6 Steps for a Smooth Check-In Process to Ensure Your Campsite Gets Great Reviews

Hipcamp partners with landowners like you (who become Hipcamp Hosts) to connect your property with folks who are looking for places to stay and camp outside to help you earn extra money. All you need to get started is a flat spot where someone can pitch a tent or park an RV, or a structure (such as a yurt, canvas tent, or tiny cabin) for them to spend the night in.

First impressions are key when it comes to a good Hipcamping trip. New campers might be nervous or unsure about the experience, and an easy, welcoming check-in experience is a great way to get off to a good start. As a Hipcamp Host, there are several ways you can ensure a smooth check-in and arrivals process for your guests.

Step 1: Be communicative

It’s important that you be available by phone during a check-in and throughout a booking. Whether campers need assistance with directions or have a question about where to set up their tent, being able to reach you is key.

We recommend checking in with your Hipcampers the day before they arrive, to answer any last minute questions they have, and to let them know you’re prepared for their arrival. Contact them in Hipcamp messages and ask them to confirm their ETA. This will be particularly beneficial for putting first-time campers at ease, and for making sure your property rules and requirements are at the forefront of their minds.

Step 2: Meet your Hipcampers in person

The best way to ensure Hipcampers get settled in is to meet them in person when they arrive. This allows you to establish a relationship with them, and open the door for further communication during their stay. If you’re not able to meet Hipcampers, we recommend printing out a sign or message, welcoming them to your property and reiterating the important rules. A map of your campsites is another great way  to ensure people know where to go. If campers have purchased “extras” make sure they know where and when to expect them.

Step 3: Provide detailed directions

An easy way to make sure campers have a good experience is to write clear, detailed directions for them to follow. Make sure to include easily identifiable landmarks and to describe the entrance to your property. However, even with the best directions, a camper might occasionally get lost, in which case it’s important for you to be reachable by phone to guide them to your site.

Step 4: Light your space

For campers arriving at night, lights go a long way towards making them feel welcome and safe. Whether you hang lights outside or turn on your porch light, try to make sure campers aren’t setting up in total darkness if they arrive up after sunset.

Step 5: Put signs up

Signs at the entrance and throughout your property are a great way to make campers feel welcome, and ensure they know where to go. Signs are particularly important if you’re not able to meet your Hipcampers in person!  Knowing exactly where the bathroom is can go a long way towards making campers feel comfortable.

Step 6: Clarify extra charges up front

If you have additional charges outside of a Hipcamp booking, it’s essential that campers are aware of them, and ideally, have paid them before arrival. Finding out about additional fees upon arrival, no matter how essential they are, can create a bad experience for a Hipcamper. It’s best to confirm any additional fees with each Hipcamper via Hipcamp messages at the time of booking, so that we have a record of it on the platform, even if you mention it in your listing description or rules.

How to start earning extra money hosting campers on your land

The only risky thing left is not signing up to be a Hipcamp Host and sharing your experience with the world! Why not earn extra income to help pay for property taxes, home expenses, and future dream projects? Learn more about becoming a Hipcamp Host. (Use the promo code JOURNAL and get an extra $100 when you host your first Hipcamp guest.)