Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for July 29, 2026
Hospitality partners Teresa Raffo and Chris Hougie will open the 40-suite Mendocino Cove boutique hotel in August, expanding their Mendocino Coast business a decade after launching the Mendocino Grove glamping retreat.
The American Glamping Association (AGA) has opened nominations for its 2026 Glamping Awards while announcing Staylist as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Glamping Show Americas, where more than 160 exhibitors and industry experts will gather Sept. 29-30 in Aurora, Colorado, for the association’s annual outdoor hospitality trade event.
A retrospective planning application has been submitted to retain a glamping pod that has operated since June 2023 at an existing Caravan and Motorhome Club Certificated Location near Kilgetty, with Pembrokeshire County Council set to consider the proposal at a later date.
A Northern Ireland council is investigating three glamping pods erected in Portrush before planning approval was granted, while the project’s planning application submitted in June remains under consideration.
The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) has launched a partnership with RV dealers across Texas to offer dealership customers discounts at nearby TACO-member campgrounds, an initiative aimed at strengthening ties between RV dealers and campground operators while promoting camping within local service areas.
Spot2Nite has completed its integration with Firefly Reservations, allowing campground, RV park and glamping operators using the cloud-based reservation platform to connect directly to Spot2Nite’s booking marketplace and broader distribution network, where they can publish live rates and availability while automatically syncing reservations back into their management system.
National campground rates declined for the first time since the Outdoor Hospitality Pricing Index (OHPI) launched in April, as the July index slipped to 102.7 and the national weighted average nightly rate eased to $103.60 despite demand reaching a record high.
Lagoon Ranch Luxury RV Resort has announced a lineup of seasonal events from August through December at its Lake Livingston property, featuring a back-to-school fundraiser for the Onalaska Education Foundation, a Labor Day luau, Halloween celebrations and fall and holiday vendor festivals designed to offer family-oriented activities throughout the second half of the year.
Chewore Lodge and Campsite has closed after its owners reached a settlement with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, relocating to a new site in the Mana Pools Wilderness following years of legal proceedings.
Compass Insurance has launched a National Dog Day giveaway to mark its 50th anniversary, offering 50 commemorative tennis balls to dog owners across the United Kingdom while highlighting the longstanding connection between dogs and caravan holidays.
A collection of glamping pods, cottages, and vacation rentals across North Wales is highlighting how outdoor hospitality businesses can extend demand beyond peak summer by offering premium amenities and access to regional attractions.
Equity LifeStyle Properties raised its full-year 2026 earnings guidance after reporting stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, with growth in its manufactured housing portfolio, higher annual RV and marina revenues, and improved expense control.
Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has been named one of Franchise Business Review’s Top 50 Recession-Resistant Franchises for 2026 after independent franchisee surveys ranked the campground franchisor among the highest-performing franchise systems for franchisee satisfaction across key areas including financial opportunity, operations, training and support, and company culture.
A Gwynedd touring caravan and camping site has been refused a Lawful Development Certificate for the second time after planners concluded the evidence submitted did not conclusively demonstrate continuous lawful use of the land over the required period.
A proposed three-pod glamping development in Ardfinnan has gained support from a local walking organization, which says additional accommodations are needed to serve visitors exploring the Knockmealdown Mountains and surrounding trail network.
Planning approval has been granted for a new glamping and camping development at Woodside Farm in Worcestershire, combining year-round accommodations, seasonal camping, and regenerative farming to support rural tourism and local businesses.
The RVIA is encouraging manufacturers and dealers to shift their marketing toward outdoor experiences and adventure-focused travel, saying growing consumer interest in nature-based recreation and adventure-ready vehicles presents an opportunity to position RV ownership as a lifestyle rather than simply a vehicle purchase.
Glamping Show Americas will return to the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora, Colorado, from Sept. 28-30, bringing together outdoor hospitality professionals for three days of business education, networking and an exhibition featuring more than 160 suppliers focused on glamping development, operations and guest experience.
Hill Cottage Farm Camping and Caravan Park has been included in the Campsites.co.uk Outstanding Sites List for 2026, adding to its recent industry recognition and underscoring the role of guest satisfaction and amenities in attracting camping and caravanning travelers.
