TL;DR
For most RV travelers, Google Maps is where they begin, so making your park show up and be seen can make a big difference in your reservation numbers
To get your RV park showing up on Google Maps, you need to claim and verify your Google Business Profile. Choose accurate categories (e.g., “RV park” and “Campground”), add good high-quality photos, keep your description brief and easy to read, define your service area, and encourage your happy guests to leave reviews.
This builds trust and influences Google algorithms to determine where and when to show your listing.
Why Google Maps Optimization Matters for RV Parks
Google Maps is usually the first tool RV travelers use when they’re planning a big trip or just looking for a place to stop for the night. If your RV park doesn’t appear in relevant searches, you’re missing out on all those potential customers. To build a strong presence on Google Maps, you’ll need to follow a few key steps.
Let’s cover the step-by-step process of creating and optimizing your RV park’s Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) so that you can start getting found.
Step 1: Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile
If you haven’t claimed your Google Business Profile yet, do it now. If you don’t have one yet (that’s the case when you just opened up), create one. Otherwise, usually you will find out that your RV park is already on Google Maps, but you have no control over your presence there until you claim it.
Here’s how:
- Go to https://www.google.com/business
- Click “Manage Now”
- Type in the name of your RV park or campground
- If your business is already listed, you need to claim it. If it isn’t, click “Add your business to Google”
- Follow the steps to enter your info and verify ownership (In most cases, Google will send you a postcard with a verification code, but sometimes you may get a phone call instead). Verification is crucial. Until you’re verified, your listing may be hidden or incomplete.
- If you are having trouble, check the info in Google Business Profile Help Center
Step 2: Choose the Right Business Categories
Google uses your business category to decide who will see your profile.
We recommend these categories for RV parks:
- Primary category: RV Park
- Additional categories: Campground, Lodging, Tourist Attraction (if applicable)
- Don’t overdo it. Stick to what actually reflects your services.
Step 3: Upload High-Quality Photos
Visuals are important. RV travelers want to see where they’re staying before they book. Your photos help Google (and your guests) understand the quality of your amenities and atmosphere.
Tips for your photos:
- Upload high-resolution images (at least 1200px wide)
- Include shots of campsites, RV hookups, office/reception area, bathrooms/showers, views, and unique features like lakes, firepits, or trails
- Use bright daylight shots – no grainy evening photos
- Add a few photos showing happy guests or campers (get permission if they’re recognizable)
Google prefers active listings, so update photos regularly. Ensure that you have up-to-date photos to avoid misleading people. You don’t want to oversell it, because you will get unhappy guests, or undersell it—you will lose bookings.
Step 4: Add a Detailed Business Description
This step will take some time, but it’s a crucial one. You need to fill out all the information fields with correct information.
Include:
- Business hours (even if it’s just office hours)
- A short, clear description of your park (e.g., “Family-friendly RV park with full hookups, free WiFi, hiking trails, and on-site laundry”)
- Website, phone number, and email address (don’t forget to update these if there have been changes, and check that email address every day)
- Social media pages, if they are active
If you offer unique amenities like pull-through sites, dog parks, or EV charging stations, highlight them too. They can be the tipping point that compels someone to book a spot at your RV park.
Step 5: Set Your Service Area Correctly
Most RV parks serve people on-site, so your physical address is key. However, setting a “service area” radius can help Google understand your coverage better, especially if you show up in search terms like “RV parks near [landmark/state park/town].”
Best practices:
Include nearby towns, national parks, or known RV travel routes
Don’t go too broad – 30-50 miles max is usually effective
This also helps you show up for “near me” and “RV park near [location]” queries.
Step 6: Ask for Reviews and Respond to All of Them
Reviews serve as social proof. Google takes them seriously, and so do travelers.
Here’s how to make the most of reviews:
- Ask guests to leave a review after checkout. Email or text follow-ups work great. Another option is to place QR codes around the park with your Google Business Profile link and ask people to leave a review.
- Respond to every review, to negative, neutral, and positive ones
- Thank people who leave a kind review and mention a detail from their stay
- Include the words “RV park” or “campground” naturally in your replies.
Tips for Faster Results
- Use Google Posts to share updates, seasonal offerings, or news from the park
- Embed your Google Map location directly into your contact page, as well as add a link to your Instagram profile
- Review and update your profile regularly
- Check SEO tips for campgrounds to build better online presence
Final Thoughts
Optimizing your RV resort for Google Maps requires regular updates and attention to detail. For campgrounds, especially those off the beaten path, showing up on Google Maps can mean the difference between an empty lot and a fully booked season.
Want help getting it done? This is exactly what our agency specializes in.
Let us help you make your RV park easy to find and book.
