Introduction
Email marketing is the highest-ROI marketing channel available—and it's one campground owners often overlook. Your email list is an asset you own, full of people who've already chosen to stay with you.
Building Your Email List
Where to Collect Emails
- At booking: Required field in reservation
- At check-in: Confirm or collect if missing
- On website: Newsletter signup form
- At checkout: "Stay in touch" invitation
What to Promise
"Join our email list for exclusive deals, events, and campground updates. We email monthly—never spam."
Email Types That Work
1. Transactional Emails
- Booking confirmations
- Pre-arrival information
- Post-departure thank-you
2. Promotional Emails
- Seasonal rate announcements
- Last-minute availability
- Early booking access
3. Newsletter Emails
- Monthly campground updates
- Event announcements
- Local area news
- Camping tips
4. Triggered Emails
- Birthday greetings
- Anniversary of first stay
- "We miss you" for lapsed guests
Sample Email Templates
Pre-Arrival Email (2-3 Days Before)
Subject: See You Soon! Here's What to Know
Hi [Name],
We're excited to welcome you on [Date]!
CHECK-IN: [Time window] at the main office
YOUR SITE: [Number]
ADDRESS: [Full address]
WHAT TO BRING:
• Confirmation (this email!)
• Valid ID
• [Any specific items]
Questions? Reply to this email or call [phone].
See you soon!
[Campground Name]
Monthly Newsletter
Subject: [Month] at [Campground]
WHAT'S NEW
[Brief campground update]
UPCOMING EVENTS
• [Event 1] - [Date]
• [Event 2] - [Date]
AVAILABILITY ALERT
[Specific weekends with openings]
FEATURED GUEST PHOTO
[Guest photo with credit]
Ready to book? [Link]
Automation Basics
Set Up These Sequences
Booking confirmation: Immediate Pre-arrival: 2-3 days before Welcome: Day of arrival Post-stay: 1-2 days after departure Review request: 3-5 days after departure "We miss you": 11 months after last stay
Best Practices
- Send from a real person (name@campground.com)
- Mobile-friendly design (most read on phones)
- Clear unsubscribe option (required by law)
- Consistent timing (same day/time builds expectation)
- Test subject lines (open rates vary significantly)
Key Takeaways
- Build your list at every guest touchpoint
- Automate transactional and triggered emails
- Send monthly newsletters to stay top-of-mind
- Always include booking links and clear CTAs
Keepr includes automated email sequences for confirmations, reminders, and follow-ups. Build your email marketing at campreserv.com