Take a look into everything you need to know before embarking on the mammoth task of setting up a campsite.
What You Should Do
Focus On The Legal Aspects
This might be the most arduous part of the entire process but the faster you get it done the sooner you can move onto the more enjoyable part of the setup. Firstly, obtain the appropriate planning permissions for your land; this is a necessity if you intend to use your campsite for more than twenty-eight days per year.
Don’t forget to secure a site which ensures that your camp layout meets health and safety regulations. (https://www.gov.uk/camping-licence-wales) Do your own research though because if your land is approved by exempted camping and caravan organisations then you might not need any planning permission or licences.
Our stylish and self-contained Glamping Pods come with a bathroom and a kitchenette, meaning that they are classified as a caravan and subject to 5% VAT. If your business is not VAT registered, then pods like this may be an attractive option for you.
Think About Your Customers
Without loyal customers, your campsite would never get off the ground. You should aim to make their stay as comfortable as possible, providing the best facilities so that they remain happy. Be considerate of a vast range of people including all genders, families and disabilities; this is not just ethically wise, it makes sense on a business level to make your camp available for all people. A games room is a great idea for families looking to keep their young children entertained while disabled parking spaces, access lanes and other facilities can help make disabled guests have a more enjoyable camping experience.
Remember Health, Safety & Security
It’s your responsibility to make your guests feel safe by setting up a camp that is closely monitored with high security. Achieve this by adding some fences into your plans with a carpark that is well lit and monitored by CCTV, so your guests can sleep without a worry.
You have a duty of care towards your guests, so make sure to carry out the appropriate risk assessments and fire safety checks before opening day. You might be outdoors, but gas cannister related fires still pose a great risk to your visitors so have the ideal escape and gathering points in place.
Choose Self-Contained & Quality Cabins
Some people will bring their own tents while others will be eager to stay in something a little sturdier. ‘Glamping’ is the luxury trend that’s taking the camping world by storm. Valued at around £52 million, it would be a lucrative decision for your camping site to have glamping cabins available for guests to stay in.
A self-contained unit with an en-suite bathroom included is an attractive option for holidayers looking for a luxury getaway as a communal bathroom can be uncomfortable for guests to use. Personal bathrooms and toilets are also a smart business investment as they require less maintenance than communal restrooms and are subject to less frequent restocking and inspection.
Our quality campsite buildings will leave guests feeling snug and cosy, even when the tempestuous British weather rages outside. We also offer bespoke facility buildings made from stunning timber which will give your camp a more rustic aesthetic.
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Consider How Your Customers Are Going To Eat
Eating three meals a day should be made easy for your guests which is why including a self-contained kitchen area will be a desirable option. For large families, eating out can be an expensive and stressful experience and the option to eat food on site and cook their own meals will make their camping experience more enjoyable.
Selling delicious food on site is a wise business move as it provides some entertainment and a change of scenery for the campers. Consider en-suite only cabins and glampers as this would encourage people to eat at the pubs and restaurants on the camping grounds.
What You Shouldn’t Do
Don't Forget To Make A Plan
Like most aspects of life, if you fail to plan you plan to fail. It might take some time to figure out the finer details and logistics but this will make your business more successful in the long run; it can also save you on business costs in some unexpected areas. During this planning stage, carefully consider the amount of land you have to work with and utilise this space so that it is logically placed; placing the toilets miles away from the campsite will lead to some disgruntled campers who need to make the journey in the middle of the night.
Car parking is a small detail that often gets neglected during the planning stages but getting this right is crucial. There's nothing more stressful for your guests than an oversaturated car park that is too far away from their camping spot.
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Never Rush Into Choosing A Location
You might be eager to get started, but choosing a location is a decision that should not be rushed. Land that is too big is a waste of money and can make your site look cheap and less intimate, too small and there won’t be enough space for all the facilities that will make the camp unforgettable.
A site located in the middle of the countryside might be ideal for families looking for a technology break and a closer look at the stars, but might not be attractive for those used to the home comforts of good wifi reception and a variety of shops in the vicinity. Access to electricity is a must for more glamorous camping holidays and installation should be carried out by a qualified contractor.
Never Be Afraid To Stand Out
With so many campsites for people to choose from, it’s important to make an impact and give people a significant reason to use your facilities instead of your competitors. It’s an investment, but glamping accommodation with modern amenities such as electric, water and drainage will undoubtedly make a campsite stand out from the crowd. You can increase the cost of staying each night as people will be more than happy to pay for modern comforts.
On a smaller note, a greater focus on building and facility aesthetic is a great marketing strategy for social media savvy guests; create your own campsite hashtag to give your business a boost and get it trending. Focus a greater amount of concentration on design and the finer details; this can be as small as a welcome note or selection of biscuits for your guests on arrival as this will make them feel welcome. Don’t be afraid to ask for customer feedback as this is the only way you can improve your services; it’s also a great way to find out how they heard about your campsite in the first place.
With this guide, setting up your own campsite is easy. There is so much to organise but with a foolproof plan and the best quality camping facilities, your business will be thriving in no time.
You Shouldn’t Neglect The Environment As You Set Up Your New Camp
Environmentally friendly businesses are often praised by consumers for being forward thinking. You can take certain measures in setting up a campsite that will reduce the overall size of your carbon footprint. Where possible, source your onsite food locally as this reduces food miles and the fossil fuels it would take to transport the goods to you. Do your research and find some business waste companies in the area that have the appropriate recycling programmes for your camp’s leftover materials and food waste.
