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. : )

[kcmoedoe]

If you are willing to wade through a bunch of dead ends, unreasonable prices and false leads, you might want to post your inquiry on www.rv.net in their forums. It gets many more views than these forums. But you never know, something that would work for you might pop up.

[SASMITH]

wantacampground, Thanks for reviving this thread, it has some very good info for me as we just purchased a piece of property in middle ga for another purpose, but found that it was once a campground (2 acres, 52 spaces in pecan orchard with I-75 frontage). Though the property was originally bought for another purpose it has such great potential as an RV park I decided to look into putting it back into operation. We considered reselling it, but was told by CG brokers that fixer up parks don't sell. Any one have any ideas on this? Thanks, SASmith

[wantacampground]

wantacampground, Thanks for reviving this thread, it has some very good info for me as we just purchased a piece of property in middle ga for another purpose, but found that it was once a campground (2 acres, 52 spaces in pecan orchard with I-75 frontage). Though the property was originally bought for another purpose it has such great potential as an RV park I decided to look into putting it back into operation. We considered reselling it, but was told by CG brokers that fixer up parks don't sell. Any one have any ideas on this? Thanks, SASmith

Sasmith

Sorry, been out for awhile. I think it would be great if you can get the campground backup and going again. I would disagree with the broker that fixer upper parks do not sell...they just need to priced accordingly. I have and continue to look at many parks out there and the pricing ranges a great deal depending on a whole lot of variables. Would be happy to discuss with you if you like?

Welcome to the forum and I hope that you are enjoying your new property/campground - :-)

[SASMITH]

Sorry, been out for awhile. I think it would be great if you can get the campground backup and going again. I would disagree with the broker that fixer upper parks do not sell...they just need to priced accordingly. I have and continue to look at many parks out there and the pricing ranges a great deal depending on a whole lot of variables. Would be happy to discuss with you if you like?

Thanks for the response, I will say also that I agree that a fixxer up park in the right location could be someones diamond in the rough. Just not sure I am the one to get this one going again. would like your opinion on pricing, but knowing that location plays a big part in this and as this forum does not allow me to give that info, you may want to respond to my direct e-mail asab@windstream.net(if this is allowed by the moderator?) SASmith