Marketing is the engine that drives bookings and long-term loyalty for outdoor hospitality businesses. In today’s competitive and digital-first landscape, marketing is essential.
At its core, marketing is the art and science of creating meaningful connections with potential and returning guests. It involves understanding who your ideal guest is, how they behave, where they search, and what motivates them to book, and then positioning your business to show up with the right message at the right time.
Marketing spans a wide range of activities: from making sure your park shows up in search engine results and online directories, to telling your story through email and social media, to converting web traffic into reservations. It’s how you build awareness and establish credibility before a guest ever arrives at your front gate.
Why does that matter? Visibility without credibility doesn’t convert. In fact, 92% of marketers say they’re increasing investment in brand awareness in 2025 (Hubspot, 2025), a clear sign that standing out is non-negotiable. Marketing matters because your competition is already doing it. And if you’re not showing up online, there’s a good chance someone else is showing up in your place.
One of the foundational elements of modern marketing is Search Engine Optimization (SEO). SEO helps your park appear when people search for terms like “RV resorts near Glacier National Park” or “pet-friendly campgrounds in Texas.” It’s about optimizing your website, listings, and content so search engines can easily understand and rank them. Appearing as the number one result on Google’s organic search results dramatically increases the chances of being clicked with a 27.6% click-through rate on average, compared to less than .63% for listings on page two (Backlinko, 2024).
-OHI Supplier Member to consider: Stryde specializes in SEO, Google Ads, and AI search optimization tailored for outdoor hospitality. Their data-driven approach helps convert search traffic into direct bookings.
Another cornerstone strategy is email marketing. Unlike social media, where your message can be buried in a crowded feed, email allows you to speak directly to people who already care about your brand. Seasonal promotions, reservation reminders, and post-stay surveys build trust and keep guests engaged year-round. It’s also one of the most cost-effective tools out there. For every dollar spent, email marketing returns an average of $36 (Litmus, 2024).
-OHI Supplier Member to consider: Constant Contact offers email automation and customer engagement tools that are perfect for small teams, plus, OHI members get a discount ranging from 10%-25%.
When it comes to gaining visibility quickly, digital advertising is a smart investment. Paid media lets you target by interest, location, seasonality, and more utilizing things like Google Ads, social media campaigns, or retargeting tools. Done right, it ensures your park is front and center when guests are ready to book. Wordstream’s 2024 data shows Google Ads generate a typical ROI of 200%, meaning every $1 spent can return $2 or more (Wordstream, 2024).
-OHI Supplier Member to consider: Influence Digital Agency LLC delivers custom ad strategies backed by ROI tracking, ensuring your dollars are working hard.
AI isn’t here to take over your marketing, it’s here to support it. It helps streamline repetitive tasks, create content across different formats, and simplify how you track performance.
According to HubSpot’s 2025 State of Marketing report, marketers are using AI to:
•Convert written content into videos, audio, and social-ready assets
•Streamline customer service through automated DMs
•Track campaign ROI with AI-powered analytics
•Adapt quickly across platforms—all without needing a massive team
That said, not everyone feels ready. Only 36% of marketers say they have a clear understanding of how to use AI in their strategy, and even fewer, just 27%, know how to measure its impact (HubSpot, 2025). The learning curve is real, but the opportunity is huge.
This is good news, you just need the right tools and partners. OHI supplier members like Stryde and Influence Digital Agency are already using AI in practical, campground-savvy ways to boost visibility, optimize listings, and get more direct bookings.
For outdoor hospitality businesses, social media and guest-generated content are powerful ways to showcase the experience you offer. People want to see real stories and real photos from real guests. These authentic visuals build trust and inspire action far more effectively than polished ads alone. The top social channels for 2025 are YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. (Hubspot, 2025)
-OHI Supplier Member to consider: Flip.to turns guests into ambassadors, helping you reach new travelers through authentic storytelling that inspires action.
Don’t underestimate the value of your local listings and map presence. From Google Business Profiles to campground directories like GoCampingAmerica.com and GPS services, your park’s listing needs to be consistent, accurate, and compelling. If your hours, amenities, or contact info are outdated or inconsistent across platforms, travelers may lose trust or choose a competitor. BrightLocal’s 2024 survey found that 77% of consumers use at least two review platforms in their business research. (Brightlocal, 2024)
-OHI Supplier Member to consider: Stryde’s map optimization services ensure your digital footprint is polished and aligned across every platform.
Lastly, never overlook the importance of your print and online guest materials. Whether it’s a guidebook, brochure, or park website, your branding and content need to be professional and informative
-OHI Supplier Member to consider: AGS Guest Guides creates custom-designed area service guides and park materials that are both visually appealing and packed with value for guests.
You don’t need to do it all yourself. If you’re running a small operation, or simply don’t have time to manage the marketing landscape, turn to professionals who understand outdoor hospitality.
Milestone Inc. brings decades of experience in hotel and campground marketing, helping over 10,000 hospitality businesses grow through responsive websites, search marketing, and performance tracking.
Every one of the supplier partners mentioned here is part of the OHI Marketplace, and many offer exclusive discounts to members. They’ve been vetted by professionals in the industry and understand the specific needs of outdoor hospitality businesses.
Marketing brings your park into view and keeps it top of mind. A thoughtful approach builds trust and fills your sites with guests who are excited to be there.
Make sure your listings look sharp. Keep your information current. Partner with people who understand outdoor hospitality.
Somewhere out there, someone’s planning a trip and doesn’t know they’re your biggest fan yet. Let’s fix that.
