Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for August 8, 2026
A three-cabin glamping development and sauna near Great Gransden has received planning approval after councillors weighed concerns over access, neighboring properties and heritage assets against the project’s potential tourism and economic benefits.
Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is combining panoramic Sky Domes, climate-controlled accommodations, dining, and stargazing activities to create a premium glamping offering near several Southern Utah outdoor destinations.
OHI has opened submissions for its 2026 Awards of Excellence, with applications due Sept. 10, inviting member parks, suppliers and industry professionals to compete for recognition honoring innovation, environmental stewardship, leadership and service across the outdoor hospitality industry.
The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Canada will host an Aug. 11 webinar featuring fixed operations consultant Sara Clements-Hey to help RV dealerships improve the profitability and efficiency of their parts departments through strategies aimed at strengthening fixed operations and dealership performance.
Blue Water Development is promoting shoulder season travel by showcasing beach, camping and outdoor destinations across its portfolio of 82 hotels, RV resorts and campgrounds in 26 states, positioning September and October as an opportunity for travelers to extend warm-weather vacations with fewer crowds following the peak summer season.
A mixed-use hospitality property in Herefordshire featuring a farmhouse, holiday cottages, shepherd’s huts, and an established glamping business has been listed for sale, highlighting continued investment opportunities in diversified outdoor accommodations.
Wellness is increasingly influencing how consumers choose travel and leisure experiences, with emerging trends around mental well-being, stress reduction and personal connection creating opportunities for the RV industry to position travel around outdoor recreation, relaxation and time with family and friends.
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District has completed a $7.3 million overhaul of Charles Mill Beach Campground in Ohio, capped by the opening of a new destination playground that officials say is designed to draw families and strengthen the connection between visitors and the lake.
Northumberland County Council is expanding its overnight motorhome parking scheme to more locations even as local officials push back against campers who park illegally, light unauthorized fires and leave waste behind.
A three-cabin glamping development and sauna near Great Gransden has received planning approval after councillors weighed concerns over access, neighboring properties and heritage assets against the project’s potential tourism and economic benefits.
Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is combining panoramic Sky Domes, climate-controlled accommodations, dining, and stargazing activities to create a premium glamping offering near several Southern Utah outdoor destinations.
The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Canada (RVDA of Canada) announced that President Eleonore Hamm will retire effective Dec. 31, ending a 31-year career with the association during which she rose from executive assistant to president and helped lead the organization through industry advocacy efforts, economic challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic while representing Canadian RV dealers on national issues.
OHI has opened submissions for its 2026 Awards of Excellence, with applications due Sept. 10, inviting member parks, suppliers and industry professionals to compete for recognition honoring innovation, environmental stewardship, leadership and service across the outdoor hospitality industry.
The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Canada will host an Aug. 11 webinar featuring fixed operations consultant Sara Clements-Hey to help RV dealerships improve the profitability and efficiency of their parts departments through strategies aimed at strengthening fixed operations and dealership performance.
Streamside Parks COO Chris Lambert joins MC Fireside Chats on August 12, 2026, at 2 PM ET. Discover Streamside’s playbook for creating unforgettable guest experiences, from cutting-edge amenities to personalized service. Learn how to elevate stays & foster guest loyalty.
Registration is now open for the RV Technical Institute’s final Level 3 workshop of 2026, a two-day electronics specialty training program scheduled for Sept. 9-10 in Elkhart, Indiana, that will provide RV technicians with the required training hours for advanced diagnostics, troubleshooting and repair of RV electronic systems.
Blue Water Development is promoting shoulder season travel by showcasing beach, camping and outdoor destinations across its portfolio of 82 hotels, RV resorts and campgrounds in 26 states, positioning September and October as an opportunity for travelers to extend warm-weather vacations with fewer crowds following the peak summer season.
A mixed-use hospitality property in Herefordshire featuring a farmhouse, holiday cottages, shepherd’s huts, and an established glamping business has been listed for sale, highlighting continued investment opportunities in diversified outdoor accommodations.
A proposed four-tent eco-tourism retreat in Helena Valley has received conditional approval from the Shire of Mundaring, with environmental, operational, and bushfire management requirements to be met before development can proceed.
