In some parts of the country there’s a silent debate, almost a stratification among campers and campground owners that occasionally puts tent campers in a second class citizen category. Maybe a better description would be to say that some RVers and campground owners have a prejudice against folks who arrive packing tents.
I’ll leave it up to them to cite their negative experiences, what has driven the opinions that form that prejudice, short of saying that a single bad experience with a group of campers unfortunately can shape how we size up our guests. That prejudice gets in the way of recognizing a great opportunity.
If you associate tent camping with alcohol abuse, then address the behavior, separating it from the fact that the alcohol abuser is camping in a tent. The tent isn’t responsible for the behavior, the camper is.
If you associate tent camping with a camper “hard on the restrooms” then examine the cost to your facilities and your infrastructure and charge accordingly.
If you associate tent camping with a population that spends less and is rough around the edges, then check your assumptions.
Let’s look at all three of these widely held assumptions. If our younger populations of campers are tent campers and some are using camping as an opportunity to get drunk in the woods, then we can look at how to manage that specific behavior. You can prohibit alcohol consumption across the board. You can isolate “partiers” to an area where they will not impact others. And finally you can adopt and enforce policies somewhere in-between. Alcohol abuse happens in RVs, too.
I’ve heard it said that tent campers “will not pay enough” to cover the costs of keeping restrooms up to speed. If we’re talking about normal restroom use, there’s no doubt that a high tent population will trigger increased costs, both in products and labor. But ask your tent campers and read what they say online about campgrounds who keep facilities clean and well-maintained. Most will pay a couple extra dollars a night for the benefits. Our jobs are to adequately staff and supply this need, no differently than we’d stock the candy on the shelves of our campground store.
Let’s talk more about that store. It does not take long to figure out that tent campers are buying ice and replenishing supplies probably at a greater rate than many RVers, because they do not have the space appliance conveniences or storage capacity that RVers have.
First-time owner statistics from the Recreation Vehicle Industry of America (RVIA) indicate that families graduate or “step up” from tent camping to the use of hard-sided units. We hear it from families all the time at Lock 30 Woodlands: “Next year we’ll be buying our first RV. Can’t wait to return.”
Are there special challenges to this population that differentiate their needs from those of RVers? Yes.
If a storm is on the horizon and it becomes necessary to isolate and protect family pets, tents may not offer the security some dogs need. Inclement weather is always a threat to camper comfort, when it’s tough to stay dry. Such things as fire rings for cooking become an absolute necessity. Where and how tenters wash dishes and clean fish can become concerns. Campground owners will want to carry inventory in their stores that cater to this target market’s needs. Most of these tent camper needs can be addressed with relatively little expense.
This week‘s iffy weather did not discourage a couple dozen Toyota Territory Off-Roaders Association (TTORA) members from joining us for the fourth straight year. They enjoy area trails minutes away from the campground, then retreat to a carpeted clubhouse, a game of pool, hot showers and talk around the campfire at night.
We look forward to their return each year. These young men are the definition of responsible campers who are a pleasure to serve.
There are more tenters out there who are looking for clean, wholesome campgrounds where they can pitch their tents and camp in comfort. Let’s welcome them.
Karen Brucoli Anesi
Lock 30 Woodlands
I’ll leave it up to them to cite their negative experiences, what has driven the opinions that form that prejudice, short of saying that a single bad experience with a group of campers unfortunately can shape how we size up our guests. That prejudice gets in the way of recognizing a great opportunity.
If you associate tent camping with alcohol abuse, then address the behavior, separating it from the fact that the alcohol abuser is camping in a tent. The tent isn’t responsible for the behavior, the camper is.
If you associate tent camping with a camper “hard on the restrooms” then examine the cost to your facilities and your infrastructure and charge accordingly.
If you associate tent camping with a population that spends less and is rough around the edges, then check your assumptions.
Let’s look at all three of these widely held assumptions. If our younger populations of campers are tent campers and some are using camping as an opportunity to get drunk in the woods, then we can look at how to manage that specific behavior. You can prohibit alcohol consumption across the board. You can isolate “partiers” to an area where they will not impact others. And finally you can adopt and enforce policies somewhere in-between. Alcohol abuse happens in RVs, too.
I’ve heard it said that tent campers “will not pay enough” to cover the costs of keeping restrooms up to speed. If we’re talking about normal restroom use, there’s no doubt that a high tent population will trigger increased costs, both in products and labor. But ask your tent campers and read what they say online about campgrounds who keep facilities clean and well-maintained. Most will pay a couple extra dollars a night for the benefits. Our jobs are to adequately staff and supply this need, no differently than we’d stock the candy on the shelves of our campground store.
Let’s talk more about that store. It does not take long to figure out that tent campers are buying ice and replenishing supplies probably at a greater rate than many RVers, because they do not have the space appliance conveniences or storage capacity that RVers have.
First-time owner statistics from the Recreation Vehicle Industry of America (RVIA) indicate that families graduate or “step up” from tent camping to the use of hard-sided units. We hear it from families all the time at Lock 30 Woodlands: “Next year we’ll be buying our first RV. Can’t wait to return.”
Are there special challenges to this population that differentiate their needs from those of RVers? Yes.
If a storm is on the horizon and it becomes necessary to isolate and protect family pets, tents may not offer the security some dogs need. Inclement weather is always a threat to camper comfort, when it’s tough to stay dry. Such things as fire rings for cooking become an absolute necessity. Where and how tenters wash dishes and clean fish can become concerns. Campground owners will want to carry inventory in their stores that cater to this target market’s needs. Most of these tent camper needs can be addressed with relatively little expense.
This week‘s iffy weather did not discourage a couple dozen Toyota Territory Off-Roaders Association (TTORA) members from joining us for the fourth straight year. They enjoy area trails minutes away from the campground, then retreat to a carpeted clubhouse, a game of pool, hot showers and talk around the campfire at night.
We look forward to their return each year. These young men are the definition of responsible campers who are a pleasure to serve.
There are more tenters out there who are looking for clean, wholesome campgrounds where they can pitch their tents and camp in comfort. Let’s welcome them.
Karen Brucoli Anesi
Lock 30 Woodlands
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