Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for August 14, 2025
Industry leaders in the RV parts and accessories sector were recognized Wednesday, Aug. 13, during the 2025 RV Aftermarket Awards in San Antonio, Texas, celebrating top performers across distributors, suppliers, representative groups, products, and individuals driving growth in the aftermarket segment.
Rustic Ridge Retreat RV Park in Gentry has officially joined the Gentry Chamber of Commerce following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the completion of renovations that expand lodging and amenities at the rural, pet-friendly property less than a mile from Siloam Springs City Lake.
The BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association and the Canadian Camping and RV Association will host the inaugural Western Ideas Forum & AccomEx from Nov. 3–6, at St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino in Cranbrook, British Columbia.
The Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday in Wilmington, N.Y., has opened a new Riverside section with 59 RV sites along the Ausable River, expanding accommodations for visitors and aligning with KOA’s strategy to meet growing demand for outdoor travel.
Rising costs, reduced subsidies, and global competition are prompting UK farmers to diversify into ventures such as glamping, cafes, and visitor experiences, creating new opportunities for the outdoor hospitality sector.
With a year to go before the August 10, 2026 total solar eclipse, accommodations in prime viewing areas across Catalonia are already nearing full capacity, signaling a major tourism influx for the outdoor hospitality sector.
Lazydays Holdings Inc. has released its second-quarter 2025 financial results, reporting lower revenue but a narrower net loss as the company advances its turnaround strategy through operational improvements, margin gains, and the sale of non-core assets.
A long-running planning dispute over Church House Farm Getaways in Carmarthenshire has led to an enforcement order requiring the removal of key campsite facilities and a reduction in operations to its original certified size.
Go RVing’s latest “Trends to Know” report has turned its attention from emerging market shifts to the role of community in the RV lifestyle, highlighting how social activities, shared experiences, and digital tools are helping travelers connect on the road.
Scholarship registration has opened for the 2026 George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality, a program hosted by the Outdoor Hospitality Institute that offers intensive training for campground and outdoor hospitality professionals.
Industry leaders in the RV parts and accessories sector were recognized Wednesday, Aug. 13, during the 2025 RV Aftermarket Awards in San Antonio, Texas, celebrating top performers across distributors, suppliers, representative groups, products, and individuals driving growth in the aftermarket segment.
Rustic Ridge Retreat RV Park in Gentry has officially joined the Gentry Chamber of Commerce following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the completion of renovations that expand lodging and amenities at the rural, pet-friendly property less than a mile from Siloam Springs City Lake.
The BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association and the Canadian Camping and RV Association will host the inaugural Western Ideas Forum & AccomEx from Nov. 3–6, at St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino in Cranbrook, British Columbia.
Peninsula State Park’s Tennison Bay Campground in Door County, Wisconsin, is set for long-awaited renovations to its restroom and shower facilities after the Wisconsin State Building Commission approved more than $3.5 million for the project. T
The Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday in Wilmington, N.Y., has opened a new Riverside section with 59 RV sites along the Ausable River, expanding accommodations for visitors and aligning with KOA’s strategy to meet growing demand for outdoor travel.
Lippert Components will host its first Partners of Progress (POP) meeting during the 2025 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, scheduled for Nov. 10-14 at Paris Las Vegas, with the session set for Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will reopen Raystown Lake’s Susquehannock, Nancy’s Boat-to-Shore and Seven Points campgrounds in mid-August and early September after staffing shortages forced months-long closures, restoring late-season camping and vital tourism revenue.
Rising costs, reduced subsidies, and global competition are prompting UK farmers to diversify into ventures such as glamping, cafes, and visitor experiences, creating new opportunities for the outdoor hospitality sector.
With a year to go before the August 10, 2026 total solar eclipse, accommodations in prime viewing areas across Catalonia are already nearing full capacity, signaling a major tourism influx for the outdoor hospitality sector.
The Dyrt has earned a place on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America for the fourth consecutive year, bolstered by partnerships with major brands such as Toyota, Ford, Jeep, Ram, Verizon and T-Mobile.
A long-running planning dispute over Church House Farm Getaways in Carmarthenshire has led to an enforcement order requiring the removal of key campsite facilities and a reduction in operations to its original certified size.
Scholarship registration has opened for the 2026 George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality, a program hosted by the Outdoor Hospitality Institute that offers intensive training for campground and outdoor hospitality professionals.
Rustic Ridge Retreat RV Park in Gentry has officially joined the Gentry Chamber of Commerce following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the completion of renovations that expand lodging and amenities at the rural, pet-friendly property less than a mile from Siloam Springs City Lake.
The BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association and the Canadian Camping and RV Association will host the inaugural Western Ideas Forum & AccomEx from Nov. 3–6, at St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino in Cranbrook, British Columbia.
Scholarship registration has opened for the 2026 George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality, a program hosted by the Outdoor Hospitality Institute that offers intensive training for campground and outdoor hospitality professionals.
