Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for November 14, 2025
At The Outdoor Hospitality Innovator’s Summit, industry leaders emphasized that mastering data, automation, and AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about giving every campground the tools to make faster, smarter decisions that drive revenue and elevate guest experience.
Outdoor hospitality professionals gathered in Louisville, Kentucky, for OHCE 2025, a multi-day conference providing campground and RV park operators, suppliers, and industry leaders with practical tools, insights, and networking opportunities.
Care Camps Foundation honored the top RV dealerships in its 2025 Compete for Kids campaign during the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) Convention in Las Vegas, celebrating industry leaders who raised funds to help children with cancer experience the healing power of camp.
Pebble, the California-based electric RV startup, has opened orders for its Pebble Flow Magic Pack trim, allowing customers to customize and reserve units now. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in March 2026, expanding access to the company’s all-electric, automated travel trailer following the earlier Founders Edition rollout.
A Shropshire farm has applied for permission to convert agricultural land into a low-impact campsite with 25 tent pitches, aiming to extend its existing short-season camping operation and support wider farm diversification efforts.
Go RVing is highlighting experiential marketing as a growing strategy in the RV industry, emphasizing how immersive, hands-on events are helping manufacturers, dealers, and brands engage consumers more effectively.
MC Fireside Chats is going live from the KOA Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, on November 19th at 2 PM ET, featuring exclusive insights from leaders across the outdoor hospitality industry. Don’t miss this special broadcast—tune in for expert perspectives, inspiring stories, and the latest trends shaping camping and RV experiences.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) Board of Directors has reelected Mary Pouliot, executive vice president of Thetford, to serve a second term as board chair for 2026. The decision was made during the association’s organizational meeting on November 11, where officers and directors also confirmed leadership roles and appointments for the upcoming year.
Luna Glamping has introduced the 7M Stargazer Dome in Beulah, Wyoming, offering a modular, glass-fronted geodesic retreat that blends hotel-style amenities with panoramic night-sky views and practical installation tips for campground and glamping operators.
Jonathan Stone, president and co-owner of Stone’s RV Centre in New Glasgow and Sydney, Nova Scotia, was named the 2025 Canadian RV Dealer of the Year on November 12 during the RVDA of Canada Annual Meeting at the RV Dealers Convention/Expo in Las Vegas. The award honors long-term industry dedication, leadership, and community engagement.
At The Outdoor Hospitality Innovator’s Summit, industry leaders emphasized that mastering data, automation, and AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about giving every campground the tools to make faster, smarter decisions that drive revenue and elevate guest experience.
Outdoor hospitality professionals gathered in Louisville, Kentucky, for OHCE 2025, a multi-day conference providing campground and RV park operators, suppliers, and industry leaders with practical tools, insights, and networking opportunities.
Care Camps Foundation honored the top RV dealerships in its 2025 Compete for Kids campaign during the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) Convention in Las Vegas, celebrating industry leaders who raised funds to help children with cancer experience the healing power of camp.
NRMA Parks and Resorts has announced record-breaking results from its fourth annual Camp Out campaign, raising more than AU$223,300 in partnership with children’s cancer charity Camp Quality. The 2025 total marks an increase of over AU$43,000 from last year, reinforcing the campaign’s growing impact in supporting children with cancer and their families across Australia.
Recognized as one of Trade Show Magazine’s “Top 50” trade shows, the Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE) 2025 brings together campground and RV park operators with leading vendors, technology providers, and service specialists from across the industry. The event offers attendees an opportunity to explore the latest innovations, network with peers, and gain insights into enhancing operations and guest experiences across the outdoor hospitality sector.
A Shropshire farm has applied for permission to convert agricultural land into a low-impact campsite with 25 tent pitches, aiming to extend its existing short-season camping operation and support wider farm diversification efforts.
Luna Glamping has introduced the 7M Stargazer Dome in Beulah, Wyoming, offering a modular, glass-fronted geodesic retreat that blends hotel-style amenities with panoramic night-sky views and practical installation tips for campground and glamping operators.
Outdoor hospitality professionals gathered in Louisville, Kentucky, for OHCE 2025, a multi-day conference providing campground and RV park operators, suppliers, and industry leaders with practical tools, insights, and networking opportunities.
