| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Daisydu |
Posted - Aug 23 2008 : 08:37:09 AM
Hello Ladies,
My husband is obsessed with opening his own campground and running it as a business. I was wondering if any of you have ventured in this direction and how things went for you.
Any suggestions you could offer would be appreciated.
Loving a simple life in the country!
www.twistedfencepost.wordpress.com |
| 22 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| marsha77 |
Posted - Jul 26 2012 : 08:02:08 AM
What about places to rent? Would they consider rent to own on a spot? Many lake areas rent out for your rv trailer. It might be a place to start. |
| KansasFarmMomma |
Posted - Jun 29 2012 : 05:28:20 AM
We camp every summer and the camp area is always PACKED but then again it's right on the ocean. I can't speak for anywhere else in the country. I always thought it would be cool to open a horse camp group with pens at each site, trails to ride, ponds to swim, an arena to do shows, competitions, fun events, etc...but I don't have the time or money to make it happen. ANYTHING horse related is through the rough insurance wise.
Nicole
Farmgirl # 4209
www.bearpawphotography.weebly.com
www.KShappyhomemaker.wordpress.com |
| JerseyGirl |
Posted - Jun 29 2012 : 03:44:09 AM
We have camped for years and find that you can't group all KOA's together...there are the good , the bad and the ugly! LOL We mostly stayed at resort campgrounds because of the amentities for the kids, but DH and I would actually prefer the quieter, more simple ones.
We've run across many that were for sale, but the prices would shock you! I don't know how you could ever make enough for it to pay for itself. I think it's a great dream to have, but I just can;t imagine the work involved! |
| marsha77 |
Posted - Jun 24 2012 : 1:29:07 PM
Maybe you need to do some research on the subject and pick a good location to do this. There are many rv trailers out there. I see a lot of them in my neck of the woods. |
| barnagainkristin |
Posted - Sep 20 2008 : 8:09:36 PM
Daisydu,
Sounds like an awesome idea since I love to camp but wouldn't even know where to start in what needs to be done. Let us all know if you get it going and farmgirls could come out from near and far to stay with you. Look at the success of Maryjanes wall tents on her farm.
Best Wishes
barnagainkristin
"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." John Muir |
| spiral sage |
Posted - Sep 03 2008 : 9:10:05 PM
It seems to me it must be location location location. I know on the east coast alot of people will pack up there campers, tents or what have you and head to even the closest campground and set up for the summer. They will go to work like normal and come home to the campsite they have set up for summer. There are really alot of die hard campers I have known. We just love tent camping, wish we could go more than we do. We've even gotten my parents to camp with us. Mom is good as long as she has a tree to hang a mirror on and a hookup for her blowdryer. lol I've always thought a campground would be fun. You could meet people you would have never expected to meet. Best of luck, remember if you try it, even if it doesn't work out, it will still have been a great experience.
insanity is doing what you've always done and expecting something different to happen.
http://twistedthyme.blogspot.com/
http://www.xanga.com/twistedthyme |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Sep 03 2008 : 3:15:42 PM
lol Deere, I went to the Red Neck Soap Opera! lol hahaha-the one I described above! lol I can only imagine how it got after dark! lol
But, the Silver Dollar City camp ground doesn't allow drinking!
Also I've been to a lot of good camp grounds through the years, that one above was the first "bad" one I ever went to! Glad we didn't have reservations!
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
| deeredawn |
Posted - Aug 30 2008 : 06:46:49 AM
I think that if youset reasonable ground rules/regulations and supply a LOT of family oriented activities (like a friday night movie projected on the side of a building) it would be wonderful. I think I wouldve loved the campground MORE if it was more like camping and less like a red-neck soap opera. I say that in the kindest way possible cuz i married one!
Dawn M. Sista #279 (big grin!)
http://harvestthymefarm.blogspot.com
http://gypsycowgirlcreations.blogspot.com
"I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one!"...Calamity Jane |
| Daisydu |
Posted - Aug 29 2008 : 07:04:55 AM
I really appreciate all of your input. Any information, positive or negative, is helpful.
