{"id":5283,"date":"2024-09-09T15:59:03","date_gmt":"2024-09-09T20:59:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-open-a-campground.html"},"modified":"2025-06-24T12:23:00","modified_gmt":"2025-06-24T17:23:00","slug":"how-to-open-a-campground","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-open-a-campground.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Open a Campground"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section data-testid=\"fl-simple-hero\"  class=\"fl-simple-hero\">\n    <div class=\"fl-simple-hero-container fl-container fl-flex fl-items-center\">\n                <div class=\"fl-simple-hero-title\" data-testid=\"fl-simple-hero-title\">How To Open a Campground<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-container\">\n        <div class=\"updated-breadcrumb-list\">\n            <ol>\n                        <li>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\">FindLaw <\/a>\n                <span class=\"breadcrumb-separator\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\/<\/span>\n            <\/li>\n                                <li aria-current=\"page\">How To Open a Campground<\/li>\n            <\/ol>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30  wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-section-main fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">How To Open a Campground<\/h1>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image fl-no-margin\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/image\/upload\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/content-original-images-GettyImages-903146846.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/j-p-finet-j-d\/\">J.P. Finet, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/tim-kelly-j-d\/\">Tim Kelly, J.D.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            June 24, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-editorial-note fl-text-sm\">\n            <p>Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>Opening a campground involves creating a detailed <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_28623345\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"28623345\">business plan<\/span>, finding a good location, choosing a name and <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_28623373\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"28623373\">business structure<\/span>, and securing proper permits and business licenses.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><b><i>Form your LLC with confidence.\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115288\/26746?subId1=how-to-open-a-campground-in-content\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Our trusted partner LegalZoom has packages starting at $0 + filing fees.<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"tableOfContent\">\n    <div class=\"table-of-contents\">\n        <span role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" class=\"table-of-contents__title\">8 Steps To Open A Campground<\/span>\n                <ul class=\"table-of-contents__list\">\n                        <li><a href=\"#Write\" title=\"1. Write a Campground Business Plan\">1. Write a Campground Business Plan<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Find\" title=\"2. Find a Location for Your Campground\">2. Find a Location for Your Campground<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Choose\" title=\"3. Choose a Name for Your Campground\">3. Choose a Name for Your Campground<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Business\" title=\"4. Choose a Business Structure\">4. Choose a Business Structure<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Get\" title=\"5. Get Financing\">5. Get Financing<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Obtain\" title=\"6. Obtain Licenses and Permits\">6. Obtain Licenses and Permits<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Insurance\" title=\"7. Get Business Insurance\">7. Get Business Insurance<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Market\" title=\"8. Market Your Campground\">8. Market Your Campground<\/a><\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>If you love the outdoors, camping, or even glamping, you may have entertained opening your own campground. After all, resisting the opportunity to turn something you love into a career can be hard. But the realities of owning and operating a campground can often seem overwhelming. It can discourage many from pursuing their dreams.<\/p>\n<p>The following sections provide steps for opening a campground and answers frequently asked questions.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"general-step-component\">\n    <div class=\"steps-container\">\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            1\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Write\">Write a Campground Business Plan<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>A\u00a0<a title=\"Business Plan Overview\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/business-plan-overview.html\">well-written business plan<\/a>\u00a0is essential once you determine what type of campground you want to establish. A plan can guide you through the early stages of the process and provide a blueprint for its operations once it opens. Additionally, if you need\u00a0<a title=\"Financing a Business FAQ\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/financing-a-business-faq.html\">outside financing or a loan for startup costs<\/a>, most lenders and investors will ask for a viable business plan.<\/p>\n<h3>Executive Summary<\/h3>\n<p>Almost all successful business plans begin with a one- or two-page executive summary. This summary should provide an overview of your proposed campground business idea. Summarize key points for your readers clearly and concisely. The executive summary should also give the reader a reason to continue reading your business plan.<\/p>\n<h3>Business Summary<\/h3>\n<p>The business summary should give a general overview of the business and how much money it will need to raise for start-up. It should also lay out the structure of your company, the management team, and their structure.<\/p>\n<h3>Products and Services<\/h3>\n<p>This section lays out the services you hope to provide your campers and any products you want to sell. This section will help you determine your business needs as well. Amenities and services to consider may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bathhouses and restrooms<\/li>\n<li>WiFi<\/li>\n<li>Clean water access<\/li>\n<li>Power stations<\/li>\n<li>Hookups for RVs<\/li>\n<li>Biking and hiking trails<\/li>\n<li>Dog walking area and park<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you&#8217;re leaning towards a more rustic camping experience, you may not need all these amenities. If you want to establish a glamping business, you could consider an amenities center, modern cabins or tiny houses, or a\u00a0<a title=\"Swimming Pool Liability: Pool Safety Is Key\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/personal-injury\/swimming-pool-liability-pool-safety-is-key\/\">swimming pool<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>While most people don&#8217;t think of campgrounds as an opportunity to offer products for sale, many campgrounds have a camp store. Campers often need food, drinks, firewood, rain gear, and picnic supplies that can provide additional cash flow.