Are you planning on starting a campground but don’t know how much land you need? The answer is not straightforward, as several factors come into play when determining the land requirements for a campground.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through the factors that influence how much land you need and provide you with some guidelines on how to calculate the space requirements for your campground.
Factors that Influence How Much Land You Need For a Campground
- Type of Campground
The type of campground you plan to operate will dictate the amount of land you need. There are several types of campgrounds, including:
- Primitive Campground: These campgrounds offer few amenities and typically have only primitive campsites without hookups. Primitive campgrounds require less space compared to developed campgrounds.
- Developed Campground: These campgrounds offer a range of amenities, such as water and electricity hookups, restrooms, and showers. Developed campgrounds require more space compared to primitive campgrounds due to the additional infrastructure required to support the amenities.
- RV Park: These parks cater to RVs and offer full hookups, dump stations, and other amenities such as laundry facilities and recreational areas. RV parks require the most space compared to the other types of campgrounds due to the size of RVs and the additional infrastructure required to support them.
- Number of Campsites
The number of campsites you plan to offer is another factor that influences how much land you need. As a general rule of thumb, each campsite should have a minimum of 900 square feet of space. However, this space requirement can vary depending on the type of campground and the amenities offered.
- Amenities
The amenities you plan to offer at your campground will also influence how much land you need. Amenities such as restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and recreational areas require additional space. Therefore, the more amenities you plan to offer, the more land you will need.
- Zoning Regulations
Zoning regulations in your area will dictate the minimum land requirements for a campground. Be sure to research the zoning laws in your area to ensure that your campground meets the minimum requirements.
Calculating How Much Land You Need
To calculate how much land you need for your campground, you’ll need to consider the factors we’ve outlined above. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you calculate the space requirements for your campground:
- Determine the type of campground you plan to operate.
- Decide on the number of campsites you plan to offer.
- Determine the amenities you plan to offer at your campground.
- Research the zoning regulations in your area.
- Use the following formula to calculate the space requirements for your campground:Total Land Area = (Number of Campsites x Campsite Area) + (Amenity Area x Number of Amenities)Campsite Area = 900 square feet Amenity Area = Varies depending on the amenity
- Add any additional space required for parking, roads, and other infrastructure.
Best Tents Brands for Campgrounds
- Coleman
Coleman is a well-known brand in the camping industry, and their tents are a popular choice for campers. Coleman offers a range of tents, including cabin tents, instant tents, and dome tents. Their tents are easy to set up and provide excellent protection from the elements. Coleman’s tents are a great choice for campgrounds due to their durability and ease of use.
- REI
REI is a popular brand among outdoor enthusiasts, and their tents are a top choice for campers. REI offers a range of tents, including backpacking tents, car camping tents, and family tents. Their tents are designed with quality materials and are built to withstand various weather conditions. REI’s tents are a great choice for campgrounds due to their versatility and durability.
- Eureka!
Eureka! is another well-known brand in the camping industry, and their tents are a popular choice for campers. Eureka! offers a range of tents, including backpacking tents, car camping tents, and family tents. Their tents are designed with quality materials and are built to withstand various weather conditions. Eureka!’s tents are a great choice for campgrounds due to their durability and ease of use.
- Big Agnes
Big Agnes is a relatively new brand in the camping industry, but their tents have quickly gained popularity among campers. Big Agnes offers a range of tents, including backpacking tents, car camping tents, and family tents. Their tents are designed with lightweight materials, making them easy to transport and set up. Big Agnes’ tents are a great choice for campgrounds due to their versatility and ease of use.
Related: Concert Camping Essentials – A Detailed List
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many campsites can I fit on an acre of land?
The number of campsites you can fit on an acre of land depends on several factors, including the type of campground, the size of the campsites, and the amenities offered. As a general rule of thumb, you can fit between 20-30 campsites on an acre of land.
Q: Do I need to provide water and electricity hookups for each campsite?
It depends on the type of campground you plan to operate. Primitive campgrounds typically do not provide water and electricity hookups, while developed campgrounds and RV parks do. Be sure to research the amenities that are commonly provided in the type of campground you plan to operate.
Q: How much parking space do I need for a campground?
The amount of parking space you need for a campground depends on the number of campsites and the type of campground. As a general rule of thumb, you should provide at least one parking space per campsite. Additionally, you should provide additional parking spaces for visitors and staff.
Final Thoughts
Starting a campground can be an exciting and rewarding venture, but it’s important to understand the land requirements before you begin. The amount of land you need for a campground depends on several factors, including the type of campground, the number of campsites, the amenities offered, and zoning regulations in your area.
By following the guidelines we’ve outlined in this beginner’s guide, you can calculate the space requirements for your campground and ensure that it meets the minimum requirements in your area. Additionally, by choosing a reputable tent brand like Coleman, REI, Eureka!, or Big Agnes, you can provide your campers with a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.