He is really pushing this, along with his parents. I'm just not so sure it will be stable enough to depend on. Did you guess, I am the realist? haha
Loving a simple life in the country!
www.twistedfencepost.wordpress.com |
| deeredawn |
Posted - Aug 27 2008 : 5:07:43 PM
Ahem.... dont know if you care or not, but I worked for a mom & pop campground 2 summers ago. Its hard work and they were getting up in years and could not do it all alone. Help was hard to find (need clerk for concessions, landscaper, honey wagon driver, the list goes on). The insurance is ridiculous, especially if you have a pool. Business was slowing down while I was there, but the die hards will camp. they had a concessions stand that sold hot dogs, nachos, candy etc. They made most of their money on bingo nights, bus trips to casino's and such. I know I didnt own it, but Iwas there enough to know it was exhausting for them. Oh and entertainment. They had a pavilion/stage where local bands/kareoke would come in every Friday. Oh and the drinking....fighting and etc. I used to laugh because once I crossed the gates to the grounds it was a whole other world!! Lots of wild ones like to camp!
Dawn M. Sista #279 (big grin!)
http://harvestthymefarm.blogspot.com
"I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one!"...Calamity Jane |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Aug 24 2008 : 2:53:58 PM
The air mattress even stopped working for my arthritus. We have one that sits off the ground the same as a queen size matteress. It's a aerobed, but something about it really really hurts my back. I've had two back surgeries, and it just is awful for me.
I want a camper of my own soon! I've only been in my parents travel trailer.
We've been looking at popups too. I think we may get a vintage trailer though and fix it up.
http://www.wolfprncez.blogspot.com |
| StarMeadow |
Posted - Aug 24 2008 : 1:59:33 PM
I finally got off the ground and into a (VERY) small pop-up. We don't have water or electric, although if it's a long stretch, I will run an electric extension to the outlet. That gets the mini fridge and the little crockpot a working. One year I did need to break out the ceramic heater when we had cold weather AND rain. <brrrr> Now my hubby has gotten himself a new motorcycle and we are talking about going back to tent camping. (I'm trying to learn to ride too). I WILL be purchasing one of those self-inflating pads...and I don't care if it IS pricey! My backside deserves it! I have a great tent already but I've been looking at some of these ultralight/xtra small ones for the bike. Now, my dream had been to get a small rv. Even if it was just for me and the boys...but with this new adventure...that seems less and less likely. |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Aug 24 2008 : 08:32:55 AM
lol Alee.
I have noticed most RV spots ARE close. The Silver Dollar City campground is the only one I've seen in Branson where you actually get a nice plot of land! I went all over Branson looking to compare, and nothing compared.
We like "real" camping as well, but I'm getting old! lol hahaha So the dampness of the morning dew has started effecting my arthritis, so in a RV/Trailer is better now for me. I like state parks a lot though too.
http://www.wolfprncez.blogspot.com |
| Alee |
Posted - Aug 24 2008 : 06:51:23 AM
Heather- I am not offended or hurt in anyway! Just as with any franchise- there are good owners and bad owners.
I think my grandparents and uncle have done well with their property. They have nice showers that I have even used many times, a recreation hall with games, TV, Pool tables and such to play, and 2 playgrounds for kids with slides, swings, monkey bars etc. As far as the camping- I think the RV camping is a bit close- but it seems all RV parking spots are close everywhere to take advantage of the complicated septic systems that have to be in place? Then there are the camping Cabins which are very private and very nice. I remember asking my mom once "Why does someone have a log cabin home by the playground?" She laughed at me! Later I realized why! The tent camping is "set up where you want" type of thing if I remember correctly but I don't remember the specifics. Overall it would be a place I would camp at if I needed to camp in town on a trip or use as a base for sight seeing without wanting to pay for a hotel- it would be a good alternative.
However I have seen bad campgrounds- and certainly the atmosphere and people around affect that as well.
However, that being said- I have always felt that the farther from people I get- the more "real" the camping. So usually I try to find places that _don't_ have a campground! LOL
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Aug 24 2008 : 06:27:20 AM
I really hope to not hurt your feelings at all Alee. Cause I love ya! And I have no idea what "your" KOA looks like. But, the few I've been to, I wasn't impressed, and we stayed else where. Like was said the sites were too close to each other, not enough grass, and over priced. So for me personally seeing the KOA sign wasn't ever a big pull.
Then there's Good Sam. Well, I have a hilarious story about that. My husband and I seen a "cheap" campground that was Good Sam approved. Well, we went in to drive around it and we couldn't get out fast enough. It was down right scary! They had trash cans marked Dog POOP! lol Which was the funny part. The not so funny part was there was a lot of people who lived there perm. That......were scary looking! Very very very much so the stereo type of "trailer park trash". So much so that, I thought surely we had been sucked into a episode of the Simpsons! I have only seen these kind of people on TV on movies and such, I didn't think this was REAL! It didn't look like a place that would be none to accepting of my husband. (as there was big rebel flags covering most every thing, from the tops of their trailers, to the tops of their broken down on blocks cars.). My husband is black. Most every one was sitting out watching us. lol So we made quick haste and got out of there!