<\/p>\n<h3>Market Analysis<\/h3>\n<p>Is your target market looking for your services? Your market analysis should address such questions as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How strong is the tourism industry in the area where you want to operate?<\/li>\n<li>Who are your competitors, and are they successful?<\/li>\n<li>What are the advantages and disadvantages of the location?<\/li>\n<li>What rates are realistic, and how much occupancy can you expect in each season?<\/li>\n<li>Are the overall trends in the campground industry favorable for what you want to offer campers?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These are all questions you should consider when weighing your decision to open a campground business.<\/p>\n<h3>Financial Analysis<\/h3>\n<p>The financial analysis in your business plan should summarize the business&#8217;s economic plan. Include your income and expense expectations for the first three to five years of operation.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            2\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Find\">Find a Location for Your Campground<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>A campground&#8217;s location is key to its success. Most successful campgrounds are on attractive real estate where families want to spend their time. They are also close to other attractions that can entice many visitors looking for somewhere to stay.<\/p>\n<p>Even if your campsite is near an attraction like a state park that already has a campground, you may still find success if the park&#8217;s campground is usually full or you can offer better amenities to your guests. For example, your private campground might offer a pool, more privacy, or the flexibility to host group events.<\/p>\n<p>Consider two other key issues when looking for a campground location: access to fresh water and wastewater treatment. Some places are too difficult or expensive to sink a well if it does not have access to other water supplies. Additionally, installing an extensive septic system may be prohibited if your property is near a lake or an environmentally sensitive area.<\/p>\n<h3>Campground Zoning<\/h3>\n<p>Even if your campground is out in the country, it may still be subject to local\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/land-use-laws\/land-use-and-zoning-basics.html\" title=\"Land Use and Zoning Basics\">zoning ordinances and regulations<\/a>. This is especially true if it is near an attraction or heavily used rural area and the local government is trying to prevent overdevelopment. That means you should check with your local township and county to ensure you are even allowed to open a campground on the property. Also, check whether your plans will follow local building codes.<\/p>\n<h3>Leasing Properties<\/h3>\n<p>When looking for properties that meet your needs, you are not limited to properties for sale. It is not unusual for a campground to occupy a property under a long-term\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/property-and-real-estate-laws\/details-on-state-lease-and-rental-agreement-laws.html\" title=\"Details on State Lease and Rental Agreement Laws\">lease<\/a>. This offers campground owners some advantages.<\/p>\n<p>The most significant advantage of leasing is that you don&#8217;t need to come up with money to purchase the property by putting up your own funds, getting a bank loan, or seeking outside investors. Additionally, if the business should fail, you won&#8217;t be stuck with the property.<\/p>\n<p>The primary disadvantage of leasing property for your campground is that you may not find another suitable property nearby. You will also be out of business if you lose your lease. It&#8217;s not uncommon for the property owner to see the success of a campground and decide that it would be more profitable to build and sell vacation homes on the land, especially if it has lake frontage or other sought-after amenities.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            3\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Choose\">Choose a Name for Your Campground<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Many campers find their campgrounds on the internet. Your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/choosing-your-business-name.html\" title=\"Choosing Your Business Name\">business name<\/a>\u00a0should use descriptive words that will generate interest from potential customers who find you on the web and may not be familiar with the area. If your campground is on the shores of a lake, consider including words like \u201clakeside&quot; or \u201clakefront.&quot; Likewise, if your campground is in the hills or mountains, you could emphasize that by using words like &quot;mountain view&quot; in the name.<\/p>\n<p>Once you have settled on a name, you&#8217;ll need to make sure it&#8217;s available for use in your state by checking if another business has registered it. Having a unique name is important if you\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/types-of-business-structures.html\" title=\"Types of Business Structures\">plan to structure<\/a>\u00a0your campground as a <a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115288\/26746?subId1=how-to-open-a-campground&#038;auto-aff-llc\" class=\"diy-biz-affiliate\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-cta=\"Biz Auto LZ - LATL Txt\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" target=\"_blank\">limited liability company<\/a> (LLC) or corporation. Both types of businesses must register in the state where they operate using a unique name that another business has not used. Fortunately, states operate online databases where you can see if your preferred name is already in use.<\/p>\n<p>You will also need to check with the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uspto.gov\/trademarks\/search\" title=\"Search the USPTO Trademark Database\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Patent and Trademark Office<\/a>\u00a0(USPTO) to see if another business has already trademarked the name. If trademarked and you still use the name, the trademark owner can take legal action against your company for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/intellectual-property\/trademark-infringement-law-q-a.html\" title=\"Trademark Infringement Law FAQ\">infringement<\/a>. You must stop using the name if a court finds in their favor. In some circumstances, you must pay legal penalties.