The Best Products to Sell in Your Camp Store

Casini Ranch Family Campground, Duncans Mills

By Haley Dalian for Campspot

​Camp stores are becoming a staple feature at campgrounds by offering shopping convenience for campers and ancillary income for owners: a win-win for you and your guests! Whether it’s firewood or a souvenir t-shirt, having popular products on hand will grow sales and keep your guests engaged coming back for more. Whether you’re looking to add new products to your existing store or wondering what products you should invest in for a new store, we’re here to help! From camping supplies to keepsakes, the following tips are sure to contribute to your camp store’s success.

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Wishon Village, Shaver Lake

Last-Minute Necessities
Having last-minute items on hand is always a good idea. Forgetting something is typical when planning for trips and your guests are sure to appreciate finding those forgotten products at your destination. Things to include are toiletry and hygiene products such as toothpaste and toothbrushes, toilet paper, soap, first aid kits, hand sanitizers, lotions, and over the counter medications. Think of small things that are important but sometimes are left behind.
 
CampCalNOW Tip:  Although wet wipes are listed on one of the top ten items people forget when camping, keep in mind that even "flushable" wipes can cause issues with your septic system. Consider removing these from your camp store and talking with your guests about why you don't carry them.

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Kris Oneida, Wishon Village

Camping Supplies
​Wondering where to begin? Our first recommendation is camping staples. These are items that campers use frequently throughout their trips and should be able to easily pick up in your camp store. A couple of big sellers include firewood and ice. These are items most commonly purchased on arrival and not brought from home so stocking up on these will certainly be the hook to bring customers into the store. They are also consumable and will need to be purchased more than once over the span of a weekend. Other valuable items include bug spray, sunscreen, s’more sticks, flashlights, batteries, propane, charcoal, RV supplies, and small tools.
 
CampCalNOW TIP: CampCalNOW recommends Goodwood Products as a safe, ecologically friendly alternative to regular firewood. 
 

Consumable Goods
Next up is consumable goods. Adding a section for grocery items is another big convenience for your campers. It means one less trip to the grocery store or grabbing that bag of marshmallows for a s’more that campers just can’t resist. Think of basic cooking items, campfire dinner ideas, canned goods, ice cream, snacks, candy, alcoholic beverages, s’more supplies. Mix it up with camping food classics and include items that will catch their eye.
 
CampCalNOW TIP: Kids LOVE to run to the camp store for an ice cream bar mid-day.  Some parks offer a free popsicle for completing an activity!​

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Inn Town Campground, Nevada City

Keepsakes
Camping is all about creating memories, so offering keepsakes is one way to make your guests’ vacations unforgettable and provide a long-term reminder of your brand even once they leave. This can include your park’s logo on t-shirts, mugs, keychains, water bottles, beanies, glassware, blankets, sweatshirts, the list goes on. Adding your park’s personal touch is a meaningful purchase and a memory they will cherish for years to come.
 
CampCalNOW Tip: Do you have a local artist in town?  Showcase some of their items.  Guests love to buy things that are unique and will remind them of their vacation. Ciao Bella Jewelry has beautiful camping inspired jewelry.

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Bakersfield River Run RV Park, Bakersfield

Just for Fun
Lastly, add some items just for fun that guests can pick up and enjoy at the park. Whether it’s playing cards for the bonfire circle, inflatables to take to the pool, fishing poles for the pond, or toys for kids, these items are an extra bonus that your campers will appreciate.
 
CampCalNOW Tip: To accommodate distance work and school, it may be a good idea to also include basic office supplies for 2021. 
 
This list is only just the beginning. Mix up your products by offering a wide range of supplies from camping staples to grocery items to souvenirs. The more interesting your store is, the more often guests will come in and shop. No matter what you choose, it’s important to keep convenience and fun in mind. Whether you recognize items on this list or found a new item to add to your inventory, we wish your camp store nothing but success!
 
CampCalNOW partners with Sunland Specialties and Wilcor International to keep our member stores well stocked.  

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