Americans—more than 40 million a year, to be exact—continue to head to the hills for that weekend camping trip. And while the activity of camping hasn't changed much in the past 30 years, the needs and habits of today's campers continue to evolve. Large tents have been replaced for lightweight models; small RVs have been traded up for larger, tech-infused vehicles; and tech-savvy travelers are now booking their camping getaways online.Here is a closer look at the needs and travel habits of today's campers, and how your campground can best cater to them.

Understanding Travel Needs and Booking Behavior of Today's Campers

Experts at Virtuoso have found that baby boomers and millennials travel for very different purposes. Boomers see travel as an opportunity to enjoy quality time together and value escapism. They're not afraid to splurge and prefer to travel with families. Millennials, on the other hand, tend to travel for personal fulfillment and look for customized experiences when traveling. Also, most prefer to travel with friends.Knowing this means you can tailor your offerings and marketing messages for these two distinct groups. Baby boomers may be attracted to camping packages that include a trip to an area day spa, for example, where they can unplug and de-stress. Millennials may be more eager to book packages for groups with kayaking lessons, paddle-boarding adventures, or other outdoor activities they can enjoy with friends on or near the campsite.

Upgrading Campsites and Amenities to Appeal to Today's Campers

Your campground may not be able to accommodate larger RVs or provide enough electricity to support some of the upgraded vehicles, gear, and accessories today's campers rely on. Consider expanding parking sites (by trimming trees and shrubs) to accommodate for larger vehicles. (Class-A RVs can be as long as 45 feet, so you should have at least one spot that could easily fit this type of vehicle.) Also, many campsites aren't able to support the 50-amp plugins required by some newer RV models, so consider updating your electrical outlets if you can't handle this type of setup.A large portion of campers will be looking for some type of hiking activity, according to the Outdoor Foundation. These hiking enthusiasts will often rely on GPS devices and smartphone apps to map out their routes. In order to stay connected and maximize their experience using technology, these campers need high-speed Internet access. Campgrounds and RV parks that offer free WiFi access and connectivity amenities, such as power outlets to charge phones and camera batteries, will be a more attractive destination for the modern traveler.Another interesting fact: 52 percent of campers between the ages of 18 and 34 years did online research to buy items for their camping trip and then purchased in-store, according to the Outdoor Foundation. Be the campground that sells accessories and other items—from extra batteries for portable coolers to basic cooking utensils—through your own online store or at your campsite to cater to these shoppers. This will also open up another revenue stream for your campground business.

Be the campground that sells accessories and other items through your own online store or at your campsite to cater to these shoppers

Providing Mobile Booking Options for Today's Campers

The vast majority—90 percent—of millennials book travel online, according to Virtuoso. Take advantage of online reservation software, such as Peek Pro, to incorporate online and mobile booking options into your website to capture this large segment of the market. This will make it a cinch for campers to reserve spots that fit their RVs, or to make reservations for outdoor gear and supplies.Also, as Skift points out, personalization in travel is one trend travel operators simply can't ignore2. Instead of booking a campsite and settling in for the day, campers may be interested in enjoying localized experiences during the trip. Offering the option to customize a camping experience—such as adding a workshop or educational tour to the visit, or giving guests a chance to have food or groceries delivered from area businesses—can make for a personalized experience.And don't overlook social media activity. Encourage visitors to use Instagram and Twitter to share their photos and updates while mentioning your business. This allows them to join a community of fellow travelers while helping your business become more visible in the social media sphere.The American tradition of camping isn't disappearing anytime soon. But the needs of today's campers continue to evolve with technology. Catering to today's tech-savvy campers with online booking options and introducing modern amenities into your campsite will help keep your booking calendar full year-round.

Site reservations and general stores shouldn't be the only revenue stream for your campground. In fact, almost 27 percent of total income earned from a camper was generated from sources other than campsite reservations, according to a study by the Journal of Travel Research. You can tap into several revenue opportunities to maximize sales from each and every camper that sets foot on your campground.Here are just a few ways to optimize your campground's profit centers.

