Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for May 27, 2026
Insider Perks has launched CampVantage Connect, a WordPress plugin designed to automate search engine optimization and AI-readiness for campground and RV park websites, as the outdoor hospitality industry adapts to growing use of AI-driven travel search and booking tools.
La Hilir, an exclusive-use glamping retreat in Negeri Sembilan, was developed over nearly a decade using low-impact construction methods, reclaimed materials, and a design strategy centered on preserving the surrounding forest landscape.
Mleiha’s recent UNESCO World Heritage recognition is expected to strengthen demand for heritage-driven outdoor hospitality experiences in the UAE, as operators increasingly focus on cultural tourism and low-impact desert accommodations.
An emerging generation of campers is reshaping outdoor hospitality, pushing campground operators to evolve into experience-driven “outdoor hotels” that address younger travelers’ desire for nature alongside their lack of traditional camping knowledge and growing demand for curated, hospitality-focused experiences.
NRMA Parks and Resorts has renewed its partnership with Queensland Music Festival to support the 2026 Queensland Music Trails: The Reef series, which will bring the “Between the Tides” concert event to Airlie Beach on July 4 as part of efforts to boost regional tourism and travel along Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef coastline.
The Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association will host a free webinar on June 10 to help RV dealers better understand dealer reinsurance and identify strategies to improve financial performance as dealerships face margin pressure, rising operating costs and continued market uncertainty.
Award-winning glamping and sustainable lodging operators in the Lake District and Cumbria are drawing attention as domestic travel demand continues to support the UK outdoor hospitality sector ahead of the 2026 summer season.
OHI has appointed Tristan Ciceri, president of Electrical Works, to the National Electrical Code’s Code-Making Panel 7, giving the outdoor hospitality industry representation on electrical code issues affecting RV parks, campgrounds and glamping businesses as the sector prepares for the introduction of Ground Monitor Interrupters in new RVs next year.
More than 70 RV industry professionals gathered in Elkhart, Indiana, for an RV Industry Association safety standards seminar that highlighted updates to key codes governing recreational vehicle construction, electrical systems and park model RVs, including changes slated for the 2026 edition of NFPA 1192.
Insider Perks has launched CampVantage Connect, a WordPress plugin designed to automate search engine optimization and AI-readiness for campground and RV park websites, as the outdoor hospitality industry adapts to growing use of AI-driven travel search and booking tools.
Keystone RV Company is restructuring its product leadership across its Keystone, CrossRoads RV, and Dutchmen RV brands in a move aimed at strengthening product differentiation and accelerating development across its towable RV portfolio.
Go RVing is expanding its RV-2-50 initiative with new curated itineraries aimed at promoting RV travel across the United States in alignment with major upcoming cultural milestones, including America’s 250th anniversary, the 100th anniversary of Route 66, and a major international soccer tournament.
The AGA Glamping Business Spotlight will return Wednesday, May 27, at 10 a.m. Mountain Standard Time, with organizers shifting the format to a more conversational session described as “less presentation, more conversation.”
Recreational vehicle shipments fell 17.4% year over year in April as a sharp decline in towable RV shipments outweighed gains in motorhomes and Park Model RVs, with manufacturers shipping 29,209 units during the month compared with 35,375 units in April 2025, according to the latest survey from the RV Industry Association.
La Hilir, an exclusive-use glamping retreat in Negeri Sembilan, was developed over nearly a decade using low-impact construction methods, reclaimed materials, and a design strategy centered on preserving the surrounding forest landscape.
Mleiha’s recent UNESCO World Heritage recognition is expected to strengthen demand for heritage-driven outdoor hospitality experiences in the UAE, as operators increasingly focus on cultural tourism and low-impact desert accommodations.
Leaders from the recreational vehicle industry outlined new data-driven marketing initiatives and technician training efforts during RVBusiness’ 2026 Power Breakfast, where representatives from Go RVing and the RV Technical Institute detailed strategies aimed at improving consumer engagement and expanding the certified RV technician workforce amid growing competition in the travel sector.
Six students at Littleton Public Schools have earned Level 1 certifications through the RV Technical Institute following the completion of the first semester-long RV technician training program at the district’s EPIC Campus, marking a new effort to build a pipeline of skilled service technicians for the RV industry.