Wychavon District Council is reviewing plans to expand a caravan site near Evesham to 33 pitches, with the proposal combining new market caravan accommodations, previously approved Gypsy and Traveller pitches, and part-retrospective planning approval.
Cavco Industries, a producer of park model RVs, vacation cabins and factory-built commercial structures, reported record home shipments and higher first-quarter fiscal 2027 revenue as its order backlog grew more than 50% from the end of the prior year, although earnings declined compared with the same period a year earlier.
The 2026 RV Dealers Convention/Expo will spotlight the growing role of artificial intelligence in dealership operations with a Super Session led by technology expert Dan Chuparkoff, who will discuss AI’s capabilities, limitations and practical applications for RV dealers during the Nov. 9-13 event at Paris Las Vegas.
The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada has launched a year-long campaign celebrating its 40th anniversary, featuring a national Member Legacy Project, a commemorative storybook and new promotional resources designed to recognize the contributions of RV dealerships while highlighting the association’s four decades of advocacy and support for Canada’s recreation vehicle industry.
Dragonfly Energy Holdings has acquired substantially all of the operating assets of the Dakota Lithium brand, expanding its battery portfolio across RV, marine, outdoor recreation, powersports, golf cart and specialty markets while adding new product categories and maintaining Dakota Lithium as a separate brand alongside Battle Born Batteries.
OHI and the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners are urging campground owners, operators and seasonal campers to support newly introduced legislation that would clarify Wisconsin’s property tax exemption for seasonal campers’ personal property at licensed campgrounds.
A four-pod glamping business in West Cornwall, complete with owner accommodation and approximately two acres of land, has been listed for sale for £750,000, reflecting ongoing investment opportunities in the outdoor hospitality sector.
Lagoon Ranch Luxury RV Resort has announced a lineup of seasonal events from August through December at its Lake Livingston property, featuring a back-to-school fundraiser for the Onalaska Education Foundation, a Labor Day luau, Halloween celebrations and fall and holiday vendor festivals designed to offer family-oriented activities throughout the second half of the year.
Chewore Lodge and Campsite has closed after its owners reached a settlement with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, relocating to a new site in the Mana Pools Wilderness following years of legal proceedings.
A collection of glamping pods, cottages, and vacation rentals across North Wales is highlighting how outdoor hospitality businesses can extend demand beyond peak summer by offering premium amenities and access to regional attractions.
Equity LifeStyle Properties raised its full-year 2026 earnings guidance after reporting stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, with growth in its manufactured housing portfolio, higher annual RV and marina revenues, and improved expense control.
Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has been named one of Franchise Business Review’s Top 50 Recession-Resistant Franchises for 2026 after independent franchisee surveys ranked the campground franchisor among the highest-performing franchise systems for franchisee satisfaction across key areas including financial opportunity, operations, training and support, and company culture.
Lagoon Ranch Luxury RV Resort has announced a lineup of seasonal events from August through December at its Lake Livingston property, featuring a back-to-school fundraiser for the Onalaska Education Foundation, a Labor Day luau, Halloween celebrations and fall and holiday vendor festivals designed to offer family-oriented activities throughout the second half of the year.
Equity LifeStyle Properties raised its full-year 2026 earnings guidance after reporting stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, with growth in its manufactured housing portfolio, higher annual RV and marina revenues, and improved expense control.
Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has been named one of Franchise Business Review’s Top 50 Recession-Resistant Franchises for 2026 after independent franchisee surveys ranked the campground franchisor among the highest-performing franchise systems for franchisee satisfaction across key areas including financial opportunity, operations, training and support, and company culture.
Glamping Show Americas will return to the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora, Colorado, from Sept. 28-30, bringing together outdoor hospitality professionals for three days of business education, networking and an exhibition featuring more than 160 suppliers focused on glamping development, operations and guest experience.
Hill Cottage Farm Camping and Caravan Park has been included in the Campsites.co.uk Outstanding Sites List for 2026, adding to its recent industry recognition and underscoring the role of guest satisfaction and amenities in attracting camping and caravanning travelers.
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.
