In today’s world, having Wi-Fi at your RV park is more crucial than ever. The rise of remote work, accelerated by the pandemic, has led to an increasing number of campers seeking connectivity during their outdoor adventures. With nearly 27 percent of the American workforce working remotely and the camping industry booming, providing reliable internet access can make or break your campground’s success.
The Value of Campground Internet
Doug Rafferty, an outdoor internet expert and full-time RVer, emphasizes that Wi-Fi at an RV park is a must for survival. Many campgrounds invest significantly in infrastructure but often overlook internet capabilities, resulting in poor bandwidth. Our survey echoes this sentiment, with 71 percent of RVers considering decent Wi-Fi as essential. In today’s digital age, quality internet is one of the most important investments your park can make.
Before Setting Up Wi-Fi
1. Cost Considerations
- On average, a high-speed provider with decent download speeds costs around $1000 to $1500 per month.
- Charging for Wi-Fi is increasingly accepted, with 66 percent of guests willing to pay a daily rate for quality internet.
2. Leisure Park Considerations
- Even if your park caters to leisure campers, our survey indicates that campers expect Wi-Fi at their campsite for basic online activities.
3. Location Matters
- While providing Wi-Fi in the clubhouse is an option, families often have multiple devices operating simultaneously. Consider extending Wi-Fi coverage throughout the park.
Best Practices for Wi-Fi Setup
1. Map Out Your Campground
- Identify potential obstructions (trees, concrete, metal buildings) and find the central location for your router.
2. Invest in a Quality Wireless Router
- Opt for a Dual-Band router for less interference.
- Aim for a central location with unobstructed reach.
- Aim for an average download speed of 50-100 Mbps per site.
3. Wi-Fi Range Extenders
- Place high quality wired Wi-Fi extenders (not cheap wireless units) strategically to cover potential dead zones and provide flexibility for campers.
Wi-Fi Resources
Explore high-speed providers such as Fiber Optic, Intellilink Internet, Fixed Wireless Providers, Starlink, ViaSat, Hughes Net, and Others for reliable connectivity.
Making the Connection
Enhancing your campground with quality wireless internet is an investment that adds significant value. Even if your goal is to provide a disconnect-from-the-world experience, offering Wi-Fi is crucial as more working professionals embrace RV life. Don’t let a lack of connectivity be the reason campers choose to stay elsewhere.
A Better Online Solution
Looking for a comprehensive solution for your campground, including reservation software, advertising, and more? Intellilink can help. Request a demo today and elevate your RV park experience with seamless connectivity!