Go RVing’s redesigned experiential activation drew more than 40,000 consumer RV tours during its debut at the first two events of the 2026 season, according to a News and Insights report from the RV Industry Association (RVIA).
Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape in Bali, has been named the Asia Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association’s Asia Pacific Glamping Experience of the Month for August 2026, recognizing its wellness-focused guest experiences, sustainability initiatives, and partnerships with local communities.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) convened more than 60 representatives from 16 RV manufacturers and nine supplier companies at its 2026 Regulatory and Safety Compliance Seminar on July 29 in Elkhart, Indiana, where attendees examined regulatory compliance, safety practices and emerging issues, including recall management and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in compliance programs, according to the association.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) used the 2026 Legislative Summit in Chicago to engage policymakers from 40 states and advance its legislative priorities for the 2027 state legislative session, highlighting key issues including RV franchise laws, right-to-repair legislation and PFAS regulations during the nation’s largest state government affairs conference, according to the association.
Spot2Nite has integrated with Big Rig Media’s Indio property management system, allowing campground, RV park and glamping resort operators to distribute real-time rates and availability across Spot2Nite’s booking marketplace and connected travel platforms.
The Outdoor Hospitality Industry (OHI) has released the agenda for the Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE) 2026, featuring more than 40 educational sessions, expanded expo hours and networking events focused on campground operations, artificial intelligence, revenue growth and other business topics. The conference is scheduled for Nov. 9-11 in Fort Worth, Texas, with pre- and post-conference programming taking place from Nov. 8-12.
Campground Owners of New York (CONY) and Camp New York have opened public voting through Sept. 7 for the 2026 Best of Camp New York Awards, with finalists competing across 14 categories recognizing campgrounds for amenities, scenery, accommodations, recreation, hospitality and overall camping experiences.
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District has completed a $7.3 million overhaul of Charles Mill Beach Campground in Ohio, capped by the opening of a new destination playground that officials say is designed to draw families and strengthen the connection between visitors and the lake.
Northumberland County Council is expanding its overnight motorhome parking scheme to more locations even as local officials push back against campers who park illegally, light unauthorized fires and leave waste behind.
A three-cabin glamping development and sauna near Great Gransden has received planning approval after councillors weighed concerns over access, neighboring properties and heritage assets against the project’s potential tourism and economic benefits.
OHI has opened submissions for its 2026 Awards of Excellence, with applications due Sept. 10, inviting member parks, suppliers and industry professionals to compete for recognition honoring innovation, environmental stewardship, leadership and service across the outdoor hospitality industry.
Streamside Parks COO Chris Lambert joins MC Fireside Chats on August 12, 2026, at 2 PM ET. Discover Streamside’s playbook for creating unforgettable guest experiences, from cutting-edge amenities to personalized service. Learn how to elevate stays & foster guest loyalty.
Blue Water Development is promoting shoulder season travel by showcasing beach, camping and outdoor destinations across its portfolio of 82 hotels, RV resorts and campgrounds in 26 states, positioning September and October as an opportunity for travelers to extend warm-weather vacations with fewer crowds following the peak summer season.
Spot2Nite has integrated with Big Rig Media’s Indio property management system, allowing campground, RV park and glamping resort operators to distribute real-time rates and availability across Spot2Nite’s booking marketplace and connected travel platforms.
The Outdoor Hospitality Industry (OHI) has released the agenda for the Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE) 2026, featuring more than 40 educational sessions, expanded expo hours and networking events focused on campground operations, artificial intelligence, revenue growth and other business topics. The conference is scheduled for Nov. 9-11 in Fort Worth, Texas, with pre- and post-conference programming taking place from Nov. 8-12.
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 three-cabin glamping development and sauna near Great Gransden has received planning approval after councillors weighed concerns over access, neighboring properties and heritage assets against the project’s potential tourism and economic benefits.
Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is combining panoramic Sky Domes, climate-controlled accommodations, dining, and stargazing activities to create a premium glamping offering near several Southern Utah outdoor destinations.
Streamside Parks COO Chris Lambert joins MC Fireside Chats on August 12, 2026, at 2 PM ET. Discover Streamside’s playbook for creating unforgettable guest experiences, from cutting-edge amenities to personalized service. Learn how to elevate stays & foster guest loyalty.