1. Recreational Equipment Rentals

Not all of your campers will have enough room in their RV or vehicle to bring along recreational gear and equipment such as kayaks, canoes, or even pop-up tables for meal time. Make things easy for your customers by offering equipment rental options for a modest fee, and set up a pickup station or area where staff can keep track of inventory and store it safely after each use.

Create packages for newer campers who need basic equipment such as a grill, tables and chairs, or other necessities to round out their experience.

Create packages for newer campers who need basic equipment such as a grill, tables and chairs, or other necessities to round out their experience. If you are using a campground reservation system like Peek Pro, you can manage equipment rental inventory and payments all in the same system.

2. Special Events and Activities

From hosting fun holiday events like carols and s'mores around a big bonfire, or providing live entertainment during the summer months, ticketed events are a great way for your guests to build fun, lasting memories at your campground. These might appeal to both campers and visitors in the area looking for something to do during a vacation. If you open up these events to the public, could also attract locals and garner some attention from area businesses during the season.Make sure to promote these events heavily on social media sites, and set up a Facebook event so the general public can easily find it when they're searching for local things to do on the Internet. You could also list your event with area magazines and publications as part of your promotional efforts.

3. Lessons and Workshops

Lots of campgrounds offer activities such as painting lessons, tie-dye t-shirt making classes, and games. While these mainly cater to children, such workshops are a big revenue generator. Additionally, watersport activities like kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding can be turned into educational opportunities for first-timers or beginners. Offer lessons as part of your roster of daily activities on the campground for an extra fee. Another option is to host educational workshops, such as seminars or hands-on activities from nature guides, teachers, and other experts to give campers something to look forward to during their visit.Consider partnering up with local instructors who can offer services your staff isn't trained to provide, so that you can offer a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.

4. Breakfast or Meal Service

Give campers the option to purchase a meal onsite so they can save time and effort during their vacation—some visitors will probably appreciate less time doing dishes, and more time going on hikes in the surrounding area! As long as you have a food and beverage license for your operation, you can set up a dining area to serve meals as part of the camping experience. Use this food and beverage cost calculator formula provided by Buzztime to estimate your total investment for managing food costs and setting up reasonable pricing. Consider selling meal tickets as part of the camping reservation or sell meal plan packages for guests who may want to enjoy multiple meals onsite during their visit.From offering memorable experiences to renting equipment, there are several ways to enhance your guest's outdoor stay, while generating revenue beyond the campsite reservation. Explore some of these ideas to leverage your campground's profit potential.

Yesterday's camper was happy if they got two minutes of hot running water and a campfire pit. Today's camper wants that—and 24/7 access to Instagram.According to a 2015 survey by Kampground revealed that 83% of campers take their cell phones along on camping trips. What's more: 70% of survey participants reported going online with their device at some point during their stay. So, if you want to keep pulling in campers, this is the one trend you'll want to keep up with.Ready to get started setting up WiFi at your campground? The first thing you'll need to do is make sure you already have high-speed internet access. Then, follow these four helpful steps.

Step 1: Create a Map of Your Campground

To lay the groundwork for WiFi, you'll need to have a map of your campground. If you don't have an accurately scaled map already, you can just take a Google Maps screenshot of your campground. Print it out, and mark the following:

• Highlight every structure, from cabins to bungalows to yurts.
• Mark out potential obstacles. WiFi signal coverage can be slowed by concrete, trees, steel, and heavy building construction.
• Circle “zones" by priority. This will determine where you set everything up. Your office and highest priced cabins may be top priority. The entrance driveway may be the lowest.

This map will help you make educated decisions on your device and signal strength, so make sure it's as clear as possible.

Step 2: Pay Attention to Internet and Power Locations

As we stated before, you can't set up WiFi without a pre-existing internet connection. Mark the location of your current internet equipment. That's where you'll be installing your wireless router. Then, mark all power outlets on your campsite. If you're limited on power outlets, you'll have to do a little more electrical planning in your setup.

Step 3: Decide Where You Want Your Wireless Access Points

A wireless access point (WAP) connects campers to your current ethernet internet connection, allowing them to move freely within the covered areas of the campsite while using their phone, laptop, or tablet. There are two components in a basic WiFi setup:

• Wireless router: an internet router that also functions as a “Wireless Access Point" (WAP). Essentially, this is just the gateway that allows you to access the internet on your device without physical wires.
• WiFi range extender: These little guys plug into a typical wall outlet and can multiply your wireless router's signal and extend coverage.

