Darrell Hess to Retire Next Year

          After specializing in the sale of campgrounds on RV parks for 41 years with 346 sales, Darrell Hess and his company, Darrell Hess & Associates (Campgrounds For Sale) will be retiring next year. 

On The Road This Summer

Darrell and his wife, Brenda Lang, will be traveling the US this summer camping in their motorhome.  Of course, we will keep our eyes and ears open while on the road.  We can always refer you to the right Buyer or Seller.

We are still licensed and still capable but are "picky" and limiting our involvement.  The business phone number 828-452-1535 and email hess@campgroundsforsale.com will be active through 2023.  We will not be taking on any new listings or brokering, but will always be open to an interesting "special project" and referrals.

Heartfelt THANKS to all the campground owners, buyers and Industry members we have worked with over the past 41 years! 

Each one has a special place in our memory and heart!   Look at ALL you have helped us accomplish over the years ....

          Darrell Hess sold the first campground in 1982.  Licensed as a real estate broker in ten states, and working with brokers in other states, the company has been involved in the sale of 346 campgrounds and RV parks.  These parks, located in 25 states have included KOAs, Yogi Bear Jellystone parks, and many independents.  Buyers have been owner operators, partnerships and investment groups.  These sales have given us a thorough understanding of the purchase and sales process.

             With 41 years’ involvement in the camping industry, the company has conducted workshops for many camping associations, including the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC), the Yogi Bear Jellystone Camp Resorts franchise system, and various state campground associations.  Topics have included “Campground Valuations”; “Marketing Ideas”; “Tenters and Cabin Renters”, “Are Self-Imposed Limitations Holding Down Your Bottom Line”; “The 3 Phase Process in Deciding to Sell”; and “They Got It You Want It - How to Get Bank Financing”; just to name just a few.      

Conducting the first Campground Buyers’ Workshop in 1985, the company has presented over 200 such seminars.  This two-day workshop was approved for credit in the Certified Park Operator’s Program sponsored by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC).  The Campground Buyers’ Workshop has generated buyers who have gone on to purchase over 300 campgrounds.            

Along with brokering campground sales, consulting to buyers and owners, and conducting various workshops, Darrell Hess & Associates has published three guidebooks:        “Getting Your Banker to Say ‘Yes’ to Your Request,”   “4 Steps to Determine the Profitability of an RV Park” and  “Thinking of Selling – The 3 Phase Process in Deciding to Sell”.

Again THANKS!   Don't be surprised if we stop into your campground and say HELLO!
See you on the road ...