Coming to you from the sizzling coals of the digital marketing fire pit, where we grill up the tastiest strategies for campground and RV park owners. We know it’s not always a walk in the park to offer the best services to your visitors, so we’re here to lend a hand. Especially when it comes to finding the best wifi solution for your campground or RV park.
In this day and age, even in the heart of the wilderness, it’s no secret that connectivity is king (or queen, or reigning monarch of your choice). As we mention in our Ultimate Guide to Campground Marketing, a recent survey completed by Kampgrounds of America (KOA) found that campers rank having reliable wifi as the second most important thing when considering a campground, only behind clean bathrooms/shower facilities. If this doesn’t tell you how much camping has changed over the years, we don’t know what does. Folks might be looking to escape their nine-to-five, but that doesn’t mean they want to be cut off from the world… or the next episode of their favorite show. With the huge shift since 2020 towards nomad lifestyles, more people are living on the road (and roadschooling) than ever before, making reliable wifi even more important than it ever has been. While these individuals may already have some sort of wifi connection solution on their own, having a steady internet connection at your campground will help them choose your park over others when it comes down to the details.
So, let’s get to it, and discuss how to ensure your guests can browse as freely as the local wildlife with our list of the top 4 WiFi solutions for your campground or RV park and how to decide which one might be the best fit for you. Please keep in mind, depending on your location and the service providers around you, you might not have access to all 4 choices and the choice might be made for you based on availability.
1. Wireless Connection
This is the most common solution that RV Parks and campgrounds select. It means that users can connect via wireless router or hotspot solution, and it can be accessed by smartphone, laptop, tablets, etc. It is typically the most affordable, however, it can be slow and limit the number of users that can be logged on at a time depending on your package, making it unreliable or slow.
2. Fiber Optic Solution
This is the most reliable, and often fastest solution for internet connectivity for campgrounds and RV Parks. It literally is what it sounds like – they use fiber optic cables that transmit data to the user at very high speeds. This is one of the solutions that might not be available depending on where you are located. While they are becoming more common, they are still relatively expensive to install. Check your local provider to see if this is an option in your area.
3. Satellite Service
Perfect for campsites or RV parks in remote locations where there are not a lot of other options, satellite service might be the route that you decide to go. The satellite system transfers data to and from the internet. Again, this option can be expensive, and is the one solution that can be affected when there is rough weather.
4. Hybrid Option
Exactly like it sounds, campgrounds and RV parks might choose to have a dual solution for their campground. For instance, since fiber optic is the most reliable option, a campground might decide that they want this set up for their main office, their store, and maybe a recreation center on site, but that the individual campsites and the rest of the park is on wireless. This guarantees that you don’t go down when you need it for business and sales, and that you still provide options for your campers in community areas if the wireless gets spotty.
These trailblazing solutions are meant to adapt to your specific campground or RV park needs. But remember, like any good campfire story, there’s always more beneath the surface. Each of these options come with different plans, hardware requirements, and levels of customer service. Finding the right WiFi solution for your campground or RV park is like choosing the best hiking trail – it all depends on your needs and what you’re willing to invest. It might seem like a steep climb, but don’t worry, you’re not alone on this trek. Just like with other expenditures we have discussed that make big improvements to your campground, like reservation booking systems, it’s important to keep in mind that the best option depends on your specific needs and circumstances, as well as local service providers for your area. Being mindful of the size of your campground, the density of the natural landscape, and the number of visitors you anticipate can help you pick the right path.
Here at Martrek Digital, we’re your trusty trail guides in the digital landscape, ready to help you navigate the technology forest. If you’re looking to explore the best ways to connect your guests or need support figuring out which WiFi solution is the perfect fit for your campground or RV park, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Remember, a campground with a great digital presence and strong connectivity isn’t just a happy campsite – it’s a happy camper magnet. If done right, not only will this help build your reviews and manage your listings on sites like Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, RVLife and more, but it will keep your campers coming back. Stay tuned for more tips and guides from your friends at Martrek Digital.