Ideally, you would install a router in the center of your campsite, where you'll have the best opportunity to expand coverage. Then, use multiple WiFi range extenders to fill in the gaps.

Step 4: Pick Up the Best Wireless Router

Even routers installed in the perfect location won't be quite as effective if they're lacking quality.There's an overwhelming number of wireless routers and WiFi extenders on the market. Your final decision boils down to several big factors, from speed to guest account options.Here's why it pays to look for these features before you buy.

Single- or Dual-Band

A “single band" wireless router means your router will operate over a 2.4GHz radio band. This is the same band that microwaves, mobile phones, and Bluetooth devices and locations operate on—meaning your connection could get a little crowded. We recommend you opt for a dual band model if possible for less interference.

Guest Accessible & Secure

For security reasons (nobody likes to get hacked!), make sure your device includes the option to have a password-protected guest login for your wireless in addition to the admin login. Use an easy-to-remember password for your guests, and change it fairly regularly to avoid attracting potential “WiFi rogues," or those who don't have permission to access the network.

Speedy Channels

We won't dive too far into the numbers, but your router speed is drastically affected by its ability to send and receive information (shown by “802.11 protocols"). If you spot a WiFi router that has 802.11ac technology, you'll likely be happy with the outcome.

If you spot a WiFi router that has 802.11ac technology, you'll likely be happy with the outcome.

Weatherproof

If you can't find a weatherproof router, make sure you either house the router indoors or install it in a weatherproof box. Not all routers are born campers!

Easy to Install

Planning on installing your WiFi router and extenders yourself? You probably don't have all the time in the world to set up a complicated WiFi system. Choose a WiFi router that's easy to install and offers great customer service. Linksys and Netgear are two well-respected names in the industry.Once you've chosen the WiFi router for your campsite, set it up. Then, try out different devices throughout the campsite. If you have a lot of weak or dead spots, then you can install compatible WiFi extenders. Generally, setup is easiest when the WiFi router and the extenders are by the same manufacturer.

Consult Experts With the Right Questions

If you're not a technical expert—or just don't have time to research the right equipment on your own—call in the experts. You don't have to hire a pricey consultant who demands a hotel stay, either. Just head to your nearest Best Buy or other electronics store with your campground map, or request a visit from your current internet provider to determine what you need.Here are some questions to be prepared to answer (for many of these, the map will come in handy), and some basic terms to know.

• Do you have basic internet already? Where is it located?
• Where are electrical sources located?
• What's the size of your campsite?
• How far do you want to extend coverage?

Reference these helpful WiFi terms and definitions so you can have a productive conversation with a consultant or internet provider. For more, see the WiFi Glossary on Talk Tech to Me.

• Wireless Access Point (WAP or AP): the bridge that connects wireless users to a wired internet connection
• Channel: the path for wireless transmissions, determines a wireless router's speed
• Closed Network: requires a password for users to access the network
• Open Network: does not require a password for users to access the network
• Passphrase: a password for a network connection
• Service Set Identifier (SSID): refers to the name of the WiFi network
• WPA (WiFi Protected Access): the secure encryption for a network; protects against hackers, not as strong as WPA2
• WPA2 (WiFi Protected Access v2): currently the strongest encryption for a network

The Bottom Line

A WiFi connection provides so much more than just the ability to post hiking photos on Instagram. It also means campers can check email, access maps, and discover new hidden treasures close to your campground. Now that many cell phone providers are enabling WiFi calling and texting, we've reached a new frontier. A smartphone is now the Swiss Army Knife of electronics. So just follow these simple steps, and your campers will enjoy a richer 21st-century camping experience.

It's growing increasingly important for websites to be mobile-friendly. Research from Google found that 72% of mobile users say mobile-friendly sites are important to them, with another 50% saying that even if they like a business, they'll use them less often if the website isn't mobile-friendly. And this is especially crucial in the travel industry, in which there was a 50% increase in mobile use across business and leisure travelers, with 30% relying purely on their mobiles to make last minute bookings, according to BuzzCity>. On top of all that, Google now factors in mobile-friendliness to determine where sites appear in search results.Now that you know why a mobile-friendly site is important, let's explore how to get it that way.

