Why Consider a Food Service at Your Campsite?
Camping is a popular vacation spot for families with children. Many campsites offer catering services for their guests. However, should you provide a catering service at your own campsite? In this article, we will present the main advantages and disadvantages to consider before making your decision.
If you own a campsite, you may have considered offering a catering service for your guests. Indeed, this can be a significant asset for your site, especially if you're located in a tourist area. There are many advantages: vacationers won’t have to look for a restaurant in town, they’ll be more likely to return to your site, and you’ll have an opportunity to increase your revenue.
However, there are also some drawbacks to consider. First, you'll need to invest in kitchen equipment (oven, refrigerator, etc.) and hire qualified staff. Then, you'll need to ensure that guests are satisfied with the quality of the meals. Finally, you'll have to manage inventory and logistics to keep everything running smoothly. Before making your decision, take the time to carefully weigh the pros and cons of offering a catering service at your campsite.
Types of Food Services You Can Offer
There are various formats to suit different budgets and campsite styles:
- Brasserie / Tavern: This is the most common and accessible model. Offer simple, quality food like pizzas, burgers, tapas, fresh salads, meats, and desserts. Ideal for most mid-range campsites.
- Gastro Restaurant: A semi-gastronomic approach for 4 or 5-star campsites. Sophisticated but affordable menus featuring fresh, local ingredients. Perfect for guests seeking a premium experience. Few campsites offer this, so it's a great way to stand out.
- Snack Bar / Takeaway: Offers a limited but effective menu: sandwiches, hotdogs, chips, burgers or pizzas. Great for campsites with limited space or budget. Easy to manage and scalable.
- Food Truck: A growing trend in the UK. Allow one or more food trucks to operate on-site, either rent-free or for a small fee. Minimal investment on your end. Add picnic tables or a covered terrace to enhance the experience.
What Level of Quality Should You Aim For?
Your positioning depends on your customer base. Choose based on expectations, pricing, and overall brand image. Your food service influences customer satisfaction—and can drive loyalty.
- Entry-Level: Basic and low-cost options. Frozen/pre-made dishes like nuggets, chips, tapas. Suitable for budget-conscious customers. If possible, still opt for homemade touches—like freshly cooked chips.
- Mid-Range: The sweet spot for most. Offer simple, homemade dishes with quality ingredients from local producers—artisan burger buns, fresh pizza dough, seasonal toppings.
- Premium: Ideal for luxury sites. Refined, creative menus using fresh, regional produce. Hire a professional chef and align the food quality with your high-end accommodation and amenities. Customers expect consistency across all services.
Remember: your guests are already on-site. They can dine while kids play or watch evening entertainment. That’s a key advantage over external restaurants—make the most of it!
How to Manage the Logistics of Campsite Catering
Successful food service requires careful planning. You'll need to:
- Forecast and order supplies based on guest numbers.
- Manage inventory efficiently to avoid waste and shortages.
- Design the kitchen and dining space for smooth workflow.
- Coordinate kitchen and service teams effectively.
Investing in the right infrastructure and staff training is essential to maintain quality and efficiency.
Are There Regulations to Follow?
Yes. In the UK, any food business must register with the local authority and comply with:
- Food Safety Act 1990
- Food Hygiene Regulations 2006 (England)
- Food Standards Agency (FSA) requirements
Your premises will be inspected and rated under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS). You must also ensure allergen information is clearly provided under UK food labelling laws.
What Budget Should You Plan?
The investment depends on your goals. Here's an indicative breakdown:
- Basic kitchen equipment: £500 – £1,000
- Outdoor dining setup (tables, chairs): £800 – £1,500
- Professional kitchen setup: £10,000+ (includes ovens, refrigeration, extraction, etc.)
- Staff salaries (seasonal or permanent)
- Ongoing food and beverage supply costs
Consider starting small and scaling based on demand and feedback. Food trucks or snack bars require less investment and can be a smart way to test your offer.