Every guest has that moment. Dad forgot the flashlight, the kids devoured the marshmallows on day one, and Mom is hunting for a last-minute gift for the grandparents. When your campground store comes through, it turns small problems and “oh, that looks nice” discoveries into big wins for both your guests and your bottom line.
A well-stocked campground store is one of the simplest ways to enhance the guest experience while generating steady revenue. Essentials keep campers prepared, snacks and treats add enjoyment, and unique camping merch helps them remember their trip. The right mix encourages guests to return to your store throughout their stay—and has them talking about it long after they’re gone.
Stocking the basics makes your store a trusted stop from day one. When campers realize they’re missing a key item, they’ll look to you first.
Must-Have Camping Essentials
The backbone of any camp supply store is the gear campers rely on most. Firewood, propane, batteries, flashlights, bug spray, sunscreen, and toiletries are the staples guests expect to find when they stop in. Having these items on hand means campers spend more time enjoying their trip and less time making last-minute runs to town.
And the numbers back it up. From May 1 to August 1 this year, system-wide CampLife sales showed
These essentials consistently rank at the top of sales reports, confirming that when guests have easy access to the basics, it benefits both their experience and your park’s revenue.
Emergency and First Aid Supplies
Little accidents and sudden changes in weather happen. A compact, visible section of campground supplies can make a huge difference in your guests’ comfort and peace of mind:
When guests know they can count on you in a pinch, it builds trust and repeat business.
Some guests don’t like to travel with food. Help them out by keeping selections that serve both the practical camper and the indulgent snacker.
Groceries and Cooking Basics
From breakfast staples to campfire favorites, certain items are always good camping store items to keep in stock:
Snacks and Treats
Impulse buys keep sales flowing throughout the day. Think variety:
And while candy and chips are always steady sellers, ice cream is a true standout. Between May and August, CampLife sales showed more than 81,000 ice cream items sold across camp stores. Whether it’s a cone after fishing at the lake or a slushy on a hot summer day, frozen treats feel like a classic part of the camping experience.
The right camping merchandise encourages guests to explore and enjoy your property.
Grilling and Cooking Equipment
Portable cooking gear is a hit for campers who want to make the most of outdoor meals. Items like small grills, grilling racks, lighter fluid, aluminum foil, and skewers make cooking easy and fun.
Outdoor Activity Supplies
If your park offers fishing or hiking, stocking the basics can inspire more on-site adventures: fishing hooks, bobbers, and small tackle boxes for anglers; socks, refillable water bottles, and trail maps for hikers.
Souvenirs aren’t just memories. They’re marketing tools that travel home with your guests.
Branded Merchandise
Branded campground store supplies turn your guests into walking advertisements. Popular options include:
At Camping on the Gulf in Miramar, Florida, Mary Hunter helped shape a store experience that still reflects the park’s character today. Under her guidance, the team made sure necessities were always available—so guests who forgot toothbrushes or sunscreen didn’t have to leave the property—and branded merchandise that truly represented the park’s identity.
“When campers shop in our store, they’re looking for something a little nicer,” Mary explained. “They want to make sure it doesn’t look like they’ve been to one of the chain stores. We have plenty of those in Florida.” The result is a selection of elegantly branded items that capture the feel of beachside camping and give visitors a way to take that experience home.
“Your camp store is important,” Mary said. “It’s a great auxiliary income, but you also want it to reflect the prices your guests are paying and what you want your campground to be.”
Fun and Unique Items
Adding a few unexpected finds keeps browsing interesting. Games, pool toys, and even simple stargazing kits (binoculars and star maps) can become the highlight of a guest’s purchase.
For many travelers, the difference between a good camping store and a great one is whether it has what they need for their RV.
RV-Specific Supplies
Stocking the right RV park supplies can save a guest’s trip: hoses, leveling blocks, power cords, cleaning products, and sewer hose replacements are always in demand.
Convenience Items for Long-Term Guests
Extended stays call for comfort items like laundry detergent, fabric softener, charging cables, and small tools. These low-cost additions can make your park feel like home for seasonal guests.
A smart setup and simple marketing can help your store do even more for your bottom line.
Layout and Display
Keep your store easy to navigate by grouping items into clear categories. Seasonal or high-demand items—like firewood in the fall and beach towels in the summer—should be placed where guests can’t miss them.
Leveraging Technology
Technology can make running your store easier. Use campground management software to track inventory and avoid running out of guest favorites. You can also offer online pre-orders for product bundles (like s’mores kits) that make shopping more convenient for campers. Watch this short video to see how easy it is to set up bundles in the CampLife system and make them accessible to your guests.
Balancing essentials, food, outdoor gear, and souvenirs turns your campground store into more than just a shop. It becomes part of the trip. Guests know they can count on you for what they need, and they’ll enjoy discovering a few extras along the way.
With the right selection of campground store supplies and the tools to manage them, your store can increase guest satisfaction and add a reliable revenue stream. Ready to make your campground store a highlight of every stay? Explore how CampLife can help you manage inventory, track sales, and keep campers happy all season long.
Maximize your property with modern and seamless campground management software for just $3 per reservation.
