Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for September 24, 2026
Glamping Show Americas is approaching its Sept. 29-30 event at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora, Colorado, with more than 150 exhibitors and a conference program focused on investment, financing, demand generation, pricing and wellness in outdoor hospitality.
Savannah Lakes RV Resort has earned Gold for Best Pet-Friendly Lodging and Silver for Best Campground in the 2026 LowCountry’s Best awards, marking the second consecutive year for the pet-friendly honor and the third consecutive year for the campground recognition.
Go RVing’s 2026 influencer program has reached 17.7 million consumers through 347 pieces of content, with 15 influencers taking RV road trips this year as the initiative targets non-RVers through creator-led travel and lifestyle content.
The RV Technical Institute will open its Elkhart, Indiana, facility for tours Sept. 28-30 during the Elkhart RV Dealer Open House, giving attendees access to hands-on training labs, RV systems and diagnostic equipment used in its technician certification program.
Barwon Heads Caravan Park has opened seven new cabins incorporating accessibility, sustainability, and Wadawurrung cultural elements, with the accommodation expected to generate additional annual revenue for Barwon Coast.
The Outdoor Hospitality Pricing Index (OHPI) fell for the third consecutive month in September, with the national weighted average nightly rate settling at $102.22 as standalone glamping posted its lowest index reading since the benchmark launched.
Twin Lakes State Park’s fall festival will return with pumpkin painting, hayrides, wildlife encounters, a craft marketplace and the comeback of its scarecrow decorating contest, with the winning creation earning a Virginia State Parks gift certificate.
The Illinois Campground Association will bring RV park owners, managers, vendors and other outdoor hospitality professionals together Oct. 26-28 for the first annual Heartland Campground Exchange at Sun Retreats Rock River in Hillsdale, Illinois, marking the association’s first full conference with vendors in nearly 20 years.
Glamping Show Americas is approaching its Sept. 29-30 event at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora, Colorado, with more than 150 exhibitors and a conference program focused on investment, financing, demand generation, pricing and wellness in outdoor hospitality.
Savannah Lakes RV Resort has earned Gold for Best Pet-Friendly Lodging and Silver for Best Campground in the 2026 LowCountry’s Best awards, marking the second consecutive year for the pet-friendly honor and the third consecutive year for the campground recognition.
Go RVing’s 2026 influencer program has reached 17.7 million consumers through 347 pieces of content, with 15 influencers taking RV road trips this year as the initiative targets non-RVers through creator-led travel and lifestyle content.
Love’s Travel Stops has opened a new travel stop in Kingman, Arizona, adding 127 truck parking spaces and bringing the company’s total truck parking additions nationwide to 1,262 spaces in 2026, while also completing remodels at locations in Oklahoma, Texas and Georgia.
Go RVing has renewed its partnership as the Official RV Sponsor of the ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, returning to the event for its 2026 edition Oct. 3-11 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with an expanded on-site activation showcasing RV travel.
Barwon Heads Caravan Park has opened seven new cabins incorporating accessibility, sustainability, and Wadawurrung cultural elements, with the accommodation expected to generate additional annual revenue for Barwon Coast.
The Outdoor Hospitality Pricing Index (OHPI) fell for the third consecutive month in September, with the national weighted average nightly rate settling at $102.22 as standalone glamping posted its lowest index reading since the benchmark launched.
Barwon Heads Caravan Park has opened seven new cabins incorporating accessibility, sustainability, and Wadawurrung cultural elements, with the accommodation expected to generate additional annual revenue for Barwon Coast.
The Outdoor Hospitality Pricing Index (OHPI) fell for the third consecutive month in September, with the national weighted average nightly rate settling at $102.22 as standalone glamping posted its lowest index reading since the benchmark launched.
The Illinois Campground Association will bring RV park owners, managers, vendors and other outdoor hospitality professionals together Oct. 26-28 for the first annual Heartland Campground Exchange at Sun Retreats Rock River in Hillsdale, Illinois, marking the association’s first full conference with vendors in nearly 20 years.
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.
The Outdoor Hospitality Pricing Index (OHPI) fell for the third consecutive month in September, with the national weighted average nightly rate settling at $102.22 as standalone glamping posted its lowest index reading since the benchmark launched.
Glamping Show Americas is approaching its Sept. 29-30 event at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora, Colorado, with more than 150 exhibitors and a conference program focused on investment, financing, demand generation, pricing and wellness in outdoor hospitality.
Gallatin County commissioners will review proposed changes to the Riverbend Glamping Getaway on September 22, including the removal of proposed accommodations from the regulated flood hazard area and revisions to the project’s infrastructure.
Pembrokeshire County Council has refused retrospective planning permission for a glamping pod operating since June 2023 at a rural caravan site near Kilgetty, citing countryside location and missing green infrastructure documentation.
