Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for September 24, 2026
Glamping Show Americas is approaching its Sept. 29-30 event at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora, Colorado, with more than 150 exhibitors and a conference program focused on investment, financing, demand generation, pricing and wellness in outdoor hospitality.
Savannah Lakes RV Resort has earned Gold for Best Pet-Friendly Lodging and Silver for Best Campground in the 2026 LowCountry’s Best awards, marking the second consecutive year for the pet-friendly honor and the third consecutive year for the campground recognition.
Go RVing’s 2026 influencer program has reached 17.7 million consumers through 347 pieces of content, with 15 influencers taking RV road trips this year as the initiative targets non-RVers through creator-led travel and lifestyle content.
A 17-month, $1.3 million project has reopened 2.6 miles of the Lake Awosting Carriage Road Trail at New York’s Minnewaska State Park Preserve, with upgrades focused on access, drainage, erosion control, and long-term trail durability.
The Mattel Children’s Foundation has donated more than 1,000 Brave Barbie and Brave Ken dolls, along with other toys, to Care Camps Foundation’s hospital-based and virtual programs, extending play opportunities to children with cancer who cannot attend camp in person.
Nationwide Lodges is seeking an amended premises license for Adgestone Campsite Touring Park that would allow daily alcohol sales until 10 p.m. and occasional entertainment, with the Isle of Wight licensing subcommittee set to decide the application on October 12.
CampLife will host a free Oct. 8 webinar focused on helping campground owners and operators assess their online presence, identify information potential guests encounter in search results and review the digital path from initial search to reservation.
The RV Dealers Association (RVDA) will host an Oct. 14 session focused on helping dealers and F&I managers make finance and insurance discussions more consultative, with strategies for connecting conversations to customers’ RV usage and ownership plans.
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is set for a leadership transition in November as President Jessica Turner prepares to leave the organization to lead the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, with Senior Vice President Whitney Potter Schwartz named interim president.
With more than 50% of American families expected to participate in Halloween festivities over several weeks leading up to Oct. 31, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) is highlighting marketing strategies and seasonal activities campgrounds can use to engage visitors.
Dometic has partnered with the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) to offer hands-on training for RV service technicians, with two-day courses covering Dometic and Atwood products scheduled for October 2026 and January 2027 at RVTI’s facility.
The Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association (PCOA) is accepting exhibitor registrations for its 63rd Annual Trade Show, scheduled for Dec. 8–9 at Kalahari Resort Poconos in Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania, with early-bird booth rates available through Oct. 15.
The RV Technical Institute (RVTI) is seeking testimonials from certified technicians and their employers to highlight training experiences, career development and work in the recreational vehicle service and repair industry through the institute’s social media channels.
An education session at the 2026 RV Dealers Convention/Expo will bring together industry representatives to examine 2026 RV consumer buying trends, identify purchasing friction points and discuss how dealerships can apply market data and consumer research to their 2027 business strategies.
The Mattel Children’s Foundation has donated more than 1,000 Brave Barbie and Brave Ken dolls, along with other toys, to Care Camps Foundation’s hospital-based and virtual programs, extending play opportunities to children with cancer who cannot attend camp in person.
Nationwide Lodges is seeking an amended premises license for Adgestone Campsite Touring Park that would allow daily alcohol sales until 10 p.m. and occasional entertainment, with the Isle of Wight licensing subcommittee set to decide the application on October 12.
The Mattel Children’s Foundation has donated more than 1,000 Brave Barbie and Brave Ken dolls, along with other toys, to Care Camps Foundation’s hospital-based and virtual programs, extending play opportunities to children with cancer who cannot attend camp in person.
CampLife will host a free Oct. 8 webinar focused on helping campground owners and operators assess their online presence, identify information potential guests encounter in search results and review the digital path from initial search to reservation.
With more than 50% of American families expected to participate in Halloween festivities over several weeks leading up to Oct. 31, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) is highlighting marketing strategies and seasonal activities campgrounds can use to engage visitors.
The Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association (PCOA) is accepting exhibitor registrations for its 63rd Annual Trade Show, scheduled for Dec. 8–9 at Kalahari Resort Poconos in Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania, with early-bird booth rates available through Oct. 15.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has adopted an updated master plan for High Bridge Trail State Park that will guide future development, trail enhancements and visitor access improvements along the 32-mile rail-trail, including a planned extension to the Town of Burkeville.
Canopy Camping Escapes founders Sonia Minnaar and Liz Henderson have been recognized at the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards for building a rural accommodation network that now includes more than 220 independently owned escapes across New Zealand.
Virginia State Parks has expanded its accessibility program with the addition of an all-terrain wheelchair at First Landing State Park, bringing the total number of parks offering the mobility equipment to seven and increasing access to more than 5 miles of trails for visitors with mobility limitations.
A discounted two-night glamping promotion at Ribble Valley Retreat highlights how outdoor hospitality operators are using seasonal pricing and optional guest experiences to attract travelers ahead of the peak summer vacation period.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is accepting applications for $11 million in federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grants to support park acquisition, development and rehabilitation projects across the state, with eligible applicants able to seek awards ranging from $150,000 to $2.5 million.
The Glamping Show Americas’ second day will focus on strategies for growing glamping businesses, differentiating destinations through design and launching operations with limited capital as the conference continues Sept. 30 in Aurora, Colorado.
The Glamping Show Americas opened its 2026 conference in Aurora, Colorado, with sessions focused on outdoor hospitality trends, financing strategies, demand generation, pricing and new revenue opportunities for glamping operators.
The American Glamping Association (AGA) will recognize businesses, individuals and innovators at its 2026 Glamping Awards ceremony Tuesday, Sept. 29, during its annual Welcome Reception at the Glamping Show Americas, which begins at 5 p.m. at the association’s booth, No. 807.
**WordPress Excerpt:**
Ready to master diverse campground operations? On Sept 30 at 2 PM ET, MC Fireside Chats hosts Munro Murdock (historic revitalization) and Stephanie Bias (eco-luxury resorts). Gain actionable insights on modernizing, enhancing character, and catering to premium guests. Tune in!
The RV Dealers Association (RVDA) will host an Oct. 14 session focused on helping dealers and F&I managers make finance and insurance discussions more consultative, with strategies for connecting conversations to customers’ RV usage and ownership plans.
With more than 50% of American families expected to participate in Halloween festivities over several weeks leading up to Oct. 31, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) is highlighting marketing strategies and seasonal activities campgrounds can use to engage visitors.
Dometic has partnered with the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) to offer hands-on training for RV service technicians, with two-day courses covering Dometic and Atwood products scheduled for October 2026 and January 2027 at RVTI’s facility.
The RV Technical Institute (RVTI) is seeking testimonials from certified technicians and their employers to highlight training experiences, career development and work in the recreational vehicle service and repair industry through the institute’s social media channels.
An education session at the 2026 RV Dealers Convention/Expo will bring together industry representatives to examine 2026 RV consumer buying trends, identify purchasing friction points and discuss how dealerships can apply market data and consumer research to their 2027 business strategies.
A new built-in safety device will completely disconnect an RV if it detects a pedestal fault. With the first units shipping in roughly nine months, most campground operators still haven’t heard of it — and no one knows how many pedestals will pass.
The RV/MH Hall of Fame is developing plans to expand its historical exhibits, strengthen industry partnerships and broaden its reach as President Daryll Milnikel leads efforts to establish a long-term strategy for preserving the histories of the recreational vehicle and manufactured housing industries.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) is urging the U.S. Forest Service to maintain open access to national forests and establish a consistent nationwide framework for dispersed camping as the agency considers revisions to its Travel Management Rule.
The RV Industry Association
(RVIA) conducts more than 2,000 unannounced inspections annually at member manufacturing facilities, evaluating compliance with more than 500 safety-related requirements and providing on-site guidance to support the standards behind its RVIA Seal.