An emerging generation of campers is reshaping outdoor hospitality, pushing campground operators to evolve into experience-driven “outdoor hotels” that address younger travelers’ desire for nature alongside their lack of traditional camping knowledge and growing demand for curated, hospitality-focused experiences.
NRMA Parks and Resorts has renewed its partnership with Queensland Music Festival to support the 2026 Queensland Music Trails: The Reef series, which will bring the “Between the Tides” concert event to Airlie Beach on July 4 as part of efforts to boost regional tourism and travel along Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef coastline.
Aboard has raised a total of $13 million after closing a Pre-Series A funding round led by Ondine Capital and Llama Ventures, as the Southern California startup advances its extended-range electric travel trailer toward mass production and prepares for its public launch later this month in Denver.
Award-winning glamping and sustainable lodging operators in the Lake District and Cumbria are drawing attention as domestic travel demand continues to support the UK outdoor hospitality sector ahead of the 2026 summer season.
Insider Perks has launched CampVantage Connect, a WordPress plugin designed to automate search engine optimization and AI-readiness for campground and RV park websites, as the outdoor hospitality industry adapts to growing use of AI-driven travel search and booking tools.
NRMA Parks and Resorts has renewed its partnership with Queensland Music Festival to support the 2026 Queensland Music Trails: The Reef series, which will bring the “Between the Tides” concert event to Airlie Beach on July 4 as part of efforts to boost regional tourism and travel along Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef coastline.
Sun Communities has agreed to sell its United Kingdom assets, including the Park Holidays business, to funds affiliated with Aermont Capital in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately £768 million ($1.03 billion), a move that will sharpen the company’s focus on its North American manufactured housing and RV portfolio while strengthening liquidity and financial flexibility.
Cavco Industries reported higher fourth-quarter and full-year revenue and earnings for fiscal 2026, driven by increased home sales, stronger wholesale order activity, and ongoing production expansion as the company recorded a “record number of homes sold during the year.”
CAMP Door County has opened a new mountain bike trail in Sister Bay, Wisconsin, launching the first phase of a multi-stage trail development project aimed at expanding outdoor recreation amenities and strengthening the campground’s appeal to mountain biking visitors in Door County.
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.
The Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership has received a $500,000 Talent Recruitment Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to launch a workforce relocation and retention initiative aimed at attracting out-of-state professionals, families and remote workers to Marathon County through relocation incentives, employer partnerships and quality-of-life marketing efforts.
Campground Views powered by RecPro has launched an upgraded trip-planning platform for RV travelers, introducing expanded campground search tools, RV-safe routing, and thousands of interactive virtual campsite tours as part of a broader push to streamline campground discovery and reservation planning.
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 Dyrt has released a Pacific Coast Highway road trip and camping guide outlining route details, campground recommendations and planning considerations for travelers along the West Coast corridor, including a suggested two- to three-week itinerary across the 1,650-mile stretch from Port Angeles to San Diego
Award-winning glamping and sustainable lodging operators in the Lake District and Cumbria are drawing attention as domestic travel demand continues to support the UK outdoor hospitality sector ahead of the 2026 summer season.
The AGA Glamping Business Spotlight will return Wednesday, May 27, at 10 a.m. Mountain Standard Time, with organizers shifting the format to a more conversational session described as “less presentation, more conversation.”
Mleiha’s recent UNESCO World Heritage recognition is expected to strengthen demand for heritage-driven outdoor hospitality experiences in the UAE, as operators increasingly focus on cultural tourism and low-impact desert accommodations.
CAMP Door County has opened a new mountain bike trail in Sister Bay, Wisconsin, launching the first phase of a multi-stage trail development project aimed at expanding outdoor recreation amenities and strengthening the campground’s appeal to mountain biking visitors in Door County.
Join Modern Campground’s MC Fireside Chats on May 27th at 2 PM ET as special guest Amber Simpson reveals her “Roasted Marshmallow Method™.” Discover a revolutionary approach to digital storytelling, moving beyond amenities to craft unforgettable experiences that evoke emotion and deeply connect with all campers, from glampers to big-rig travelers.
Outdoor hospitality is undergoing a structural shift as operators, designers, and developers increasingly move beyond traditional RV park and campground models toward immersive, story-driven destinations that prioritize experience over lodging alone, a theme explored during a recent MC Fireside Chats episode hosted by Modern Campground and moderated by Brian Searl.
