Step 16: Map out and cost your ideal campsite layout...
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Aside from location, the utility of space is critical to getting the balance right with delivering optimal campsite services.
Organisation and layout of your campsite pitches and amenities will either make for a convenient camping experience or otherwise one with quite a lot of user friction.
Of considerable importance is establishing optimal campsite layout for immediate operations as well as for the accommodation of future growth.
Setting the best layout for the customer for time to come can be make or break for campsite businesses.
Integrally tied into the planning permission process , drafting a good layout has multiple benefits.
The best way however to get a proper feel for what we mean, regarding campsite layout, is to delve into an illustrative case study .
The experts at the helm in this professional case study are SCHOENBAUER CONSULTING, LLC .
A husband and wife team with plenty of complimentary corporate experience in architectural landscaping and business management respectively.
"...a Minneapolis-based planning, design, community outreach/public process, and research firm specializing in public projects that improve the quality of life in our communities. "
...image and quote courtesy of http://www.schoenbauerconsulting.com/
Case study background:
The City of Fergus Falls retained Jeff and Kathy to draft a campsite master plan for the development of Delagoon Campground . It is a strategic, visionary document.
It is a primary tool of communicating a clear case for eliciting funding and to accompany the necessary planning submissions .
What we aim to provide by relaying this case study is a user-friendly digest for campsite start-ups , much like yours, whatever the scale.
These are strategic considerations of a development project, as articulated and delivered by consummate professionals.
We hope your enjoy this...
The Delagoon Campground Case Study
Regional significance and importance
It seems this campground aside from serving tourists also offers it's resources to the community in which it resides and thus is highly valued for recreational benefits.
It's redevelopment would provide a wealth of opportunities to fill a discernible value gap that otherwise would have been left unattended.
"The campground is a much needed regional recreational facility that complements other public (and private) regional or state-level campgrounds in the area . "
Regional general camping availability
Within the region, the are many other privately owned campsites which offer only limited availability to their facilities throughout the year.
Without Fergus Falls , regional guests looking for a general camping experience, year round, will be driven out of region to search for a solution elsewhere.
"Delagoon Campground is the only public campground along the full length of the Central Lakes State Trail. "
Setting & Environment
The campground is surrounded by lakes which are favoured positions for fishing trips.
There is also a local business district which connects guests to services such as local shops and entertainment.
"... direct access to Pebble Lake, the Central Lakes State Trail and the amenities provided at Delagoon Park all add value to the camping experience. "
Current campsite map
The current campsite map and layout offers an accurate as-is picture.
But also the map highlights s a raft of glaring problems which are in great need of correction.
A closer examination alludes to many issues which tell a story of general disrepair and in some areas, frank decay.
Having said that, the value-adding opportunities for redeveloping what is certainly a most diverse use of land are manifold.
"Although in need of redevelopment, the site itself is well-suited and well-located for development of a regional-level campground...(however), the existing utilities are rundown and do not meet current standards."
The user trends for campsites within this region show an increasing preference (particularly from older guests) for a higher quality of amenities e.g. RV/Camper hook-up above and beyond over the more rustic, authentic tent-based experiences.
"...the diversity of campers and types of camping units is wide ranging – with a trend toward larger self contained RVs and campers."
Vision Statement
This is the portion of the document where the ambition of the executive team of owners is succinctly outlined for all to see.
The ideal camping experience should be found within these lines and all amenities by which to deliver real service excellence for years to come.
"[Mission statement:]... provide a high quality camping and outdoor recreational experience, along with providing a convenient place to stay for residents, regional visitors and tourists... "
Master plan illustration campsite masterplan is neatly summed up by the following illustration.
Roadways and entrance
The roadways and entrance to the campsite are quite an attraction in themselves.
They do a delightful job of showing off the outstanding natural beauty of the environment.
They are built-up in tarmac for durability and ease of traverse for guests in motor vehicles like RVs etc.
"...new entrance drive will traverse through an old farmstead to create a more appealing sense of entrance to the campground."
Sanitation
Custom designed buildings to contain laundry rooms, toilets and shower rooms are provided for within the planned redevelopment.
The designs and standards are underpinned by the local authority heath and safety department policies.
"...number of options are being considered for the design of the sanitation building and toilet facilities."
Dump station and trash
Dump station and trash recycling amenities are regularly distributed through the expansive landscape of this park.
"... trash/recycling center will be designed with a pull-off lane from the entrance road to allow campers to dispose of their trash without blocking outgoing traffic."
Trails, reserves and recreational areas
Trails which are tarmacked for easy car access are flanked by picnic benches, ballparks and beach.
There are wood storage units at regular intervals for campers to obtain pest-free wood for wood fires.
"...allow campers to walk or bike between camp loops and gain access to the various recreational features within and outside the campground."
Lawns and landscaped areas
Aside from well maintained turf in many areas of the park, there is more wild, natural habitat with trees and shrubbery .
"... well-maintained park-like aesthetic will be retained, many of the areas in and around the campground loops will be transitioned over time to a more natural landscape of native trees."
This campsite layout case study wouldn't be complete if there wasn't a round-up of cost.
As is customary for such a grand scale project, the costs involved for delivering the goods are likewise massive.
If your campsite start-up project is a more humbled scaled down version, if even comparable at all, don't fast forward just yet.
It's worth taking a look at the itemised costs as they lend a well rounded appreciation for all involved.
These cost categories
However, the principal of cost category should still apply.
