Building Your Campground Dream Team
Campground operations are labor-intensive. From front-desk check-ins to cleaning bathhouses and maintaining landscaping, labor can quickly erode your NOI if not managed correctly.
1. The Workamper Staffing Model
Workampers are RV travelers who trade part-time labor (office, maintenance, cleaning) for a free RV site, utilities, and sometimes hourly pay.
- The Benefit: Reduces payroll taxes and provides a built-in workforce that lives on-site.
- Best Practices: Always draft a clear Workamper Agreement detailing the number of hours required for the site trade (typically 15-20 hours per week) and the rate for additional paid hours.
2. Hiring a Resident Manager
For owners who want to be passive, hiring a couple to manage the park is a common approach. Often, one partner manages the office and reservations while the other handles physical maintenance and groundskeeping.
- Compensation: Typically includes on-site housing (either a home or a premium RV site), utilities, and a base salary with performance bonuses based on revenue or review scores.
3. Leveraging Automation
Reduce staff loads by installing automated gate systems, smart lockers for late check-ins, and automated email confirmation sequences.
