How to set up a campsite business in India
In the wake of the pandemic, many more people are choosing to travel around in their holidays, and out of these enthusiastic staycationers, lots are selecting camping over other options. It's good value for money, outdoor living, sustainable and offers freedom and adventure that other holiday options just don't offer. So, with lots of extra campers frantically searching for their dream pitch, campsite owners are finding it very lucrative; the demand for campsites is overtaking the supply. Which is a lovely position to be in.
Providing campsites for the travelling public is a lucrative business. With a small initial investment, primitive sites can be set up in as little as a day. Additionally, full-service sites can be added as time and funds become available. Location and attractions are the keys to a successful campsite business. The location should be near a well-travelled road such as an interstate. There should be easy access to the campsites. You will also want to consider what attractions are available that will bring people into your area. If your campsite business is near a thriving city or major attraction, you will have a better opportunity to attract campers than if you are hard to reach or if there is nothing for your guests to do once they find you. If you have a good location and can provide your guests with additional services, your campsite business will flourish. So, can you get in on the action? Well, the short answer is yes you can. Here are some things for you to mull over while you are planning your new venture:
Step 1
Assess different property options. Look for land that has several attractions that would attract campers. National parks, lakes, forests and mountains are all considered ideal camping attractions. Though a long-term lease is always an option, purchasing the real estate will provide more stability for a long-term investment.
Step 2
Design your campsite on paper. Begin by drawing a scale model of your property and pencil in any geographic features you will have to work around. For example, if your property has rolling hills and trees, make notes of these things on your rough design.
Pencil in ideal camping sites. Select areas for primitive camping in tents and where existing utilities are located.
Sketch utility lines you can install for the convenience of your guests. Water lines, electrical and septic systems should be planned for and, if possible, installed before landscaping or adding attractions to your campsite business. Include additional service areas, such as showers, recreational vehicle dump stations, picnic tables and barbecue grills on your drawing.
Step 3
Develop a business plan based on your scale drawing. A business plan can help address ideas and concerns which will materialize in your planning stage. You can calculate the cost of the initial investment, phases of development and any issues you might have with neighbours, zoning, licensing and insurance. The business plan will help you to remain organised and can be an asset in obtaining funding from banks and investors.
Developing a business plan will also provide you with the opportunity to research your competition, your anticipated occupancy rate, and growth potential.
Step 4
Obtain a business name, licences, approvals. Set up your business by meeting all of the rules for the business.
Open any bank accounts that might be necessary for operating expenses and begin keeping track of all transactions for income tax purposes.
Step 5
Set up your campsite business. When all of your paperwork and funding is in place, it is time to begin developing your campsites. Plain area can be completed first to provide you with a small return on your initial investment. Such areas are often just a level site where tents can be erected. As your business grows, you can add sites for recreational vehicles, group gatherings, and additional services.
Step 6
Finding people to stay on your campsite.
Setting up a campsite is just the first step. It can take a while to build a reputation. All campsites can be listed on the sneakout platform and we will do the advertisement for you. If you set up your campsite with us, the campers staying on your site will get to rate their experience staying at your campsite. When you delight them with good service, chances are high that they will tell their friends and family about it. There is nothing better than word-of-mouth publicity.
Step 7 : The next step!
In the exciting scenario that all runs to plan and you are on the verge of opening your doors to campers, make your campsite even more appealing by offering extras, such as recycling/bin areas, a drinking water tap, seating areas, camp kitchens and washing up sinks. To earn a bit of extra cash, why not hire out campfires, offer BBQ meat packs, camping supplies, or provide onsite activities. If you are near a river or the sea then hire out a few kayaks or surfboards; if you are close to good biking trails then rent out bicycles. Little things to make your campers holiday better and make them want to come back to your campsite! You can list those additional adventures separately and find additional customers having different priority other than camping, but enjoys a kayaking.
If you want to do something really different, think about getting truly original with your campsites. If you have mastered the art of hosting people bringing their own tents, then maybe offer some glamping options. More and more people now want an outdoor adventure but don't want to rough it too much. And we all love something a bit different. So how about building a treehouse or a yurt, hanging a tree tent or even renovating an old bus for people to sleep in? There are no limits! Let us discuss?
