First steps to start a campsite

First steps to start a campsite

Are you a future campsite owner?

Starting a campsite is a dream for many people with an entrepreneurial mindset. Working outdoors, welcoming guests and creating a place where people make their holiday memories. But how do you approach this in practice? In this blog, we take you step by step through the key aspects of starting a campsite.

What are the rules for starting a campsite?

Starting a campsite also means you need to consider legal requirements. Think of permits, environmental regulations, fire safety and registration with the Chamber of Commerce. Since regulations may differ per municipality, it is wise to always follow the official steps on Ondernemersplein.

Where can you buy a campsite?

The first question is whether you want to build a campsite from scratch or buy an existing one. An existing campsite often already has permits, facilities and a customer base, allowing you to start faster. You can find your ideal campsite on Camping te Koop.

However, it is important to pay close attention to location and accessibility, the current condition of the facilities and the potential for expansion. Competition in the region also plays a major role. If you start completely from scratch, a plot of land with a recreational designation is required. You should always consult with the local municipality to check whether your plans are feasible.

Making your campsite unique

The leisure market is changing rapidly and guests expect more than just a camping pitch. It is therefore essential to think about what makes your campsite special. A unique selling point that attracts guests to your site instead of competitors is a must. Making a clear choice in target group and responding to it is a smart strategy.

Accommodation for your campsite

In addition to traditional camping pitches, accommodations are a great way to attract new audiences. Glamping is more popular than ever and luxury safari tents combine comfort with the outdoor experience of camping. It is often smart to start small, for example with a few safari tents, and expand later as demand grows.

Being prepared for the future

A future proof campsite anticipates important trends in the leisure sector. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important: guests pay attention to aspects such as solar panels, waste separation and the use of local products. Weather conditions also play a role, especially in the Netherlands and other European destinations. Covered terraces or a recreation room ensure that guests can still enjoy themselves when it rains. Strong online visibility is also essential, with a modern website and active presence on social media. Still, hospitality remains the most important factor. A warm welcome and personal contact continue to define the guest experience.

Checklist to get your campsite ready

To prepare your campsite for the first guests, you need to go through several steps. You need a suitable location or existing campsite and must check which permits and zoning plans apply. Developing a unique concept, choosing accommodations and arranging financing are essential. Then comes the practical phase: building facilities, setting up a website and reservation system, and arranging staff and operations. Only then can you open your doors and welcome the first guests. Of course, it is also possible to have your reservations managed by an external organisation such as Vodatent. This allows you to save time and focus on other aspects of your business.

Responding to rainy days: what do you offer your guests?

Responding to rainy days: what do you offer your guests?

A glamping holiday is not only about sunshine, outdoor life and campfires. Rainy days are also part of the experience. It is precisely then that you can show as a provider whether you truly meet the wishes of your guests. Millennials and Gen Z, who make up an increasingly large part of the target group, expect that a stay remains comfortable and atmospheric even when the weather is not ideal.

How do you deal with rainy days at your campsite?

Rain does not have to spoil the fun. In fact, with the right facilities and activities you can ensure that guests are pleasantly surprised when a shower passes by. The key is not only to provide shelter but to create an experience where comfort and coziness take centre stage.

1. Covered areas on your campsite

A spacious veranda at a safari tent or lodge gives guests the opportunity to always sit outside, even when it rains. They can stay dry while enjoying the view and still feel connected to nature. For Millennials this is ideal, as they often stay longer and value peace and relaxation. Gen Z sees a veranda as a place that makes the holiday experience fun and unique.

2. Cozy indoor spaces in your accommodation

In addition to a veranda, the interior of the accommodation is crucial. Think of a comfortable seating area, board games or even a small wood stove. This way, a rainy day naturally turns into quality time. Millennials appreciate peace and atmosphere, while Gen Z enjoys having extras available to keep them entertained on a rainy day.

3. Camping activities for rainy weather

Beyond the accommodation itself, you can respond to rainy days by organizing activities. A movie night or an indoor craft afternoon for children ensures that guests still leave with positive memories even when the weather is bad. In doing so, you create added value and increase the likelihood that they will return.

4. Experience through small extras

It is often the little details that make the difference. Consider offering a rain package with hot chocolate, blankets or a basket of board games. For Gen Z this is a surprising touch that makes the stay special, while Millennials appreciate the focus on comfort and relaxation.

Why responding to bad weather is so important

Both Millennials and Gen Z expect flexibility and convenience during their stay. They want to feel that their holiday cannot be ruined by the weather. By turning rainy days into opportunities, you offer guests a complete experience that goes beyond just a place to sleep.

How can campsites respond to this?

In short, rain does not have to be a limitation; it can actually be an opportunity to distinguish your glamping site. With covered areas such as verandas, cozy indoor options and surprising activities, you can turn even wet days into an experience. In doing so, you attract both Millennials, who value relaxation and comfort, and Gen Z, who are always looking for unique experiences.

