In a world that’s growing savvier to luxury hotels and instead focusing on “unplugged” experiences, the camping-and-glamping industry is also experiencing a major boom. But with more appetites for alfresco hospitality, there is competition in the mix. Today’s travelers have so many choices when it comes to where and how they are going to spend their vacation. To keep your pitches full and cabins booked all season long, you need a marketing plan that reaches beyond having a nice location.
Leverage the Power of User-Generated Content (UGC)
The travel business is all about social proof. A photo uploaded by another camper is far more convincing to prospective visitors than one staged professionally.
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“Instagrammable” Moment: Designate certain areas you know will be photo-worthy, like a lit communal fire pit or old-school vintage signpost.
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Host a monthly photo contest: Guests can tag photos with a branded hashtag (#SunsetAtCreekSide, for instance) and the winner will get a free bundle of firewood or discount on their next stay.
“In travel marketing today, authenticity is the currency,” says Adam Boucher, Head of Marketing at Turtle Strength. “For campsites, this is less polished corporate image. For potential guests to see ‘real’ people having a morning coffee by the lake or getting a tent set-up, creates an emotional connection that no stock photo ever can. “If you want to book, concentrate on the grit and glory of the experience itself.“
Hyper-Local SEO and Content Marketing
Most start with a Google search “best campsites near me” or “camping with fishing in [Region]”, for example and many desktop campers will actually use their personal computer not just to browse but on the road catch up on baseball scores. If you don’t show up in these local results, the campsite down the road is getting your bookings.
- Maximize Your Google Business Profile: Do you have a listing and is it claimed with good photos?
- Blog “Local Guide” Posts: Titles like “Top 5 Obscure Waterfalls in Northern Vermont” put you in an authoritative local position.
Pavel Khaykin, Founder & SEO Consultant at Pasha Digital Solutions gets into the technicals behind discovery: “Getting found in local search doesn’t happen by accident – it’s a carefully orchestrated plan. If you own a campsite, your Google Map Pack ranking is now your most treasured asset. “If you can write content answering very specific local questions — like where to find the best supplies or most secluded trails — you’re not selling a piece of land, you’re catching the user at the same moment they are making plans to visit?””
Develop Targeted “Experience Packages”
Contemporary campers don’t just need a place to sleep; they want a story. When you bundle your place to stay with things to do, you’re creating a “turn-key” vacation.
- The ‘Digital Detox’ Package: A lockbox for smartphones and a physical map of local hiking trails.
- The ‘Paws & Paths’ Package: A dog-friendly travel kit filled with portable bowls and a map of pet-friendly swimming spots.
- Mid-Week “Work-from-Woods” Specials: Discounted rates for stay Monday–Thursday featuring guaranteed high-speed Wi-Fi and unlimited coffee.
Implement a “Refer-a-Camper” Loyalty Program
It is also a very small world, the camping community. Word-of-mouth is still one of the best sources for driving high quality bookings. A formal referral program incentivizes your audience to do your marketing for you.
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Simple Incentives: Offer a “Give $20, Get $20” style promotion.
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Tiered Loyalty: Reward your “regulars.” After three stays, offer a free late check-out; after five, a branded campsite hoodie.
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Email Automation: Use an email marketing tool to send a “Thank You” email 48 hours after check-out. This is when the “post-vacation glow” is strongest, and they are most likely to recommend you.
Utilize Video to Tell Your Campsite’s Story
Static images communicate what your campsite looks like, but video can give you a feel for what it’s like. In the age of TikTok and Instagram Reels, short-form video is the fastest way to grab attention.
- The “First-Person” Walkthrough: Video a guest arriving and walking to their campsite in order alleviate the newness factor.
- Set the Scene: Feature slow-motion shots of a crackling fire or morning mist. These sensory-driven videos trigger emotions that lead to “booking intent” for packaging.
Adam Boucher “Don’t be afraid of low-fi video. A raw clip, shot freehand of the sun rising over your campsite can be more powerful than a $10,000 produced commercial. It’s honest and in the world of camping business, honesty is what sells.”
Conclusion
Driving bookings to your campground is not about having the biggest ad budget or splashiest options; it’s about authenticity, local integration and an easy experience. By allowing guests to share their stories, making local search a priority and utilizing compelling video, you are keeping your campsite top of mind.