Owners’ Checklist to Sell Their Campground, RV Park, or Marina

Phase 1: Clarify Your Goals & Timeline

Something worth asking yourself:

Will you be ready to hand it over when the time comes? Many owners find that giving themselves permission to grieve the transition makes the exit feel more complete.

Think about your next steps:

• Do you still want to be involved in the business?

• If you are living on site, do you want to move off-site?

• When do you want to begin the sale process?

Knowing this helps you evaluate offers and structure the deal.

*Pro Tip: Campgrounds with documented operating procedures, trained staff, and clean reservation data typically command higher valuations. If your park can run for a week without you, buyers see that as lower risk - and lower risk means better offers.

Phase 2: Gather Documents & Information

Campgrounds with documented operating procedures, trained staff, and clean reservation data typically command higher valuations. If your park can run for a week without you, buyers see that as lower risk — and lower risk means better offers. Buyers will request the following information about the past 3-5 years prior to close:

*Pro Tips: Start Early & Create a digital folder (e.g., Google Drive)

Financial & Operational

• Financial statements and business tax returns

• Reservation system data and reports

• Utility bills

• Payroll and employee records

• Key vendor and employee contact lists

Legal & Compliance

• Property deed and survey

• All permits, licenses, and zoning documents

• Lease agreements (if any long-term sites or vendors)

• Insurance policies

• Contracts with suppliers or service providers

Environmental & Infrastructure

• Previous environmental reports (Phase I or II)

• Utility records and permitting (water, septic, electric, internet, etc)

• Inspection reports

• Major infrastructure changes (such as upgrades, redesigns, etc)

• As-built drawings for utilities and infrastructure

• Any known issues or past remediation

Phase 3: Assemble Your Professional Team

Accountant / Tax Advisor — Critical for understanding capital gains, depreciation recapture, and deal structuring options.

Attorney — Experienced in business and real estate transactions (preferably someone familiar with campgrounds or hospitality).

Phase 4: Plan for People & Communication

For many owners, deciding when and how to tell their team is the hardest part of the entire process. That's completely normal. We can help you think through the timing and the words — and in some cases, we have helped sellers draft the actual announcement together.

Protect confidentiality. Until you’re ready, limit who knows you’re exploring a sale. Premature rumors can affect staff morale and guest bookings.

Phase 5: The Sale Process

Once you have interest from a buyer (hopefully us):

• Respond same day to information requests from the buyer

• Schedule 2-5 site visits around your schedule and guests

• Be transparent about known issues — surprises during due diligence create friction, and big surprises kill deals

Phase 6: Closing & Transition

• Complete final walkthroughs and inspections

• Sign the purchase agreement and satisfy contingencies

• Transfer utilities, accounts, keys, codes, and records

If you want to begin today, reach out for a confidential, no-pressure discussion with our team.