Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for October 9, 2025
Ten entrepreneurs in the Luhansk People’s Republic have received more than 113 million rubles in subsidies to improve beaches, campsites, and recreation facilities as part of a broader effort to strengthen regional tourism infrastructure.
RoverPass introduced its new AI Front Desk Agent at The Glamping Show Americas 2025, reflecting the outdoor hospitality industry’s growing interest in technology-driven tools to streamline operations and enhance guest service.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has introduced the state’s first glamping accommodations across eight state parks through a new partnership with Timberline Glamping Company, marking Timberline’s debut in the Northeast and positioning Pennsylvania as the state with the largest number of Timberline locations nationwide.
OHI and WACO are mobilizing campground owners and seasonal campers across Wisconsin to support a legislative clarification to Act 12, aiming to ensure equal property tax treatment for seasonal camper property ahead of an October 14 deadline.
Brown County State Park has entered one of its busiest seasons as visitors return for fall camping and trail riding, even as recovery continues from the EF-2 tornado that tore through the park in May and caused millions of dollars in damage.
Ten entrepreneurs in the Luhansk People’s Republic have received more than 113 million rubles in subsidies to improve beaches, campsites, and recreation facilities as part of a broader effort to strengthen regional tourism infrastructure.
RoverPass introduced its new AI Front Desk Agent at The Glamping Show Americas 2025, reflecting the outdoor hospitality industry’s growing interest in technology-driven tools to streamline operations and enhance guest service.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has introduced the state’s first glamping accommodations across eight state parks through a new partnership with Timberline Glamping Company, marking Timberline’s debut in the Northeast and positioning Pennsylvania as the state with the largest number of Timberline locations nationwide.
General RV Center recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of its Salisbury Supercenter in North Carolina, bringing together company leaders, employees, and local officials on October 7 to highlight the dealership’s growth, community impact, and continued expansion in the region.
OHI and WACO are mobilizing campground owners and seasonal campers across Wisconsin to support a legislative clarification to Act 12, aiming to ensure equal property tax treatment for seasonal camper property ahead of an October 14 deadline.
Lagoon Ranch Luxury RV & Cabin Resort on Lake Livingston, Texas, is preparing to celebrate Halloween with two themed weekends, October 24–25 and October 31–November 1, featuring games, live music, contests, and family-friendly entertainment across its 54-acre waterfront property.
Stay Clearwater in British Columbia combines glamping, RV, and camping accommodations along the Clearwater River, offering a case study in hybrid lodging that appeals to diverse travelers and highlights evolving opportunities in the outdoor hospitality industry.
King’s Lynn Caravan and Camping Park has submitted plans to replace its existing shop and reception with a larger facility featuring a café, salon, and expanded store aimed at enhancing services for both visitors and local residents.
Brown County State Park has entered one of its busiest seasons as visitors return for fall camping and trail riding, even as recovery continues from the EF-2 tornado that tore through the park in May and caused millions of dollars in damage.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has introduced the state’s first glamping accommodations across eight state parks through a new partnership with Timberline Glamping Company, marking Timberline’s debut in the Northeast and positioning Pennsylvania as the state with the largest number of Timberline locations nationwide.
Several operational changes are set to take effect at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona as part of ongoing recovery and infrastructure repair efforts, including trail and campground reopening, extended closures, and safety upgrades tied to the Transcanyon Waterline project.
Stay Clearwater in British Columbia combines glamping, RV, and camping accommodations along the Clearwater River, offering a case study in hybrid lodging that appeals to diverse travelers and highlights evolving opportunities in the outdoor hospitality industry.
Construction at Lake Cachuma’s RV area in California is progressing, with Santa Barbara County officials aiming to finish the multimillion-dollar campground upgrade by December. The project, which includes new RV hookups, improved facilities, and landscaping, has faced delays from storms and unforeseen site issues but remains on track for completion by year’s end.
The Wisconsin Department of Tourism has awarded nearly $80,000 in Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grants to Visit Wausau and the Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership (GWPP) to strengthen the region’s outdoor recreation and tourism economy.
RoverPass introduced its new AI Front Desk Agent at The Glamping Show Americas 2025, reflecting the outdoor hospitality industry’s growing interest in technology-driven tools to streamline operations and enhance guest service.
