Golf Cart Rentals: A Valuable Ancillary Revenue Opportunity for RV Parks

In today’s competitive outdoor hospitality market, RV park operators are continually looking for ways to enhance guest experience while increasing revenue. One of the most effective ancillary revenue opportunities available is golf cart rentals. When implemented properly, a golf cart rental program can generate meaningful income, improve guest satisfaction, and create a more enjoyable park environment.

Why Guests Love Golf Cart Rentals

Golf carts have become increasingly popular at RV parks because they provide guests with a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the property. Rather than walking long distances or moving their personal vehicles throughout the park, guests can comfortably access amenities, recreation areas, waterfront locations, and scenic portions of the property.

For many visitors, especially families, retirees, and guests staying for extended periods, a golf cart becomes part of the vacation experience. It offers mobility, convenience, and a fun way to enjoy everything the park has to offer.

Managing Guest-Owned Golf Carts

Many RV owners travel with their own golf carts. While this can be a benefit for guests, it is important for park operators to establish clear rules and regulations governing their use.

A permit program is an effective tool for managing guest-owned golf carts. Requiring guests to register their carts and obtain a permit helps ensure they have reviewed and acknowledged the park’s operating rules. These guidelines should address topics such as:

• Speed limits
• Approved operating areas
• Driver age requirements
• Hours of operation
• Passenger limits
• Parking requirements
• Safety expectations

A well-managed permit program helps protect guests, reduce liability, and maintain a safe environment throughout the property.

Fleet Ownership Is Not the Only Option

Although operating a company-owned fleet can be profitable, the upfront investment can be significant. Purchasing golf carts, maintaining them, storing them, and replacing them over time requires capital that may not be available for every RV park.

Fortunately, ownership is not the only path to offering rentals.

Consider a Concessionaire Program

For parks looking to launch a rental program without major capital investment, partnering with a concessionaire can be an excellent solution.

Under a concessionaire arrangement, a third-party provider supplies and maintains the golf cart fleet while sharing rental revenue with the park. This approach allows operators to:

• Generate ancillary revenue with minimal upfront costs
• Reduce maintenance responsibilities
• Offer a valuable guest amenity
• Test market demand before investing in their own fleet

Many successful parks have used concessionaire partnerships as a stepping stone toward larger rental operations.

Safety Must Be the Top Priority

While the revenue potential is attractive, golf cart rentals come with important responsibilities.

Recent experience testifying as an expert witness for the defendant (campground owner) in a trial involving a rental golf cart accident at an RV park, emphasizes the importance of having comprehensive rules, properly drafted waivers, and thorough employee training.

Every golf cart program should include:

• Written rules and regulations
• Signed participant waivers and acknowledgments
• Vehicle inspection procedures
• Driver qualification standards
• Incident reporting processes
• Staff training on rental policies and safety procedures

A proactive approach to risk management helps protect guests, employees, and the business itself. Operators should work closely with legal counsel and insurance professionals to ensure their program meets all applicable requirements and best practices.

A Proven Revenue Generator

Throughout my 38-year career in the outdoor hospitality industry, I have witnessed tremendous success with a wide variety of ancillary revenue programs, and golf cart rentals consistently rank among the most effective.

When managed properly, a golf cart rental program can generate significant incremental revenue while simultaneously enhancing the guest experience. Whether through a company-owned fleet or a concessionaire partnership, the opportunity is worth exploring.

The most successful RV parks continually look beyond campsite revenue and identify new ways to serve their guests. Golf cart rentals are a prime example of an amenity that guests appreciate, and operators can leverage to strengthen their bottom line.

Don’t be afraid to explore ancillary revenue opportunities. When thoughtfully implemented, they can make a tremendous contribution to the overall profitability and long-term success of your RV park.