Would you like to know how to set up a campsite? We will tell you everything you need to open a tourist camping business. Discover the requirements, procedures and the rest of the steps you must follow.
A campsite is a tourist establishment located in a delimited area and intended to house tents, motor homes and other habitable elements on a temporary basis. It also includes bungalows, mobile homes, wooden cabins or similar that comply with current regulations.
In this guide on how to open a campsite we are going to show you all the necessary steps to set up your business
Before starting with the whole process, let’s take a look at some previous advice.
Drawing up a business plan
Before setting up a campsite, as always when it comes to entrepreneurship, it is necessary to draw up a Business Plan. In this plan it is basic to make an analysis of the conditions of the environment.
A fundamental point of the study is the analysis of the competition: Are there similar sites in the area? What do they offer and at what price?
Another fundamental factor is the study of the surroundings: Is it a coastal or inland area? Is it close to the city center or to places of tourist interest?
Of course, you can’t forget the potential clients: what type of tourist frequents the area, are they looking for tranquility or adventure? What is their level of purchasing power?
– For example, a tourist with a certain level of purchasing power who goes to a mountain campsite will probably expect to stay in a cabin or bungalow with all the comforts.
– On the other hand, other less demanding users only need a place to pitch their tent.
The study of all these variables will help you perform a SWOT analysis. That is, highlight the strengths, weaknesses, dangers and opportunities of the business.
At this point is when you should perform an Economic Feasibility Study. This should include the expected income and expenses during the first year of the business. Keep in mind that the investment may vary depending on several factors:
– Type of campsite
– Surface area
– Category
– Refurbishment work
– Hiring of personnel
– Payment of fees and taxes
– Land rental
Keep in mind that the investment can vary greatly depending on whether you have to buy or rent the land. In some cases, it is the municipal institutions themselves who put up for auction the transfer of such land to offer tourist camping services.
Branding design
The branding or brand image is basic throughout the life of the company, but especially at the beginning. It allows users and potential customers to identify your campsite with a certain image and values.
Name
If you only have a temporary assignment of the management of the campsite, this step is not mandatory. But if you want to set up a campsite from scratch, then one of the first steps is to choose the name.
– Choose an attractive name, easy to remember.
– That identifies with your business.
– Include words that refer to the environment: surf, snow, beach, sea, ski, green, natural, riverside, lake, sand, etc.
– Make sure that the domain with that name is available on the Internet.
– Ask family, friends and acquaintances for advice.
If you think you can’t find the right name, you can always delegate the naming of the campsite to a naming agency.
Logo
We could tell you that anyone can design the logo of your company, and in fact it is so. Of course, then you can see the botched designs you can see. The best thing to do in this case is to hire an agency or a graphic design professional who can do a quality job.
When working with these companies, it is essential to tell them the business idea, the values to be transmitted or even the elements to be included in the logo.
Elements for the evacuation of wastewater
The campsite must have a sewage network. This network must be connected to the main network.
If there is no general network, the campsite must have a sewage treatment plant that meets the requirements of the regulations.
On the other hand, wastewater must be discharged in a place far enough away from the campsite facilities to avoid causing a nuisance to campers.
In addition, campgrounds must have a system for filtering and draining rainwater.
Garbage and waste disposal
The campsite must have a cleaning service to keep the facilities clean.
It is necessary to have containers to dispose of waste from the day-to-day work at the campsite. Garbage cans must also be installed for campers to dispose of garbage.
This waste must be disposed of daily following the regulations on waste treatment. This can be done by the campsite itself or by contracting a company specialized in waste management.
Bathrooms and showers
Bathroom and personal hygiene areas should have showers, sinks and separate toilets, as well as areas to leave clothes.
Toilets and washroom areas should be no more than 200 meters from the furthest plot on the campsite.
Safety and Risk Prevention
The campsite must have all the necessary measures in terms of protection and safety against fire or flooding.
For fire prevention, tourist campsites must have a minimum number of multipurpose powder extinguishers.
Also in case of fire, the campsite must have autonomous lighting for emergency exits. These emergency exits must be signposted.
Campgrounds must have a first aid kit and be assisted by ATS and primary care services.
In certain regions, a pest control plan may also be required.
Finally, safety and risk prevention must be taken into account in specific activities of the campsite, for example in the swimming pools. In this case, the relevant regulations on water quality, safety and rescue, etc. must be observed.
Staff training and functions
To be a promoter or owner of a campsite there is no particular requirement. Obviously, for any business you need certain knowledge or skills.
For example, as a campsite manager it is a good idea to have a background in business administration. It can also help to have training related to the environment or environmental education.
The problem is that there are campsites that are like a small mini-city. And as such, they have professionals and specialists in very different areas. For example, restaurant cooks will need specific training, while pool lifeguards will need very different training.
Prohibitions for campers
In order to facilitate coexistence in campsites, each region establishes in its regulations a series of prohibitions for campers. Some of the most frequent are:
– Bringing non-accommodated persons into the campsite without authorization.
– Making modifications to the site or installing permanent elements.
– Disturbing the rest of the campers outside the hours set by the internal schedule.
– Littering the grounds by throwing garbage out of the containers or garbage cans.
– Build fires in places not intended for that purpose (for example, the barbecue area):
– Occupying plots intended for the enjoyment of other campers.
– Washing and hanging out clothes in places not intended for this purpose.
– Breaking any rule of each particular area of the campsite, for example the safety rules in the swimming pool.
– Carrying weapons or objects likely to cause accidents.