Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for December 7, 2025
Squirrel Lodge offers private, self-contained glamping accommodation in Norfolk, combining rural tranquility with access to local attractions and activities, reflecting trends in sustainable and pet-inclusive outdoor hospitality.
Coachella Lakes RV Resort in California will host a Special Holiday Weekend from December 11–13, featuring a lineup of family-friendly activities including a bonfire, craft projects, a golf cart parade, and a holiday movie under the stars.
The 5th Annual Campground Owners Expo (COE) concludes today at the Hilton Branson Convention Center in Missouri, capping its final day with a series of targeted educational workshops designed to equip private park operators with operational, financial, and management strategies for the 2026 season.
France’s National Federation of Outdoor Hospitality is pushing to modernize regulations, strengthen direct bookings, and support campground innovation as Europe’s largest camping market faces closures, digital pressures, and evolving visitor expectations.
THOR Industries, Inc. (NYSE:THO) reported better-than-expected first quarter fiscal 2026 results on Thursday, with revenue rising 11.5% year over year to $2.39 billion as the recreational vehicle manufacturer gained market share despite persistent consumer headwinds.
Squirrel Lodge offers private, self-contained glamping accommodation in Norfolk, combining rural tranquility with access to local attractions and activities, reflecting trends in sustainable and pet-inclusive outdoor hospitality.
Coachella Lakes RV Resort in California will host a Special Holiday Weekend from December 11–13, featuring a lineup of family-friendly activities including a bonfire, craft projects, a golf cart parade, and a holiday movie under the stars.
The 5th Annual Campground Owners Expo (COE) concludes today at the Hilton Branson Convention Center in Missouri, capping its final day with a series of targeted educational workshops designed to equip private park operators with operational, financial, and management strategies for the 2026 season.
France’s National Federation of Outdoor Hospitality is pushing to modernize regulations, strengthen direct bookings, and support campground innovation as Europe’s largest camping market faces closures, digital pressures, and evolving visitor expectations.
The RV Store of Utah has introduced a new branding campaign focused on transparency, community engagement, and outdoor-lifestyle values, aiming to improve the RV-buying experience across its Helper and Logan locations.
The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism is seeking nearly $186 million to modernize the state’s park system, funding renovations, infrastructure upgrades, and improved guest amenities to meet growing visitor demand.
Care Camps Foundation honored standout supporters across the KOA network during its We Care Awards ceremony at the Kampgrounds of America Convention in Raleigh, recognizing individuals, campgrounds, and partners whose contributions bolster the organization’s mission to support pediatric oncology camps.
Jeremy Johnson of Kona Hills Campground is joining MC Fireside Chats as our newest regular panelist! Tune in on December 10 at 2 PM ET to hear him and our special guests share insights on creating unforgettable guest experiences.
TechnoRV is gearing up for a busy winter season with scheduled appearances at major equestrian and RV events in Las Vegas, Florida, and Arizona, where the company plans to showcase its safety products to new audiences while reconnecting with long-time customers across the outdoor travel industry.
Squirrel Lodge offers private, self-contained glamping accommodation in Norfolk, combining rural tranquility with access to local attractions and activities, reflecting trends in sustainable and pet-inclusive outdoor hospitality.
Coachella Lakes RV Resort in California will host a Special Holiday Weekend from December 11–13, featuring a lineup of family-friendly activities including a bonfire, craft projects, a golf cart parade, and a holiday movie under the stars.
The 5th Annual Campground Owners Expo (COE) concludes today at the Hilton Branson Convention Center in Missouri, capping its final day with a series of targeted educational workshops designed to equip private park operators with operational, financial, and management strategies for the 2026 season.
France’s National Federation of Outdoor Hospitality is pushing to modernize regulations, strengthen direct bookings, and support campground innovation as Europe’s largest camping market faces closures, digital pressures, and evolving visitor expectations.
Coachella Lakes RV Resort in California will host a Special Holiday Weekend from December 11–13, featuring a lineup of family-friendly activities including a bonfire, craft projects, a golf cart parade, and a holiday movie under the stars.
The 5th Annual Campground Owners Expo (COE) concludes today at the Hilton Branson Convention Center in Missouri, capping its final day with a series of targeted educational workshops designed to equip private park operators with operational, financial, and management strategies for the 2026 season.
Care Camps Foundation honored standout supporters across the KOA network during its We Care Awards ceremony at the Kampgrounds of America Convention in Raleigh, recognizing individuals, campgrounds, and partners whose contributions bolster the organization’s mission to support pediatric oncology camps.
Lagoon Ranch Luxury RV & Cabin Resort in Texas has extended its Black Friday promotion, offering 40% off RV sites and 25% off cabin rentals for travel dates through the end of 2026. The limited-time deal, available with promo code BLACKCYBER, allows guests to book up to six nights, with RV site blackout dates waived and cabin discounts subject to select holiday restrictions.
