Starting an RV park might sound like a dream—wide-open spaces, happy travelers, and steady income. But the truth is, it all starts with a solid business plan to turn that dream into reality.
That’s exactly what Janette Kaiser, the owner of “Rivers Edge RV Park”, learned when she set out to build a new RV park business from scratch.
When I spoke with her, she shared the struggles she faced along the way and how a business plan helped her secure funding, map out amenities, and attract her first guests.
Based on that conversation, I’ve prepared this guide to help you create a winning business plan. Let’s get started with the basics:
What is an RV park business plan?
An RV park business plan is a formal document that outlines the strategic purpose and direction of starting and operating a recreational vehicle park.
It defines the business's core objectives, the value it aims to provide to travelers and RV owners, as well as the steps required to ensure smooth operations and financial sustainability.
This plan serves as both a roadmap for the business owner and a tool for communicating the vision to stakeholders, including investors or partners.
Why do you need an RV park business plan?
Starting an RV park involves countless decisions and investments, and a business plan helps you clarify your vision, address potential challenges, and create a blueprint for sustainable growth.
By taking the time to write one, you can save yourself from costly mistakes and ensure your park meets the needs of your guests while staying financially viable.
Here are some crucial questions your business plan will help you answer:
- Who’s your ideal guest?
- What kind of park are you building?
- What are your costs?
- How will people find you?
- What happens in the off-season?
It’s not just a document—it’s your plan for building a park that guests love and that thrives year after year.
What should you include in your RV park business plan?
Here’s a guide on what to include in a comprehensive RV park business plan and how to draft each section:
1. Executive summary
An executive summary is the first section of your business plan and your chance to make a strong first impression. Think of it as a snapshot that grabs readers’ attention and makes them want to dive into the details.
Start by introducing your main idea: what your RV park offers, its location, and why travelers will choose it. This is your moment to showcase your vision and the unique appeal of your park.
Next, highlight your competitive advantages. What sets your RV park apart? Additionally, outline your marketing efforts to reach your target audience effectively.
Give a brief overview of your financials and goals. Mention key metrics like projected revenue, profitability, or growth plans to show readers there’s a well-thought-out strategy in place.
Wrap it up with a clear call to action. If you’re seeking investments, partnerships, or other support, make your ask more compelling and direct.
“When I started writing the executive summary, it was tough figuring out what to include without making it too much.
So I focused on the important stuff—how the RV park caters to the growing demand for traveler-friendly spaces and the unique features that make it special.
Once I thought of it as a quick elevator pitch, it all came together naturally.”—Janette Kaiser
2. Business overview
Think of your business overview as the big “who, what, and why” behind your RV park. It’s where readers learn who you are, what you plan to offer, and how everything comes together.
Begin with your company description. Share your RV park’s registered name and what inspired you to start it. Include your mission statement to explain the purpose of your RV park and your vision statement to highlight your long-term goals.
Next, outline your core values—what principles guide your business? These values build trust and set the tone for your business.
Also, mention your legal structure (LLC, partnership, etc.) and your ownership details. This information gives clarity about who is running the show.
Finally, highlight any noteworthy achievements or plans, such as securing prime land, early customer interest, or innovative features.
“When I started writing the business overview, the tricky part was explaining the store’s purpose clearly. It’s not just about selling products—it’s about being a reliable part of the community.
I realized I needed to show how the store would serve locals, like offering essentials, quick service, and extended hours for convenience.
Once I focused on the practical ways it helps people, everything fell into place.”—Janette Kaiser
3. Product and services
Products and services are the core of your RV park. This section tells readers exactly what you plan to offer and why it matters.
While planning, first explain the main thing your RV park provides. Mention the number of RV sites available, their size, and types (pull-through, back-in, tent spaces, etc.). Highlight any full hookups for water, electricity, and sewer.
Next, include any extra services that set you apart, such as:
- Laundry services or convenient facilities
- Online booking or easy check-in
- Recreational vehicles
- Free wi-fi
- Equipment rentals (bikes, kayaks, or outdoor gear)
Wrap up this section by mentioning any plans for future offerings, showing that your business is adaptable and forward-thinking.
“At first, the product and service section seemed pretty simple—just list the basics.
But then I started thinking about what would actually make the park stand out, including how a thoughtful pricing strategy could appeal to different customer needs..
The tricky part was figuring out how to balance the essentials with the extras, especially on a tight budget.
I ended up prioritizing what I’d personally want as a guest, and that made it all come together.”—Janette Kaiser
4. Market analysis
This section is like the map for your business journey—it shows where you stand and where the opportunities lie. This section helps you understand your RV park industry, your customers, and how you can thrive.
Start with trends. Look at what’s happening in your campground industry—are there any big changes or emerging patterns? For example, is demand growing, and who’s driving it?
Then, define your target market. Who are you serving? Break it down using TAM (total market), SAM (served market), and SOM (your share). It’s a fancy way to say, "Here’s the potential, and here’s our slice.".
Moreover, conduct a SWOT analysis to identify the internal and external factors that might affect your business. For instance:
Finally, highlight who are your direct and indirect competitors. What sets you apart from other RV parks? Consider both modern RV parks with luxury amenities and traditional RV parks with more straightforward offerings
“Industry analysis was tough at first because there’s so much information out there so I focused on understanding who my guests would be and what they’d need.
Talking to RVers in the area gave me great insights. Doing this kind of research was time-consuming, but it saved me from guessing what people want.”—Janette Kaiser
5. Customer analysis
Customer analysis is your chance to show you know exactly who you’re serving and what they need. This section proves you’re not just guessing—you’ve done your research and understand your customers inside out.
First of all, identify your target customers. Who are they? Think about their age, location, lifestyle, and even their challenges.
