Amusements in the Campground Industry: New Revenue and Growth Opportunities
- Betson
- Mar 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 19
RV parks, campgrounds, and glamping resorts are growing in both size and sophistication as they compete to attract families seeking outdoor experiences. With the outdoor hospitality industry expanding, it creates new opportunities for amusement operators. Industry research shows the average campground now has more than 100 rental sites, and nearly 80% of parks are independently owned small businesses.
As campgrounds modernize and invest in new amenities, many are searching for entertainment options to enhance the camping experience, opening the door for operators to introduce new income opportunities.
Strong Locations
Campgrounds traditionally cater to families and multi-day stays, creating a consistent demand for on-site entertainment. During downtime between outdoor activities or when weather disrupts plans, guests naturally look for indoor attractions.
Arcade rooms provide an all-weather entertainment option that appeals to both kids and adults as these locations have a steady flow of guests throughout their operating season. Even a small game room with the right mix of games can generate reliable revenue!
The Hidden Opportunity: Outdated Game Rooms
Many campgrounds already have game rooms, but they are often filled with older equipment. In many cases, campground owners lack the expertise to repair machines, refresh their game lineup, or manage redemption programs.
This creates an opportunity for amusement route operators who can step in and transform these spaces into profitable entertainment centers with modern arcade and redemption games.
Success Story
One example of this opportunity can be seen at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in South Haven, Michigan. The campground had an existing arcade but struggled with outdated and broken machines that were no longer delivering value for the campers.
When they partnered with Betson, the location redesigned its game room with a curated mix of high-performing arcade and redemption games tailored to its guest demographic. After installing just five new machines, the campground doubled its arcade revenue in the first year.
Encouraged by the results, the park expanded the arcade further in year two with additional games and a redemption counter, demonstrating how strategic upgrades can quickly turn an underperforming game room into a strong revenue generator.
Technology Is Making Arcades Easier to Operate
Campgrounds are also adopting technology to streamline their operations and enhance guest engagement. Many parks now use online booking platforms, mobile apps, and integrated point-of-sale systems.
This growing comfort with technology makes it easier to introduce modern arcade solutions such as cashless play systems, tap-to-play cards, and digital reporting tools that simplify management while increasing guest spending.
A Market Worth Exploring
For amusement operators looking to grow their route business, campgrounds represent a highly promising market. With increasing guest traffic, a strong family demographic, and property owners eager to upgrade their amenities, these locations offer the potential to convert outdated game rooms into profitable entertainment centers.
As the success at Jellystone Park demonstrates, even modest upgrades with the right equipment and operational support can unlock significant revenue potential while creating lasting partnerships with campground owners.
This information was provided by Betson, a proud member of PAMMA. Insights reflect industry trends and examples shared by Betson and are intended for informational purposes only.
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