What are those vacant campsites costing you?
Try our vacancy cost calculator here to discover what you’re missing out on when your short-term campsites go unfilled. The cost of a lost opportunity adds up fast!
Vacancy Cost Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate your annual lost revenue when short-term, transient sites go vacant.*
The Cost of Inaction
There is cost involved in marketing. But i you think you can’t afford professional marketing, consider what you’re missing out on when campsites are frequently vacant.
Variable Costs
While you might save on utilities and cleaning for a campsite left vacant, those savings are small compared to the lost income.
Fixed Costs
Your ongoing costs for fixed overhead remains the same, whether your sites are filled or not. Empty sites aren’t helping you pay the bills for things like:
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- Staff wages
- Insurance
- Loan or mortgage payments
- Maintenance
- Property taxes
- Utilities for common areas
On-Site Purchases
Your RV park guests often spend on extras your park offers like:
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- Firewood
- Camp supplies
- Snacks
- Rentals
- Activities
Empty sites means you lose this secondary revenue source.
Word of Mouth Reviews
This is a big one. When your sites are empty, you’re losing out on the opportunity to gain another 5-star review that will help attract the kind of campers you want to see in your park or campground. Fewer guests means fewer reviews and lower ability to attract future bookings.
How Marketing Pays for Itself
If marketing reduces your empty sites by even 2-3 sites per night on average, your increased income will more than cover the cost of marketing.
Skimping on marketing to save money is a recipe for lost income. Especially if your competitors down the road are making the most of marketing, increasing their visibility online, and building longterm connections with potential and returning guests.
What To Do—Action Steps
Empty campsites create a financial drain and loss of your potential earnings. With strategic marketing, increased occupancy can often cover many times the cost of your marketing.
1. Audit Occupancy Patterns
Take a look at your bookings to identify periods of time when you have frequent empty campsites, and set out to improve your results during those times.
2. Set Goals
Work with your marketing provider to set goals. For instance, set a goal to boost occupancy by 10% during a shoulder season.
3. Set a Marketing Budget
Even a small, consistent monthly budget for a website and SEO can move the needle towards higher income.
4. Act on Guest Feedback
Start gathering feedback from your guests and act on their comments to improve your services. Thank them copiously for their input and always reply to online reviews, whether good or bad.
5. Learn From Your Analytics
Lean on your website marketing provider to interpret your online traffic to see what’s working and keep your marketing efforts on track.
Let’s Get to Work Filling Your Park
Marketing is an investment that will help you fill sites, maximize revenue, and improve your profits. You’re doing the work anyway, so why not get paid more for it?A good marketing partner will be invested in your success and using their expertise to help your park or campground grow. We’ve been working with B2C service businesses for decades, with campgrounds, RV parks, and resorts since 2021, and we are in it with you. Our All-In-One RV Park Marketing System℠ was designed just for your unique real-world needs.
* Legal Disclaimer for the Lost Revenue Calculator
The Lost Revenue Calculator by RV Park Marketing Studio is for informational use only. Results depend on the data you provide, and accuracy relies on the quality of your input. This tool is not a substitute for professional financial, accounting, or business advice. Consult professionals for guidance on campground operations. RV Park Marketing Studio disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of our calculator results. By using this tool, you accept that RV Park Marketing Studio is not liable for any errors or outcomes from its use.