1. Assess your current site to identify any needed changes.

First and foremost, you need to determine how well your site already accommodates mobile users. Google offers a simple online tool that will analyze a web page and report any mobile-related design issues. Your site may already meet the basic criteria required by Google, or may just need a few relatively simple changes. (If changes are needed, the tool will walk you through the technical guide that tells you how to correct the problem issues.)In addition, you can also use Google PageSpeed Insights to identify issues that may be slowing down your page loading times—which is one of the most common “fatal flaws" of web pages that don't work well for mobile users.

2. Choose a responsive design.

The best (and most popular) approach to making a site mobile-friendly is to choose a responsive design. A responsive design is one that automatically adjusts to accommodate whatever device the visitor is using. There are many responsive themes and templates available now for Wordpress, HTML5/CSS3, and other frameworks—including a number of free options.How much time and effort will be required to convert an “unfriendly" site to a more mobile-accommodating one will depend on a number of factors, including the specific design elements of your existing site. The older your current site is, the greater the odds that it was created using elements or platforms, such as Flash, that are now outdated or don't interact well with mobile devices.

The best approach to making a site mobile-friendly is to choose a responsive design

3. Keep things simple.

One of the most common ways that businesses cause problems for mobile users is by loading up a site with lots of fancy bells and whistles. This can create unnecessary clutter that crowds the page and makes navigation difficult. Equally problematic: It can also drastically impact page-loading speeds. A site that is slow to load is very frustrating to mobile users (and users in general) and is one of the top reasons they will abandon your site before even checking it out. In fact, Kissmetrics found that 40% of shoppers will abandon a site that takes more than three seconds to load. The data also found that a one-second delay in page response can result in a 7% reduction in conversions. Providing a simple, scaled-down site will help optimize load speeds and make things easy and efficient for mobile users.Bonus tip: Pay attention to the content formats on your site. Video, in particular, can be tricky. Some types of video won't play properly (or won't function at all) on mobile devices. Double-check that any video content on your site is playable on mobile devices. Older, Flash-based videos are a common issue and generally won't be viewable on mobile devices. Videos published on major sites such as YouTube and Vimeo typically have a mobile-friendly embed code for sharing.

4. Put the central focus on the call to action.

Consumers today tend to have short attention spans and want to accomplish tasks quickly. This is particularly true for mobile users. Put the most important information—like contact details and how to book—front and center. Also, if there's a primary action you want visitors to take, such as booking a reservation, that must be prominently highlighted in a central location where it is easily visible. Using online booking software, such as Peek Pro makes this goal easy to achieve by adding a prominent button to your site, where visitors won't be able to miss it.Making your site mobile-friendly may take a little bit of time and work. But just consider how much of your potential business likely comes via mobile channels these days, and you'll see it's in your best interest to do everything possible to provide a smooth, efficient experience for users of mobile devices.

There's a reason camping trips become family traditions: It's the bonding that occurs from being away from the daily grind. It's the people you meet. It's the memories formed that will last a lifetime. And these all come about through one thing: the unique traditions and activities campgrounds organize for their guests.Campground owners are constantly discovering new ways to inject thrill and excitement into traditional campground activities to make camping trips more exciting than ever. Here are ten unique campground traditions and activities.

Camp Towanda in Honesdale, Pennsylvania

Health and nutrition are two pillars upon which Camp Towanda has built itself. And the campground's owners found a perfect way to blend that philosophy into a memory-making tradition: Watermelon League, an annual summertime event in which campers compete for prizes in a watermelon eating contest. It not only encourages campers to make healthy eating choices (one of the camp's core goals) but also creates lasting memories for competitors.

Health and nutrition are two pillars upon which Camp Towanda has built itself.

Campgrounded, which has locations in CA, NC, NY, and TX

One way to bring campers together: team spirit. And Color Wars, a traditional camp activity that divides campers into different teams, is the perfect game to facilitate that spirit. In Campgrounded's Color Wars, there are four teams: red, yellow, green, and blue. Players from each team show off their skills in an array of creative activities like relay races, capture the flag, scavenger hunts, trivia, egg roulette, frozen t-shirts, and more.

