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Trust us, we know how many posts and newsletters we release each week, but you may be wondering why you, as a park owner/operator, may be receiving consumer-based news as well.

The short answer is we want you to be aware of what we are putting out into the public’s eye view. Whether you are our featured park for the week or even if we repost your content, you need to know what consumers are seeing about your business, even if it’s just for the benefit of assuring we are distributing the correct information about your park.

The biggest problem we are currently facing is our members unsubscribing from Around the Campfire because it is consumer-based, which, in turn, unsubscribes them from our industry-based newsletters as well. Obviously, it is important for you to know what is happening in the industry, so why isn’t it just as important to know what consumers are seeing as well?

We understand that keeping up with the latest trends and fads can be exhausting, but it can actually help your business in the long run. By keeping updated with our camper facing posts, you can see things you might need to change or update about your park to help accommodate and attract customers better!  Viewing social media posts also allows you to see what consumers are saying about what we post and their personal views on crazes and even issues in the camping world.

All in all, our consumer-based publications and posts connect campers directly to our members' parks. By following what they see and react to, you are able to provide a more positive experience to the camping consumer!

Whether you are playing music in your camp store or hosting a karaoke night, make sure you are prepared with a music license!

Just like with movie licenses, you need to ensure that you have the proper licensing before playing music to a public audience so that the composers and songwriters receive credit for their work. A music license allows these hardworking individuals to continue creating music!

Now, let’s bust some of those myths surrounding playing music in your park! Many park owners believe that because they are not playing live music, they do not need a license; FALSE! Any music played for a public audience needs to be licensed to give credit to the artists. You may also be asking yourself if you need a license if you are only playing music in your camp store. The answer to this one is a maybe; if your store is 2,000 square feet or less, you DO NOT need a music license (this also applies to restaurants 3,500 square feet or less). Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be licensed through every agency we partner with. Each business offers licensing to multitudes of artists and songs.  



The California Outdoor Hospitality Association works with BMI, GMR and ASCAP to provide discounted license rates so you are able to play music throughout your park. These businesses offer different licensing, however, so be sure to visit their websites or call the CalOHA office to find out which will work best for you!  

To learn more about music licensing, pricing structures, and how to sign up, call the CalOHA office or visit the BMI, GMR & ASCAP websites!

(530) 885-1624

With the technology of today progressively improving and becoming more and more codependent, cybersecurity is more important than ever in not only protecting yourself, but your business as well.

Whether you operate a small, limited space park or one with hundreds of sites, it is important to protect your business from a cybersecurity attack that could ultimately lead to stolen digital property. Especially in the camping industry, these attacks are more likely to transpire with small, unprotected businesses.

The first step to defending yourself is understanding the digital assets you possess as well as the risks they impose.  Assets that might interest cybercriminals include guest information, business records, Wi-Fi networks, and social media. Guest information is all personal information pertaining to the guests in your park, like names, addresses, and, most importantly, credit card numbers. Your business data can be anything from payroll data to your credit card information. Your internet connection may also pose a threat, giving access through routers and switches. Finally, your social media presence, like your profiles and email accounts can provide access points as well. A risk assessment can help you determine the best way to safeguard your information to keep from a cyberattack.

Once you have assessed your risks, it is important to take action. Not only should you develop a strategy and ensure that every aspect of your business is sound, you also need to make sure your Wi-Fi network (if you have one) is secure and free of weaknesses. Protecting your IT systems, like your reservation system, as well as training your staff in recognizing threats such as scam/phishing emails are both key in protecting yourself as well.  

At the end of the day, technology is a great thing, but it can be dangerous, too. Defending your business from cyberattacks is an important step in your everyday practices to ensure that you are able to keep everyone in your park safe.  

Check out Woodall’s Campground Magazine for a comprehensive guide to cybersecurity written by Patrick Chown! 

A Good Employee

A Good Employee is a one-stop resource for your employee screening needs. We help companies of all sizes make smart hiring decisions. With over three decades of experience as a consumer reporting agency, we’ve perfected the process, and are proud to be among the best services around.

TenantAlert

Background Searches Reduce Campground Risk & Enhance Park Safety

Providing a safe and family friendly environment for its campers is a goal of every campground owner. Many campgrounds require that all adults ages 18+ applying for campsites consent to a criminal background check in order to be considered for admission.