Knights of the RV Resort and Knights Tavern have announced the schedule for their First Annual Plantersville Holiday Market, a December 7 event designed to attract local residents to the campground for an afternoon of seasonal shopping, family activities, and community engagement.
Squirrel Lodge offers private, self-contained glamping accommodation in Norfolk, combining rural tranquility with access to local attractions and activities, reflecting trends in sustainable and pet-inclusive outdoor hospitality.
The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism is seeking nearly $186 million to modernize the state’s park system, funding renovations, infrastructure upgrades, and improved guest amenities to meet growing visitor demand.
Squirrel Lodge offers private, self-contained glamping accommodation in Norfolk, combining rural tranquility with access to local attractions and activities, reflecting trends in sustainable and pet-inclusive outdoor hospitality.
Bastrop residents Mark and Sabrina McClenton have opened McClenton Hideout, a glamping retreat on their 62-acre cattle ranch offering luxury safari-style tents, guided ATV tours, fishing, and curated meal experiences, including locally raised Black Angus beef. The property officially opened October 3 at 153 La Jolla Lane, Bastrop, blending modern amenities with rustic ranch charm.
Tripadvisor’s 2025 Winter Travel Index shows strong winter travel demand, with 60% of global travelers planning trips and 45% traveling more this season than last year. The report highlights a mix of cold urban destinations and warm-weather escapes, while also revealing generational differences in travel priorities and activity preferences.
THOR Industries, Inc. (NYSE:THO) reported better-than-expected first quarter fiscal 2026 results on Thursday, with revenue rising 11.5% year over year to $2.39 billion as the recreational vehicle manufacturer gained market share despite persistent consumer headwinds.
TechnoRV is gearing up for a busy winter season with scheduled appearances at major equestrian and RV events in Las Vegas, Florida, and Arizona, where the company plans to showcase its safety products to new audiences while reconnecting with long-time customers across the outdoor travel industry.
Go RVing’s “Ultimate RV Tailgate” campaign will conclude this Saturday, December 6, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, giving college football fans a chance to experience RVs as mobile hubs for tailgating, complete with interactive activations, giveaways, and a display of the latest models in RV Nation.
The RV Women’s Alliance Charitable Foundation (RVWACF) has launched the Bill Stewart Scholarship, a new fund honoring the late industry educator and lead instructor of the Women’s Tech Program by supporting RV technician training for women across the sector.
Australian water management innovator Topargee RV, Caravan & Marine Accessories has launched its full range of water tank gauges in BCF stores across Australia, marking a major step in the company’s mission to make precise water monitoring accessible to every traveller.
As 2026 approaches, Australia and New Zealand are accelerating their efforts to position themselves at the forefront of green tourism, launching ambitious eco-focused initiatives designed to protect natural landscapes and preserve cultural heritage.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) is offering companies the chance to sponsor its 2026 Leadership Conference, set for March 10–12 at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas, providing a platform for brand visibility while supporting executive networking and leadership development in the RV industry.
Blake Michelle Morgan, a customer experience expert known as “The Queen of CX,” will lead a hospitality-focused workshop at the 2026 RV Industry Association Leadership Conference, March 10-12 in Austin, Texas.
RoadSmiles.com, the independent travel comparison specialists, reports significant double-digit growth in eco-friendly campervan bookings across the UK, signalling that British travellers are increasingly prioritising sustainability and flexibility in their holiday plans.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has temporarily delayed enforcement of the grounding monitor interrupter (GMI) requirement for new recreational vehicles, citing limited availability of compliant devices and tentatively targeting the 2028 model year for implementation.
The RV Industry Association has opened registration for its 2025 Annual Meeting, set for December 10 at 4 p.m. Eastern, with the virtual event offering members a chance to hear organizational updates, key program reports, and industry initiatives from association leadership.
TechnoRV has partnered with the All-Inclusive Motorhome Club (AIM) through 2026 to provide educational support, on-site technical assistance, and enhanced experiences at rallies, strengthening its engagement with the RV community.
Mitch Mitchem will headline the 2026 RV Industry Association Leadership Conference, where he will share insights on how artificial intelligence can enhance leadership, improve operational efficiency, and support evolving workforce strategies. Scheduled for March 11 in Austin, Texas, his keynote comes as RV industry executives increasingly explore practical AI applications to strengthen productivity and guide organizational change.
RV Industry Association subcommittees gathered in Clearwater, Florida, October 28-29 to review 2026 code inputs and proposed updates to the 2029 NFPA 1192 and National Electric Code, shaping standards that guide RV design, construction, and safety.
Staunton River Battlefield State Park is lighting up the holiday season with the return of its annual Lighting of the Bridge event, featuring new decorations, festive activities, and family-friendly fun from Dec. 12–14.
Bear Creek Lake State Park is set to sparkle once again as the annual Lights at the Lake returns for its 11th year, offering families a festive drive-through display of holiday lights, community exhibits, and seasonal activities on December 5-7 and 12-14.
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.
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.