One common definition of sustainability is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Naturally then, environmental sustainability has increasingly become a growing priority for many, especially vacationers. Beyond simply sustaining the natural environment for campers today, there are many means by which a campground operator can enhance and restore their surroundings for the future. That’s what learning how to run a green campground is all about—keeping these opportunities top of mind, acting upon them, and setting a positive example for others.

The information in this post is an excerpt from our free guide, How to Run a Green Campground. Inside, we review helpful tips to position your campground as an environmental ambassador, while reducing operational costs and improving the guest experience. Below, we review how going green can improve our operations, and also how to conduct a business audit to get started.

Be sure to download the full guide to learn how to:

  • Reduce waste and enable alternate disposal
  • Conserve water
  • Improve energy efficiency and switch to renewables
  • Protect natural resources and wildlife
  • Implement dark sky lighting
  • Educate and inspire guests
  • Monitor and improve your practices

Download the full guide now: How to Run a Green Campground.

This guide will walk you through practical strategies to position your campground as an environmental ambassador, while reducing operational costs and improving the guest experience. 

Why the Great Outdoors?

Plain and simple, the outdoor hospitality industry depends on the health of the outdoors. Teeming with foliage, wildlife, recreational opportunities, and natural resources abound, our industry—life itself—would not be possible without vibrant outdoor spaces. 

A whopping 83% of campers surveyed are seeking the natural surroundings and scenic views that evoke their nostalgic love for camping. What’s more, 78% of campers say it’s important to them to pass on their childhood camping traditions to the next generation. The natural wonders of camping days past don’t have to become mere relics, so long as campground operators do their part today to ensure those wonders are protected for generations to come. 

This fact calls upon every campground operator to be a steward of their land and to implement sustainable, green practices across their business. 

Going Green Saves You Green

Campers are increasingly seeking out destinations that protect rather than harm the natural environment. According to Booking.com’s 2023 Sustainable Travel Report, 76% of people want to make more sustainable travel choices, though they often face a lack of genuine options and places to look. 

Camping in its many forms can be an answer—remaining an affordable way to take a vacation and feel good about it when integrated into a camping environment that prioritizes environmental stewardship. The top benefits campers want from their vacations in 2025 include reconnecting with nature, physically exercising, and digitally detoxing. Properly caring for your property now will attract more travelers, improve guest satisfaction, and strengthen brand loyalty.

In addition to increased revenue from bookings, there are many other cost-saving benefits from going green. One-time fixes, such as installing motion activated lights, will cut your electricity bill, while composting onsite will minimize a dumpster full of food waste and may decrease your waste collection costs. Though some of these measures require an upfront investment, their long-term benefits for your bottom line and the environment cannot be overstated. 

It truly does pay to keep the triple bottom line top of mind; that is, people, planet, profit. 

Before Acting, Audit Your Business

It’s impossible to tackle any problem without knowing its full extent. It’s also easy to get overwhelmed when thinking about a topic as broad as business sustainability. Any goal worth achieving requires a fully informed plan to be successful and long-lasting, which is where we recommend you begin. 

One standard way to quantify environmental impact is through the greenhouse gas emissions (such as carbon dioxide or CO₂) generated from conducting everyday business. Here are three overarching categories to help ground and evaluate your business’ carbon footprint: 

  • Scope 1 Emissions: These are direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by you, such as onsite electricity generation, heating, and transportation.
  • Scope 2 Emissions: These are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy, such as from external utility providers. 
  • Scope 3 Emissions: This last scope encompasses all indirect emissions not included in Scope 2 that occur within the value chain of your business. Mainly, this includes the services and products a business buys, uses, and disposes of from external suppliers. 

Understanding your business’ impact and reporting using this protocol can get as technical as you would like. If nothing else, greenhouse gas accounting provides a nice framework for thinking about the areas where you have varying degrees of control over improving your business from a sustainability perspective. For example, you may only have one electric utility provider in your area, but you may have many local to non-local campstore suppliers from which to choose. 

First, look within your own walls, next to your property line, and then to your energy providers and outside vendors to look for efficiency opportunities. 

Ready to Keep Reading?

Download the full guide now: How to Run a Green Campground.

Haley Dalian is an environmental scientist, outdoor enthusiast, and steward of our planet. She enjoys skiing, scuba diving, and gardening in her home state of Michigan. As Campspot’s former marketing manager, Haley continues to write content that empowers campground operators through essential tools and confident know-how.