How do you make your campsite future proof?

How do you make your campsite future proof?

What is the future of camping

The world of recreation is changing rapidly. Guests increasingly expect comfort, flexibility and experience during their holidays. For campsite owners, this means looking ahead and investing wisely. A future proof campsite is not only about good facilities but above all about responding to the wishes of new generations of travellers.

Luxury camping accommodations attract new target groups

Camping is no longer just a small tent on a field. More and more guests choose glamping because they want to combine comfort with nature. Luxury safari tents, lodges or unique accommodations such as tree houses give your campsite a distinctive appeal.

A concrete example: with just one safari tent with private sanitary facilities, you already attract a new target group that would not normally consider camping. Especially young families and couples appreciate this comfort. By placing a few such accommodations strategically, you can test and expand your offer without taking major risks right away.

How do you make your campsite greener?

Sustainability is gradually becoming a requirement in the leisure industry. Guests increasingly pay attention to whether a campsite is environmentally friendly. Think of energy efficient lighting, waste separation and the sustainability of accommodation materials. Useful tips to follow this trend are switching to solar energy, offering local products and recycling.

Responding to bad weather

The weather in the Netherlands and many other European destinations is unpredictable. A future proof campsite ensures that rain does not spoil the fun.

Imagine guests returning from a wet walk to find in their accommodation a rain package with hot chocolate and board games. In this way, bad weather becomes part of the experience. Covered terraces, a recreation room with films or craft afternoons for children complete the stay. These small extras ensure that guests remember your campsite and book again.

How to reach camping guests?

Most guests can be found online, often through social media or review platforms. A user friendly website and active presence on social channels are therefore essential. Depending on the customer segment, the platform and approach will differ.

What is essential for campsite owners

Despite digitalisation, hospitality remains one of the most important elements for an ideal guest experience. A friendly welcome, a chat and genuine involvement make a real difference. The personal touch is what gives a campsite its warm atmosphere. That is why it is important for campsites to maintain or integrate the personal aspect.

Total experience of a campsite

A future proof campsite is more than just a place to sleep. It is a complete experience where sustainability, flexibility, comfort and hospitality come together. Start today with small steps: modernise your website, add a luxury accommodation or offer flexible booking options.

By investing wisely now, you ensure that your campsite remains attractive for the guests of today and tomorrow.

5 reasons to buy luxury safari tents for your campsite

5 reasons to buy luxury safari tents for your campsite

Why are travelers increasingly choosing glamping?

The popularity of glamping continues to grow year after year. Travelers want to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort. For campsite owners who want to expand their offer and stand out, safari tents are therefore a particularly interesting investment.

Attracting a new target group with a safari tent

One of the main reasons to choose safari tents is that they attract an entirely new target group. While traditional camping mainly appeals to experienced campers, glamping also attracts young families, couples, and groups of friends. The comfort of a real bed, private bathroom, and kitchen lowers the threshold for those who do not normally camp. This allows guests to fully enjoy the glamping experience without having to walk to the sanitary building. Of course, it is also possible to buy or lease a safari tent without sanitary facilities, see the options here !

Can a safari tent also be placed in the forest or on the water?

An additional advantage of the safari tents from Safarilodgetent is that they are not limited to flat camping fields. They can be built partly over the water, in the middle of the forest, or on challenging terrains with height differences. This allows you to make use of areas that are normally unsuitable for camping pitches and gives guests a special experience. You make better use of your land and offer unique accommodations that immediately stand out in your range.

How do you increase revenue on your campsite?

Safari tents also generate higher revenue per square meter. Because you offer luxury and experience, you can charge a higher nightly rate and benefit from longer stays. The luxury experience can easily be combined with other offers such as breakfast boxes or other deals and activities. A fun idea often seen at successful glamping accommodations is the personalization of tents. There are various campsites where the tents are decorated with cheerful themes, such as jungle safari tents, Italian tents, or even a strawberry tent. All of this enhances the guest experience and takes it to a higher level.

Sustainability and safety of safari tents

The safari tents are also sustainable. Because most parts can be replaced individually, the tent remains usable for a long time and major maintenance can be carried out efficiently. The use of wood as the main material reinforces the sustainable character of the tent and contributes to an eco-friendly image, which is becoming increasingly important in the leisure sector. In addition, the tents are equipped with flame-retardant materials, reducing the risk in case of fire and ensuring safety.

Personal advice for your campsite

At Safarilodgetent we know that every campsite is unique. That is why we offer personal advice, leasing options for phased investments, and access to our own booking platform Vodatent, which allows you to reach the right target group directly. Curious about what luxury safari tents can do for your location? Contact us and together we will create a tailor-made plan that will take your campsite to the next level.