Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for September 5, 2025
A proposed RV campground at Bellefonte Airport received conditional use approval Tuesday from the Benner Township Board of Supervisors, allowing the project to advance under 45 restrictions aimed at addressing resident concerns over safety, traffic and noise.
Glamping has risen to match tents as the top accommodation choice among U.S. campers, with 29% of respondents in RMS’s 2025 State of Outdoor Hospitality Report naming luxury stays such as yurts and domes as their first preference, signaling a shift in outdoor travel habits.
Go RVing has kicked off its Ultimate RV Tailgate campaign, a fall initiative launched August 30 to coincide with Labor Day weekend and the start of college football season, featuring pop-up events at major games and a sweepstakes.
Federal, county and municipal officials in western Colorado will ease to Stage 1 fire restrictions Friday, allowing limited campfires in developed areas but urging continued caution as hot, dry weather is expected to return.
The early registration deadline for the 2025 RV Dealers Convention/Expo approaches, with discounted rates available until Sept. 9. The event, scheduled for Nov. 10–14 at Paris Las Vegas, will bring together dealers, manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers for education, training, and an expo showcasing the latest RV products and services.
Abercrombie & Kent has reopened Uganda’s Gorilla Forest Lodge, a property redesigned by Luxury Frontiers with local craftsmanship and sustainable practices to enhance guest immersion in Bwindi’s unique environment.
The RV Women’s Alliance has named finalists for its 2025 awards, honoring women and companies recognized for leadership, innovation, and advancing opportunities for women in the RV industry. Winners will be announced Oct. 16 during the RV Women’s Alliance Education Symposium.
Wishon Village RV Park has been transformed into a base camp for firefighters battling the Garnet Fire in California’s Sierra National Forest, after owner Kris Oneida offered the property as a resource following evacuation orders in the area.
OHI will raise membership dues beginning Jan. 1, 2026, marking the first significant adjustment in several years to support expanded benefits, rising operational costs, and long-term sustainability for private RV parks and campgrounds.
The RV Industry Association will host its Fall 2025 RoadSigns Forecast Insights webinar on Monday, Sept. 8, featuring a presentation from ITR Economics forecaster Eric Post on shipment projections and industry market conditions.
Love’s RV Stops has launched a nationwide promotion giving football season travelers 10% off nightly stays at all locations from Sept. 4 through Feb. 9, 2026, positioning its campgrounds as convenient stops for fans heading to games across the country.
A proposed RV campground at Bellefonte Airport received conditional use approval Tuesday from the Benner Township Board of Supervisors, allowing the project to advance under 45 restrictions aimed at addressing resident concerns over safety, traffic and noise.
Abercrombie & Kent has reopened Uganda’s Gorilla Forest Lodge, a property redesigned by Luxury Frontiers with local craftsmanship and sustainable practices to enhance guest immersion in Bwindi’s unique environment.
Wishon Village RV Park has been transformed into a base camp for firefighters battling the Garnet Fire in California’s Sierra National Forest, after owner Kris Oneida offered the property as a resource following evacuation orders in the area.
OHI will raise membership dues beginning Jan. 1, 2026, marking the first significant adjustment in several years to support expanded benefits, rising operational costs, and long-term sustainability for private RV parks and campgrounds.
OHI will raise membership dues beginning Jan. 1, 2026, marking the first significant adjustment in several years to support expanded benefits, rising operational costs, and long-term sustainability for private RV parks and campgrounds.
Wishon Village RV Park has been transformed into a base camp for firefighters battling the Garnet Fire in California’s Sierra National Forest, after owner Kris Oneida offered the property as a resource following evacuation orders in the area.
Love’s RV Stops has launched a nationwide promotion giving football season travelers 10% off nightly stays at all locations from Sept. 4 through Feb. 9, 2026, positioning its campgrounds as convenient stops for fans heading to games across the country.
A proposed RV campground at Bellefonte Airport received conditional use approval Tuesday from the Benner Township Board of Supervisors, allowing the project to advance under 45 restrictions aimed at addressing resident concerns over safety, traffic and noise.
Glamping has risen to match tents as the top accommodation choice among U.S. campers, with 29% of respondents in RMS’s 2025 State of Outdoor Hospitality Report naming luxury stays such as yurts and domes as their first preference, signaling a shift in outdoor travel habits.
Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater in Rocky Mountain National Park has reopened after safety and accessibility upgrades funded by a $25,000 donation, restoring ranger-led evening programs that had been on hold since 2020.
Western North Carolina has launched the “Thrive Outside” initiative, a multi-year program aimed at expanding outdoor access for youth and families, particularly in communities that have faced barriers to recreation. The effort began August 25 with a gathering at Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins along the French Broad River.
The Little Kentucky River Watershed Conservancy District Board has approved a bid from Jeremy Chilton and Dylan Taylor to lease and renovate the Lake Jericho Campgrounds under a 10-year agreement set to begin in 2026, a decision that has sparked both plans for modernization and frustration among longtime residents.
Abercrombie & Kent has reopened Uganda’s Gorilla Forest Lodge, a property redesigned by Luxury Frontiers with local craftsmanship and sustainable practices to enhance guest immersion in Bwindi’s unique environment.
