COMPARING CAMPING GROUNDS

HOW TO COMPARE CAMPING GROUNDS

It is common to compare camping grounds, camping facilities, and caravan parks to each other.

Which one has the better facilities, the more stunning views, or the cheaper rates? But have you ever considered that comparing camping grounds can be a zero-sum game?

The concept of a zero-sum game comes from game theory and economics, which refers to a situation in which another participant’s loss exactly balances one participant’s gain.

In other words, if one camping ground gains customers, it’s at the expense of another camping ground losing customers. This is because camping grounds are a finite resource – only so many camping spots are available in a particular area.

When we compare camping grounds, we’re essentially pitting them against each other in a competition for customers.

This competition can lead to a zero-sum game, where one camping ground’s gain is directly proportional to another camping ground’s loss. If camping ground A has better facilities and attracts more customers, camping ground B may lose business as a result.

But is this the only way to look at it? Can camping grounds coexist without competing in a zero-sum game? The answer is yes, but it requires a shift in perspective.

How to compare campgrounds

Instead of seeing camping grounds as competitors, we can view them as complementary resources.

If one camping ground has a particular attraction, such as a river or dam, another camping ground might have better hiking trails or more secluded campsites.

By recognizing the unique strengths of each camping ground, we can promote them in a way that doesn’t require them to compete directly with each other.

Another approach is for camping grounds to work together to promote the overall camping experience in the area.

For example, a group of camping grounds could collaborate to create a regional camping guide that highlights the unique features of each campground and encourages visitors to explore them all.

By working together, they can make a more diverse and appealing camping experience, without resorting to a zero-sum game.

In conclusion, while it may seem like one camping ground’s gain is another’s loss, there are ways to shift the perspective to view camping grounds as complementary resources that can coexist and even work together to promote the overall camping experience in the area.

That is why we must compare camping grounds with a view of making camping better for all campers, not make it a zero-sum game in which “my” campground is better than yours.

How can campers compare campgrounds to add value for other campers?

When campers compare campgrounds, they can focus on adding value for other campers rather than playing a zero-sum game. Here are some ways they can do this:

Share camping knowledge and experience

Campers can share their knowledge and experience with others.

They can provide information on the facilities, campsites, and local attractions to help other campers make an informed decision.

Promote the local area

Campers can promote the local area by highlighting the natural beauty, unique features, and interesting activities in the surrounding area.

By sharing their experiences, they can encourage others to explore and appreciate the local area.

Encourage camping diversity

Campers can encourage diversity by recommending different types of campgrounds to suit different preferences. For example, some campers may prefer rustic campgrounds, while others may prefer campgrounds with more amenities.

By promoting a variety of options, campers can help others find the campground that best suits their needs.

Encourage sustainability

Campers can encourage sustainability by promoting campgrounds that prioritize environmental stewardship.

They can share information on the campground’s efforts to reduce waste, conserve water, and protect local wildlife. By promoting sustainable practices, campers can help create a better future for everyone.

Share camping tips and advice

Campers can share tips and advice on camping best practices to help other campers have a better and safer camping experience.

Rate every camping ground on its own merit

If campers don’t rate camping resorts on how they stack up against other campgrounds, it makes it easier for all campers to make their choices.

When we rate a camp on what it promises, where it is situated, how responsive management is, and the standard as measured against what we as campers expect, then we create value.

But when we rate camping grounds against each other, we may compare bushveld and sea camping resorts, or weekend-focused campgrounds against midweek-focused campgrounds.

Comparisons made in this way make all camping grounds losers because the bushveld does not have a sea and the sea does not have a bushveld.

That creates a situation described in the wisdom that, if you rate a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will always be a failure.

Let’s not rate campgrounds on what they are not, let’s rate them at what they are so we can all have an enjoyable camping experience wherever we camp.

Summary

Campers can compare campgrounds in a way that adds value for other campers by sharing their knowledge and experience, promoting the local area, encouraging diversity, promoting sustainability, and sharing tips and advice.

By focusing on adding value, campers can help create a positive and supportive camping community.

We as campers must never forget that we rate camping grounds on our personal tastes and preferences. What is important to us may not be to other campers.

Eventually, we will benefit if we add value because the more campgrounds there are the wider our choice.

For us as campers, it is not a zero-sum game, we need all the camping and caravan parks.