OTOH, we still camp. We like camping at Silver Dollar City's camp ground the best. :) And at a local lake near my parents.
OTOH, I'm sure Alee, is right, I imagine camping and traveling period has slowed down vastly for every one.
http://www.wolfprncez.blogspot.com |
| StarMeadow |
Posted - Aug 23 2008 : 11:50:25 AM
I've always found KOA campgrounds very expensive and you end up right on top of someone else. I'll always stay at a local mom/pop before a chain. We have a tendency to stay at state campgrounds though for the most part. Before my dad passed, he and his wife would leave before turkey day and come back in April (in their rv) they always picked campgrounds that were "endorsed" by Good Sam (?). I agree that research is important but that's true before embarking on any business venture.
As far as Wally World is concerned, I've never seen more than the occasional errant rv overnight there. Certainly, although convenient if you need a rest/nap...not the most comfortable/enjoyable. I think I might even choose a rest area over a Wal-mart parking lot. Although some friends and I did think it would make an interesting book...Across America in a Wal-Mart Parking Lot!
There was a local small campground near here that my parents always used to stay at. They had a small playground, lake, and some activities. Saturday night was always the hayride. We loved it! Memories my kids will remember always. There were several full-timers who had their campers right there all season but plenty of room for the passing folks too. Clean and tidy and run by a very nice couple. Could always depend on a good stay. |
| Alee |
Posted - Aug 23 2008 : 11:14:01 AM
Ladies- I don't want to squash any dreams, but this might not be a good investment at all. My family (grandparents) owned a KOA for many years and then sold it to my Uncle. With rising gas prices and Mega Marts allowing RV'ers to park for free in their parking lots- most campgounds are loosing money. The only ones that don't seem to be suffering at the ones that are on National Forest land and as such- are run by the government.
My Uncle is struggling so much, that he might have to sell his house. His campground is beautiful, has playgrounds for kids, and is close to two interstates and several highways. The local area is desirable for campers but business is drying up. Not only that but they are part of a recognized brand (KOA) which usually brings in new business from the name alone.
Just something to think about. Please research carefully before investing!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| whiteraven |
Posted - Aug 23 2008 : 10:51:50 AM
My parents are full time RVers. There are several work camp programs listed under escapees (I know its misspelled, that's the way the spell it). Some pay you to work a certian number of hours others like where my parents are camp for free including utilities for puttering around the office and grounds. Some campgrounds have themes to them also. There is a jam session every weekend featuring different kinds of music depending on the weekend. I think it would be a really cool lifestyle.
whiteraven
farmgirl Sister #320
Life is what you make it! |
| nubidane |
Posted - Aug 23 2008 : 10:45:11 AM
With gas so high, there seems to be a re-surgence in camping. There was an old abandoned campground near us here & some folks bought it, cleaned it all up. Her is a link to the brochure. http://county.brown.oh.us/tour/pdf/lgap006.pdf
Anyway, I had heard it re-opened, when we drive by, it is packed every weekend, & mind you we are not in any major metro area, just a small river town, & the camp is on a creek that runs into the Ohio. It seems to be doing great. |
| Daisydu |
Posted - Aug 23 2008 : 09:55:08 AM
Txfarmgal-my retired mother and father-in-law want to be a part of this adventure, also.
StarMeadow-the campground would be for all. For tents, tag-a-longs, motorhomes...With water, power and septic. On the lake near our home that we often go to another state park campground. They don't have septic, only a dump station. It is a dream of his and his parents. I just don't know that I'm ready to give up the security of his job. I want to encourage him to follow his dreams, but within reason.
Loving a simple life in the country!
www.twistedfencepost.wordpress.com |
| StarMeadow |
Posted - Aug 23 2008 : 09:36:31 AM
Like a campground for us normal folks to come stay for a spell? Only asking because once upon a time, I wanted to open a camp for kids. Never came to fruition though. I would guess the insurance on a campground would be quite high. Whew! And, I can't imagine "retiring" to open a campground either. Seems like a great deal of work. |
| Txfarmgal |
Posted - Aug 23 2008 : 08:53:10 AM
Becky, Have not but my dh wants to after he retires!
AngiKay-farmgirl sister #301
www.angikay.etsy.com
Heart of TX chapter
Be strong and Courageous. Jos. 1:9
Texas 4H! http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/ |
