A Smart Strategy for Outdoor Hospitality Operators
As more travelers seek meaningful experiences in nature throughout all seasons, the traditional “summer-only” camping model is evolving. For many campgrounds, RV resorts, and glamping properties, offering year-round camping is no longer just a possibility, it’s a strategic advantage.
At Outdoor Hospitality Group, we work closely with owners and developers who are looking to elevate their properties and create sustainable, profitable operations. One of the key conversations we’ve been having more frequently with our clients is about transitioning to year-round availability. The demand is growing, and so is the opportunity.
Expanding Your Revenue Potential
Seasonal closures often lead to long stretches of underutilized land and infrastructure. By opening your property in the shoulder seasons or even during the winter, you can maximize occupancy and generate additional revenue during periods that would otherwise be dormant.
The financial opportunity is clear. Even modest increases in off-season occupancy, such as a 10 to 20 percent bump, can significantly boost annual revenue. The broader RV park and campground industry is growing at a rate of 4.3 percent annually, with total U.S. revenues expected to reach $11.4 billion by 2028. For properties that adapt and stay open longer, the potential to benefit from this trend is substantial.
According to the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC), nearly 60 percent of campgrounds expected to see profit increases year over year, with extended seasons and improved occupancy playing a key role. By leveraging your existing infrastructure during the off-season, you are not only earning more, you are also improving return on investment and stabilizing your cash flow.
Meeting the New Traveler’s Expectations
Today’s outdoor travelers are not just looking for a summer escape. Remote workers, digital nomads, and adventure-seekers want access to nature throughout the year. Whether it is fall foliage, a cozy winter glamping retreat, or spring hiking adventures, the outdoor hospitality industry is seeing steady, year-round demand.
More than 60 percent of campers have taken at least one off-season trip in recent years, indicating that guests are actively seeking four-season experiences. Offering year-round camping also helps you reach niche audiences, such as:
- Snowbird travelers escaping colder climates
- Holiday and winter-themed guests, including Christmas markets, New Year’s glamping packages, or Valentine’s weekend getaways
- Shoulder-season festivals and retreats that attract visitors without the high competition of peak months
Operational Considerations
Transitioning to year-round operations requires some planning. Important considerations include:
Winterizing infrastructure: Water lines, bathhouses, and RV hookups should be designed or upgraded for cold-weather use. This often involves insulating water lines and ensuring they are buried below the frost line to prevent freezing and damage. In colder regions like the Midwest or Northeast, this typically means burying lines at least 42 to 48 inches deep, depending on local building codes. In milder climates such as the Southeast, lines may only need to be buried 12 to 18 inches deep. Heating elements, frost-free spigots, and enclosed or climate-controlled utility pedestals are also recommended to ensure continuous operation in freezing temperatures. Proper drainage planning and road maintenance, including snow removal, are equally essential to ensure guest safety and accessibility.
Staffing strategies: Year-round operations often require a shift in staffing models. While you may scale down during the off-season, retaining a core group of well-trained staff is critical for maintaining service quality. These team members should ideally be cross trained to handle a variety of roles, such as guest services, maintenance, and housekeeping. This not only improves operational efficiency but also reduces the need for excessive seasonal hiring. In colder months, it can be beneficial to offer housing or seasonal bonuses to attract and retain employees, especially in remote areas where winter staffing can be a challenge.
Marketing adjustments: Your marketing strategy should highlight unique seasonal offerings and promote the advantages of visiting during the off-season. Emphasize features such as heated cabins, hot tubs, fire pits, snowshoe trails, or holiday decorations. Create seasonal packages that include items like firewood, warm beverages, or bundled activities to add value for guests. Use email campaigns, social media, and online advertising to target specific audiences including snowbirds, remote workers, and couples or families looking for quiet winter getaways. Local partnerships with winter events or outdoor outfitters can also enhance your visibility and attract more visitors.
At Outdoor Hospitality Group, we help clients navigate these logistics during site planning, operations consulting, and feasibility studies. We evaluate each location’s climate, market demand, and facility design to determine whether year-round operations make sense and how to make them successful.
A Competitive Edge
Properties that remain open all year often stand out in their region. When your competitors shut their gates in October, staying open allows you to capture off-season traffic along with loyal guests and position your brand as a reliable destination in every season.
In today’s shifting travel landscape, adaptability and innovation are essential. Offering year-round camping is not only a smart way to boost revenue, it also helps build guest loyalty, expand your reach, and future-proof your business.
Thinking of Extending Your Season?
Outdoor Hospitality Group is here to help you evaluate the opportunity, create a plan, and move forward with confidence. Whether you’re looking to winterize your campground or reposition your brand as a four-season destination, our team of experts is ready to guide the way.
