Complete this online form with details of your enquiry and one of our advisors will call you back.
At Gable Business Finance, we work with caravan parks, campsites, holiday parks and glamping businesses across the UK to arrange specialist asset finance solutions that support safety, efficiency and long-term competitiveness. As the UK camping and caravan sector continues to evolve, access control systems have become a core operational asset rather than a simple security add-on.
Modern caravan and campsite operations are larger, more complex and more valuable than ever before. Parks now manage a mix of touring caravans, motorhomes, static caravans, lodges, glamping units, leisure facilities, retail outlets and staff accommodation, often spread across extensive sites. In this environment, controlling who can enter, exit and move around a site is essential not only for security, but for guest experience, traffic management, compliance and insurance.
Asset finance allows caravan parks and campsites to invest in professional access control systems – including barriers, gates, ANPR, key fob systems and integrated digital access – without tying up significant working capital. This is particularly important in a sector characterised by seasonality, rising guest expectations and continued investment in premium facilities.
The UK camping and caravan sector has experienced sustained growth over recent years, with sector value increasing by approximately 25% over five years. While the pandemic-driven staycation boom accelerated demand, longer-term trends have fundamentally reshaped the industry.
Today’s caravan parks and campsites operate in a far more competitive and professionalised environment. Key drivers include:
Access control systems sit at the intersection of many of these trends. They support security, improve operational control and contribute directly to the professional image of a site.
Asset finance enables a business to acquire equipment without paying the full cost upfront. Instead, the asset is funded over an agreed term via leasing or hire purchase, with the asset itself typically acting as security for the lender.
For caravan parks and campsites, asset finance allows continued investment in critical infrastructure while preserving cash for:
In a sector where income can fluctuate significantly depending on seasonality and weather, this flexibility is often essential.
Historically, access control on caravan parks and campsites was often limited to a simple gate or manually operated barrier. As sites have grown and diversified, this approach has become increasingly inadequate.
Modern access control systems now support:
For many operators, access control is no longer reactive. It is a proactive investment that underpins professionalism, risk management and guest confidence.
Automated barriers at site entrances and exits are one of the most common forms of access control. These systems regulate vehicle flow, reduce congestion and prevent unauthorised access, particularly during busy periods.
Sliding or swing gates are often used on premium or gated sections of a park, such as lodge developments or owner-occupied areas.
ANPR systems allow vehicles to be automatically recognised and granted access without manual input. These systems are increasingly popular on larger and higher-end parks.
Used for pedestrian access to facilities such as shower blocks, leisure centres, staff areas and secure zones.
Emerging systems allow guests to access facilities using mobile apps or digital passes, aligning with expectations for convenience and contactless interaction.
Access control systems play a direct role in shaping guest experience. Poorly managed access can lead to frustration, delays and safety concerns, particularly during peak arrival and departure times.
Well-designed systems support:
In an era where online reviews and word-of-mouth play a major role in booking decisions, these operational details have a disproportionate impact on reputation.
Premiumisation is one of the defining trends within the UK caravan and camping sector. Guests choosing high-end lodges, glamping units or long-term holiday homes expect a level of security and exclusivity that matches the price point.
Access control systems support premium positioning by:
For parks investing heavily in premium accommodation, access control is often a non-negotiable component of the overall offering.
Hire purchase allows the campsite business to spread the cost of access control systems over time while ultimately owning the equipment outright. This is commonly used for permanent installations such as barriers and gates.
Finance leases offer flexibility where systems may need upgrading as technology evolves, particularly for ANPR and digital access solutions.
In some cases, operating leases are used where access control is bundled with managed services or maintenance contracts.
Seasonality remains a defining feature of the caravan and camping sector. Large capital investments can place strain on cashflow if not structured carefully.
Asset finance allows operators to:
This approach supports continued investment even during periods of economic uncertainty.
A family-run touring park experienced significant congestion during peak summer weekends, with long queues at the entrance and safety concerns around pedestrian traffic. Using asset finance, the owners installed an automated barrier and traffic management system. The result was smoother arrivals, improved safety and a noticeable reduction in guest complaints during busy periods.
A holiday park developing a high-end lodge area used asset finance to install gated access with ANPR recognition. The system restricted access to lodge owners and their guests, reinforcing the premium positioning of the development and supporting higher sales values.
A rural glamping site wanted to improve security without detracting from its natural aesthetic. Asset finance enabled investment in discreet access control and pedestrian systems, improving safety while maintaining the site’s visual appeal.
A large holiday park with multiple access points used asset finance to standardise access control systems across the site. Centralised management improved oversight, reduced unauthorised access and supported better coordination with security staff.
While access control systems offer significant benefits, they must be designed and implemented carefully. Considerations include:
Working with experienced suppliers and arranging appropriate finance structures helps mitigate these risks.
Yes. Seasonality is common in the caravan and camping sector and is well understood by specialist lenders.
Many insurers view controlled access positively, particularly for sites with high-value assets.
Yes. Modern systems are often integrated with CCTV, alarms and lighting.
Even smaller sites benefit from improved safety, organisation and professional presentation.
We understand both the technical and commercial realities of caravan and campsite operations, allowing us to structure finance that works in practice.
Access control systems are now a core operational asset for caravan parks and campsites operating in a competitive, experience-led market. They support safety, improve guest experience and protect valuable assets.
Asset finance allows operators to invest in professional access control infrastructure while preserving flexibility and managing risk. When structured correctly, this investment supports long-term resilience as well as growth.
At Gable Business Finance, we specialise in arranging asset finance for UK caravan parks and campsites. By understanding seasonal trading patterns, evolving guest expectations and lender requirements, we help operators invest confidently in the systems that underpin modern campsite operations.
Finance is available to UK businesses only and is subject to status, affordability and lender criteria. This content is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.