Tank Up at the Campground: Profiting from the RV Crowd
Seasonal RV Crowd parks offer a steady wave of propane demand, especially during peak travel months when vacationers and full-time RVers set up camp. If you’re looking to grow your propane business without committing to major new infrastructure, these parks can be a strong place to start. The key is figuring out how to serve them well without stretching your team too thin or adding more than you can handle.
Expanding into RV parks involves more than simply selling more propane – it’s about building dependable, repeatable service that fits your schedule and theirs. With the right setup, this sector can become a reliable part of your yearly business plan.
Know When the Season Starts and Ends
RV parks operate on a predictable and reliable schedule. Most open in spring and slow down in fall. Before you commit to any service, get to know the season length. Some parks operate year-round, but many have clear start and stop dates tied to weather or local tourism.
If you build your delivery plan around those busy times, you’ll avoid wasting trips and will be sure to make the most of your time and efforts. Try to meet with the park manager in the late winter or early spring and ask what patterns they’ve seen in past years.
Work With Park Owners to Plan Service
Most RV parks have someone in charge of managing sites and helping guests. That person should be your first contact. Set up a clear way to communicate with them so you can plan ahead. Ask where most tanks are located, how guests usually pay for propane, and what kind of volume to expect.
Many park owners are open to building a schedule – once a week or twice a month – for on-site fills. If you make things easy for them, they will be more likely to promote your service to their guests.
Keep Safety and Clarity a Top Priority
When dealing with propane in a park full of families and travelers, safety is everything. Make sure your team knows how to handle outdoor fills where space is tight and tank setups vary. A simple handout with safety tips and tank check instructions can go a long way in building trust.
Also, be clear about how billing works. Are guests paying you directly, or is the park collecting and paying in one lump sum? Avoid confusion upfront and things will run more smoothly all season.
Start With a Pilot Program
Rather than signing up a dozen parks at once, test the idea with just one or two. Offer regular delivery, track how often tanks need filling, and note any delays or issues. This lets you fine-tune your service before expanding into more locations.
A small test helps your team get used to RV park layouts, unusual requests, or weekend delivery needs. You’ll also find out if the park’s volume is worth the time and fuel to get there.
Build Brand Awareness at Each Park
Every RV guest is a potential long-term customer. They might come back next season – or refer others to your company. Leave compelling flyers, easy contact information, and maybe even a small welcome message in the office or check-in station.
Don’t just show up, fill tanks, and leave. Be the friendly propane company they will remember when they need a refill, repair, or recommendation down the road.
Fueling Growth With Seasonal Opportunities
Working with RV parks may not be a year-round job, but it gives your company a way to make the most of warmer months when homeowners use less propane. It fills in those off-season gaps, keeps your drivers busy, and grows your customer base in new places – all without a big upfront investment.
RV parks can become one of the smartest ways to expand your delivery footprint without overloading your core business. By staying organized, working closely with park managers, and delivering great service, you create new income during peak travel months while showing your seasonal customers the value of local propane care.
