When you're planning to set up an RV park near a state park, getting a handle on visitor patterns is key to making it both successful and enjoyable for guests. The Cherokee National Forest's Visitor Use Monitoring Report offers some great insights that can help guide this process. Here's how you can apply these patterns effectively:
Know Your Visitors The report points out that about 40% of visitors live within 25 miles of the forest, and another 25% come from 25 to 50 miles away. This means your RV park should appeal to both locals looking for a quick escape and regional travelers. Since families make up a big part of this group, including kid-friendly amenities can make your park more attractive.
Cater to Their Interests People visiting the forest love activities like viewing natural features (23%), hiking and walking (22%), and enjoying non-motorized water activities (16%). If your RV park offers easy access to trails, scenic viewpoints, or is close to water activities, you're likely to draw in more guests.
Plan for Different Stays While most visits are under three hours, many people do stay overnight, with the median overnight stay being around 39 hours. Offering options for both short-term and longer stays—like picnic areas for day visitors and comfortable spots for overnight guests—can help you accommodate everyone's needs.
Think About Group Size and Accessibility The average group visiting the forest has about 2.7 people. Also, a significant number of visitors with disabilities (57.7%) found facilities accessible. Designing your RV park to accommodate small groups and ensuring your facilities are ADA-compliant will make your park welcoming to all.
Tap into Spending Habits Visitors tend to spend quite a bit on lodging and food during overnight trips. By partnering with local businesses for services like meal delivery or offering discounts, you can enhance your guests' experience while also boosting the local economy.
Focus on Satisfaction High marks in cleanliness, safety, and natural beauty are important to visitors. Keeping your RV park clean, safe, and well-landscaped will go a long way in meeting and exceeding guest expectations.
Prepare for Peak Times Knowing when the busy seasons are can help you manage staffing and resources better. For instance, offering extra services during the summer, which is typically a peak time for state parks, can improve guest satisfaction and increase revenue.
Embrace Sustainability With more people interested in eco-friendly options, incorporating sustainable features like solar power and recycling programs can make your RV park stand out. Plus, it aligns well with the conservation efforts of nearby state parks.
By using these insights, you can design an RV park that not only meets the needs of your visitors but also enhances their overall experience at the state park. It's all about creating a place where both your business and your guests can thrive.
November 28, 2024, by MMCG Invest, LLC
Sources: MMCG Database, USDA Forest service, district 8
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