Mexico Beach Florida-Considering hosting a few rv's on our private land

[Jim]

Having spent the past 4+ years doing exactly this, I feel qualified to weigh in. Unless you’re building this for a few close friends, you’ll need to approach it as a business.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Management Tools: You’ll need software to handle bookings, maintain visitor notes, process credit cards, and more. Staying organized is essential.
• Visitor Experience: Most visitors are wonderful people, and some may even become good friends. But be prepared for a few who will make you question why you ever thought this would be a good idea.
• Children or Adults Only? If you allow children, you’ll need activities or amenities for them. If you decide to operate as an adults-only park, understand that your market shrinks by about 79%.
• Time Commitment: Forget having a lot of free time. You’ll need to greet guests, assist them in settling into their sites, and go over the park rules. The wildcard is guest arrival times, often unpredictable. You’ll end up waiting for people who might not show up until after dark.
• Insurance: Get good insurance. A surprising number of visitors shouldn’t be driving cars, let alone 45’ fifth wheels or Class A motorhomes.
• After-Dark Arrivals: What’s your policy on late arrivals? Without proper lighting, getting rigs parked after dark can be a nightmare. (See the previous point about insurance!)
• Maintenance Essentials: Learn how to replace a 50-amp breaker, and always keep a few spares on hand.
• Trash Management: Decide how you’ll handle trash collection and disposal.
• Internet: Are you planning to provide Internet? If so, make sure it’s reliable, guests will expect it.
• Advertising? FB is a good source, Google is not. Way too expensive!

Pro tips:

• Signs: One-way, exit only, speed limit, Etc. Save your money, nobody reads them anyway.
• Spouse approval. Make sure you find a way that this endeavor becomes your "wife's idea". Otherwise, she will always remind you of what a bone headed move "you" made.
• Easy money? Nope, it is not.
• Keep your phone with you. Nobody will read the 4-previous emails you sent with the gate code.

Running an RV park (or even just a couple of sites), can be rewarding, but it’s also a significant commitment. Plan carefully and prepare for the unexpected!

 

[alleyoop]

Whew, I definitely appreciate your feedback! I may think about this a while, too old for serious headaches.

 

[redbaron]

One way to sample the business model is to sign up with Harvest Hosts, or one of the other share camping sites. You can charge a fee for electricity, and offer free boon docking. This will let you sample the business with little effort.

 

[alleyoop]

Ok, good idea. Thanks much.