Remember the summer when every campground was booked solid and “glamping” became the new dream vacation? The past few years have seen explosive growth in the outdoor hospitality industry as travelers sought the wide-open spaces and comfort of the great outdoors during the COVID-pandemic. But as the world finds its new normal, many campgrounds, RV parks, and outdoor destinations are seeing a return to pre-pandemic activity levels. What’s next for those who built their business during unprecedented demand?
At Set Your Sites, we’ve watched this transformation firsthand as campers and business owners ourselves. While some may worry about the cooling surge, we see this moment as the industry’s greatest opportunity—a time to lock in loyalty, reimagine guest experiences utilizing new technology, and build sustainable growth that lasts far beyond the fleeting highs of a global crisis.
From Overflowing to Optimizing
During the pandemic, simply having availability was enough to fill sites. Now, guests have more choices—destinations must work harder to stand out. Operators report that gone are the days when “no vacancy” signs were the norm for months on end. Instead, smart businesses are optimizing their operations, focusing on digital marketing, dynamic pricing, and flexible reservation systems to drive steady bookings.
A New Breed of Guest
Today’s campers are a more diverse group: digital nomads setting up office in the wild, families seeking new experiences without international travel, and seasoned RVers expecting more bang for their buck. Their expectations have evolved—touchless check-in, WiFi, curated experiences, and personalized communication are now must-haves, not nice-to-haves.
Technology as Your Trail Guide
At Set Your Sites, we’re passionate about equipping outdoor hospitality businesses with the tools to flourish. We are the only campground management solution that offers reservations and walk-up mobile payment flexibility, increasing occupancy on days you don't get bookings ahead of time. With local check-in you also know as soon as a guest arrives and who may have no-showed so you can open up site availability instantly.
Share Your Story—What Have YOU Seen?
As the dust settles on the COVID surge, the outdoor hospitality landscape is wide open with possibility. We’d love to hear from you: What changes have you witnessed in the industry this year? Are you seeing more return guests, off-season business, or new demands from campers?
Share your experience in the comments below—how is your business or favorite destination adapting to the new normal?
Stay connected with Set Your Sites for more insights and strategies to grow your outdoor hospitality business, no matter what the next season brings.