The Dyrt has unveiled its 2026 Best Places to Camp Near Water list, recognizing 10 campgrounds across the United States that earned top ratings from its camping community for their access to lakes, ponds, reservoirs and rivers, with the rankings highlighting freshwater destinations where water plays a central role in the outdoor experience.
A four-pod glamping business in West Cornwall, complete with owner accommodation and approximately two acres of land, has been listed for sale for £750,000, reflecting ongoing investment opportunities in the outdoor hospitality sector.
Chewore Lodge and Campsite has closed after its owners reached a settlement with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, relocating to a new site in the Mana Pools Wilderness following years of legal proceedings.
A collection of glamping pods, cottages, and vacation rentals across North Wales is highlighting how outdoor hospitality businesses can extend demand beyond peak summer by offering premium amenities and access to regional attractions.
A proposed three-pod glamping development in Ardfinnan has gained support from a local walking organization, which says additional accommodations are needed to serve visitors exploring the Knockmealdown Mountains and surrounding trail network.
Planning approval has been granted for a new glamping and camping development at Woodside Farm in Worcestershire, combining year-round accommodations, seasonal camping, and regenerative farming to support rural tourism and local businesses.
Glamping Show Americas will return to the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora, Colorado, from Sept. 28-30, bringing together outdoor hospitality professionals for three days of business education, networking and an exhibition featuring more than 160 suppliers focused on glamping development, operations and guest experience.
Here are a few options for the WordPress Excerpt, keeping it concise, engaging, and keyword-rich:
**Option 1 (Concise & Direct):**
> Join Modern Campground’s MC Fireside Chat on Aug 5, 2026, at 4 PM ET, to explore strategic growth in outdoor hospitality. Dive into third-party management trends with McKay Quinn and discover how to scale glamping brands internationally with Derry Green. Get ready for expert insights on the future of RV resorts and luxury glamping!
**Option 2 (Benefit-Oriented):**
> Unlock the future of outdoor hospitality! On August 5, 2026, at 4 PM ET, MC Fireside Chat tackles third-party management and glamping’s international surge. Hear from experts like McKay Quinn and Derry Green on scaling glamping brands, evolving RV resort operations, and meeting explosive luxury demand.
**Option 3 (Slightly More Detail):**
> Modern Campground’s MC Fireside Chat on August 5, 2026, 4 PM ET, dives into strategic growth for outdoor stays. Explore the rise of third-party management with McKay Quinn and learn to scale glamping brands across continents with Derry Green, alongside a powerhouse panel. Don’t miss insights into evolving hospitality and international demand!
—
**Recommendation:** I’d go with **Option 1**. It’s direct, covers the main speakers and their topics, includes the date/time, and uses strong keywords like “strategic growth,” “outdoor hospitality,” “third-party management,” “glamping,” and “RV resorts.” It’s also a good length for an excerpt (around 50-60 words).
Landal is expanding its Belgian portfolio with new glamping accommodations and guest amenities at two Ardennes resorts, reflecting continued investment in year-round outdoor hospitality experiences and premium nature-based stays.
Chelly and Kevin Clayton have entered into a long-term investment partnership with Streamside RV Resorts & Campgrounds that includes the acquisition of four Townsend, Tennessee, hospitality and recreation businesses, expanding Streamside’s portfolio to 39 properties while keeping the Clayton family as significant investors and the existing local management team in place.
Hospitality partners Teresa Raffo and Chris Hougie will open the 40-suite Mendocino Cove boutique hotel in August, expanding their Mendocino Coast business a decade after launching the Mendocino Grove glamping retreat.
The American Glamping Association (AGA) has opened nominations for its 2026 Glamping Awards while announcing Staylist as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Glamping Show Americas, where more than 160 exhibitors and industry experts will gather Sept. 29-30 in Aurora, Colorado, for the association’s annual outdoor hospitality trade event.
A retrospective planning application has been submitted to retain a glamping pod that has operated since June 2023 at an existing Caravan and Motorhome Club Certificated Location near Kilgetty, with Pembrokeshire County Council set to consider the proposal at a later date.
A Northern Ireland council is investigating three glamping pods erected in Portrush before planning approval was granted, while the project’s planning application submitted in June remains under consideration.
