.
A few ideas:
- A lending library of books and games for rainy days.
- Free coffee in the office every morning.
- Yard games or a community campfire with s’mores kits.
- Welcome packets with local guides and coupons.
These little touches don’t cost much, but they add up to something big: guests feeling cared for.
Final Thought: It’s About Thoughtfulness, Not Flash
Amenities don’t have to be grand to be memorable. What matters is that they serve your guests’ needs in ways that are simple, thoughtful, and just a little unexpected.
The parks that thrive aren’t always the ones with the biggest budgets—they’re the ones that focus on the guest experience from start to finish. They make it easy, make it comfortable, and make it feel like someone behind the scenes was paying attention.
And that’s what keeps guests coming back—not just the site, but the experience.
