For hosts, managers, and owners living this day in, day out: Running a campground is already enough: - Sites to turn over - Bathrooms and trash that never stop - check‑ins, late arrivals, “one more vehicle,” “one more tent” On top of that, every park has to decide one thing: Where’s the hard line? The line where: - It’s not “customer is always right” - It’s “this is how we do it here, or you leave” Some examples I’ve been thinking about or tightening: - Quiet hours – Is it a “suggestion,” or do you actually shut it down? One warning and done? Or three warnings and no sleep for anyone? - Speeding – Do you ignore the guy flying through at 20+ because “he’s leaving soon,” or is that a non‑negotiable safety issue? - Extra people / vehicles – Do you look the other way when extra cars or extra bodies show up on a site, or is that a line you hold every single time? - Dogs – Leash means leash? Or is it “well, he’s friendly” until something happens? Here’s what I’m noticing: When we’re vague, everything is harder: - Guests test the limits because they don’t actually know what the limits are. - Staff hesitate to enforce anything because they’re not sure you’ll back them up. - You end up exhausted from case‑by‑case decisions that should have been handled by one clear rule. When we’re clear, it gets simpler: - The right guests appreciate it. - The wrong guests leave faster. - Staff know exactly what to say and do. So I’m asking other camp hosts/managers/owners here: 1. What’s ONE hard line at your campground that you enforce every single time?(Noise, pets, speed, visitors, alcohol, generators, whatever.) 2. What’s ONE area where you know you’re too soft right now and it’s costing you peace, time, or damage? 3. Have you ever tightened a rule and watched the overall vibe of your park improve? I’m not talking about being a jerk or running a prison camp. I’m talking about being the grown‑up in charge so your guests can actually relax, your staff aren’t confused, and you don’t burn yourself out putting out the same fires over and over.

One of the simplest ways to prevent complaints and surprises is a fast morning walk-through before guests really get moving. Take 10 minutes to roll through your main loops or sections and look for anything a guest might notice before they do: overflowing trash 🚮, messy fire rings 🔥, standing water 💧, broken picnic tables, missing or crooked site markers, or anything blocking a roadway or path.​ Use your phone notes 📱 (or a small notebook) to jot down quick fixes vs. maintenance requests that need to be passed to the owner or manager. This tiny routine makes you look on top of things, cuts down on “urgent” radio calls later in the day, and creates a better first impression for every camper who steps outside in the morning.✨​ Question for the group: Do you have a morning or evening routine that helps you “get ahead” of problems before guests notice them? Share one thing you always check. 👇

From my family to all of yours, have a happy Thanksgiving!

Hey Camp Host Central crew! If you’re looking to take your skills (and your resume) to the next level, I highly recommend checking out the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) program offered by the NRPA (National Recreation and Park Association). Why consider getting CPRP certified? - Stand Out: The CPRP is recognized across the country as the gold standard for park and recreation professionals—which includes campground hosts and managers! - Broaden Your Skills: The training covers leadership, facility management, risk management, customer service, and much more. It’s not just for city parks—the knowledge is directly transferable to campground operations and guest experiences. - Boost Opportunities: Certification can open doors to higher-level host positions, management roles, and even new career paths within the outdoor recreation industry. - Increase Your Confidence: You’ll gain new best practices, improve your problem-solving, and bring even more value to your guests and your team. What’s involved? - The training is flexible, with online options and resources to help you prep. - Once you pass the exam, you’ll join a national network of certified professionals—great for networking and career growth. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned host, CPRP can give you a real edge. If anyone here has already completed the program, I’d love to hear your thoughts or advice for those considering it! Let’s keep raising the bar in our profession—our campgrounds and campers deserve the best!

Hey Camp Host Central! Even when it’s not officially the rainy season, storms can sneak up on us and catch everyone off guard. I’d love to hear your best tips for managing those unexpected showers—whether they hit during setup, camp activities, or late night at the site. How do you quickly shift plans or keep spirits high when rain appears out of nowhere?What do you have prepped just in case: tarps, drying hacks, fun indoor ideas, or emergency gear? Share your quick fixes, gear recommendations, and favorite “just in case” rainy day routines.Let’s help each other stay ready and keep campers dry and happy all year round—even when the forecast gets it wrong! - What’s your go-to trick for staying dry in sudden rain? - Any camp activities that turn rainy days into fun instead of frustration? - If you’ve had a memorable rainy day moment, share your story! Looking forward to your advice and stories!