The cost to build a campground varies widely based on site size, utilities, and amenities. Major drivers include land prep, roadways, utility connections, restroom facilities, and campground pads. This article presents a practical price range to help plan budgets and generate realistic estimates for decision makers.
Assumptions: region, site size, amenities, permitting, and labor rates vary; ranges reflect typical midwest, south, and coastal markets.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site Clearing & Grading | $20,000 | $60,000 | $150,000 | Topography, tree removal, erosion control |
| Roads & Access (gravel/paved) | $40,000 | $120,000 | $500,000 | Width, drainage, surfacing type |
| Utilities (water, sewer, electrical) | $60,000 | $180,000 | $1,000,000 | Distances, meter connections, septic systems |
| Campground Pads & Sites | $50,000 | $180,000 | $1,000,000 | Gravel, concrete, pavers per site |
| Bathrooms & Showers | $60,000 | $180,000 | $600,000 | Number of stalls, ADA compliance |
| Administration & Office | $10,000 | $40,000 | $120,000 | Office, kiosk, systems |
| Permits & Fees | $5,000 | $25,000 | $100,000 | Construction, zoning, environmental |
| Contingency | $15,000 | $50,000 | $200,000 | Unforeseen costs |
| Delivery & Disposal | $5,000 | $25,000 | $80,000 | Hauling and disposal of materials |
Total project ranges from roughly $400,000 to several million dollars depending on scope, location, and amenities. A common mid-range campground with a mix of basic sites and a few enhanced sites often lands in the $1,200,000–$3,000,000 band for a multi-acre parcel.
Overview Of Costs
Estimated total project cost includes site prep, infrastructure, and core facilities. For planning purposes, consider both the total and per-site costs. Typical per-site pricing can range from about $8,000 to $40,000 depending on site size, pad material, and hookups. Larger, destination-style campgrounds with full utilities and modern restrooms will push higher, while compact, rustic layouts stay toward the low end.
Assuming a 50-site campground, total costs often span $600,000 on the low end to $2,500,000 or more for higher-quality, utility-rich setups. Per-site averages commonly fall between $12,000 and $50,000 when including long-run services and shared amenities.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $100,000 | $450,000 | $2,000,000 | Pads, fixtures, fencing, signage |
| Labor | $120,000 | $420,000 | $1,600,000 | Crew hours, specialty trades |
| Equipment | $25,000 | $120,000 | $400,000 | Excavation, rollers, trenchers |
| Permits | $5,000 | $25,000 | $100,000 | Local, state, and environmental |
| Delivery/Disposal | $5,000 | $25,000 | $80,000 | Material transport and waste removal |
| Warranty & Overhead | $15,000 | $60,000 | $200,000 | General contractor margins |
Assumptions: involves a mix of basic and enhanced sites, utility access, and moderate permitting.
What Drives Price
Site conditions such as slope, soil quality, and drainage affect earthwork costs and foundation needs. Terrain complexity can double or triple grading expenses in some markets. Additionally, utility layout distances and the number of connections (water, septic, electric) directly influence total costs and ongoing maintenance.
Building scope matters: choosing only primitive pads versus full-service sites with electrical boxes, water hookups, and waste facilities changes the price widely. The inclusion of restrooms, shower facilities, and an administration building also shifts the budget substantially.
Ways To Save
Plan phased development by starting with a core set of sites and expanding later as demand grows. This reduces upfront cash outlay and aligns infrastructure with actual use. Another cost saver is to standardize site design—use uniform pads and hookups to reduce engineering and materials complexity.
Employer incentives exist in some regions for outdoor recreation projects, including grants or tax credits for infrastructure, trail connections, and water management. Evaluating permits early can prevent late-stage redesigns that raise costs.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to land costs, labor rates, and permitting environments. In the Midwest, site prep tends to be lower, while coastal states may add significant costs for materials and compliance. The South often balances moderate land costs with robust labor markets. Expect regional deltas of roughly ±15% to ±40% from national averages, influenced by terrain and regulatory requirements.
Labor & Installation Time
Construction time and crew costs are important. A compact, 20–30 site campground can take several months, while larger projects extend to a year or more. Labor rates for general contractors, equipment operators, and utility installers vary widely by region. A typical mid-range timeline is 6–12 months from clear site to first occupancy.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Some extras that frequently appear in final budgets include site signage and lighting, drainage improvements, landscaping around pads, and security infrastructure (gates, cameras). Insurance, bond fees, and inspections add ongoing annual costs beyond initial construction. Unexpected soil conditions or environmental work can also push budgets upward.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical ranges for different campground scales. Each includes specs, estimated labor hours, per-unit prices, and totals.
Basic Project: 20 primitive sites, minimal services, on-site water, basic gravel roads. Assumptions: moderate terrain, standard permits, basic signage. Labor: 1,200 hours; Materials: $180,000; Total: $350,000–$600,000. Per-site: $17,500–$30,000.
Mid-Range Project: 40 improved sites with electricity, water, and a single restroom/shower block. Assumptions: level land, longer access roads, moderate permitting. Labor: 2,800 hours; Materials: $420,000; Total: $1,100,000–$2,000,000. Per-site: $27,500–$50,000.
Premium Project: 80 sites plus two restroom complexes, office building, and enhanced road network. Assumptions: challenging terrain, extensive utilities, complex permitting. Labor: 5,000+ hours; Materials: $1,000,000; Total: $3,000,000–$6,000,000. Per-site: $37,500–$75,000.
Notes: price snapshots reflect typical regional variation, site sizes, and amenity levels. Prices exclude long-term maintenance contracts and revenue-generating features like on-site concessions.