Considering Purchasing A Campground Options

[campinngal]

My husband and I are considering purchasing a campground (or dude ranch). My husband has a steady job that he would give up. We are in our 40's. Am just beginning researching this idea and have purchased a book about buying, owning, managing, etc. Have several basic questions and was hoping to hear from campground owners. Hotel values have dropped ridiculously during the recession. My friend in commerical real estate has a resort that was assessed at 10 million, 2 years ago. It's current assessment is 1.5 million. Have the value of campgrounds dropped as well? He says that the standard right now when making an offer is to offer 20 to 30 cents on the dollar and that one cannot judge profits from the last few years in this economy. Thoughts on this (as it would apply to a campground offer)? Would a campground provide a decent living and/or retirement? If you were to have the choice of buying a campground or ranch today, would you do it? If so, would you go for a higher priced campground with a larger profit or a low priced campground with a smaller profit? A seasonal or year round? Both seem to offer the same percentage profit, it's just the numbers are different. Also, what are the benefits and/or pitfalls of going with a franchise (like KOA) vs. an independentally owned campground. Finally, if you can recommend any books, articles, websites, etc., it would be appreciated. Thank you so much. : )

[wantacampground]

I would like to revive this topic as I am currently looking to purchase a campground and there was a lot of good information being written. I am also looking for insight on best places to find campgrounds currently for sale. If you are an owner and are looking to possibly sell in the Southeast...NC, North GA. please feel free to send me a message directly.

I am also looking for buyer resources. Items I should be looking at when visiting a potential campground.

Thank you all for any and all wisdom you can provide.

[kcmoedoe]

I would like to revive this topic as I am currently looking to purchase a campground and there was a lot of good information being written. I am also looking for insight on best places to find campgrounds currently for sale. If you are an owner and are looking to possibly sell in the Southeast...NC, North GA. please feel free to send me a message directly.

I am also looking for buyer resources. Items I should be looking at when visiting a potential campground.

Thank you all for any and all wisdom you can provide.

Best place to start is www.rvparkstore.com Many individuals and brokers post their listings on that site.

[wantacampground]

Best place to start is www.rvparkstore.com Many individuals and brokers post their listings on that site.

Kcmoedoe - thank you for your reply. I have read a lot of your posts and appreciate the knowledge that you have. I have been on the rvparkstore and others. I am trying to find some of the parks out there that might not tied to a broker or agent....not that there is anything wrong with this....but I am trying to find that hidden gem.