Then, dig into their preferences. What are they looking for in your product or service? Highlight specific needs or trends that make your offering a perfect fit.
Don’t forget customer behavior. How do they shop, where do they spend their time, and what influences their decisions? This insight helps you craft strategies to connect with them effectively.
Wrap up with any surveys, interviews, or data you’ve collected. This shows your understanding is backed by facts, not assumptions.
6. Marketing plan
Your marketing plan clearly explains how you’ll promote your business and make it thrive. It’s your roadmap for attracting, serving, and keeping customers while ensuring steady growth.
Here’s what you can include in this section:
| Strategy & Implementation | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Sales Strategy | State how you'll attract and close customers with clear, actionable steps. |
| Advertising Strategy | List platforms (e.g., social media, ads) and how they'll generate awareness. |
| Public Relations | Mention PR efforts like press releases or influencer collaborations to build trust. |
| Ongoing Customer Communications | Highlight methods like newsletters or loyalty programs to maintain relationships. |
| Pre-Opening Events | Describe events like launch parties to create early excitement. |
| Pricing Strategy | Explain your pricing and why it appeals to your target market. |
| Sales Forecast | Provide a realistic projection of future sales based on research or trends. |
| Sales Growth | Outline how you'll track and ensure consistent revenue increases. |
With a well-thought-out marketing plan, you’ll have a clear path to reach your target audience, build lasting relationships, and drive the success of your business.
“Planning the strategy was exciting, but implementation felt tricky. I focused on local partnerships and strong social media campaigns to attract visitors.
The challenge was staying consistent with promotions, so I set a clear schedule for posts and seasonal deals to ensure my marketing remained effective and well-coordinated.”—Janette Kaiser
7. Operations Plan
The operations plan describes where your business gets practical—it’s all about how things will run daily. This section proves you’ve thought through the nuts and bolts of making your business work smoothly.
Start by outlining your daily operations—how will your RV park function from guest check-in to check-out?
Next, describe the tools and technology used. Are there specific systems or equipment you’ll rely on? Mention anything that gives you an edge, like software to streamline tasks or machines to boost efficiency.
Finally, address timelines. What are your milestones? Setting clear goals shows you’re organized and ready to execute.
“The operation plan forced me to think through the day-to-day details. Maintenance was a big question about how to keep the park clean and functional without disturbing guests.
I solved this by scheduling regular upkeep during off-peak hours and hiring part-time help during busy seasons. Planning for these small details early on made me feel more prepared for opening day.”—Janette Kaiser
8. Management Team
The management team section is all about showcasing the people behind your business.
Investors and stakeholders want to know who’s steering the ship and why they’re qualified to do so.
So, introduce your leadership team. Who are the RV park owners, key players, and what roles do they fill? Highlight their expertise and how it aligns with your goals. Keep it brief but impactful.
Next, share relevant experience. Mention accomplishments that prove your team can handle challenges, whether it’s launching a similar business, managing teams, or growing companies.
Finally, include advisors or consultants. If you have an advisory board, make sure to highlight their role in providing strategic guidance and expertise.
“Since I was starting as a solo operator, I showed I could handle everything myself.
I highlighted my background in customer service and logistics, which are both critical for running an RV park. I also included plans to hire a small team as the business grows, like a groundskeeper and a guest services manager.
So, it’s important to show you’re thinking long-term, even if you’re starting small.”—Janette Kaiser
9. Financial Plan
Finance is the backbone of your business—it shows how you’ll make money and manage it.
Here are the essential financial components to include in this section:
- Startup costs
- Profit and loss statement (income statement)
- Projected cash flow
- Balance sheet
- Break-even analysis
If applicable, outline your funding needs, specifying how much capital is required and how it will be allocated. Include whether the funds will go toward operations, expansion, or debt repayment.
Wrap up with business ratios like net profit margin or ROI to give a glance at performance metrics.
“Estimating costs like utilities and land prep was easy enough, but projecting income felt more like guesswork. Breaking it down into categories—like nightly rates, premium lots, and long-term stays—made it manageable.
I also added a contingency fund for unexpected expenses because I’ve learned that something always comes up.
If there’s one thing I’d advise, it’s to overestimate your costs—you’ll thank yourself later.”—Janette Kaiser
Download free RV park business plan template
Now, are you ready to start drafting your RV park business plan but unsure where to begin? No worries—we’ve got you covered! Download our free RV park business plan template PDF to simplify the process.
This investment-ready template is designed to guide entrepreneurs through outlining business goals, marketing strategies, and operational details step-by-step. You can also customize it to fit your unique business needs.
Get help writing your business plan
Now that you’ve explored this guide, crafting your own RV park business plan should feel more achievable.
However, if you need expert-level guidance, our business plan consultants are ready to help. From business plan writing and reviewing to creating full financial projections, we offer tailored services to help you create a comprehensive plan that investors want.
So, don’t wait—take the first step toward building your successful RV park business today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need an RV park business plan?
A business plan helps you outline your goals, identify your target market, and create a financial roadmap. It ensures you’re prepared to handle challenges and demonstrates your business’s potential to stakeholders.
How much does an RV park business plan cost?
The cost ranges from $7 (or free) to $5,000 or more, depending on the method used such as DIY templates, hiring professionals, or using business planning software
What should you include in your RV park business plan?
Here are some key sections you must include in your plan:
- Executive summary
- Business overview
- RV park industry and market research
- Customer analysis
- Competitive analysis
- Marketing plan
- Management team
- Financial projections
Can an RV park business plan help you secure funding?
Yes, a detailed plan is essential for securing funding. It provides lenders and angel investors with financial projections, market research, and strategies that demonstrate the viability of your business.
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