Care Camps Foundation honored the top RV dealerships in its 2025 Compete for Kids campaign during the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) Convention in Las Vegas, celebrating industry leaders who raised funds to help children with cancer experience the healing power of camp.
Recognized as one of Trade Show Magazine’s “Top 50” trade shows, the Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE) 2025 brings together campground and RV park operators with leading vendors, technology providers, and service specialists from across the industry. The event offers attendees an opportunity to explore the latest innovations, network with peers, and gain insights into enhancing operations and guest experiences across the outdoor hospitality sector.
Outsourcing and professional management can unlock major financial gains for campground operators, according to industry experts at the Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE) in Louisville, Kentucky.
Northgate Resorts is celebrating a standout year in outdoor hospitality after earning top national honors from both the Outdoor Hospitality Industry (OHI) Awards and the Camp Jellystone Annual Awards Ceremony, recognizing the company’s innovation, leadership, and excellence across multiple parks nationwide.
Nominations have opened for the inaugural ANDIES Awards, a new program by Anderson’s Brochure Distribution Service recognizing excellence in print marketing across the outdoor hospitality and tourism industries. Set to honor creative achievements in brochures, rack cards, and magazines, the awards highlight the enduring influence of print materials in travel marketing.
Asessippi Beach & Campground near Inglis, Manitoba, offers a mix of camping options, outdoor recreation, and local heritage experiences, illustrating how small rural destinations can enhance visitor engagement and regional tourism.
Operated by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Black River Wilderness Park blends traditional camping with Indigenous cultural experiences, offering a model for operators seeking to combine nature-based recreation with educational tourism.
A Shropshire farm has applied for permission to convert agricultural land into a low-impact campsite with 25 tent pitches, aiming to extend its existing short-season camping operation and support wider farm diversification efforts.
Luna Glamping has introduced the 7M Stargazer Dome in Beulah, Wyoming, offering a modular, glass-fronted geodesic retreat that blends hotel-style amenities with panoramic night-sky views and practical installation tips for campground and glamping operators.
NRMA Parks and Resorts has announced record-breaking results from its fourth annual Camp Out campaign, raising more than AU$223,300 in partnership with children’s cancer charity Camp Quality. The 2025 total marks an increase of over AU$43,000 from last year, reinforcing the campaign’s growing impact in supporting children with cancer and their families across Australia.
Serenity Gully in Bridgetown, Western Australia, has been awarded Best Glamping Destination in Australia at the 2025 World Luxury Travel Awards, recognising its sustainable design and commitment to luxury guest experiences.
The Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE) kicked off in Louisville, Kentucky, on November 9, launching a week of connection, learning, and leadership for campground owners, RV park operators, glamping resort leaders, and suppliers from across North America.
The Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE) 2025 kicked off its annual celebration of innovation and leadership with the OHI Awards of Excellence in Louisville, Kentucky, recognizing top-performing campgrounds, parks, and suppliers that are redefining standards across the outdoor hospitality industry.
Damien Harmon, president of North America at Subway, urged campground and RV park operators to treat their business like a race during his opening keynote at the Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE) on Nov. 10. Harmon highlighted how phased planning, disciplined execution, and leveraging networks can drive business strategy and long-term success. Modern Campground is on site covering the event.
The 46th edition of the European Trade Fair of Tourism Trends (SETT) drew more than 20,000 professionals to Montpellier, France, from November 4 to 6, 2025, marking an 8.7 percent rise in attendance and a record increase in international visitors.
&Beyond has expanded its Botswana Under Canvas portfolio with the debut of two new Okavango Delta camps — Sandibe Under Canvas and Nxabega Under Canvas — completing a seven-night circuit that connects the region’s most iconic wilderness areas through a blend of adventure, sustainability, and intimate safari experiences.
The OHI Foundation has named the 2026 scholarship recipients for the George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality, honoring professionals and emerging leaders committed to advancing the outdoor hospitality industry. The recipients will attend the weeklong program February 22–27, 2026, at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Pebble, the California-based electric RV startup, has opened orders for its Pebble Flow Magic Pack trim, allowing customers to customize and reserve units now. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in March 2026, expanding access to the company’s all-electric, automated travel trailer following the earlier Founders Edition rollout.