Rustic Ridge Retreat RV Park in Gentry has officially joined the Gentry Chamber of Commerce following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the completion of renovations that expand lodging and amenities at the rural, pet-friendly property less than a mile from Siloam Springs City Lake.
The BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association and the Canadian Camping and RV Association will host the inaugural Western Ideas Forum & AccomEx from Nov. 3–6, at St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino in Cranbrook, British Columbia.
The Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday in Wilmington, N.Y., has opened a new Riverside section with 59 RV sites along the Ausable River, expanding accommodations for visitors and aligning with KOA’s strategy to meet growing demand for outdoor travel.
OHI has secured a permanent increase in the federal estate tax exemption to $15 million per individual and $30 million per couple, a change now in effect that allows family-owned RV parks, campgrounds, and glamping businesses to transfer ownership to the next generation without triggering estate tax obligations under the new limits.
RoverPass has launched the Terminal Solution, a new hardware offering now available to U.S. customers that integrates directly with its campground management platform, enabling owners to process secure, professional-grade payments while automatically syncing transactions in real time.
Peninsula State Park’s Tennison Bay Campground in Door County, Wisconsin, is set for long-awaited renovations to its restroom and shower facilities after the Wisconsin State Building Commission approved more than $3.5 million for the project. T
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will reopen Raystown Lake’s Susquehannock, Nancy’s Boat-to-Shore and Seven Points campgrounds in mid-August and early September after staffing shortages forced months-long closures, restoring late-season camping and vital tourism revenue.
North Dakota Parks and Recreation will launch a series of campground upgrades this month, beginning Aug. 18 with a project to double capacity at Rough Rider State Park in Billings County and modernize its facilities to better accommodate growing RV camping demand.
House of Highways launched HoH+, an AI-powered mobile app for RVers, vanlifers, and nomadic families, on August 11. The platform features “Ask Junie,” the first AI assistant trained specifically for nomadic travel, along with RV-friendly GPS routing, trip planning tools, and a database of over 45,000 U.S. campgrounds.
New Hampshire’s camping sector, spanning state parks, private resorts, and luxury glamping sites, continues to grow as travelers seek experiences ranging from back-to-basics tenting to high-end, amenity-rich retreats.
The National Park Service will reopen more than 30 campsites in Loop A of Julian Price Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina on August 15, marking a partial return to operations following months of debris removal and hazard tree work.
A long-running planning dispute over Church House Farm Getaways in Carmarthenshire has led to an enforcement order requiring the removal of key campsite facilities and a reduction in operations to its original certified size.
Rustic Ridge Retreat RV Park in Gentry has officially joined the Gentry Chamber of Commerce following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the completion of renovations that expand lodging and amenities at the rural, pet-friendly property less than a mile from Siloam Springs City Lake.
Rising costs, reduced subsidies, and global competition are prompting UK farmers to diversify into ventures such as glamping, cafes, and visitor experiences, creating new opportunities for the outdoor hospitality sector.
The Dyrt has earned a place on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America for the fourth consecutive year, bolstered by partnerships with major brands such as Toyota, Ford, Jeep, Ram, Verizon and T-Mobile.
Sweet Hill Farm in Portland has applied to Dorset Council for permission to expand its camping and glamping facilities, including 30 new pitches and up to nine shepherd’s huts, alongside environmental restoration measures.
America’s Best Campground in Branson, Missouri, has launched an interactive virtual tour and two marketing videos in collaboration with Campground Views, giving prospective guests a detailed online preview of its RV sites, cabins, and amenities before booking.
A proposed luxury camping project in Horicon, N.Y., is sparking concerns among residents and driving efforts to create regulations for mountaintop and hillside development following recent land purchases and clearing by developer Jacob J. Weaver.
New Hampshire’s camping sector, spanning state parks, private resorts, and luxury glamping sites, continues to grow as travelers seek experiences ranging from back-to-basics tenting to high-end, amenity-rich retreats.
Sojourn Lodging in Sevierville, Tennessee, combines boutique hotel privacy with campground-style communal spaces, offering guests micro-lodges, shared fire pits, and an observation deck to encourage connection without sacrificing comfort.
A struggling glamping site in rural Worcestershire received a boost in visibility and bookings after appearing on Channel 5’s The Hotel Inspector, demonstrating the impact of strategic upgrades and local engagement for rural hospitality operators.
Commercial Recreation Specialists has launched FLX Shade, a patented shade system that installs on existing surfaces without excavation, aiming to help outdoor facilities add sun protection quickly and at lower cost while minimizing operational disruption.
Today’s travelers want more than a place to stay—they want unforgettable experiences. Join us August 13 at 2 PM ET as industry leaders and special guests from The Yurtopian and Camp Nauvoo share how they’re raising the bar in outdoor hospitality.
Jellystone Park locations across North America are preparing for a busy fall season, with September and October weekends filled with festivals and Halloween-themed events aimed at drawing families beyond the traditional summer camping period.
