Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for September 9, 2026
Lakeside Companies has acquired the concessionaire lease for Boyer Park & Marina/Snake River KOA Holiday near Colfax, Washington, expanding its operations on the Palouse and Snake River while taking over management of the waterfront campground and full-service marina.
The OHI Foundation has awarded scholarships to outdoor hospitality professionals to attend the George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality, a six-day training program scheduled for Feb. 21-26, 2027, at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has refused a certificate of lawfulness application for Rainbolts Hill Farm, with the site’s owners planning to submit a revised application supported by additional evidence of its historic campsite use.
The American Glamping Association (AGA) will host a virtual Lunch&Learn Sept. 9 on the use of artificial intelligence to personalize the guest experience in outdoor hospitality, with the session examining how AI can support the customer journey from booking through repeat visits.
Manufacturers selling products with intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Minnesota face a Sept. 15 reporting deadline under the state’s PFAS pollution prevention law, known as Amara’s Law, with annual reporting required thereafter.
The OHI Foundation has awarded scholarships to outdoor hospitality professionals to attend the George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality, a six-day training program scheduled for Feb. 21-26, 2027, at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Lakeside Companies has acquired the concessionaire lease for Boyer Park & Marina/Snake River KOA Holiday near Colfax, Washington, expanding its operations on the Palouse and Snake River while taking over management of the waterfront campground and full-service marina.
The RV Industry Association will host a webinar Sept. 9 to help RV manufacturers, suppliers and aftermarket businesses navigate new labeling and compliance requirements under New Mexico’s PFAS Protection Act that take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has refused a certificate of lawfulness application for Rainbolts Hill Farm, with the site’s owners planning to submit a revised application supported by additional evidence of its historic campsite use.
Forest River announced that longtime PUMA General Manager Todd Martin will retire Oct. 2 after more than four decades in the RV industry, with Shawn Kaylor, Austin Groves and Joe French taking on new leadership roles within the company’s PUMA and Palomino Overlanding divisions.
The American Glamping Association (AGA) will host a virtual Lunch&Learn Sept. 9 on the use of artificial intelligence to personalize the guest experience in outdoor hospitality, with the session examining how AI can support the customer journey from booking through repeat visits.
RV Technical Institute and Truma are continuing their product-training partnership through 2026, with three remaining two-day sessions offering technicians complimentary training on heating, water heating and cooling systems while providing 16 Continuing Education Credits per course.
The New Forest National Park in Hampshire, England, is utilizing a decentralized tourism model across its 40 miles of coastline and ancient woodland to manage high visitor capacity while preventing localized congestion.
Haven Leisure Limited will add 12 holiday accommodation units at Lydstep Beach Village after Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee approved the infill proposal despite local objections and a conflict with planning policy.
The OHI Foundation has awarded scholarships to outdoor hospitality professionals to attend the George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality, a six-day training program scheduled for Feb. 21-26, 2027, at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Lakeside Companies has acquired the concessionaire lease for Boyer Park & Marina/Snake River KOA Holiday near Colfax, Washington, expanding its operations on the Palouse and Snake River while taking over management of the waterfront campground and full-service marina.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has refused a certificate of lawfulness application for Rainbolts Hill Farm, with the site’s owners planning to submit a revised application supported by additional evidence of its historic campsite use.
Lakeside Companies has acquired the concessionaire lease for Boyer Park & Marina/Snake River KOA Holiday near Colfax, Washington, expanding its operations on the Palouse and Snake River while taking over management of the waterfront campground and full-service marina.
The OHI Foundation has awarded scholarships to outdoor hospitality professionals to attend the George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality, a six-day training program scheduled for Feb. 21-26, 2027, at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia.
The American Glamping Association (AGA) will host a virtual Lunch&Learn Sept. 9 on the use of artificial intelligence to personalize the guest experience in outdoor hospitality, with the session examining how AI can support the customer journey from booking through repeat visits.
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.
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.