A mixed-use hospitality property in Herefordshire featuring a farmhouse, holiday cottages, shepherd’s huts, and an established glamping business has been listed for sale, highlighting continued investment opportunities in diversified outdoor accommodations.
A proposed four-tent eco-tourism retreat in Helena Valley has received conditional approval from the Shire of Mundaring, with environmental, operational, and bushfire management requirements to be met before development can proceed.
Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape in Bali, has been named the Asia Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association’s Asia Pacific Glamping Experience of the Month for August 2026, recognizing its wellness-focused guest experiences, sustainability initiatives, and partnerships with local communities.
Alan Carr has confirmed that Ayton Castle will remain his permanent residence while a limited seasonal glamping experience will operate on part of the historic Scottish estate, offering an example of how temporary accommodations can complement heritage properties without full commercial conversion.
An independent planning inspector has upheld Monmouthshire County Council’s refusal of a proposal to expand Swallows Nest Welsh Farm’s glamping operation, citing concerns over noise, traffic, and impacts on neighboring residents while underscoring planning considerations for rural outdoor hospitality developments.
Glamping accommodations across North Wales are promoting availability through August, September, October, and beyond, highlighting wellness amenities, outdoor recreation, and regional attractions as operators seek to attract shoulder-season travelers.
Famau Cabins in Flintshire has applied to replace two approved single-story glamping pods with two-story cabins, maintaining the site’s original guest capacity while incorporating design refinements based on construction and operational 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.
Wellness is increasingly influencing how consumers choose travel and leisure experiences, with emerging trends around mental well-being, stress reduction and personal connection creating opportunities for the RV industry to position travel around outdoor recreation, relaxation and time with family and friends.
The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Canada (RVDA of Canada) announced that President Eleonore Hamm will retire effective Dec. 31, ending a 31-year career with the association during which she rose from executive assistant to president and helped lead the organization through industry advocacy efforts, economic challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic while representing Canadian RV dealers on national issues.
The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Canada will host an Aug. 11 webinar featuring fixed operations consultant Sara Clements-Hey to help RV dealerships improve the profitability and efficiency of their parts departments through strategies aimed at strengthening fixed operations and dealership performance.
Registration is now open for the RV Technical Institute’s final Level 3 workshop of 2026, a two-day electronics specialty training program scheduled for Sept. 9-10 in Elkhart, Indiana, that will provide RV technicians with the required training hours for advanced diagnostics, troubleshooting and repair of RV electronic systems.
Go RVing’s redesigned experiential activation drew more than 40,000 consumer RV tours during its debut at the first two events of the 2026 season, according to a News and Insights report from the RV Industry Association (RVIA).
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) convened more than 60 representatives from 16 RV manufacturers and nine supplier companies at its 2026 Regulatory and Safety Compliance Seminar on July 29 in Elkhart, Indiana, where attendees examined regulatory compliance, safety practices and emerging issues, including recall management and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in compliance programs, according to the association.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) used the 2026 Legislative Summit in Chicago to engage policymakers from 40 states and advance its legislative priorities for the 2027 state legislative session, highlighting key issues including RV franchise laws, right-to-repair legislation and PFAS regulations during the nation’s largest state government affairs conference, according to the association.
Registration is now open for the RV Technical Institute’s (RVTI) final Level 3 workshop of 2026, a two-day electronics specialty training program scheduled for Sept. 9-10 in Elkhart, Indiana, that will provide RV technicians with the required training hours to earn Level 3 Electronics Specialty certification and advance toward Level 4 Master Certification
Go RVing has released a new wave of Creator Summit content across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook, featuring outdoor influencers showcasing RV travel through activities such as hiking, fly fishing, camp cooking and wellness as part of an ongoing campaign to reach millions of outdoor enthusiasts and highlight the versatility of the RV lifestyle.
The RV Industry Association marked Great American Outdoors Day by urging Congress to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund, arguing that renewed investment is needed to address more than $40 billion in deferred maintenance across national parks, forests and other public lands after the fund expired in September 2025.
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.
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.