Campground Marketing 101: Proven Strategies to Attract More Campers
- March 3, 2025
- 2:16 pm
The campground industry is growing fast. More people want outdoor adventures, but competition is fierce.
Traditional marketing methods no longer work on their own. To stand out, campgrounds need a fresh, strategic approach.
This guide goes beyond the basics. You’ll discover new marketing strategies that others haven’t covered—helping you attract more campers and boost bookings.
Table of Contents
Understanding Your Campground’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Not all campgrounds are the same. To succeed, you must find what makes yours unique.
1. Identify Your Niche
Do you cater to families, digital nomads, pet owners, or adventure seekers? A niche helps you attract the right campers.
2. Research Your Competitors
Look at nearby campgrounds. What do they offer? What’s missing? This helps you position your business better.
3. Craft a Story That Stands Out
People love stories. Why did you start your campground? What experience do you want to create? A strong story makes your brand memorable.
Your USP is the reason campers choose you over the competition. Define it, and use it in all your marketing efforts.
Advanced Digital Strategies for Campground Marketing
The internet is where most campers plan their trips. If your campground isn’t visible online, you’re losing bookings.
1. AI-Powered SEO for Campgrounds
Most campgrounds don’t use SEO effectively. Here’s how to rank higher:
- Target voice search: People search “best campgrounds near me” on their phones. Use these phrases in your website content.
- Leverage AI tools: Use Surfer SEO, RankIQ, or ChatGPT to find high-ranking keywords.
- Answer camper questions: Google’s “People Also Ask” section shows real questions campers have. Answer them in your blog!
2. Personalized Email & SMS Marketing
Generic emails get ignored. Personalization makes a difference.
- Segment your audience: Send different offers to first-time campers, families, and returning guests.
- Automate follow-ups: Send reminders before peak seasons or exclusive discounts for loyal customers.
- Use SMS for instant impact: A simple text like “Last-minute weekend availability! Book now & get 10% off” works wonders.
3. Gamify Social Media Engagement
Posting pretty pictures isn’t enough. Make it fun!
- Run social media challenges: Example—“Share your best camping memory and tag us to win a free stay!”
- Encourage guest content: Campers love sharing their experiences. Offer small perks for those who post and tag your campground.
- Use short-form videos: TikTok and Instagram Reels are perfect for showcasing your campground’s best moments.
Influencer & Community-Driven Marketing Strategies
Word-of-mouth is powerful. When real people recommend your campground, others listen.
1. Work with Micro-Influencers & Travel Bloggers
Big influencers are expensive. Instead, partner with smaller ones who have loyal followers.
- Look for RV travelers, outdoor bloggers, and family travel influencers.
- Offer them a free stay in exchange for social media posts and reviews.
- Create an affiliate program where influencers earn a small commission for every booking they generate.
2. Build a Referral Program
Your happy campers can be your best marketers!
- Offer discounts or free nights for campers who refer friends.
- Create a loyalty program where repeat guests earn points for rewards.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, and Facebook—this builds trust for future campers.
3. Engage in Facebook Groups & Online Communities
Many camping enthusiasts join online groups to share experiences and tips.
- Join RV travel forums, camping Facebook groups, and Reddit communities.
- Share helpful advice, travel tips, and campground updates—not just promotions.
- Start your own community where past campers can share stories and connect.
Data-Driven Advertising & Retargeting Strategies
Most campers don’t book on the first visit to your website. Smart advertising brings them back.
1. Use Facebook & Google Retargeting Ads
Ever searched for something online and then saw ads for it everywhere? That’s retargeting!
- Show Facebook and Google Ads to visitors who left your site without booking.
- Create special offers like “Still looking for a camping trip? Book now & get 10% off!”
- Use carousel ads to showcase your best amenities, activities, and campsite views.
2. Try Geofencing & Location-Based Ads
Want to attract campers who are already near your area? Use geofencing!
- Set up mobile ads that appear when someone enters a nearby town or highway.
- Target RV travelers passing through your region.
- Send push notifications to past guests when they’re within driving distance.
3. Seasonal & Weather-Based Marketing
Take advantage of seasonal trends and weather changes.
- Offer summer discounts when schools are out.
- Run last-minute deals when the weather is perfect for camping.
- Use real-time weather ads—“Sunny weekend ahead! Book a last-minute getaway now!”
Offline & Experiential Marketing Strategies
Online marketing is great, but real-life experiences create lasting impressions.
1. Host Special Events & Themed Camping Weekends
People love unique camping experiences.
- Plan seasonal events like fall festivals, music nights, or family-friendly scavenger hunts.
- Offer wellness retreats with yoga, meditation, and nature therapy.
- Partner with local businesses for food trucks, guided tours, or adventure activities.
2. Turn Campers into Content Creators
Encourage guests to share their experiences online.
- Set up photo spots with hashtags like #MyCampgroundAdventure.
- Offer discounts or free perks for campers who tag your business in posts.
- Create a guest feature wall on your website or social media.
3. Print Marketing with a Digital Twist
Print isn’t dead! Use it creatively.
- Add QR codes to brochures, linking to a special video tour or booking page.
- Leave branded postcards at local travel hubs and outdoor stores.
- Hand out stickers, maps, or small souvenirs with your campground’s branding.
Measuring Success & Scaling Your Campground Marketing
Marketing is not “set it and forget it.” You need to track what works.
1. Track Key Performance Metrics (KPIs)
Numbers tell the story! Monitor:
- Website traffic – How many people visit your site?
- Conversion rate – How many visitors actually book a stay?
- Engagement rates – Are people liking, sharing, and commenting on your posts?
2. Use the Right Tools
There are free and paid tools to help you improve.
- Google Analytics – Tracks website visitors and where they come from.
- Meta Business Suite – Shows Facebook & Instagram ad performance.
- SEMrush & Ahrefs – Helps with SEO and keyword ranking.
3. Automate & Scale What Works
Once you find what’s effective, do more of it!
- Use email automation to nurture leads and past campers.
- Scale profitable ads by increasing the budget.
- Expand successful campaigns to new regions or audiences.
About Marketing LTB
Marketing LTB is a full-service marketing agency offering over 50 specialized services across 100+ industries. Our seasoned team leverages data-driven strategies and a full-funnel approach to maximize your ROI and fuel business growth. Discover how our expertise can drive revenue for your business>
About the author, Bill Nash
Bill Nash is the CMO of Marketing LTB with over a decade of experience, he has driven growth for Fortune 500 companies and startups through data-driven campaigns and advanced marketing technologies. He has written over 400 pieces of content about marketing, covering topics like marketing tips, guides, AI in advertising, advanced PPC strategies, conversion optimization, and others.
