The Ultimate Pre-Season Checklist for Campground Owners (2026 Edition)

The weeks before your campground opens for the season set the tone for everything that follows. Rush the prep and you'll spend the first month of the season putting out fires. Plan it systematically and opening day feels smooth, staff feels prepared, and guests have a great first impression.

Here's a comprehensive checklist organized by timeline. Adjust the timing to your specific opening date, but the sequence matters.

6 Weeks Before Opening: Planning and Staffing

4 Weeks Before Opening: Infrastructure

• Finalize seasonal rates. Review last year's pricing, factor in any cost increases, and publish your rate sheet. If you're implementing new pricing strategies (dynamic pricing, length-of-stay discounts), set those up now.
• Confirm staffing. Reach out to returning staff, finalize new hires, and confirm start dates. Ensure everyone has necessary paperwork completed before day one.
• Review reservation software setup. Update rate structures, verify online booking is configured correctly, edit automated emails, if needed. Make any changes now - not during the first busy weekend.
• Order supplies. Cleaning supplies, maintenance materials, camp store inventory, office supplies, and any guest amenity items (firewood, ice, propane). Lead times can be longer than expected, so order early.
• Schedule training. Block time for staff training in the week before opening. Include software training, customer service expectations, emergency procedures, and site-specific knowledge.
• De-winterize water systems. Turn on water, check every connection for leaks, flush lines, and test all faucets, showers, and toilets. This is the most labor-intensive pre-season task and needs time for repairs.
• Inspect every site. Walk every site in the park. Check electrical pedestals (test each outlet), water connections, sewer hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and parking pads. Document everything that needs repair.
• Service bathhouses and facilities. Deep clean, inspect plumbing, test hot water heaters, replace any worn fixtures, and restock supplies.
• Inspect recreational facilities. Pool maintenance and fill (if applicable), playground equipment safety check, game room equipment, sports courts, and any rental equipment (kayaks, bikes, etc.).
• Road and grounds assessment. Grade roads, fill potholes, trim overhanging branches, clear any winter debris, and assess signage. First impressions start at the entrance.

2 Weeks Before Opening: Systems and Marketing

• Test all technology. WiFi throughout the park, reservation system, gate access, surveillance cameras, and any kiosk equipment. Fix connectivity issues before guests arrive.
• Update your website. Current season dates, updated rates, new photos from any improvements, and verify that online booking links work correctly on both desktop and mobile.
• Send pre-season emails. Notify past guests that you're opening. Include early-booking promotions, highlight any improvements made over the winter, and generate excitement for the season.
• Update directory listings. Google Business Profile, campground directories, OTA listings, and social media profiles should all reflect current season information.
• Verify insurance and permits. Confirm all policies are current, required permits are renewed, and any seasonal certifications (pool, food service) are in place.
• Staff training. Walk the entire property with your team. Review procedures, practice software workflows (check-in, check-out, reservation modifications), and run through emergency scenarios.

1 Week Before Opening: Final Prep

• Final site walk. One last inspection of every site and facility. Everything from the guest's perspective - would you be happy arriving to this site?
• Stock and organize. Camp store fully stocked, office supplies ready, cleaning supplies distributed to stations, and maintenance tools organized and accessible.
• Test guest experience end-to-end. Book a reservation online as a guest would. Follow the automated emails. Arrive and check in. Use the amenities. Check out. Make sure the entire experience works as intended.
• Prepare for contingencies. Have a plan for the things that go wrong in week one: power outages, water main breaks, software questions, staffing no-shows. Hope for the best, plan for the worst.

Opening Day

If you've followed this checklist, opening day should be anticlimatic - and that's exactly how you want it. Everything works, staff knows their roles, and guests arrive to a park that feels polished and ready.

The most important thing you can do on opening day is be visible. Walk the park. Talk to guests. Thank your staff. Set the tone for the season.