For today’s campground and RV park operators, the challenge is clear: deliver unforgettable guest experiences without adding complexity behind the scenes. With travelers expecting more from their outdoor getaways—especially in terms of activities and amenities—water access is becoming an increasingly desirable feature. But managing equipment rentals like kayaks or paddleboards can quickly turn into a logistical headache: storage, staffing, maintenance, and liability.
That’s where Buoy Water Club offers a new kind of solution—a fully self-service paddleboard and kayak rental system that operates without staff, overhead, or hassle.
Bringing the Shoreline to Life—Effortlessly
Think vending machine, but for paddleboard and kayak rentals. Guests scan a QR code, unlock their gear via mobile app, enjoy the water, and return everything when they’re done. It’s a frictionless process designed for both user convenience and operator simplicity.
The idea behind Buoy is to make water recreation as accessible and low-maintenance as possible. Buoy was founded by two brothers—lifelong surfers—who set out to make water sports access a seamless part of daily life. Originally launched in Austin, TX, the company now operates in places like Santa Barbara’s Leadbetter Beach and Seattle’s Lake Union. Today, campgrounds and RV parks are adopting the same system to offer premium, low-maintenance amenities to their guests.
What Makes It Work for Campgrounds?
At its core, Buoy is built for ease. The stations require only a 3’ x 13’ footprint near a body of water—no power source, no permanent infrastructure. Each unit is made from marine-grade aluminum, is weather-resistant, and is designed to hold up to seven paddleboards/surfboards, four kayaks, or a combination of both. It also offers secure storage for guest belongings while they’re on the water.
Buoy handles everything from installation and insurance to maintenance and customer service. Your team doesn’t need to monitor rentals or manage inventory. The system is designed to be turnkey and vendor-managed, so campground owners can provide a high-quality guest experience with minimal involvement.
You also earn a share of the revenue, creating an additional income stream that scales with usage—ideal for busy summer months or destination properties with water access.
Simple for Guests, Valuable for Operators
The guest experience is intuitive:
- Scan a code
- Unlock the gear
- Paddle or kayak at your own pace
- Return the equipment when done
Rental options include pay-as-you-go ($25/hour) and monthly memberships ($54/month) for more frequent users. This flexibility appeals to both short-term guests and long-term campers, providing value to different types of travelers.
For operators, this means a steady amenity that contributes to your value proposition. It can help you:
- Differentiate your campground in a competitive market
- Justify premium pricing or added resort fees
- Improve guest satisfaction scores
- Generate low-effort revenue
Making Outdoor Recreation More Accessible
What’s compelling about Buoy—beyond the logistics—is its potential to expand access. Not every camper travels with gear, and not everyone has the storage or vehicle space for a paddleboard or kayak. With Buoy, you remove those barriers and invite more people to enjoy the water—whether they’re families, solo travelers, or first-time paddlers.
That inclusivity aligns with the broader mission many campground owners share: making the outdoors more enjoyable, more memorable, and more accessible to all.
Ready to Elevate Your Campground’s Shoreline?
Whether you manage a campground along a lake, river, or coastal area, adding a self-service water recreation station could be the next smart step in growing your amenity offering—without expanding your operations.
To learn more or request a customized quote, visit buoywaterclub.com or reach out directly at hello@buoywaterclub.com.
