Top 10 tips for new campsite owners

Starting a campsite is an exciting and rewarding business which gives owners a chance to share their land and love of the outdoors with guests. It’s a simple premise but, like any business, there’s a lot to think about. For new campsite owners the To Do List can seem never-ending and for people thinking about launching a camping or glamping site, it can feel overwhelming. This list of tips for new campsite owners has been put together to help you navigate through the practical, legal and digital foundations to get your camping business off on the right track. Whether you’re researching how to start a campsite, looking for campsite owner tips or simply want practical guidance to support your new venture, these top 10 tips should help you start strong - and grow with confidence.

1. Understand your local market

Before you start developing your site, invest time in researching your local area. Successful new campsite owners identify who their target guests are and evaluate what local competitors offer. Consider what the demand in your area is. Are you near a family-friendly tourist attraction or near a popular walking route? Identifying gaps in the market is another way to hone in on an audience. Do competitors cater to dog owners, offer adult‑only stays or luxury glamping options? Sometimes being different can set you apart. You should research pricing, pitch types, amenities, and guest reviews for nearby sites to ensure that your campsite is built around real guest needs. This strategic groundwork is essential for anyone exploring how to start a campsite in the UK.

2. Check planning permission and legal requirements

Regulations on running campsites vary across the UK, so establishing what permissions you need is crucial. Contact your local planning authority early to discuss your plans and learn what documentation is required for the type of site you want to run. If it is a temporary or pop-up campsite (up to 60 days), you might be able to operate under permitted development rights or with an exemption certificate but if you want to build facilities or run a year-round operation, you will almost certainly need planning permission and a licence. Taking the time to understand the legal landscape from the start protects your investment and could prevent costly delays later.

3. Design your campsite

Designing your campsite is the fun bit. You will have to work with the lie of the land, the natural features and the rules and regs. You will need to decide what type of pitches or glamping accommodation you want to provide and what type of facilities too. Toilets and water points are non-negotiable, showers are a welcome addition and there may well be other facilities you want to provide as well. A children’s play area, a games room, a dog-walking zone, undercover space and a shop are all things you might have planned for your site. A well‑designed site layout can both enhance the camping experience and make day‑to‑day operations easier. Think about how you want guests to move through the site and how private each pitch or glamping unit should feel. Facilities should be conveniently located, accessible and meet legal requirements or guidelines. A thoughtful layout reduces noise issues, prevents congestion and helps new campsite owners establish a smooth operation that their campers will love.

4. Invest in high-quality facilities

Clean, modern, and well‑maintained facilities remain one of the biggest deciding factors for campers, glampers and guests when they are trying to choose where to stay and, importantly, whether to return. New campsite owners should look to build infrastructure that is fit-for-purpose and easy to clean and maintain. Those basics apply whether you plan on having eco-friendly composting loos, traditional flush toilets or luxurious glamping bathrooms. You’ll also want to think about providing somewhere to wash the dishes and may want to have a waste disposal point if you plan on providing pitches for campervans and caravans. Electric hook‑up is also something you may want to provide as well as WiFi, though many sites make a feature of being deliberately off grid and providing the opportunity for a digital detox. While building your facilities, keep in mind future scalability: it’s easier to add more capacity early than to retrofit systems later. High-quality facilities not only boost guest satisfaction but also strengthen your reputation, helping build repeat business and positive reviews.

5. Prioritise sustainability

Camping is naturally one of the most eco-friendly ways to holiday as, done well, it has little impact on the land. Glamping, too, generally has far less of an impact on the environment than other types of getaway but it’s something you need to think about from the start. Sustainable tourism continues to grow in popularity, and environmentally-conscious guests look for sites that reflect their values. You can adopt sustainable practices such as using renewable energy sources, installing low‑flow water fixtures, providing recycling and composting options and sourcing local products for your shop or café. You might also like to consider encouraging wildlife by creating natural habitats or offering educational information about the local ecosystem. Sustainable decisions early on often reduce operating costs over time and help position your campsite as a responsible and attractive destination.

6. Build your campsite brand and online presence

It’s almost essential to have a website for your camping or glamping business these days as it’s how most potential guests will find you. Even if someone hears about your site through word-of-mouth or print advertisement, the next step will be searching for your site online. Your online presence is almost as important as the physical campsite or glamping site itself, so a professional website featuring high‑quality images and a clear description of your site and facilities is key. If you can’t afford a custom-built site there are plenty of template sites that make building a simple website easy. Listing sites provide an alternative online presence for your campsite and will give you fantastic marketing opportunities but new campsite owners should really utilise both. Your own website lets you take direct commission-free bookings and gives you more space to shout about how great your campsite is. Social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook are almost as important and can signpost people to your website in an informal manner. They allow you to showcase your site’s personality and keep potential guests engaged with updates, promotions, and behind‑the‑scenes content.

7. Set up an easy-to-use online booking system

One of the most essential tips for new campsite owners is to ensure the booking process is simple, seamless and available 24/7. That invariably means having an online booking system embedded onto your website. From the customer’s point of view this will be an availability calendar or search bar on your website which lets them check availability, select pitch types, and pay for their stay instantly. For new campsite owners, it is a background tool that reduces admin, increases direct bookings and keeps availability up-to-date and neatly in one place. That can be the case even if you are using third-party sites (like Hipcamp and PitchUp) to take bookings as most systems are able to integrate with popular listings sites and online travel agencies. A robust system can also help manage seasonal rates, sell add‑ons and automate confirmation and pre-arrival emails to your guests.

Click to find out more about the Bedful PMS system for camping and glamping sites.

8. Deliver excellent customer service

Exceptional hospitality is one of the core ingredients of a successful campsite and the honest online reviews it encourages are one of the best marketing tools you can get. The guest experience begins from the moment they book so by providing clear, friendly communication from the start, you can transform a standard stay into a memorable experience. You’ll need to provide detailed pre‑arrival information, respond quickly to questions and offer a warm welcome when guests arrive. Campers usually like owners or managers to be visible and approachable so they know who to turn to if they need help or advice on life on site or the local area. You might like to anticipate camper needs by providing a welcome pack or a hub where they can find local information and other things they might need. Happy campers are far more likely to leave positive reviews, recommend your site to others and to return time and time again.

9. Build partnerships with local businesses

Guests at your site will want to know what they can do and where they can eat in the local area so it’s a great idea to get to know the businesses around you. If you promote local attractions, tour operators, restaurants and outdoor activity providers on your site they might be willing to offer discounts to your campers. This kind of partnership allows you to offer added value to guests while supporting the local economy. It’s a win-win situation as if you send customers to local businesses they will send business back your way when they can too.

10. Keep improving based on feedback

Once your campsite is open, gather feedback to understand what guests love and where improvements are needed. It’s likely you’ll encounter some teething problems as your site is tested for the first time so be ready and willing to respond to the feedback by making improvements where they are needed. Monitor reviews, ask guests for suggestions during their stay and keep an eye out for recurring themes. Are pitch sizes adequate? Is signage clear? Are check‑in procedures smooth? New campsite owners who act on feedback quickly build positive reputations and maintain a competitive edge. It’s possible to get a five-star review even if someone encounters a problem on site. The key is dealing with the issue in a polite, friendly and efficient manner and being honest about what you provide. Continuous improvement ensures your new campsite will evolve with industry trends and guest expectations. Good luck!