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            4\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Business\">Choose a Business Structure<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>How you choose to structure your campground business entity can significantly impact how it&#8217;s run, your legal liability, and the tax you pay. Most U.S. campground owners have set up their businesses using one of four business structures:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Sole proprietorships<\/b> are businesses owned by a single individual and are not treated as a separate legal entity. If you&#8217;re the only business owner of a company not registered with the state under a different structure, it&#8217;s usually treated as a <a title=\"Sole Proprietorships\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/sole-proprietorships.html\">sole proprietorship<\/a>. That means the owner will be personally liable for all business debts and obligations. Still, all the business&#8217;s income and losses are &#8220;passed through&#8221; to the owners. The owners can claim them on their individual income tax returns with the IRS because the company is not taxed separately.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Partnerships\u00a0<\/b>are businesses with more than one owner where the business is not treated as separate from its owners. Like sole proprietorships, the partners are liable for any business debts. But the\u00a0<a title=\"Partnerships\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/partnerships.html\">partnership<\/a>\u00a0business is a pass-through entity for tax purposes. Any multi-owner entity not registered with the state under a different structure is usually treated as a partnership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>LLCs\u00a0<\/b>are businesses registered with the state.\u00a0<a title=\"LLCs\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/llcs.html\">LLCs<\/a>\u00a0offer the owner liability protection. Owners will claim the company&#8217;s profits and losses on their individual tax returns. As a result, the owners are not liable for the company&#8217;s debts. But the company gets treated as a pass-through entity for tax purposes, similar to partnerships.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Corporations\u00a0<\/b>can register with the state as\u00a0<a title=\"C Corps and S Corps: Key Tax Differences\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/tax-differences-between-c-and-s-corporations.html\">C-corporations or S-corporations<\/a>. Both serve to protect their owners from personal liability for the business&#8217;s debts, but they get taxed differently. S-corporations are the same as a partnership for tax purposes, which means the company does not pay corporate tax. C-corporations are subject to federal corporate tax.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The right choice for your campground depends on many factors. Considerations include your risk tolerance, whether you have significant personal assets to protect, whether you have partners, and whether you plan on claiming a tax loss while the business is starting. If you&#8217;re having trouble deciding which is best for you, a\u00a0<a title=\"Find a Business &amp; Commercial Lawyer Near You\" href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-commercial-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local business attorney<\/a>\u00a0can help you review your situation and business plan to find the proper business structure.<\/p>\n<p>Once you&#8217;ve made these decisions, establish a business bank account. You will need a business bank account before applying for any loans or financing.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            5\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Get\">Get Financing<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>It can be hard to find organizations willing to loan you the money to start a campground or RV park, no matter how good your business plan. Many banks shy away from loans to small businesses just starting, especially those with significant upfront expenses, like a campground.<\/p>\n<p>Fortunately, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/funding-programs\" title=\"SBA Funding Programs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Small Business Administration<\/a>\u00a0(SBA) and the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usda.gov\/topics\/farming\/grants-and-loans\" title=\"USDA Grants and Loans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Department of Agriculture<\/a>\u00a0(USDA) have loan programs often lending to campground owners. The U.S. government guarantees these loans. Because lenders know the government will step in and cover much of the outstanding balance in the event of a default, these loans also tend to have smaller down payments than other types of small business loans.<\/p>\n<p>SBA and USDA loans are not available to the operators of mobile home parks or campgrounds with RV facilities that earn their revenue from long-term residents.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            6\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Obtain\">Obtain Licenses and Permits<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Even if your site is zoned for use as a campground, you will likely need a construction permit from your state or local government before you start work if you are building facilities on the property. Additionally, you may need a campground\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/business-licenses-and-permits.html\" title=\"Business Licenses and Permits\">permit or license<\/a>\u00a0before welcoming guests.<\/p>\n<p>These permits are often necessary to construct the following on a property:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Campground service buildings<\/li>\n<li>Cabins<\/li>\n<li>Water connections or wells<\/li>\n<li>Wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal systems<\/li>\n<li>Roads<\/li>\n<li>Gravel or concrete parking for vehicles, including at campsites<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Other permits required by your state or local government can include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sign permits<\/li>\n<li>Swimming pool permits<\/li>\n<li>Restaurant or food service equipment authorization<\/li>\n<li>Foodservice establishment permits<\/li>\n<li>Food protection certificates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Before you start any work on the property, you should meet with local officials to discuss your plans for the campsite. They generally encourage new businesses and can help you establish the licenses and permits you need. The SBA provides additional online resources to help you determine who you need to contact.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            7\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Insurance\">Get Business Insurance<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Camping can be fun but there are hazards. You want to make sure your business is protected from lawsuits for bodily or personal injury claims as well as have property insurance in the event of fire or natural disasters. