Best Practices: Setting Up & Using Day-use Add-ons

Summary

Day-use Add-ons are a powerful way to increase revenue, enhance guest experiences, and make your park stand out. From kayak rentals to seasonal passes, how you package, price, and promote these extras can make a big difference in both guest satisfaction and your bottom line. 

1. Present Add-ons as Multi-Item Bundles

Guests love the feeling of getting a deal and promoting bundled add-ons are a great way to create that perception while driving more revenue. Here's how you can achieve this: 

• Create Day-use Add-ons that are bundled experiences like a “Family Pool & Picnic Pass” or a “Kayak + Day-Use Parking” combo.

• Use Package/Discounted/Promo Code Pricing to make the bundle feel like a special offer while still increasing your per-guest revenue. 

• Rotate and promote bundles seasonally, such as summer swim passes +  cabana for a day or holiday firewood kits with clubhouse access, to keep your offerings fresh.

Learn how to create these offers [HERE].

2. Tier Your Pricing by Demand

Not every day at your park is the same, and your pricing doesn’t have to be either. Strategic pricing helps you capture more value during peak times and drive traffic during slower ones. Here's how you can achieve this: 

• Use variable pricing for weekends, holidays, and high-demand seasons. Achieve this through tailored nightly pricing. 

• Offer discounted weekday add-ons to encourage visits when your park is typically quieter.

• Create premium tiers of Day-use Add-ons priced differently such as “VIP Pool Lounger with Drink Service” versus general pool access to cater to different budgets and preferences.

Learn how to set nightly pricing for add-ons [HERE].

3. Encourage Pre-Booking Online

The earlier a guest books an add-on, the more likely they are to follow through — and the more revenue you lock in upfront. Here's how you can encourage pre-booking online: 

• Make Day-use Add-ons available with more site types to that they are clearly displayed as options during checkout.

• Use high-quality photos and concise descriptions (e.g., “Kayak Rental – 4 Hours, $35”).

• Consider offering small pre-booking discounts, such as 10% off when purchased online with a reservation, to boost online conversions. You would set these up with Packages and set number of days in advance of add-on start date. 

Learn more about setting up Day-use Add-ons [HERE] and learn more about setting up package pricing [HERE].

4. Upsell at Check-In

Don’t miss the chance to increase revenue once guests are onsite. A friendly suggestion at check-in can go a long way. Here's how you can increase up-selling opportunities: 

• Train your front desk staff to highlight popular add-ons such as parking upgrades, equipment rentals, or passes.
• Provide printed or digital “Today’s Specials” to make add-ons feel timely and appealing.
• Use visual cues at the desk (like small signage, brochures, or digital screens) to spark guest curiosity and make it easy for them to say “yes.” 

5. Use Assignable Inventory to Manage Scarce Resources

Nothing disappoints a guest more than overpromising. Assignable inventory keeps everything in check. Here's how you can achieve this: 

• For limited items (like kayaks, golf carts, or cabanas), tie availability directly to inventory. This prevents overbooking and ensures that guests get exactly what they reserved, protecting their overall experience.

Learn more about setting up Day-use Add-ons [HERE].

6. Leverage Data & Reporting

Your add-ons can teach you a lot about guest preferences and can give you great insights on how to refine your strategy. Here's how you can use guest data to improve your operations: 

• Review your best sellers regularly — are firewood bundles more popular than pool passes? Lean into what is selling more. 

• Identify underperforming add-ons and experiment with repackaging (promoting as a "bundle" with another add-on), pricing, or different promotions.

• Track cancellation rates; high numbers may indicate poor perceived value or unclear terms.

Learn more about which reports can help get these insights [HERE].

7. Promote Local Partnerships

You don’t have to create every experience yourself. Partnerships expand your offerings without requiring extra resources from your team. Here's how you can achieve this: 

• Collaborate with local vendors like kayak companies, food trucks, or yoga instructors.
• Highlight these partnerships in your marketing so guests see your park as a hub for unique experiences.
• Offer revenue-sharing or cross-promotion opportunities that benefit both your park and the local business.

8. Create Seasonal & Event-Driven Add-Ons

Special events and seasonal activities are a perfect excuse to introduce new add-ons. Here's how you can sync your Add-on operations up with the seasons: 

• Design themed options like a “Halloween Haunted Trail Pass” or a “4th of July Picnic Package.”

• Rotate your seasonal offerings so repeat visitors always have something new to look forward to.

• Advertise and market upcoming add-ons and offerings to create buzz and excitement for 

Learn more about campground seasonal events on a past blog post [HERE].

9. Keep It Simple for Guests

• Use plain, benefit-focused names such as “Shaded Picnic Table with Grill” instead of “Site Enhancement Option.”

• Make sure pricing and details are easy to understand at a glance.

• Add photos or icons where possible — a visual cue helps guests quickly recognize the value of the add-on without needing to read too much.

10. Market Add-Ons Year-Round

Add-ons aren’t just something you mention at checkout — they deserve a spot in your ongoing marketing strategy.

• Include Day Use Add-Ons in emails and social media posts (e.g., “Make the most of your visit with kayak rentals!”).

• Use onsite signage to catch walk-in traffic.

• Highlight popular add-ons in guest reviews and testimonials to build social proof.

Learn more overall marketing tips on our blog [HERE].