Why Do We Charge Guest Fees?

by Angee Cozik June 13, 2024

Why Do We Charge Guest Fees at Happy Acres?

Camping is a beloved pastime, offering a chance to unwind, connect with nature, and spend quality time with loved ones. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the experience, you might wonder why guest fees are part of the equation. It’s not a simple question, but the answer lies in the intricate balance of maintaining the quality and safety of our campground. Let’s delve into why these fees are essential.

1. Impact on Systems and Utilities

Every additional person at our campground increases the demand on our systems and utilities. Water usage goes up, septic systems have to process more, and electrical consumption rises. These utilities are designed to accommodate a certain number of people, and exceeding that limit can strain the infrastructure. Additionally, increased traffic on our roads leads to more wear and tear, necessitating more frequent repairs and maintenance. Regular maintenance and occasional upgrades are necessary to keep everything running smoothly, and guest fees help cover these costs.

2. Increased Cleaning and Supplies

More people mean more frequent use of our bathroom facilities, which in turn requires more cleaning and supplies. We want to ensure that our restrooms are always clean and well-stocked, providing a pleasant experience for all campers. The additional cleaning supplies and labor required to maintain this standard are partially funded by guest fees.

3. Maintenance of Common Areas and Amenities

Common areas like the pool, roads, and recreational spaces see more wear and tear with increased use. The pool, for instance, needs regular cleaning, chemical balancing, and monitoring to ensure it remains safe and enjoyable for everyone. Extra guests mean more frequent use, leading to higher costs for pool chemicals and increased maintenance. Similarly, roads may require more frequent repairs due to higher traffic, and play areas need regular upkeep to stay safe and enjoyable. Guest fees contribute directly to the maintenance of these areas, ensuring they remain in top condition for everyone.

4. Increased Staff Requirements

More guests mean that we need more staff to manage the campground effectively. From checking in guests to maintaining facilities and ensuring the safety of all campers, our team works hard to provide excellent service. Additional guests require more staff time and resources to manage, and guest fees help us cover the costs of hiring and training extra staff members to maintain our high standards.

5. Even “Non-Users” Contribute to Costs

We often hear from campers who say, "They aren't using any amenities or facilities; they are just coming back to my campsite. Why do they have to pay?" Even if guests are not directly using amenities, their presence still contributes to the overall wear and tear on the campground. Extra people mean more foot traffic, more waste, and a greater demand on all campground services, from trash collection to general upkeep. Ensuring that the entire campground remains clean, safe, and pleasant for everyone requires resources, and guest fees help cover these essential expenses.

6. Security and Peace of Mind

A well-managed campground is a secure campground. By regulating the number of guests and collecting fees, we can maintain a safer environment. Knowing who is on the premises helps us keep track of all campers and guests, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and ensuring that everyone can enjoy their stay without concerns about overcrowding or security breaches.

Conclusion

In summary, guest fees play a vital role in maintaining the quality, safety, and overall enjoyment of our campground. They help us manage the increased demand on systems and utilities, provide necessary cleaning and supplies, maintain common areas and amenities like the pool and roads, support our dedicated staff, and ensure a secure environment. We strive to keep our guest fees low to make it affordable and easier for people to connect and relax. We believe that these factors are crucial to providing a memorable and enjoyable camping experience for you, your guests, and all our campers. Thank you for understanding and supporting our efforts to keep our campground a wonderful place for everyone.

Don't just camp - CAMP HAPPY!