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/what-is-business-insurance-.html?fli=latl_biz_howto:diy_biz_ins:txt\">Determine what insurance you need<\/a> for your campground so accidents and other unexpected events don&#8217;t bankrupt your business.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            8\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Market\">Market Your Campground<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Because many of your campground guests will be from out of town, you will need to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/marketing-and-advertising-laws.html\" title=\"Marketing and Advertising Laws\">market your campground<\/a>\u00a0to a far broader area than most local small businesses. Some popular ideas for marketing campgrounds include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Creating an attractive website that highlights the best qualities of your campground<\/li>\n<li>Joining and posting on various popular social media platforms<\/li>\n<li>Keeping an active presence on campground review sites<\/li>\n<li>Getting your business on the lists of local lodging options that local business organizations and governments provide potential visitors<\/li>\n<li>Partnering with local camping and RV outfitters to offer discounted services to their customers in return for promoting your campground<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While word of mouth is helpful, you do need a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/your-marketing-plan.html\" title=\"Your Marketing Plan\">marketing plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>Should You Buy a Camping Franchise?<\/h2>\n<p>If you worry about whether you can set up and run a campground on your own, franchise opportunities can offer support and instant name recognition.<\/p>\n<p>The two most well-known franchises in the U.S. are\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/koa.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">KOA<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.campjellystone.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Yogi Bear&#8217;s Jellystone Park<\/a>. Both offer help with marketing, reservations, and training. It may also be easier to secure a business loan or outside investors if you have the backing of a well-known national franchise.<\/p>\n<p>But campground franchisees are also subject to quality standards and routine inspections. These may limit how much you can personalize your campground. Additionally, you will need to have your location approved by the franchise. They will often refuse to approve sites that would compete with existing franchises.<\/p>\n<h2>Additional Questions About Opening a Campground?<\/h2>\n<p>If you have more questions about opening a campground or RV park, meet with a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-commercial-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local lawyer<\/a>\u00a0to ensure you follow all required rules and regulations. A lawyer can guide you on how to best structure your campground business to protect your assets and zoning concerns.<\/p>\n<p>When you&#8217;re ready to start your campground business,let our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115288\/26746?subId1=how-to-open-a-campground-custom-content\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trusted partner LegalZoom<\/a>\u00a0handle your business formation filing for $99 plus filing fees.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n          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my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    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            alt=\"\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"general-card__header-image--newLegalZoom\"\n                     src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/ability-law\/resources\/images\/legal-zoom\/legal_zoom.png\"\n                     alt=\"\">\n            <\/div>\n            <span class=\"general-card__header-title fl-text\"><p>Meet FindLaw&#8217;s <b>trusted partner LegalZoom<\/b>, an industry leader in online business formations<\/p>\n<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card__body\">\n            <div class=\"text section\">\n                <div class=\"cmp-text\">\n                    <h2 class=\"general-card__h2--newLegalZoom fl-h3-landing\">Let&#8217;s start your free LLC!<\/h2>\n                    <div>\n                        <\/p>\n<p>Join the millions who launched their businesses with LegalZoom.<\/p>\n<p><b>LLC plans start at $0 + state fees.<\/b><\/p><\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card__footer\">\n            <a class=\"general-card__footer-link fl-text-lg diy-biz-affiliate\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - StateLaws ESum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115288\/26746?subId1=how-to-open-a-campground-esum\">\n                <p class=\"general-card__footer-link-text fl-no-margin fl-text-lg-medium\">SELECT AND START LLC<\/p>\n                <i class=\"general-card__footer-link-icon fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"general-card--newLegalZoom__bottom\">\n        <p>Prefer to work with a lawyer?<\/p>\n<p><a>Find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n            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         Closing a Business\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-organizations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business Organization Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/mergers-acquisitions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Mergers &#038; Acquisitions Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/antitrust-trade-regulation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Antitrust Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a 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permits.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":5123,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleDIYConversionController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-5283","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-smallbusiness"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5283","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5283"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5283\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5123"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5283"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5283"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5283"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=5283"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=5283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}