How to Effectively Use Business Texting for Your Campground Business

These days, running a campground business isn’t just about offering a scenic view and a fire ring. It’s about delivering smooth communication and an exceptional guest experience. Since most travelers rely on smartphones, business texting has become a powerful tool for companies that want to stay connected with guests before, during, and after their visit.

In this blog, we’ll explore how text messaging for campgrounds can help save time, improve communication with guests, and build long-term customer relationships.

What is a Campground Business?

A campground is a type of tourism enterprise that provides short-term outdoor accommodations in nature. These accommodations also called campsites that may include tent areas, RV sites, cabins, or glamping tents. Campgrounds vary in size and amenities; some are off-grid and rustic, while others offer modern facilities such as restrooms, showers, electricity, and organized outdoor activities.

The main goal of a campground business is to provide a comfortable and enjoyable way for guests to experience the outdoors. Owners can attract travelers, families, and nature lovers by offering affordable accommodations and value-added services. Campgrounds may operate seasonally or year-round, depending on the location and climate.

How Does Texting Work in a Campground Business?

 

Text messaging in campground operations is incredibly effective for improving efficiency and customer service. Here are some practical applications:

Reservation confirmations & reminders

Send automated SMS confirmations after bookings, including check-in details, site numbers, and campground rules. A reminder the day before arrival helps reduce no-shows.

“Hi, Sarah! Your stay at Lakeside Campgrounds is confirmed for July 14–16, Site #23. Check-in starts at 2 PM. Reply HELP for questions!”

Real-time updates & alerts

Texting is a fast way to notify guests. Therefore, use text messages to notify guests about weather warnings, fire bans, or changes in events.

“Due to thunderstorms, tonight’s bonfire has been canceled. Stay safe and dry!”

On-site communication

During a guest’s stay, guests can text for customer support, amenity requests, or report issues without visiting the front desk.

“Text us if you need extra firewood or have questions. Just reply to this message!”

Marketing & promotions

You can reach out to former guests about exclusive deals, last-minute campsite availability, or seasonal promotions via text.

“Missing the outdoors? Book a weekday stay and get 20% off! Use code WEEK20 by Friday.”

Review & feedback requests

After guests checkout, you can send a polite thank-you message and ask for a review or feedback, helping improve your service and online presence.

“Thanks for camping with us, Jake! We’d love your feedback: [review link]”

Group or family booking coordination

If you host group campers or events, texting helps coordinate schedules, meals, and activity updates without confusion.

Emergency communication

In remote areas with limited cell service, a single text message can be more reliable than a phone call. Campgrounds often use SMS to relay urgent information when speed and clarity are most important.

Benefits of Business Texting for Campground Owners

Below are some of the top benefits of business texting for campground owners:

Make all your guests your brand ambassadors

Send a follow-up text to guests after checkout and politely request a review or ask them to share photos. This helps organically grow your online presence. Better yet, invite them to join a Campfire Club with special perks, turning happy campers into loyal, ROI-generating advocates.

Monetize quiet seasons with text-only flash deals

Send last-minute flash offers during off-peak weekends or slow seasons. Because text messages are usually opened within minutes, these vacancy-filling promotions can generate quick bookings and increased revenue.

Customize the outdoor experience

Make personalized activity recommendations based on guest profiles. Families can receive info about family-friendly campground events, solo travelers get hiking maps, and pet lovers get tips on pet-friendly campground activities. A little personalization goes a long way.

Provide VIP text-in services

Offer a text-only concierge service where guests can request extra blankets, firewood, or s’mores kits via a shortcode. This brings a luxury-level experience even to rustic accommodations.

Streamline staff coordination behind the scenes

Texting isn’t just for guests. Use internal SMS communication among team members to share real-time updates, such as maintenance statuses or emergency alerts, no need for radios or complicated apps.

Create buzz with mystery text Tuesdays

Send out a fun mystery every Tuesday, like a scavenger hunt, treasure map, or riddle with a prize. This boosts guest engagement and creates memorable campground experiences.

Stay efficient and keep it green

Replace paper maps, schedules, and bulletin boards with digital campground guides via text. This approach reduces waste, prevents littering, and keeps visitors informed throughout their stay.

Make real-time feedback loops a reality

Encourage guests to report small issues like a leaky faucet or loud neighbors via text before they escalate. Prompt responses turn problems into opportunities to showcase excellent customer service.

Common Texting Use Cases in Campground Operations

Confirmations and other reservation details

Text messaging is an efficient method for ensuring that a guest has a reservation and receives important booking information. A text confirmation can be sent immediately after a guest makes a booking, including details such as check-in date, site number, arrival time, and any specific information they need to know. This instant communication reassures guests and helps eliminate no-shows and misunderstandings upon arrival.

Pre-arrival advice and notifications

Sending a short reminder a day or two before check-in—including directions, gate codes, parking restrictions, and campsite rules can help make arrivals smoother. It's also a good opportunity to include tips, such as bringing your own firewood, or inform guests of last-minute weather updates and road conditions. This proactive communication reduces front desk calls and helps set guest expectations.