A Liverpool short-term accommodation operator is considering expanding an urban glamping-style concept in the Baltic Triangle after relaunching refurbished cabin and caravan rentals that have seen strong booking demand in recent weeks.
The American Glamping Association will host a virtual discussion session on May 27 featuring experts in finance, operations, travel, and landscape architecture to examine issues affecting the glamping and outdoor hospitality industry.
Odisha’s Tourism Department has proposed a new 30-year lease framework for tent cities, glamping pods, and camping facilities as part of its effort to expand sustainable tourism infrastructure and attract investment in emerging destinations.
Early Memorial Day booking trends are prompting glamping and outdoor hospitality operators to evaluate expansion strategies, guest experience priorities, and year-round revenue opportunities as demand for premium accommodations continues to rise.
The Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association will host a free webinar on June 10 to help RV dealers better understand dealer reinsurance and identify strategies to improve financial performance as dealerships face margin pressure, rising operating costs and continued market uncertainty.
OHI has appointed Tristan Ciceri, president of Electrical Works, to the National Electrical Code’s Code-Making Panel 7, giving the outdoor hospitality industry representation on electrical code issues affecting RV parks, campgrounds and glamping businesses as the sector prepares for the introduction of Ground Monitor Interrupters in new RVs next year.
Go RVing is expanding its RV-2-50 initiative with new curated itineraries aimed at promoting RV travel across the United States in alignment with major upcoming cultural milestones, including America’s 250th anniversary, the 100th anniversary of Route 66, and a major international soccer tournament.
Recreational vehicle shipments fell 17.4% year over year in April as a sharp decline in towable RV shipments outweighed gains in motorhomes and Park Model RVs, with manufacturers shipping 29,209 units during the month compared with 35,375 units in April 2025, according to the latest survey from the RV Industry Association.
Leaders from the recreational vehicle industry outlined new data-driven marketing initiatives and technician training efforts during RVBusiness’ 2026 Power Breakfast, where representatives from Go RVing and the RV Technical Institute detailed strategies aimed at improving consumer engagement and expanding the certified RV technician workforce amid growing competition in the travel sector.
Six students at Littleton Public Schools have earned Level 1 certifications through the RV Technical Institute following the completion of the first semester-long RV technician training program at the district’s EPIC Campus, marking a new effort to build a pipeline of skilled service technicians for the RV industry.
Aboard has raised a total of $13 million after closing a Pre-Series A funding round led by Ondine Capital and Llama Ventures, as the Southern California startup advances its extended-range electric travel trailer toward mass production and prepares for its public launch later this month in Denver.
TechnoRV and Paragon Events announced the launch of The GathrRing Rally Experience, a new premium RV rally series scheduled for October 2026 that aims to deliver a smaller, community-focused alternative to traditional large-scale RV gatherings.
RV Industry Association is encouraging attendees of RVs Move America Week to download the EventMobi mobile application ahead of the conference in Washington, D.C., as the association prepares to use the platform for schedules, event updates, networking, and real-time notifications during the annual industry gathering.
Recreational Vehicle Industry Association said rising travel costs and a growing shift toward last-minute vacation planning are creating favorable conditions for RV travel as consumers seek flexible and lower-cost alternatives heading into the summer season.
Go RVing will expand its 2026 experiential marketing efforts through partnerships with five national events across sports, outdoor recreation and lifestyle sectors as the organization shifts toward larger-scale activations designed to increase consumer engagement and broaden exposure for the RV industry.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) will bring together compliance, safety and manufacturing professionals this summer for its 2026 Regulatory and Safety Compliance Seminar, a half-day event focused on recall management, safety culture and the growing role of artificial intelligence in regulatory compliance across the recreational vehicle industry.
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).
CampLife will host a free webinar on Remote Meter Reading for campgrounds on February 5 at 11 a.m. EST, featuring Wild Energy and Kim Mulkey, property manager at University Station RV Resort, who will share her experience using the technology.
State parks across Virginia will mark New Year’s Day 2026 with statewide First Day Hikes, offering visitors free parking and a range of guided and self-guided outdoor activities. The annual initiative, led by America’s State Parks, invites hikers of all skill levels to explore Virginia State Parks on Jan. 1 while kicking off the year with outdoor recreation.
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.
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.