As the summer months come to an end, many camps and retreat centers experience a significant drop in their revenue. However, there are several ways to generate more income by utilizing your facilities during the non-summer months. Here are five revenue-generating tactics for camps during the retreat season:
A great way to generate income during the off-months is by offering add-ons to existing services. These add-ons can be small but collectively meaningful, enriching your visitors’ experience while boosting revenue.
Examples include:
The key is to provide thoughtful hospitality without nickel-and-diming guests — finding the balance between guest experience and operational sustainability.
Your camp store can generate revenue by selling items that enhance a guest’s stay.
Consider offering:
Partnering with local vendors is an easy way to boost product variety while supporting small businesses in your area.
Offering additional activities can attract guests during the retreat season — especially seasonal ones.
Ideas include:
Market these activities to families, school groups, churches, corporate retreats, and community organizations.
Consider opening underused or new spaces to create fresh guest experiences.
Themed rooms or activity spaces are increasingly popular. For example:
Small transformations can dramatically increase guest appeal and usage.
Loss-leaders are offerings priced low to attract guests who will spend money elsewhere.
A classic example:
High-ropes at a discount to encourage overnight stays and meals. Guests value the experience and often choose to pay for lodging and food, which carry stronger margins.
You can also bundle or gate offerings:
These strategies create compelling value while driving higher-margin revenue.
By viewing your facilities through a new lens, you can uncover opportunities to generate sustainable revenue beyond the summer season. Creativity, innovation, and alignment with guest needs are the keys to keeping your camp financially healthy year-round.
Using these five revenue-generating tactics, you can move away from the idea of an “off-season” and instead build a rotating calendar of hosted events, programs, and services.