On-site support and guest requests

Guests may need urgent assistance, such as more firewood, reporting a power outage, or requesting Wi-Fi information, during their stay. Texting allows them to reach staff easily without walking to the office. This is especially helpful in large campgrounds or during peak seasons when staff may be spread out across the property.

Emergency alerts and weather forecasts

Since campgrounds are outdoor environments, fast communication during emergencies is essential. Whether it's a sudden thunderstorm, a potential wildfire, or a water line issue, mass text alerts can instantly notify all guests. Instructions such as evacuation or shelter-in-place orders can be shared within seconds.

Event notifications and activity reminders

If your campground hosts activities like movie nights, scavenger hunts, or guided hikes, texting is a simple way to notify guests of upcoming events. A reminder an hour before the event can increase participation. You can also inform guests of schedule changes or cancellations without needing to post physical notices.

Check out reminders and feedback requests

A short message on the morning of departure can remind guests of checkout time, helping to prevent delays and confusion. It's also a good time to share links to digital surveys or review platforms to collect feedback while the experience is still fresh. This maintains positive relationships and encourages repeat visits.

Lost and found follow-ups

If a guest leaves behind items like a jacket, phone charger, or fishing gear, you can quickly notify them via text. This shows that your campground values both customer service and the security of guest belongings.

Employee communication and shift updates

Campground managers can use group texting to communicate with staff about schedule changes, site maintenance tasks, or emergency services. This improves coordination among large teams without requiring everyone to be online or present in person.

Upselling services and amenities

You can promote value-added services during a guest’s stay through SMS, such as firewood delivery, kayak rentals, or upgrades to premium sites. A well-timed text message promotion can increase on-site sales while enhancing the guest experience.

Seasonal rebooking campaigns and loyalty programs

Encourage repeat bookings by texting past guests with special offers or early access to book for future seasons. SMS helps keep your campground top-of-mind when guests are planning their next trip.

Tips for Effective Texting in Your Campground Business

Make messages short, amicable, and concise

Your customers are not sitting in front of a computer at a campground. When they are outside—either in transit or at leisure—long and convoluted messages will not grab their attention the way you want them to. Aim for instant clarity and brevity. A quick and friendly tone is most appropriate.

You don't need to send long paragraphs with all your policies and rules. Instead, break your message into one or two lines. For example:

“Hi Mike! This afternoon at 2 PM, you’ll be checked in at Riverfront Campgrounds. Text me if you need assistance!”

This maintains professional yet friendly communication.

Text during high-impact moments

Texting isn’t necessary for every interaction, but there are key moments where it’s highly useful. Send SMS messages for booking confirmations, pre-arrival directions, weather alerts, checkout reminders, and post-stay feedback. These are times when guests are most likely to check their phones and appreciate timely updates.

Using these high-impact windows ensures your messages are helpful, not spam.

Make your messages personal

Whenever possible, personalize your texts. Use the guest's name, campsite number, or mention something they’ve asked about. Even small gestures make your communication more thoughtful.

A message like:

“Hi Sarah, we hope you had fun on the hike today! Remember to visit the camp store before 6 PM.”

…can make your guests feel special. 

Set expectations early

At booking or check-in, inform guests that they’ll receive text updates, and encourage them to save your number. This helps avoid confusion and ensures your texts aren’t mistaken for spam.

If you're dealing with guests who speak a foreign language, make your communication especially clear at the outset. This builds trust and ensures your texts are read throughout their stay.

Automate messages, but keep them human

Automated texting saves time and reduces manual work, but it shouldn’t sound robotic. Even scheduled messages should use friendly, natural language.

For example: 

“Heads up: A storm is coming tonight. Please secure your tents and stay safe!” 

This sounds like a caring reminder rather than a cold system alert.

Provide keyword responses

Use SMS keywords to help guests quickly access the information they need. Set up your texting system to respond automatically to simple commands. For example:

• Type MAP to get directions 

• Type EVENTS to see the day's schedule 

• Type HELP to request assistance

This reduces staff workload and provides guests with immediate, useful responses.

Don’t overdo it

Texting can be extremely effective—but overuse can become intrusive. Keep your texts relevant, timely, and useful. Too many promotional messages, especially on a relaxing weekend, can frustrate guests.

Focus on helpful communication rather than constant promotional content.

Include opt-out instructions

To stay compliant with texting regulations, include a clear opt-out option in your messages. Even if guests rarely unsubscribe, it shows you respect their preferences.

A simple line like:

“To stop receiving texts, reply STOP.”

…is usually enough and follows best practices.

Use texting for internal team communication

Texting isn’t just for guests; it’s also a great tool for internal team coordination. Use it to organize your cleaning crew, front desk, or maintenance team, especially in large campgrounds or resorts.

Quick messages about site turnovers, repairs, or last-minute changes improve efficiency, especially where radio signals or walkie-talkies may not work.

Conclusion

The next generation of the campground business no longer sees texting with customers as optional, but as a competitive advantage. It speeds up check-in, streamlines operations, and boosts guest satisfaction, making it a valuable tool that pays off.

Getting started is easy: start small, stay consistent, and choose a trusted texting platform. Want to modernize your campground communications? You can start with Falkon SMS.