GuideTime is expanding its hospitality technology platform across the lodging industry, enabling hotels, resorts, RV parks, campgrounds and glamping destinations to offer bookable local experiences as a new revenue stream while outsourcing the management of activity bookings.
Compass Insurance has launched a National Dog Day giveaway to mark its 50th anniversary, offering 50 commemorative tennis balls to dog owners across the United Kingdom while highlighting the longstanding connection between dogs and caravan holidays.
Equity LifeStyle Properties raised its full-year 2026 earnings guidance after reporting stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, with growth in its manufactured housing portfolio, higher annual RV and marina revenues, and improved expense control.
The RVIA is encouraging manufacturers and dealers to shift their marketing toward outdoor experiences and adventure-focused travel, saying growing consumer interest in nature-based recreation and adventure-ready vehicles presents an opportunity to position RV ownership as a lifestyle rather than simply a vehicle purchase.
The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada has launched a year-long campaign celebrating its 40th anniversary, featuring a national Member Legacy Project, a commemorative storybook and new promotional resources designed to recognize the contributions of RV dealerships while highlighting the association’s four decades of advocacy and support for Canada’s recreation vehicle industry.
Dragonfly Energy Holdings has acquired substantially all of the operating assets of the Dakota Lithium brand, expanding its battery portfolio across RV, marine, outdoor recreation, powersports, golf cart and specialty markets while adding new product categories and maintaining Dakota Lithium as a separate brand alongside Battle Born Batteries.
Go RVing has published a series of consumer-focused articles highlighting the affordability of RV ownership and travel, offering budgeting strategies, cost-saving comparisons and income-generating ideas as travelers continue to scrutinize vacation spending amid economic pressures.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) is offering virtual and in-person code and safety training through its Standards Department to help manufacturer member companies comply with key industry regulations, including National Fire Protection Association 1192 and the National Electric Code, while supporting safety and quality across RV production.
The Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC) announced it will recognize three organizations with its annual industry awards during its Aug. 24 annual meeting and member dinner while highlighting a series of recent member achievements, including national campground recognition, business milestones and professional honors across Michigan.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has released its 2025 Survey of Lenders’ Experiences, showing RV wholesale loan volume exceeded $13.3 billion and retail indirect lending topped $10.4 billion across more than 220,000 consumer loans in 2025, with participating financial institutions representing approximately 80 percent of RV lending activity in the United States.
The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Canada (RVDA of Canada) has launched a buy one, get one (BOGO) registration incentive for Canadian dealerships attending the 2026 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, offering a US$799 rebate on every second early-bird registration from the same dealership to reduce the cost of sending multiple employees to the Nov. 9-13 event in Las Vegas.
Airxcel will bring RV manufacturers and industry professionals together Aug. 18-19 for its 13th annual New Product Showcase in Elkhart, Indiana, where attendees will get an early look at the company’s latest product innovations, technology advancements and updates across its portfolio of brands during the invitation-only event.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has joined a coalition of more than 75 organizations urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Office of Management and Budget to establish a unified federal framework for workplace chemical safety.
Fifty-two RV dealerships across the United States raised more than $100,000 during National Camping Month through the 2026 Compete for Kids campaign, a fundraising initiative organized by Care Camps Foundation and the National RV Dealers Association to help fund pediatric oncology camp experiences for children with cancer and their families across the United States and Canada.
U.S. RV wholesale shipments fell 13.1% year over year to 25,484 units in June 2026, extending the industry’s year-to-date decline, while Park Model RVs continued to outperform the broader market with double-digit shipment growth, according to the RV Industry Association.
Attendee registration has opened for the 2026 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, set for Nov. 9-13, offering RV dealers and other industry professionals access to education sessions, networking opportunities, hands-on vendor training and a three-day Expo Hall showcasing the latest products, technologies and services.
As artificial intelligence transforms how consumers research products and engage with brands, the RV Industry Association is urging marketers to focus on in-person experiences and authentic storytelling, saying consumers increasingly value human connection and community over digital interactions alone.
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.
Signature Park has reaffirmed its commitment to the Canadian outdoor hospitality industry by renewing its strategic sponsorships with the British Columbia Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) and the Canadian Camping and Recreational Vehicle Council (CCRVA).
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.