What should I ask about a campground’s seasonal site renters before buying?

Seasonal renters are often the steadiest income a campground has, so treat the list as a core document, not a footnote. Ask to see the agreements themselves and compare them with the rent roll. Look for sites with different terms, discounts for friends, or promises made by handshake that never reached paper.

Ask how renters are chosen, how renewals work, and what happened to the sites that came open recently. A waiting list suggests demand; unexplained turnover deserves a conversation. Find out who owns the units on each site, who maintains them, and what happens to a unit if a renter leaves. Ask about complaints, unpaid balances and any disputes over site rules.

Finally, ask how renters will hear about the sale and whether the seller will help introduce you before the next season opens. Speak with a few renters if the seller allows it, once the deal is far enough along. Note which renters pay on time and which need reminders, because payment habits show how settled the community really is. Write down every answer and ask for it in writing where it affects income.

Key takeaways

• Match each written agreement to the rent roll, site by site.
• Ask who owns the units on seasonal sites and what happens when a renter leaves.
• Look for verbal promises and side deals that never reached the paperwork.
• Plan an introduction to renters before the next season.