Patrick Industries has introduced Patrick Printing Solutions, a direct-to-panel printing technology for RV manufacturers that enables high-resolution designs and physical textures to be printed directly onto panels, offering greater design flexibility, shorter production lead times and reduced inventory requirements.
The 2026 RV Dealers Convention/Expo will feature a session on new Federal Trade Commission pricing and advertising guidance, covering federal and state compliance requirements for RV dealers and practices that could expose dealerships to enforcement risks.
Forest River has formed Forest River Financial Services to provide participating U.S. RV dealers with additional financing and consumer financial products through partnerships with Octane and Aven, with program details and enrollment plans set to be unveiled at the Forest River Expo from Sept. 28 through Oct. 1.
Twin Lakes State Park’s fall festival will return with pumpkin painting, hayrides, wildlife encounters, a craft marketplace and the comeback of its scarecrow decorating contest, with the winning creation earning a Virginia State Parks gift certificate.
Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Federal Highway Administration have awarded $1.3 million in Recreational Trails Program grants to seven trail projects across the Commonwealth, selected from 24 applications seeking a combined $4.93 million in funding.
Campspot has launched a weeklong fall sale offering hundreds of deals at participating campgrounds across North America, as campers increasingly extend outdoor travel into September and October. The sale runs Sept. 7–13 and comes as the company’s 2026 trend report shows a majority of surveyed campers continue camping beyond the traditional summer season.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has adopted an updated master plan for High Bridge Trail State Park that will guide future development, trail enhancements and visitor access improvements along the 32-mile rail-trail, including a planned extension to the Town of Burkeville.
Virginia State Parks has expanded its accessibility program with the addition of an all-terrain wheelchair at First Landing State Park, bringing the total number of parks offering the mobility equipment to seven and increasing access to more than 5 miles of trails for visitors with mobility limitations.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is accepting pre-application proposals for parks and outdoor recreation projects seeking funding through the National Park Service’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is accepting applications for $11 million in federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grants to support park acquisition, development and rehabilitation projects across the state, with eligible applicants able to seek awards ranging from $150,000 to $2.5 million.
Construction to fully reconstruct the River Road bridge at High Bridge Trail State Park in Farmville will begin July 6, closing the bridge and a section of the trail for about one month while maintaining public access to High Bridge and other portions of the trail.
The National RV Dealers Association has launched its 2026 Dealer Satisfaction Index survey, giving U.S. and Canadian dealers until Sept. 9 to evaluate the manufacturers and brands they represent across four areas critical to dealer operations: reliability and quality, parts support, warranty support and sales support.
Virginia State Parks will host a diverse lineup of outdoor concerts and music series this summer, offering visitors opportunities to enjoy live performances ranging from bluegrass and country to rock, symphony and contemporary music at park locations across the state from May through October.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has proclaimed May 31 as Dam Safety Awareness Day, drawing attention to the importance of maintaining and monitoring the Commonwealth’s more than 2,400 regulated dams amid concerns over aging infrastructure, changing weather patterns and increased downstream development.
Pocahontas State Park will launch the 2026 Pocahontas Premieres concert series on May 9 at the Heritage Amphitheater, featuring new musical acts, returning crowd favorites and the debut of season tickets that provide admission and free parking for all shows throughout the season.
The 28th Annual Eagle Festival will return to Mason Neck State Park on May 9, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., bringing a full day of family-oriented programming centered on conservation, wildlife education and outdoor recreation in Northern Virginia.
Virginia State Parks will take part in the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Clean the Bay Day, a statewide volunteer initiative aimed at protecting and restoring the Chesapeake Bay watershed through coordinated cleanup efforts across rivers, streams, and shorelines.
Strong customer engagement and heightened interest in real-time safety technology underscored growing demand for advanced tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) as TechnoRV reported a successful partnership with Road Tech following the Mid-America Trucking Show, held March 26–28 in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) announced a legislative win for private campgrounds after Governor Tony Evers signed Wisconsin Act 117 into law, clarifying that personal property owned by seasonal campers in licensed campgrounds is exempt from real property tax.
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.