By Beau Eckstein

September 4, 2022

campground, KOA, rv park, sba 504, SBA 7a, sba funding, sba loans, small business loans

In this article, you will find out how you can get a loan to buy a campground.

Owning a campground can be a profitable venture that is also fun, challenging, and fulfilling. The camping industry is huge, earning between $7 and $9 billion dollars per year.

However, if you want to get into this business, you will most likely need financing, as most people don’t have upwards of $1 million in liquid cash at their disposal.

Where can I find financing to purchase a campground?

In addition to a loan from a bank, there are other loan choices available. You are able to submit an application for an SBA loan. A bank may demand an SBA guarantee if they are unwilling to lend to you. You STILL NEED to put down a deposit.

What size is a campground, in acres?

Generally speaking, 5-6 acres can contain about 45 well spaced out campsites, 10 acres will get you 80-100 campsites, and 20 acres will yield about 180 campsites. 

How much does installing an RV pad cost?

The ballpark figure is about $6000 per RV pad. This includes all the hookups an RV requires.

However, campsites are much different. If they are tent sites, the cost per campsite is far lower.

Is managing a campground challenging?

A campground company is something you may start if you enjoy being outside and work hard at it. Before opening a campsite, you'll need the skills and motivation to handle a variety of tasks, including management, bookkeeping, repairs, road maintenance, plumbing, and electrical upkeep.

Taking this into account, how can you purchase land for camping?

Look into the viability of purchasing a campsite and the surrounding land. Check the water and electricity systems. Examine the site's access routes and terrain. Examine the recreational facilities' quality. Observe regional problems. Look through the reviews and star ratings. Request to see the campground's revenue. 

One may also inquire as to how much a camping business is worth. There are numerous appropriate ways to determine a company's worth. Depending on the sort of business being appraised, including its industry, size, and sale circumstances, one method may be more appropriate than another. Professionals at campgrounds will provide you with figures such as 2.8 to 3.8 times GROSS SALES.

What do visitors seek in a campground?

Level campsites, full hookups, reasonable rates, and park amenities are among the essentials that RVers often look for in a campground. However, certain factors, like as the day of the week, the weather, and the location, may also influence the RVer's choice of park.

What’s my best financing option?

At the end of the day, buying a campground can be a daunting experience. Over the past decade or so, land prices have skyrocketed, putting large pieces of real estate in peril for budding camp hosts.

Fear not, the SBA has several loan programs that could help you realize your dream of owning a campground business.

If you are looking at purchasing an existing campground (the easiest option), look into the SBA’s 7a loan program. It features flexible terms, low rates, and a government-guaranteed loan.

If you want to build your own campground, you should probably consider an SBA 504.

You can learn about both programs here and here. You can learn more about financing an RV park here.

When you are ready to take the plunge, make sure you consult an experienced commercial loan advisor.

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Learn how to get RV park financing for your new business, using one or both of the SBA loan programs, the 504 and 7a. The RV park business is a lucrative one. Not only do you have the benefit of RV enthusiasts spending their vacations and weekends in your park, but you can also cater to

Working with Beau Eckstein as your commercial mortgage advisor when trying to locate the best SBA financing can be beneficial because he has extensive experience and knowledge in the field. He can help navigate the complex process of obtaining SBA financing and assist in finding the best options for your specific situation.

Additionally, his established relationships with lenders can help increase the chances of getting approved for funding.

Overall, working with a knowledgeable and experienced advisor like Beau Eckstein can greatly increase the chances of successfully obtaining SBA financing.

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