Go RVing is highlighting experiential marketing as a growing strategy in the RV industry, emphasizing how immersive, hands-on events are helping manufacturers, dealers, and brands engage consumers more effectively.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) Board of Directors has reelected Mary Pouliot, executive vice president of Thetford, to serve a second term as board chair for 2026. The decision was made during the association’s organizational meeting on November 11, where officers and directors also confirmed leadership roles and appointments for the upcoming year.
Jonathan Stone, president and co-owner of Stone’s RV Centre in New Glasgow and Sydney, Nova Scotia, was named the 2025 Canadian RV Dealer of the Year on November 12 during the RVDA of Canada Annual Meeting at the RV Dealers Convention/Expo in Las Vegas. The award honors long-term industry dedication, leadership, and community engagement.
TechnoRV is embracing the season of giving through a new partnership with the United States Marine Corps as a National Corporate Sponsor for the 2025 Toys for Tots campaign, pledging a portion of its fourth-quarter sales to support children and families in need.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) is calling on industry members to ramp up media outreach this winter as a record 28 million Americans plan RV trips—a 33 percent increase from last year—creating new opportunities to promote RV travel as a flexible and reliable vacation option.
The RV Technical Institute (RVTI) promoted career opportunities for aspiring RV service technicians during the Lone Star State School Counselor Association Conference, held November 2–4 in Frisco, Texas, engaging with educators to encourage the integration of its hands-on training program into school curricula and strengthen pathways into the RV industry.
The RV Technical Institute, Navarro College, and Fun Town RV marked a major step in RV workforce development with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Corsicana, Texas, celebrating the launch of RVTI’s first community college partnership.
The RV Dealers Association has launched a mobile-friendly event website for the 2025 RVDA Convention/Expo, offering attendees access to schedules, exhibitors, and networking tools ahead of the November 10–14 event at Paris Las Vegas.
John Spader of NCM Associates will present models, strategies, and systems used by top-performing dealerships to achieve success in any market during a workshop at the upcoming RV Dealers Convention/Expo in Las Vegas.
As part of the 2025 RV Dealers Convention/Expo in Las Vegas, leadership expert Allen Phibbs will present a workshop titled “Disrupt Yourself Before the Market Disrupts You” on Thursday, November 13, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., guiding dealership leaders on how to anticipate and adapt to change before external market forces demand it.
The RV Technical Institute (RVTI) will introduce new pricing for its training programs and services starting January 1, 2026, marking its first comprehensive update in several years. The changes affect individual and location subscriptions, Authorized Learning Partner contracts, and technician training fees as the institute continues to expand and modernize its industry-leading certification programs.
Registration is now open for the 2026 RV Industry Association (RVIA) Leadership Conference, set for March 10-12 at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa in Austin, Texas, where RV industry executives and rising leaders will gather for three days of networking, leadership development, and professional growth.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has acquired the 455-acre Lake Caledon property, expanding Caledon State Park by 20% through a partnership of local, state, and federal organizations dedicated to conservation and recreation.
Airxcel introduced new exterior components from its Velarium and Cleer Vision Doors brands during the 12th annual New Product Showcase, showcasing innovations designed to enhance safety, functionality, and style in recreational vehicles.
At the upcoming RV Dealers Convention/Expo in Las Vegas, a panel of industry experts will lead a workshop on November 11 to demonstrate how artificial intelligence (AI) is being applied by RV dealers to improve sales, service, and customer engagement.
Ken Barnes, director of sales for DealerPRO RV Training, will lead two workshops at the 2025 RV Dealers Convention/Expo in Las Vegas, offering strategies to boost fixed operations profitability and strengthen customer retention.
More than 30 Vendor Training +Plus sessions are set for the 2025 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, giving dealership professionals the chance to explore new products, services, and strategies from leading industry providers during the Nov. 10–14 event at Paris Las Vegas.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, has awarded grants to 12 projects through the Recreational Trails Program, providing more than $1.7 million to support the construction and rehabilitation of trails and related facilities across the commonwealth.
A public information meeting on the 10-year master plan for Powhatan State Park will take place Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Powhatan Village Building Auditorium, giving residents an opportunity to learn about proposed developments and provide input on the park’s future.
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.
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.