Lazydays Holdings Inc. has released its second-quarter 2025 financial results, reporting lower revenue but a narrower net loss as the company advances its turnaround strategy through operational improvements, margin gains, and the sale of non-core assets.
Go RVing’s latest “Trends to Know” report has turned its attention from emerging market shifts to the role of community in the RV lifestyle, highlighting how social activities, shared experiences, and digital tools are helping travelers connect on the road.
Industry leaders in the RV parts and accessories sector were recognized Wednesday, Aug. 13, during the 2025 RV Aftermarket Awards in San Antonio, Texas, celebrating top performers across distributors, suppliers, representative groups, products, and individuals driving growth in the aftermarket segment.
Lippert Components will host its first Partners of Progress (POP) meeting during the 2025 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, scheduled for Nov. 10-14 at Paris Las Vegas, with the session set for Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
The 2025 RV Aftermarket Conference is underway in San Antonio, Texas, bringing suppliers, distributors, and other RV Industry Association members together from Aug. 11 to 14 for product showcases, strategic discussions, and networking aimed at strengthening the $750 million aftermarket sector.
Sara Hey, president of Bob Clements International, will present three workshops on dealership growth, operational efficiency, and interdepartmental collaboration at the 2025 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, taking place Nov. 10-14 at Paris Las Vegas.
Lightship, the nation’s first all-electric recreational vehicle manufacturer, has started production of its sold-out AE.1 Cosmos Edition and introduced two new trims—the AE.1 Atmos and AE.1 Panos—broadening access to its electric travel trailer technology with options at multiple price points.
House of Highways launched HoH+, an AI-powered mobile app for RVers, vanlifers, and nomadic families, on August 11. The platform features “Ask Junie,” the first AI assistant trained specifically for nomadic travel, along with RV-friendly GPS routing, trip planning tools, and a database of over 45,000 U.S. campgrounds.
Chinese recreational vehicle startup Starlight opened its flagship experience center in Beijing on Friday, unveiling strategic partnerships with leading players in manufacturing, rental, and travel services to meet growing demand for self-driving tourism.
Country Club RV, a family-owned dealership specializing in travel trailers and fifth wheels, will close after 12 years in business, the owners announced this week in a social media post thanking customers and staff for their support and shared memories.
The RV Industry Association has welcomed etrailer.com and ObeCo, Incorporated as new members in July, strengthening its roster of more than 500 manufacturers, suppliers, and aftermarket businesses that collectively produce 98% of all RVs made in the United States.
The RV Industry Association’s State Government Affairs team joined lawmakers, staff, and policy professionals at the 2025 National Conference of State Legislatures’ Legislative Summit in Boston, using the annual gathering to highlight industry priorities and build relationships with legislators from more than 25 states.
The RV Technical Institute, in partnership with Truma, will hold an advanced training session on Sept. 15 at its Elkhart, Indiana, facility, focusing on the Truma AquaGo on-demand water heater and the Truma Combi 2-in-1 furnace and water heater.
British caravan and motorhome manufacturers are now eligible for support under the UK Government’s £2.5 billion DRIVE35 programme, which aims to promote zero-emission manufacturing and stimulate growth in the domestic leisure vehicle sector.
Priority One Financial Services will lead a workshop on management best practices at the 2025 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, taking place Nov. 10–14 at Paris Las Vegas. Scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m., the session—“Managerial Skills for Success”—will equip dealer and general manager attendees with strategies to improve hiring, coaching, and retention within their teams.
Aliner has launched the Switchback, a lightweight camper pod built for outdoor adventurers seeking a minimalist setup. Designed to fit most standard and mid-sized pickup trucks, the 375-pound unit emphasizes mobility, insulation, and quick setup, offering a compact, garageable solution for on-the-go camping.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) hosted its annual Regulatory & Safety Compliance Seminar on July 30 in Elkhart, Indiana, bringing together nearly 100 professionals from over 19 manufacturers and 19 supplier companies to address emerging compliance challenges, share data-driven safety strategies, and strengthen recall management practices across the RV sector.
Representatives from the RV Industry Association met with officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on July 25 to address industry concerns over the federal PFAS reporting rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Go RVing has launched RV-2-50, a national road trip campaign running through July 4, 2026, to mark America’s 250th anniversary with monthly itineraries that guide travelers to historic sites, cultural landmarks, and RV-friendly destinations across the country.
Don Reed, CEO and founder of DealerPRO RV Training, will present a workshop on technician hiring and retention at the 2025 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, taking place Nov. 10-14 at Paris Las Vegas, to help dealership leaders address the ongoing shortage of qualified RV service technicians with actionable workforce strategies.
Overland Expo Mountain West is set to return to Loveland, Colorado, from August 22 to 24, offering three days of hands-on training, industry exhibitions, and community networking for overlanding professionals and outdoor travel enthusiasts.
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.