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. : )

[Texasrvers]

SASMITH,

We are glad that you are a member of our website and that you are participating in our forum. We realize you are in just the beginning stages of starting an RV park, and this is a great place to ask for and get advice. However, we do not allow park owners to tell where their park is located as this could be considered solicitation which we do not allow. We have removed your last post as it too closely identified the area where your park will be. Please feel free to continue your discussion about starting an RV park; just please do not mention specifically where it is. Thanks.

[SASMITH]

SASMITH,

We are glad that you are a member of our website and that you are participating in our forum. We realize you are in just the beginning stages of starting an RV park, and this is a great place to ask for and get advice. However, we do not allow park owners to tell where their park is located as this could be considered solicitation which we do not allow. We have removed your last post as it too closely identified the area where your park will be. Please feel free to continue your discussion about starting an RV park; just please do not mention specifically where it is. Thanks.

SORYY, Was trying to stay away from that by not giving address. Thanks, SAS