Glamping has risen to match tents as the top accommodation choice among U.S. campers, with 29% of respondents in RMS’s 2025 State of Outdoor Hospitality Report naming luxury stays such as yurts and domes as their first preference, signaling a shift in outdoor travel habits.
From riverside luxury in the UK to expansive ranch escapes in Texas, this week’s MC Fireside Chats dives into how glamping and RV destinations are redefining the guest experience. Tune in September 10 at 2 PM ET and be part of the conversation shaping the future of outdoor hospitality.
MC Fireside Chats returns on September 3, spotlighting Walden and Glamping Show Americas with special guest insights on the future of outdoor hospitality. Don’t miss this conversation — tune in live and be part of the discussion shaping 2025 and beyond.
The Destination Channel’s travel series Staycation is set to premiere its newest episode, Palm Springs Paradise, featuring Coachella Lakes RV Resort in Coachella Valley, California, on Sunday, August 31, at 2 p.m. (PST) on KCAL 9.
The early registration deadline for the 2025 RV Dealers Convention/Expo approaches, with discounted rates available until Sept. 9. The event, scheduled for Nov. 10–14 at Paris Las Vegas, will bring together dealers, manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers for education, training, and an expo showcasing the latest RV products and services.
The RV Women’s Alliance has named finalists for its 2025 awards, honoring women and companies recognized for leadership, innovation, and advancing opportunities for women in the RV industry. Winners will be announced Oct. 16 during the RV Women’s Alliance Education Symposium.
The RV Industry Association will host its Fall 2025 RoadSigns Forecast Insights webinar on Monday, Sept. 8, featuring a presentation from ITR Economics forecaster Eric Post on shipment projections and industry market conditions.
The RV Technical Institute and Mike Molino RV Learning Center have launched a survey open through October 17 to gather feedback on technician and fixed operations training needs, with the goal of improving workforce development and service efficiency across the RV industry.
The Headrest Safe Company will showcase its patented vehicle safe storage system at the Elkhart RV Dealer Open House in Elkhart, Indiana, from Sept. 22-25, demonstrating how its products are designed to enhance security and convenience for RV owners on the road.
Go RVing has kicked off its Ultimate RV Tailgate campaign, a fall initiative launched August 30 to coincide with Labor Day weekend and the start of college football season, featuring pop-up events at major games and a sweepstakes.
The Mike Molino RV Learning Center and NCM Associates are now accepting applications for the 2025 Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship, offering RVDA dealer employees the chance to pursue customized leadership training valued at up to $13,000.
The RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) will host a free “Open House” breakfast on Tuesday, September 23, at the RV/MH Hall of Fame Auditorium in Elkhart, Indiana, bringing together RV industry professionals for networking, professional development, and interactive activities led by Dr. Rachel Lindvall.
Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. has partnered with Awaken RV to equip the manufacturer’s debut line of molded fiberglass travel trailers with Battle Born lithium batteries, providing standard off-grid power for modern travelers.
A new Second Chance partnership has launched in Texas, uniting the Windham School District and Ron Hoover RV and Marine Centers to create a pathway for certified RV technicians while addressing workforce needs in the industry.
Blue Ox has opened registration for its 2025 OxSmart Training, a hands-on program scheduled for Oct. 6–8 in West Point, Nebraska, that provides RV technicians with advanced instruction in towing systems and 13 hours of RV Technical Institute Level 3 credit.
Campervan company Tourism Holdings (THL) has reported a net loss of $25.8 million for the year ended June, compared to a net profit of $39.4 million a year earlier, largely due to a $54.5 million non-cash writedown of its United States goodwill and deferred UK tax assets.
Lippert’s Furrion brand has introduced the Aurora Partial-Sun 2, a fourth-generation outdoor smart TV designed to deliver enhanced performance and durability, expanding the company’s lineup of weather-ready entertainment solutions for residential and hospitality use.
The British Columbia Lodging and Camping Association (BCLCA) has partnered with Acera Insurance Services Ltd. and Western Financial Group to expand insurance options for its members, offering tailored brokerage solutions designed to provide greater flexibility, competitive coverage, and value across the province’s outdoor hospitality industry.
Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park will host its 6th annual Butterflies on the Battlefield Pollinator and Nature Festival on Aug. 23, offering free, family-friendly activities that highlight the importance of pollinators through educational programs, nature walks, and craft activities.
Campspot, a reservation software provider for campgrounds, has announced a new integration with Iterable, an AI-powered cross-channel marketing platform. This collaboration enables multi-park operators and marketing teams to sync guest and reservation data directly into Iterable’s advanced system.
RoverPass’s new “Escape the Chaos” campaign brings the stress of running a campground to life through humor, animation, and a not-so-cuddly Chaos Monster—showing owners they’re not alone and that smarter, AI-powered solutions are on the way.
My Financing USA, a national RV and boat financing provider, has announced a plan to give away $1 billion worth of prequalified leads to dealerships through its newly launched website, MyFy Marketplace. The platform is designed to connect dealers with thousands of credit-qualified buyers at no cost for listings, offering a timely solution as retailers face rising advertising expenses across the recreational vehicle and marine industries.
