As the call of the great outdoors beckons to many, the thought of providing a space for families and adventurers to unwind, reconnect with nature, and build memories is truly rewarding.

However, before setting up campfires and marking tent spots, one of the most important questions you need to ask yourself before you start a campground or RV park is: What permits do I need to open a campground?

Permits serve as official approvals, ensuring that your campground meets safety, environmental, and community standards. They are essential for ensuring the safety, health, and environmental protection of your guests, staff, and the surrounding area. 

However, obtaining permits can be a complex and time-consuming process, as there are different types of permits required by different levels of government and agencies. Permits and regulations exist on multiple levels: federal, state, and local. Each of these layers has its own set of requirements and considerations.

Navigating these levels might seem daunting, but with the right information and approach, it can be a straightforward process. This article aims to guide you through the maze of permits and ensure that your campground not only thrives but remains compliant with all necessary regulations.

Federal Permits

Federal permits are permits that are issued by the federal government of the United States or Canada, depending on where your campground or RV park is located. They are only required if you want to operate your business on federal lands, such as national parks, forests, monuments, or wildlife refuges.

To obtain a federal permit, you need to contact the agency that manages the land where you want to open your campground or RV park. Each agency has its own rules and regulations for issuing permits, so you need to check their websites for specific information and requirements. 

For information on federal permits for campgrounds, you can visit Recreation.gov and National Park Service websites.

State-Specific Permits

Most of the specific operational details are ironed out at the state level. Different states, with their diverse terrains, climates, and wildlife, have their unique sets of regulations. State-specific permits may cover aspects such as zoning, health, safety, fire, water, sewer, electricity, and taxes.

To obtain state-specific permits, you need to contact the state agency that oversees camping in your state. Each state agency has its own rules and regulations for issuing permits, so you need to check their website for specific information and requirements. You may also need to consult with your local county or city officials for any additional permits or licenses that they may require.

Here, we delve into the typical permits and rules associated with building structures, ensuring health and sanitation, and managing fire safety and wildlife.

Building Permits

In terms of construction, most states have clear guidelines about what’s permissible:

• Structural Integrity: Whether you’re building a rustic cabin, restroom facilities, or a recreation center, states will have codes to ensure these structures are safe and resilient.
• Utilities: If you’re planning to provide electrical hookups, water connections, or sewage systems, you’ll need to adhere to state utility codes. These might vary widely based on the local environment and infrastructure.
• Accessibility: Many states have rules ensuring structures are accessible to people with disabilities.

Health and Sanitation Permits

Ensuring the health of your guests and the environment is paramount:

• Potable Water: If you’re providing water to guests, it must be safe to drink. States will have guidelines and testing requirements to ensure the purity and safety of drinking water.
• Waste Management: Proper disposal of waste, be it from restrooms or communal kitchens, is essential. States will dictate how waste must be managed, treated, and disposed of, especially if the area has sensitive ecosystems.
• Food and Beverage: If your campground has a dining facility or sells food, additional health permits related to food safety might be required.

Fire Safety and Wildlife Management

Nature’s beauty can sometimes have its challenges:

• Campfire Regulations: From fire rings to designated fire areas, states often have rules about where and how campfires can be set. These are especially stringent in areas prone to wildfires.
• Emergency Protocols: Having fire extinguishers, escape routes, and emergency contact mechanisms might be mandated, especially in larger campgrounds.
• Wildlife Encounters: In regions with notable wildlife—like bears or coyotes—states may have guidelines on trash disposal, food storage, and even educational sessions to inform campers about coexisting with local animals.

Understanding and complying with these state-specific regulations is not just about legality—it’s about ensuring that your campground provides a safe, healthy, and environmentally respectful experience for every guest.

Local and Municipal Regulations

Beyond the broad strokes painted by federal and state regulations, campgrounds often find themselves navigating the more intricate and nuanced maze of local or municipal rules.

Local Building Codes and Restrictions:

Every municipality has its set of building codes, which ensure that any new construction or modification meets safety and aesthetic standards. For campgrounds, this can involve:

• Size and Height Limitations: Some localities might restrict the height or size of structures, especially if the aim is to maintain a certain character or vista for the area.
• Material Restrictions: Certain materials might be preferred or prohibited based on local climates, aesthetics, or environmental concerns.
• Setback Requirements: These rules determine how far a structure needs to be from property boundaries, roads, or other landmarks.
• Landscaping Guidelines: Some municipalities have regulations about preserving green space, requiring a certain amount of trees or foliage, or using native plants.

By aligning with these specifications, you ensure the campground doesn’t just function efficiently but also aesthetically complements its surroundings.

Business Licenses

Before setting up your campground it’s essential to register your business with the local government. This typically involves:

• Business Registration: Declaring your business type, whether a sole proprietorship, partnership, or LLC, and getting it recognized by the local municipality. In the case of an LLC, you must provide the full legal name and physical address of your registered agent, who will receive legal documents on behalf of your business. Examples of reliable registered agent services in the US include Northwest Registered Agent and Rocket Lawyer.
• Tax Registration: Enrolling for local tax collections, ensuring you’re set to remit sales, occupancy, or other applicable taxes.
• Signage Permits: If you intend to put up signs directing to or within your campground, there may be local permits or guidelines to follow.
• Health Inspections: For campgrounds offering food services, regular health inspections might be mandated by the locality.

Other considerations

Besides federal, state, and local permits, there are some other factors that may affect the permitting process for your campground or RV park. These include:

• Environmental impact: Depending on the location and size of your campground or RV park, you may have to conduct an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement before you can obtain a permit. These are studies that evaluate the potential effects of your project on the natural environment and propose measures to mitigate them. 
• Accessibility: Depending on the type and level of service that you want to provide to your guests, you may have to comply with laws that ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to public facilities and services. 
• Liability: Depending on the activities and amenities that you offer to your guests, you may have to obtain a liability insurance policy. Liability insurance is a type of insurance that protects you from legal claims and lawsuits that may arise from accidents, injuries, or damages that may occur as a result of your business operations. 

Kickstart the Permitting Process and Open Your Campground

We hope this article has answered the question “What permits do I need to open a campground?” for you. Remember permits are essential for ensuring the safety, health, and environmental protection of your guests, staff, and the surrounding area.

Make sure you have done extensive research and planning before you start the permitting process. For information on federal permits for campgrounds, check out the websites of the institutions mentioned above. Visit your state or local government websites for information on state or local permits.

Consult with an environmental consultant, an accessibility consultant, or an insurance agent for information on environmental impact, accessibility, and liability issues. You can also contact other campground or RV park owners in your area for advice and guidance on the permitting process.

If you want to learn more about how to thrive in the campground industry, keep reading our blog for more articles on this topic.