How Do You Get Snowbirds to Come Back to Your RV Park Every Year?
Last winter’s snowbird couple left in March. Did they book next year before they pulled out? If not, another park is already talking to them.
Retirees camp more after they stop working, and most of them travel by RV. This page shows an RV park owner or manager how to turn one winter into ten.
Retirees and the parks that serve them are familiar ground for Dr. Paul Borosky, Business Consultant, who has helped 1,000+ small businesses.
Talk to Dr. PaulCall or text (321) 948-9588.
Last Updated: November 2026
Real World Help From Dr. Paul
How This Guide Works
Need it fast? Doctor Owl’s answer and the 3 steps below. Want the story first? In Dr. Paul’s Fabled Forest Business School Series, Commander Colt loses his favorite winter guests to a park two valleys over and can’t figure out why. The math comes after.
- Make a list of every guest who stayed 30 nights or more last winter.
- Sit down with each one and ask what would make next winter better.
- Offer them their same site for next winter, with a deposit to hold it.
Why Did the Tortoises Winter Somewhere Else?
The old tortoise couple had wintered at Colt’s campsites for three years. This year, they didn’t come. Colt found out they’d booked a park two valleys over.
Doctor Owl asked, “Fire or foundation?” Losing them was done. Losing the next couple was the foundation risk. They mapped it out using Dr. Paul’s Organize-Plan-Grow™ Strategy.
- Organize. Greta called the tortoises. The other park had simply asked them in March to book again. Colt never had.
- Plan. Colt decided every long-stay guest would get a personal ask, and a site offer, two weeks before checkout.
- Grow. Greta added a small thank-you for returning winter guests: their favorite site held, and a potluck the first week back.
The next spring, eight of ten winter guests booked again before they left.
How Much Do Retirees Really Camp?
The Dyrt reported in March 2026 that four out of five campers 65 and older either camp more since retiring or plan to camp more once they retire.
They travel differently than younger campers. The Dyrt found 64% of campers 65 and up camped in an RV or trailer at least once last year, while only 3% stayed at a glamping site. They’re also the most likely to cancel with plenty of notice.
Source: The Dyrt 2026 Camping Report (March 24, 2026).
What Do Retired Campers Mean for Your Park?
Retired RVers are the steady floor under your winter and shoulder months. They book early, stay long, and talk to each other about where to go.
Lose one couple and you might lose their friends too. Keep them happy and they’ll recruit for you.
How Do You Keep Snowbirds Coming Back?
- Know them by name. A good snowbird park feels like a neighborhood.
- Ask before they leave. Book next winter during this winter.
- Hold their favorite site. A small deposit makes it real.
- Plan a few social events. A potluck or coffee morning costs little.
- Ask for referrals. Offer a thank-you for every friend who books.
What Does One Returning Snowbird Couple Bring In?
Illustration only. Round numbers, not a real company.
Say a couple stays four months a year at $600 a month. That’s $2,400 a winter. If they come back for eight winters, that’s $19,200 from one couple, plus whatever their friends spend.
Illustration only: 4 months x $600 a month.
Put repeat winter guests in your forecast with the RV park business plan template, and see how they fit with monthly stays.
Want More of Your Winter Guests to Rebook?
Book a free 15-minute call with Dr. Paul. Bring last winter’s guest list, and you’ll leave with a simple rebooking plan.
Or call or text (321) 948-9588.
What Do Park Owners Ask About Snowbirds?
When should I ask snowbirds to rebook?
Before they leave. Two to four weeks before checkout works for many parks.
Should I discount returning guests?
A held site and a warm welcome often matter more than a discount. Test that first.
Do snowbirds read online reviews?
Many do, and they talk to each other even more. Word of mouth carries a lot of weight with this group.
About the Author
Dr. Paul Borosky, DBA, MBA, helps park owners turn one-time guests into regulars.
Sources
- The Dyrt on retirement camping (March 2026).