How much does it cost to open a campground?

Opening a campground costs $100,000 to $1 million depending on land costs, number of sites, and amenity level. A basic tent camping operation on owned land starts at the lower end, while a full-service RV park with 50+ hookup sites, bathhouse, and recreation facilities approaches $1 million. Land and site development are the two largest costs.

Is owning a campground profitable?

Well-managed campgrounds can be quite profitable with net margins of 20 to 40 percent once established. Revenue comes from nightly fees ($25-$80), seasonal rates, and ancillary income from camp stores, firewood, and activities. Campgrounds near national parks and lakes perform best. Seasonality is the biggest challenge, as many operate only 6 to 8 months per year.

What is the difference between a campground and an RV park?

RV parks require significantly more infrastructure. Each RV site needs a level pad, electrical hookups (30/50 amp), water connections, and sewer access at $3,000 to $8,000 per site versus $500 to $1,500 per tent site. However, RV sites command $35 to $80 per night versus $20 to $40 for tent sites and attract longer-stay guests.

Campground Startup Cost Comparison

Helena, MT vs Chicago, IL

Helena, MT

$86,000 - $806,000

COL Index: 98.5

Chicago, IL

$142,000 - $1,446,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense	Helena, MT	Chicago, IL	Difference
Business Registration & Licenses	$1,100 - $5,000	$5,600 - $10,900	-63%
Land Purchase or Lease	$19,600 - $260,900	$58,700 - $782,600	-67%
Site Development & Infrastructure	$27,000 - $270,000	$34,500 - $345,000	-22%
Bathhouse & Facilities	$13,500 - $108,000	$17,300 - $138,000	-22%
Equipment & Amenities	$8,000 - $50,000	$8,000 - $50,000	Same
Business Insurance (Annual)	$4,000 - $18,000	$4,000 - $18,000	Same
Marketing & Reservation System	$3,000 - $15,000	$3,000 - $15,000	Same
Working Capital (6 Months)	$9,900 - $78,800	$10,800 - $86,200	-9%
Total Estimated Cost	$86,000 - $806,000	$142,000 - $1,446,000	-44%

Local Market Factors

Factor	Helena	Chicago
Cost of Living Index	98.5	107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr)	$10 - $20	$25 - $65
Labor Rate Index	0.9	1.15
Sales Tax	0%	10.25%
Minimum Wage	$10.30/hr	$15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee	$70	$150

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