I had looked at the idea of buying a park here probably 30 years ago. Talked to a friend that owned a park and then sat down to write a business plan. Since we have a short season here, the numbers were not going to work for us. Since then I've worked in a park and had a good time doing it. However, prepare yourself. You will look at 14 hour days, at least 6 days a week. In Mn, you will have a short season to generate your yearly income. And your expenses will increase but not necessarily in proportion to the income. You'll meet some great people and a few people you hope you never see again.
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mockybird wrote: And we wonder why those people that we meet who run campgrounds treat us differently at times.
and why we think that CG owners make too much money and charge too much.
From what I have read on this Forum, many here think CG owners are mean, rich, gready and hate Wal Mart.
Steve
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There is a huge difference between owning and operating. If you own it and the numbers make sense, then most of the frustrations can be offset by going to the bank at the end of the week. If you operate it and you only make 8 bucks an hour while dealing with the public, some of which are great people and others are a waste of good oxygen, it probably isn't worth it.
Anyone who thinks they can turn their paradise hobby into a business, faces the same question you asked. Can a fisherman make a living being a paid fisherman? Can a bowler make a living on the bowling tour? From any hobby to any business, requires a dedication of making money, period. Forget the fun part and concentrate on the business, many do and many many make a lot of money doing it. But it aint their hobby or recreation, IT IS A BUSINESS.
After retiring from the police department I decided to move to Northern Wisconsin and owner and operate a small motel. We found a place that really fit the bill, only 10 rooms so employees wouldn't be needed. After "living our dream" for 3 years we knew it was time to get out.
We love to dine out but had not been in a restaurant in months. I love to fish but had not been in my boat all season long. The kicker was when we were driving down I-80 in Ohio and our cell phone rang. My wife was taking reservations for the following season. You just never could get away from the business, even when out of town.
John, Connie and Miles!
1998 Winnebago Adventurer
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The key is in the profitability of the business. We've owned and operated a large Equestrian Center and the profitability was such that we had to do much of the work ourself (6am-11pm,7days,52 weeks a year). That was quickly not worth it. We've got a self-storage place that can close on Sunday and at night and afford a part-time person and vacation help, etc - that's not bad since we just got back from 3 weeks RV'ing thru New England...
So, to my mind it's all about profitability.
Hmmmm, I really didn't expect such an overflow of negative repsonses. Here's my thinking. I already work at a job that takes up a lot of my time and doesn't leave much time for us to go RVing. It just seemed to me that owning a campground at least gets me around the camping atmoshpere. I understand working with people. I've done it and really don't mind that. I would just love something where I can be my own boss, meet people and have fun. Anything worthwhile takes a lot of work. I was just curious on other owner's or previous owner's takes. Thanks, keep em coming.
A campground is a job. Jobs, contrary to many posting here, do not have to be drudgery. Yes sometimes people are in a foul mood, but sometimes you can turn that around. Hospitality can be fun.
I suppose that owning a business would be worth the sacrifice if you didn't need the money to meet your entire living expenses. For example, my DH and I are planning on retiring in 11 years. We are planning financially for retirement (as I told my financial guy, "I don't want to be eating dog food, Alan!"). We want to be able to RV for about 6 months out of the year and live someplace warm for the rest of the time. I want to get my fitness trainer certification so I can work part-time in a health club. I would also not mind working part-time in a book store. However, I might work but only because I want to work, not because I have to work (hopefully!). I think the same thing might be true for anyone wanting to own/operate a campground. Do it because you want to do it, not because you need to do it to make a living.
I was a voracious SCUBA diver when I was much younger. Then the local dive shop owner asked me to come to work for him. Some of my buddies already worked there so I happily agreed. At first I loved it. But, to make any money, I had to work ALL THE TIME! It seemed like I was always in the shop, in the classroom, in the pool, or in the ocean. And always with students.
On those rare occasions I was able to dive with my friends, none of us really wanted to. Our passion had turned into nothing more than a grueling job. This went on for a few years before I finally graduated from college and began my current career.
I haven't been in the water in about a decade. And don't really have any desire.
I imagine owning/operating a CG would be very similar.
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