Campspot, an online booking platform for campgrounds and RV parks, has announced the 2025 Campground Revolutionaries, recognizing seven professionals across the United States and Canada for their leadership, innovation, and dedication to enhancing the outdoor hospitality industry.
Jellystone Park’s annual bear-waking event, which invites guests to help rouse Yogi Bear, Boo Boo, and Cindy Bear from hibernation, highlights how themed experiences can enhance engagement and drive early-season campground bookings.
The Half a Mind Podcast has released a compelling new episode featuring an exclusive interview with Carl Borkholder, founder of Gen-Y Hitch, who shares his inspiring journey from leaving school after the 8th grade to transforming the towing industry with his innovative hitch designs.
Larry Troutt III of Topper’s Camping Center in Waller, Texas, has been appointed chairman of the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) for 2025, taking on the leadership role during the association’s annual meeting on Nov. 13 at Paris Las Vegas.
Research indicates that RV dealerships prioritizing a robust culture of safety experience tangible benefits, including reduced absenteeism, fewer injuries, minimized safety violations, and lower turnover rates. At the upcoming RV Dealers Convention/Expo, attendees can explore these advantages during the workshop “Creating a Safety Culture – Your New Competitive Advantage,” scheduled for 3:15 p.m. on November 14 as part of the fixed operations education track.
In a competitive RV market, leveraging data insights is crucial for dealers aiming to capture market share and generate leads effectively. The upcoming workshop, “Insights 360: Leveraging Consumer Data for Market Success,” scheduled for November 14 at 12:45 p.m. during the RVDA Convention, will guide dealers on how to utilize market trends and consumer behavior data to optimize their marketing efforts.
The upcoming RV Dealers Convention will feature a workshop dedicated to leveraging showroom technology. Scheduled for November 14, the session will provide valuable insights on how dealers can integrate sales and finance processes, and identify legal boundaries for customer information protection.
Caledon State Park is set to host its annual Art and Wine Festival on Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a weekend filled with family-friendly activities, live music, and local flavor. Attendees can enjoy tastings from regional wineries, sample dishes from food trucks and vendors, and explore art displays from talented local artists.
GE Appliances, a supplier of refrigerators, air conditioners, stoves, washers, and dryers tailored for the RV industry, is set to return as a bronze partner for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, scheduled for November 11-15 at Paris Las Vegas.
Campground owners across the U.S. can now join OHI or their state association independently, following a major shift to a direct membership model. While the move sparked mixed reactions, both OHI and state leaders agree on one goal: supporting park owners through tailored benefits, advocacy, and collaboration.
June is Parks and Recreation Month, celebrating the numerous benefits of parks and outdoor recreation spaces. This initiative encourages communities to engage in diverse outdoor activities, promoting physical, mental, and community health while supporting economic growth and environmental sustainability.
USA Camping Company is elevating traditional campgrounds into resort-level destinations by acquiring and upgrading properties with enhanced amenities and community integration. Their growth strategy focuses on providing high-quality guest experiences, prime outdoor locations, and sustainable practices.
Luxe Glamp, an eco-friendly luxury dome glamping project, has begun construction in the Umm Al Quwain Mangrove Reserve, UAE, promising a sustainable and immersive stay experience. The project, attended by Sheikh Majid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, aims to blend luxury with environmental conservation, highlighting the UAE’s diverse tourism offerings.
National Powersports Auctions (NPA) has expanded its RV and Marine team by appointing Shannon Bennett as the RV+Marine sales and admin coordinator and promoting Tom Wilkinson to production supervisor for RV+Marine and Specialty Product. This strategic move aims to enhance service efficiency and support the growing demand in the RV and Marine industries.
Temporary road closures and changed parking conditions are set for the 2024 Let’s Go Queensland Caravan and Camping Supershow from May 30 to June 11. The event will feature the latest models of caravans, motorhomes, and camping equipment, hosted by over 200 exhibitors.
A recent Winnebago Industries survey reveals that more Americans are turning to outdoor activities for health benefits, with 71% acknowledging their positive impact on physical and mental well-being. The survey highlights a growing trend in outdoor participation, which supports increased demand in the RV industry.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro launches the “Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway” tourism initiative with a weeklong RV tour to promote the state’s attractions and boost its tourism industry. The campaign aims to draw millions of visitors, benefiting local businesses and the outdoor recreation sector.
Campsite reservations in BC Parks’ Okanagan region have decreased this year, with 1,400 reservations for the May long weekend compared to 1,600 last year. Despite this, most parks are fully booked, and several trails remain closed due to wildfire impacts and seasonal conditions.
The 12th annual RV Industry Power Breakfast at the RV/MH Hall of Fame witnessed its highest turnout ever, with industry leaders discussing the robust interest and emerging trends in the RV sector. Key talks highlighted increased outdoor activities spurred by the pandemic and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in enhancing customer experiences.
As the 2024 camping season begins, demand for local campsites in southern Ontario shows significant growth, with facilities like Whistle Bare Campground nearly fully booked. Campground operators are advised to optimize services and facilities in response to the increasing popularity of outdoor activities.