Why Two-Way Texting Is a Game-Changer for Resorts & Campgrounds

In the hospitality world, communication is everything. Guests expect fast answers, clear directions, and personal service before, during, and after their stay. Resorts and campgrounds that master this balance earn higher satisfaction, repeat bookings, and word-of-mouth referrals.

But here’s the challenge: traditional channels like phone calls and email often fall short. Calls go unanswered when your team is busy. Emails get buried in cluttered inboxes. And when guests are on the move—checking in, setting up camp, or hiking a trail—they’re rarely in a position to dial a number or refresh their inbox.

That’s where two-way texting steps in. More than just a convenient tool, it’s transforming how resorts and campgrounds connect with their guests. By offering speed, ease, and personalization that other channels can’t match, texting has become a true game-changer for the hospitality industry.

And platforms like ResortForward are leading the way, giving operators powerful texting tools directly connected to reservations, staff tasks, and guest history.

The stats are clear:

• 98% of text messages are read compared to roughly 20% of marketing emails.
• Most texts are read within three minutes of receipt.
• 75% of consumers say they’d prefer to receive offers via SMS over other channels.

For resort and campground operators, these numbers translate into immediate visibility and response. Instead of hoping an email gets opened or a voicemail gets returned, you can be confident your message is received, and acted on, almost instantly.

With ResortForward, operators don’t just send messages blindly. They can segment guests, schedule reminders, and ensure texts are automatically tied to reservations. That way, communication is not only fast but also accurate and relevant.

Phone calls have long been the default for guest communication, but they’re increasingly inefficient. 

With texts there are no missed connections. Guests don’t always have the time or reception to take a call. A text leaves a written record for both staff and guests which creates documentation that is helpful for both the guest and resort.  It is also scalable for staff. One front desk worker can manage multiple text conversations at once.

With ResortForward’s two-way texting dashboard, your staff sees all guest conversations in one place, linked to their reservations. Instead of juggling phone lines, they can reply quickly, save common responses, and keep communication flowing without slowing down check-ins or daily operations.

Email still has a role in long-form communication, but as a service channel it falls short.

Email can create slow response times. Guests rarely check email while setting up camp or exploring. Important emails can get lost in clutter and spam filters. There is also the potential for emails to create an impersonal tone. Short texts feel warmer and more human.

With ResortForward, every text is sent from your branded number, not a personal cell. This keeps the tone professional while still conversational. Plus, you can automate certain messages (like reminders or WiFi passwords) so staff spends less time chasing emails and more time delighting guests.

Hospitality is about connection. Connection is important in every area of life, and work as well as relaxation are no different. When a guest feels that a resort is trying to connect with them personally, it makes the resort more hospitable. This can be the jumping off point for the finer areas of hospitality towards the guest.

Personalized Conversations

With ResortForward, staff can see guest names, site numbers, and notes the moment a text comes in. Instead of asking for details, they can respond immediately with tailored support.

Proactive Service

Automated texting through ResortForward means you can send reminders about activities, weather updates, or maintenance notices all before guests have to ask.

Post-Stay Engagement

ResortForward makes it easy to send “Thank you” notes, request reviews, or share special offers with past guests, This is done without requiring staff to manage dozens of email drafts.

Here’s where ResortForward really shines. Every text is connected directly to the reservation system.

Staff instantly see guest details like check-in dates, site numbers, and stay history whenever a message arrives. If a guest texts, “We’ll be arriving late,” staff can log it in the reservation with one click. Also, upsells can be personalized. “Hi John, since your cabin has lake access, would you like to add a kayak rental?”

This tight integration ensures no message is out of context and no request slips through the cracks.

Like any channel, the value of two-way texting depends on how it’s used. Done the right way, texting feels fast, convenient, and personal, strengthening relationships instead of straining them.

Keep It Conversational, Not Transactional

The biggest advantage of two-way texting is the ability to talk with customers, not at them. That means your tone should be natural and human, not robotic. Instead of sending a generic “Your appointment is confirmed,” try “Hi Sarah, we’ve got you scheduled for 2 PM Tuesday. Any changes needed?” This small shift turns a notification into an open door for dialogue.

Personalize Where It Counts

Nobody wants to feel like they’re on the receiving end of a mass blast. Smart businesses use data from reservations, purchases, or prior visits to tailor messages. A campground might text, “Hi John, your lakeside spot is ready for check-in after 2 PM today,” instead of a generic “Your site is ready.” Personalization shows you know your guest and care about their experience.

Train Staff to Respond Quickly

Two-way texting sets an expectation of immediacy. If messages go unanswered for hours, trust erodes. Staff should be trained to monitor conversations in real time and reply quickly, ideally within minutes. Even a short “Got it, working on that now” builds confidence.

Pre-Arrival

Confirmation reminders are sent. With ResortForward, automated texts confirm bookings and provide check-in times. Guests receive personalized driving directions and access information right before arrival. Targeted offers like firewood bundles can be sent automatically to guests with RV or tent reservations.

On-Site

Guests text for towels or firewood, and staff see it in the system immediately, linked to their site.
ResortForward broadcasts group messages (like “Yoga at 10 a.m. on the lawn”) without spamming all past guests.

Post-Stay

ResortForward automates thank-you texts right after checkout. A review link can be texted automatically, boosting response rates which increases exposure. Seasonal offers go to past guests based on their stay type.

With ResortForward there are great operational benefits for the staff.

One staff member can manage multiple texts while assisting walk-ins which increases efficiency. Saved templates answer common questions instantly and reduce the workload. There are also fewer disruptions like no endless ringing phones. Texts can be handled between tasks. Finally, all conversations are logged in the platform so staff shifts never lose context.

ResortForward also solves common operator worries.

Guests only receive messages after opting in, with easy opt-outs, creating greater privacy. All texts come from your property’s number, not staff personal phones, so the resort looks more professional. The interface is simple, with training guides and quick-start templates. Smart filters prevent over-messaging, so guests only get what matters.

By adopting ResortForward’s two-way texting, resorts and campgrounds gain several advantages.

There is differentiation. Guests see you as responsive and modern. Guests have higher satisfaction with fast, personal service which increases reviews and loyalty. There is more revenue as personalized upsells are easy to send. Greater efficiency is the result.  Staff works smarter, not harder.

Two-way texting is moving from “nice-to-have” to “must-have.” Resorts and campgrounds using ResortForward will not only meet guest expectations but exceed them, while operators who wait risk falling behind.

Two-way texting is no longer optional in hospitality, but essential. Compared to email and phone calls, it offers unmatched speed, convenience, and personal touch. And with ResortForward, texting becomes more than a message. It is a fully integrated part of your reservation system, guest journey, and team workflow.

For operators who want to streamline communication, boost revenue, and build stronger guest relationships, ResortForward makes it possible.

Because in today’s world, a simple text isn’t just a ping on a phone. That text is the foundation of unforgettable guest experiences.