Buying a campground

[Scottybdivin]

Originally Posted by bulldog2

would iR2 members get a discount

That's probably why I would never make any money, from giving discounts. I have to agree with the others. I have never been in the "people business". Probably not a good time to start.

[tikitom]

If we ever won the lottery, we talked about building a RV storage hanger. A place were people could store their coaches in a climate controlled space. Nothing in our area like that. Mechanic on duty, all that stuff. Since i am an aircraft mechanic, we were store airplanes too. Oh well, fun to dream!

[Gordon Dewald]

Originally Posted by tikitom

If we ever won the lottery, we talked about building a RV storage hanger. A place were people could store their coaches in a climate controlled space. Nothing in our area like that. Mechanic on duty, all that stuff. Since i am an aircraft mechanic, we were store airplanes too. Oh well, fun to dream!

That would be one heck of a building!

[spinn]

Indoor RV in Lewisville TX does that. Give them a call and they will prep your coach and have it aired up and waiting for you. Bring it back and they dump tanks, wash, etc and put it away for you.

[Mike and Cha]

I think it would be fun and in some areas not as expensive as one would think(at least compared to current land prices we have in California). I would set it up as a family business so that my kids who chose to, would have equal share in the business and could keep it running when we decided to travel. In the end they would inherit it all anyway and pretty much set them up.

[CampDaven]

If you have a lot of money and don't want to do anything else or go anywhere for at least 5 to 10 years, and have all of the associated people problems, you will love it.
If in the Northern climates, you can close for the season and go away on your nickle but still pay the mortage. Nifty, huh?
I know several people that have BTDT.
Most give up after a year or two.
Best wishes.

[PeaceOwl]

It might work if you could get like four couples to go in with you so you all would get a lot of time off.

[Mr_D]

Frankly, after seeing what some of the "tenants" do I'd go find something easier, like drilling for oil in Alaska!

[Gordon Dewald]

With all of the issues that have been discussed owning a campground would be more like cannonball catching. Highly risky and not a lot of fun.

1) inadequate wifi
2) high daily rates
3) lack of amenities
4) boisterous neighbors
5) neighbors that leave their lights on
6) neighbors with noisy pets
7) and on and on and on.

[motohomo]

It looks like alot of people would not want to get into this business. I have been operating a successful landscape business and am burnt out and am thinking about a different type of work. I am still relatively young 42 years old and need to keep working. Still going to look further into it because i do love all aspects if the rv lifestyle from camping to all the different types of people and different motorhomes and campers. If an opportunity comes up i will look into it for sure. Thanks for all comments.

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by motohomo

It looks like alot of people would not want to get into this business. I have been operating a successful landscape business and am burnt out and am thinking about a different type of work. I am still relatively young 42 years old and need to keep working. Still going to look further into it because i do love all aspects if the rv lifestyle from camping to all the different types of people and different motorhomes and campers. If an opportunity comes up i will look into it for sure. Thanks for all comments.

Looking for a partner?

Bruce

[Knightab]

We work camped a few years ago for a friend who owns a KOA, I would never do it. It is a LOT of hours, doesn't stop at 8pm when the office closes, something always is going on. Rowdy campers dogs barking, any of these require your action or you will lose campers and guess what? You will lose some anyway. The you have the rude weekend campers, unlike yourself and I they are obnoxious and loud and cause problems all weekend. I suggest before anybody seriously considers buying a campground to go work for someone who owns one. It's not the easy money you think. Insurance is outlandish, laws to adhere to. All a campground is n weekends for a lot of people is a babysitter while the parents get trashed.

Just work a campground for a few months and you will see

[Dog Folks]

Buying a campground is like any other small baseness. Be ready to:


1. Work 7 days a week sometimes.
2. Be willing to go without a pay check now and then to make sure your staff is paid first.
3. Be "on-call" all night, every night.
4. Give a large portion of the fruits of your labor to the IRS.
5. Get used to everyone thinking you are rich while dinner that night is Mac and Cheese.
6. Be ready to dedicate your heart, mind, and body totally to the business.
7. Give up massive amounts of time to the business instead of your family.


If you have any doubts at all DO NOT enter the business. You have not got the commitment to make it successful. No disrespect meant.


This is what I leaned in owning and managing small businesses for over 30 years.


Good Luck no matter what you course you chose for your life.

[Knightab]

Originally Posted by Dog Folks

Buying a campground is like any other small baseness. Be ready to:


1. Work 7 days a week sometimes.
2. Be willing to go without a pay check now and then to make sure your staff is paid first.
3. Be "on-call" all night, every night.
4. Give a large portion of the fruits of your labor to the IRS.
5. Get used to everyone thinking you are rich while dinner that night is Mac and Cheese.
6. Be ready to dedicate your heart, mind, and body totally to the business.
7. Give up massive amounts of time to the business instead of your family.


If you have any doubts at all DO NOT enter the business. You have not got the commitment to make it successful. No disrespect meant.


This is what I leaned in owning and managing small businesses for over 30 years.


Good Luck no matter what you course you chose for your life.

X100, my exact experiences!