Business start-up guide - campsite

Overview

Campsites are typically run by landowners who provide suitable areas of land for campers to pitch tents. While a campsite is not legally required to offer anything more than a basic pitch, many provide facilities such as a supply of drinking water and toilets. More established campsites provide additional facilities such as a laundry and a small shop selling basic groceries and camping equipment. Some sites also sell alcohol and are subject to strict licensing requirements.

Practicalities

Campsites are subject to local authority licensing and planning permission, and the facilities they provide must meet minimum standards.

See also: Four ideal locations to start a camping or glamping site

Planning permission is required before land can be used as a campsite. This must be obtained from the planning department of the local authority in the area where the campsite is located. Planning permission will also be required if any related developments are made to the land, such as the building of shower and toilet blocks.

Campsite owners that sell food products to campers, for example, groceries from an on-site shop, must register their premises with the environmental health department of the local authority in the area where the premises are located.

Campsite owners must provide consumers with certain information before accepting a booking, such as their pricing, payment and cancellation terms.

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