Transform your seasonal campground into a thriving year-round luxury glamping and RV destination! Prairie Junction RV Resort owners Joe & Veronika Knihnitski reveal their secrets on Modern Campground’s MC Fireside Chats, September 9 at 2 PM ET.
Manufacturers selling products with intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Minnesota face a Sept. 15 reporting deadline under the state’s PFAS pollution prevention law, known as Amara’s Law, with annual reporting required thereafter.
The RV Industry Association will host a webinar Sept. 9 to help RV manufacturers, suppliers and aftermarket businesses navigate new labeling and compliance requirements under New Mexico’s PFAS Protection Act that take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Forest River announced that longtime PUMA General Manager Todd Martin will retire Oct. 2 after more than four decades in the RV industry, with Shawn Kaylor, Austin Groves and Joe French taking on new leadership roles within the company’s PUMA and Palomino Overlanding divisions.
RV Technical Institute and Truma are continuing their product-training partnership through 2026, with three remaining two-day sessions offering technicians complimentary training on heating, water heating and cooling systems while providing 16 Continuing Education Credits per course.
The RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) has announced its speaker lineup for its fifth annual Educational Symposium, set for Oct. 14-15 at the Chicago Marriott Schaumburg, with Dr. Amber Selking, Courtney Clark and Kim Becking scheduled to lead sessions focused on leadership, adaptability and resilience under this year’s “Empowerment Through Vulnerability” theme.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has established a Grounding Monitor Interrupter (GMI) Task Force to help RV and campground industry stakeholders prepare for the new National Electrical Code requirement affecting 2028 model-year RVs, with a focus on education, electrical-system testing and response procedures for GMI-equipped units.
The early-bird registration deadline for the 2026 RV Dealers Convention/Expo is Sept. 3, giving RV dealers a final opportunity to secure the lowest registration rates for additional dealership attendees ahead of the Nov. 9-13 event at Paris Las Vegas.
Voting is underway for the RV Industry Association’s 2027 Board of Directors election, with seven candidates competing for three open seats representing RV manufacturers, park model RVs and suppliers, with eligible member companies casting ballots through Sept. 14 and results scheduled to be shared with candidates Sept. 15.
Go RVing will return its Ultimate RV Tailgate campaign in 2027 with six pop-up activations at major college football games nationwide, giving fans opportunities to experience RV tailgating and enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win $10,000 toward an RV.
The Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) has scheduled seven Partners of Progress (POP) meetings for the 2026 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, giving dealers opportunities to address brand-specific issues with participating RV manufacturers during the Nov. 9-13 event at Paris Las Vegas.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has added Anthony Hasse as an inspector in its Standards Department, expanding the team responsible for monitoring member manufacturers’ compliance with adopted safety codes and standards through more than 2,000 unannounced RV plant inspections annually.
RV dealer Cody Doody has proposed relocating his business, Happy Times RV, from the I-95 corridor in St. George to Clinton, with plans for a dealership on roughly 5 acres and a retail strip center promoting an “outdoor, healthy lifestyle.”
The RV Industry Association used an Aug. 19 RV Caucus event on Capitol Hill to push two legislative priorities for the recreational vehicle industry, including reauthorization of the Legacy Restoration Fund and legislation that would allow consumers to deduct up to $10,000 in RV loan interest.
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.
The European Trade Fair for Tourism Trends (SETT) will mark a historic milestone at its 47th edition, November 3-5 at the Montpellier Exhibition Centre, with the launch of the “Sett Hospitality” brand and a dedicated hall for cafés, hotels, and restaurants.
The Virginia Natural Heritage Program will mark its 40th anniversary in 2026 with a series of expert-led hikes and events across the state, offering visitors opportunities this spring to restore river cane, view rare wildflowers and see Virginia’s earliest blooming orchid.
Governor Abigail Spanberger launched the centennial anniversary of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), celebrating a century of protecting the commonwealth’s natural landscapes and public lands.
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.