KOA Meadville in Meadville, Pennsylvania

The Brookdale Family Campground bases its big event around the campground's lake. The Duct Tape & Cardboard Boat Regatta, a Brookdale staple since it was invited to join Kampgrounds of America (KOA) in 2011, is a wacky, fun-filled event in which campers assemble boats made of cardboard and duct tape and race across Wagon Lake—all for different prizes.

Buttonwood Campground in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania

Who doesn't love chocolate? Buttonwood Camp holds an "Everything Chocolate Weekend" complete with chocolate sundaes, nighttime chocolate candy hunt, and a chocolate pudding slippery slide. They sure do know how to have fun—all while appealing to your taste buds and appetite.

River's End Campground & RV Park in Tybee Island, Georgia

Every year, River's End Campground morphs into Pirates of the Caribbean-mode during its Tybee Island Pirate Fest. The event lasts a whole weekend and includes a pirate costume contest, treasure hunt, parade, fireworks, and more. Sounds like a great time the whole family can enjoy.

Point Cabins & Camping in New Castle, Pennsylvania

This May, Rose Point Cabins will hosts its 4th Annual Cornhole Tournament. Cornhole is a favorite game at campgrounds across the country. For those unfamiliar, cornhole is an American pastime game, in which players toss bean bags aimed at two cornhole boards that sits approximately 30 feet apart. The player to reach 21 points first wins.

Rockbrook Camp in Brevard, North Carolina

Arts and crafts are a campground favorite. Rockbrook Camp lets campers show off their artistic abilities with tie-dye and other arts and craft activities, while also creating mementos and keepsake memorabilia. Your arts and crafts events can be coupled with a talent show, costume event, and other unique event ideas.

Digital Detox (by Campgrounded) in Anderson Valley, California

"Calling all urbanites. Stash away your cell phones and tablets upon arrival and reconnect with your inner child." These are the rules at The Digital Detox Camp, a campground where adults go to unplug from the everyday stresses of city life. Follow their lead and create your own digital free zone—even if it's zoned to a small designated area, or just for a day or weekend.Each year for Father's Day weekend, Indian Trails has its annual Hawaiian-themed Pig Roast weekend. The campground's owners put together a series of activities for kids and their families to enjoy such as a pig roast, arts and crafts for kids to create gifts for dad, a bean bag tournament, and close out the weekend with free coffee and snacks for dads.These are only a few ways that campground owners are organizing festive events for campers. As an owner, you may want to borrow from any one of these event ideas—but be creative and put your own spin things. Host activities in honor of a holiday or create an event and make it an annual occasion. Camping is supposed to be fun. So, be quirky, wacky, and just plain weird to make your events memorable and your campground a legacy in the lives of the families you host.

If you're looking for a solution to manage your campground and RV bookings, as well as your activities, check out Peek Pro.

Marketing your campground is a tough task. Not only do you have to make yourself known to campers and RVers near and far, you also have to distinguish what makes you a must-visit spot. To develop the most effective marketing campaign to set your campground apart, here are 9 tips to consider.

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1. Partner With RV Dealerships And Other Businesses In The Area

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Co-marketing your campground may be one of the most effective ways to gain more exposure in the local area and reach your target market. Think about it: If someone's shopping for an RV, they'll also be needing destinations to explore! Contact RV dealerships (both local and outside your city) to see if...

• You can take some brochures there yourself, or mail them there, to be placed in the lobby
• Your information can be included on the RV dealership's website
• Your information can be featured in any email newsletters, or direct mail pieces the RV business mails to their customer base

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When marketing your business locally, share the spotlight by talking about other businesses that your target market may be interested in patronizing at some point during their stay. For example: You could promote complementary businesses, such as area grocery stores, grocery delivery companies, recreational supplies stores, and locally-owned gas stations.It's also effective to print out a pamphlet of "Things To Do" in the area to distribute to your guests. Local business owners may reciprocate by posting flyers of your campsite around their business, recommending you to patrons, or simply including you in some of their marketing materials.

