Best Practices: Preparing for Peak Season For Summer Focused Parks

summary

Key Learning Objectives:

• Plan ahead to avoid common peak season challenges
• Optimize reservations, site utilization, and guest check-in processes
• Prepare your staff and facilities for high occupancy 
• Implement strategies to increase revenue and enhance the guest experience

1. Review & Optimize Your Reservations Strategy

Peak season means higher demand and increased booking traffic. Now is the time to review your booking strategy and rules to ensure maximum efficiency.

Booking Rules to Review:

• Minimum & Maximum Stay Rules: Ensure you’re maximizing longer stays and avoiding short gaps between bookings.
• Grid Optimization: Activate your Grid Optimization rule to automatically shift reservations and eliminate inefficient gaps in your grid. 
• Flexible Lock Site Fees: Encourage guests to pay extra for preferred sites, increasing revenue.

2. Prepare Your Facilities & Campsites

Your campground’s physical condition plays a huge role in guest satisfaction. Ensure your facilities, sites, and amenities are in top shape before peak season begins.

Maintenance & Cleaning Checklist:

✅ Inspect all sites – Level pads, check for electrical/water/sewer issues.
✅ Deep clean & repair restrooms/shower houses – Stock supplies, test fixtures.
✅ Inspect roads, pathways & signage – Ensure safe, clear access.
✅ Check pool & recreation areas – Update safety signage, stock cleaning chemicals.
✅ Test Wi-Fi & power outlets – Ensure consistent connectivity across sites.
✅ Restock & organize general store – Popular items like firewood, ice, and camping essentials should be easily accessible.

3. Train & Schedule Your Team for Peak Season Success

A well-prepared staff is critical for a smooth summer season. Ensure your team is fully trained, adequately staffed, and ready to handle guest needs.

Staffing & Training Tips:

✅ Onboard seasonal staff early – Provide hands-on training in all key areas.
✅ Cross-train employees – Ensure team members can handle multiple roles (front desk, maintenance, housekeeping).
✅ Set up an emergency response plan – Have clear procedures for guest issues, weather events, or other emergencies.
✅ Streamline check-in/check-out – Use Express Check-In to reduce front desk workload and long lines.

4. Enhance Guest Communication & Experience

Providing clear, proactive communication reduces guest frustrations and enhances their overall stay.

Guest Communication Checklist:

✅ Pre-Arrival Emails – Send automated confirmations with key arrival info.
✅ On-Site Information – Have clear maps, rules, and FAQs available at check-in.
✅ One-Way Texting – Use Campspot’s One-Way Texting feature to send important updates to guests.
✅ Highlight Upsell Options – Promote add-ons like early check-in, firewood bundles, or activity rentals.
✅ Encourage Guest Reviews – Ask for feedback and guide happy guests to leave online reviews.

5. Boost Revenue with Smart Add-Ons & Promotions

Peak season is the best time to introduce revenue-boosting add-ons and promotions.

Ways to Increase Revenue:

• Offer early check-in & late check-out options for a fee
• Promote add-ons – Firewood, propane refills, golf cart rentals, kayak rentals, etc.
• Encourage longer stays – Offer multi-night discounts for midweek stays.
• Plan on-site events – Host live music, food trucks, or themed weekends to create memorable experiences.

6. Monitor & Adjust: Keeping Peak Season Running Smoothly

Even with solid planning, things can change quickly during peak season. Use reporting tools to analyze trends and adjust operations as needed.

Key Reports and dashboards to Run Regularly:

• Occupancy Trends – Track high-demand dates or opportunities to increase bookings and then adjust pricing accordingly.
• Operations Summary – Get a real-time, daily snapshot of park operations—including arrivals, departures, payments, and add-on activity—to help manage the day efficiently.
• Campspot Value – Identify top-performing add-ons and upsells, rules, and other revenue generating features. Dashboard provides a sum of how much revenue the features have brought you over the past year. 
• Guest Feedback Reports – Monitor guest reviews, respond quickly, and resolve issues proactively.
• Signals Monthly Performance – Track key performance metrics like occupancy, ADR, and RevPAS month-over-month and year-over-year, with compset benchmarking to show how you stack up.