Introduction
Campground software is a major decision—it touches every aspect of your operation. The right choice makes daily work easier; the wrong one creates frustration. Here's what to evaluate.
Essential Features
Reservation Management
- [ ] Real-time availability calendar
- [ ] Online booking capability
- [ ] Multi-channel sync (website, phone, OTAs)
- [ ] Group booking support
- [ ] Modification and cancellation handling
Payment Processing
- [ ] Integrated payment gateway
- [ ] Deposits and balances
- [ ] Refund processing
- [ ] Multiple payment methods
Guest Communication
- [ ] Automated confirmations
- [ ] Pre-arrival reminders
- [ ] Post-stay follow-ups
- [ ] Guest messaging history
Reporting
- [ ] Occupancy reports
- [ ] Revenue summaries
- [ ] Guest data exports
- [ ] Custom date ranges
Important Considerations
Ease of Use
- How quickly can staff learn it?
- Is the interface intuitive?
- Do you need tech support for daily tasks?
Mobile Capability
- Can you manage from phone/tablet?
- Do guests have mobile-friendly booking?
- Is there an app or mobile-optimized site?
Support and Training
- What onboarding is provided?
- Is support included or extra?
- How quickly do they respond?
Pricing Structure
- Monthly fee vs. per-booking fee?
- Are there transaction costs?
- What's the total cost at your volume?
Questions to Ask Vendors
- How long does typical setup take?
- What training is included?
- How do you handle peak-season support?
- Can I import existing reservations?
- What happens to my data if I leave?
- How often do you update the software?
Red Flags
- Long-term contracts required
- No online booking capability
- Limited reporting
- Slow or unresponsive support
- Outdated interface
- Hidden fees
Making Your Decision
- List your must-have features
- Request demos from 3-4 vendors
- Check references from similar campgrounds
- Calculate total cost at your scale
- Start with the best fit for your needs
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize features you'll actually use
- Ease of use matters as much as features
- Support quality varies widely
- Calculate true costs, not just base price
Keepr is built specifically for campgrounds, with intuitive design and responsive support. See if we're the right fit at campreserv.com