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2. Participate In Local Events

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Increase your visibility by demonstrating your dedication to the local community. Sponsor charity events in your town, set up a booth at area festivals, and contact local media to get your business known. This can be an effective way to expand your local presence and stay "top of mind" for locals and residents that may be planning a staycation or looking for area campgrounds for a short weekend retreat.

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Increase your visibility by demonstrating your dedication to the local community.

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3. Promote Incentives on Facebook

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“Think of ways to cater to your guests’ core needs during a camping trip, and make sure to promote these extra services and incentives in all your marketing materials.”Campers who are comparing offerings from different campsites in the area may be more likely to pick yours when there is an added incentive, such as a discount for extended stays, a free breakfast at an area diner or restaurant, or complimentary services such as laundry service or grocery delivery. Think of ways to cater to your guests' core needs during a camping trip, and make sure to promote these extra services and incentives in all your marketing materials. Use Facebook to promote these special offers and encourage fans to share these posts with friends to broadcast the news to a wider network.

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4. Don't Forget These Tried-and-True Marketing Tactics

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Traditional marketing tactics can also generate some extra business. Try these out:

• Distribute colorful brochures, flyers and pamphlets about your campsite: It worked for the lemonade stand when you were 7, and it's still an effective way to generate business today.
• Build your customer email/mailing list: Collect names and addresses of prospective customers at every opportunity. Whether the customer calls the campground with questions or requests information online, make sure a staff member notes their name and address to enter it into a database. Building your email database lets you send targeted emails about upcoming specials, your campground, and other news, which can generate more business and help you stay in touch with your customers. For more best practices on growing and managing your email list, read on here.
• Buy a targeted mailing list: You can also purchase targeted mailing lists from marketing companies that have collected names and addresses from customers who opted to receive information.

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5. Tap Into Local and Online Media

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Consider writing a series of articles about things to do in the area, the benefits of camping, and other lifestyle topics for local magazines and newspapers that will allow you to include your contact information within the article. Alternatively, reach out to local bloggers or online publications to do a writeup about your campground. This can help you gain some local exposure and encourage readers to contact you for more information.

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6. Attend Trade Shows And Travel Events

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Set up a booth at RV trade shows, travel shows, and lifestyle events in bigger cities near your campsite. You can collect contact information of booth visitors to build your mailing database at these events; meet RV dealership owners and other industry professionals; and also promote your campground with brochures and flyers. If you use a camping reservation software, you can even promote your online booking abilities and encourage mobile bookings onsite.

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7. Get Listed In Local Online Directories

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“Make it easy for people looking for a campsite in your area to find you via online search.”Make it easy for people looking for a campsite in your area to find you via online search: Get listed in online directories like Google, Bing, and Abaco (formerly Yahoo! Small Business). With Google, your business name will show up on the first page or first few pages of Google Search results and on Google Maps free of charge. Some of the most widely-used and visible directories to get listed on include: Google Places, Bing, Abaco Small Business, and Superpages. You can submit your listings for free, and will show up in the directory within a few hours of submission.Another online tool to help attract more customers: get listed on campground and RV review sites, such as RVParkReviews.com.

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8. Reach Out To The State's Visitor's Bureau

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Consider how many travelers will be searching for campgrounds in your area by using the state's visitor bureau website. Get listed on the main website and inquire about any marketing opportunities available in newsletters, brochures, and direct mail pieces the visitor bureau sends out regularly.

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9. Run Online Ads

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Pay-per-click advertising (PPC ads) are another option for securing a high placement on search engine results pages. Your ads will appear in the "sponsored" section of the first page of Google or Bing search engine page results. Simply select keywords that your target market may be using to find you, such as "campgrounds in [your city]" or "camping in [your city]," or perhaps "RV parks in [your city]." You only pay for the ads that get clicks—hence, pay-per-click advertising—so you can control your daily spending and tweak your ads as you go for maximum impact.From increasing local presence to generating interest on Facebook, there are several ways campground and RV park owners can target customers. Use these tips and strategies to promote your business through multiple channels and confirm more reservations season after season.

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Read about Malibu Riders and how they increased their revenue with Peek Pro