Stay Clearwater in British Columbia combines glamping, RV, and camping accommodations along the Clearwater River, offering a case study in hybrid lodging that appeals to diverse travelers and highlights evolving opportunities in the outdoor hospitality industry.
Zion White Bison Resort will mark the grand opening of its new RV park on Saturday, Oct. 4, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community event in Virgin, Utah, highlighting the resort’s expansion as both a glamping and RV destination.
One in three glamping guests refuse to book a stay without a pool, according to new research presented Tuesday during the “Top 10 Guest Magnets: The Must-Have Amenities That Drive Bookings and Revenue” session at Glamping Show Americas 2025.
Glampings.com, a booking platform dedicated exclusively to luxury camping, is aiming to fill a gap in the online travel agency market by offering travelers a curated way to search and book glamping accommodations, co-founder Sven Schuurmans said at Glamping Show Americas 2025.
A cross-college project at Cal Poly Pomona is equipping students with real-world skills in glamping feasibility and design, offering campground and RV park operators fresh insights on phased development, market demand, and guest inclusivity.
Marriott International has launched Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors, a new digital platform and brand collection aimed at connecting travelers with outdoor-focused trips and adventure activities, introduced alongside a 10-million-point giveaway in partnership with adventurer Dylan Efron.
BOXABL Inc., a Las Vegas–based leader in modular housing solutions, has received regulatory approval to deploy its products in South Carolina, clearing the way for a significant manufacturing and supply agreement with Horizons Getaways.
Conestoga Wagon Co. introduced its new Hard Lux Wagon at the Glamping Show Americas on September 29, 2025, highlighting durability and season-extending features aimed at glamping operators.
General RV Center recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of its Salisbury Supercenter in North Carolina, bringing together company leaders, employees, and local officials on October 7 to highlight the dealership’s growth, community impact, and continued expansion in the region.
The Headrest Safe Company is set to participate in the 2025 RV Component Exposition, taking place October 14–17 at the Michiana Event Center in Shipshewana, Indiana. During the multi-day event, the company will showcase its innovative in-vehicle storage systems designed to enhance safety, convenience, and peace of mind for RV travelers.
Caravaning 2025, taking place October 11–19 in Barcelona, will feature over 700 models and 180 exhibitors, highlighting sustainability, digital innovation, and the evolving landscape of European caravanning.
The inaugural National Caravan Industry Summit in Canberra brought together sector leaders and government representatives to address profitability, compliance, and workforce challenges shaping the industry’s future.
Brown & Brown has implemented new leadership appointments within its Retail segment, naming senior leaders, vice presidents, and a North American retail brokerage leader as part of its strategy to drive growth and strengthen collaboration following the acquisition of Risk Strategies.
Velarium, an Airxcel brand, has introduced its new Cut-to-Fit Awning Tube to the RV aftermarket, offering a modular solution designed to reduce installation time, cut freight costs, and provide dealers and mobile service providers with a more durable and cost-efficient option for awning replacement.
The 2025 RV Dealers Convention/Expo will dedicate November 13 to Fixed Operations Day, offering targeted workshops on technician retention, departmental collaboration, and profitability strategies for service and parts departments.
The International Caravanning Exhibition 2025 in Barcelona will highlight digital connectivity, sustainable vehicle models, and affordable options, signaling key shifts for professionals across the outdoor hospitality and caravanning industries.
The Campground Association for Management Professionals (C.A.M.P.) will hold its final meeting of 2025 on Dec. 2 in Branson, Mo., bringing state association executives together for education, policy updates, and networking ahead of the Campground Owners Expo.
THOR Industries posted higher fourth-quarter profit and better-than-expected sales, driven in part by more affordable private label products in its motorized RV segment, but forecast fiscal 2026 sales below analysts’ expectations amid a challenging macroeconomic environment.
The 2025 RV Dealers Convention/Expo is scheduled to take place Nov. 10-14 in Las Vegas, bringing together dealership professionals and industry leaders for five days of education, networking, and business development. Dealers and industry partners are urged to book rooms at Paris or Horseshoe Las Vegas by Oct. 17 to secure special convention rates, with RVDA advising attendees to use official booking channels to avoid potential scams.
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.
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.
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.
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.