Kuganha in South Africa’s Western Cape is combining private tented safari accommodations with extensive in-suite wellness facilities as it develops a luxury hospitality concept centered on privacy, wildlife and rewilded landscapes.
A proposal for five glamping pods and stables at Sharplaw Estate near Jedburgh has been refused after Scottish Borders Council raised concerns about the site’s isolated location, accessibility, environmental impacts, and compliance with rural tourism policy.
The RV Technical Institute will open its Elkhart, Indiana, facility for tours Sept. 28-30 during the Elkhart RV Dealer Open House, giving attendees access to hands-on training labs, RV systems and diagnostic equipment used in its technician certification program.
Go RVing has renewed its partnership as the Official RV Sponsor of the ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, returning to the event for its 2026 edition Oct. 3-11 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with an expanded on-site activation showcasing RV travel.
The RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) is making a final push for ticket sales ahead of its upcoming Open House Breakfast and Educational Symposium, with the two events offering networking and professional development opportunities for RV industry professionals.
Jayco’s Technical Service Team has opened registration for Technical Service School sessions scheduled across Indiana, California and Arizona from October through December, providing RV technicians with hands-on training on current products, repairs and RV components.
Gen Z and Millennials are showing strong engagement with RV travel as younger travelers increasingly incorporate shorter trips into their travel habits, according to the RV Industry Association’s latest Fall Travel Intentions data and travel trends cited by the association.
The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Canada (RVDA of Canada) has partnered with HR Covered to provide members with access to more than 1,000 human resources documents, policies and forms, along with webinars and a complimentary compliance policy manual.
RVTI is expanding industry participation in its technician training and certification committees, seeking professionals from manufacturers, suppliers, dealerships, training providers and educational organizations to help ensure its programs reflect evolving industry needs.
The Busselton Caravan & Camping Show will bring caravans, campers, motorhomes, outdoor equipment and industry experts to Churchill Park in Busselton, Western Australia, Sept. 19-20, with free general admission funded by Caravan & Camping Western Australia.
Twin Lakes State Park’s fall festival will return with pumpkin painting, hayrides, wildlife encounters, a craft marketplace and the comeback of its scarecrow decorating contest, with the winning creation earning a Virginia State Parks gift certificate.
Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Federal Highway Administration have awarded $1.3 million in Recreational Trails Program grants to seven trail projects across the Commonwealth, selected from 24 applications seeking a combined $4.93 million in funding.
Campspot has launched a weeklong fall sale offering hundreds of deals at participating campgrounds across North America, as campers increasingly extend outdoor travel into September and October. The sale runs Sept. 7–13 and comes as the company’s 2026 trend report shows a majority of surveyed campers continue camping beyond the traditional summer season.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has adopted an updated master plan for High Bridge Trail State Park that will guide future development, trail enhancements and visitor access improvements along the 32-mile rail-trail, including a planned extension to the Town of Burkeville.
Virginia State Parks has expanded its accessibility program with the addition of an all-terrain wheelchair at First Landing State Park, bringing the total number of parks offering the mobility equipment to seven and increasing access to more than 5 miles of trails for visitors with mobility limitations.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is accepting pre-application proposals for parks and outdoor recreation projects seeking funding through the National Park Service’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is accepting applications for $11 million in federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grants to support park acquisition, development and rehabilitation projects across the state, with eligible applicants able to seek awards ranging from $150,000 to $2.5 million.
Construction to fully reconstruct the River Road bridge at High Bridge Trail State Park in Farmville will begin July 6, closing the bridge and a section of the trail for about one month while maintaining public access to High Bridge and other portions of the trail.
The National RV Dealers Association has launched its 2026 Dealer Satisfaction Index survey, giving U.S. and Canadian dealers until Sept. 9 to evaluate the manufacturers and brands they represent across four areas critical to dealer operations: reliability and quality, parts support, warranty support and sales support.
Virginia State Parks will host a diverse lineup of outdoor concerts and music series this summer, offering visitors opportunities to enjoy live performances ranging from bluegrass and country to rock, symphony and contemporary music at park locations across the state from May through October.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has proclaimed May 31 as Dam Safety Awareness Day, drawing attention to the importance of maintaining and monitoring the Commonwealth’s more than 2,400 regulated dams amid concerns over aging infrastructure, changing weather patterns and increased downstream development.
Pocahontas State Park will launch the 2026 Pocahontas Premieres concert series on May 9 at the Heritage Amphitheater, featuring new musical acts, returning crowd favorites and the debut of season tickets that provide admission and free parking for all shows throughout the season.
The 28th Annual Eagle Festival will return to Mason Neck State Park on May 9, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., bringing a full day of family-oriented programming centered on conservation, wildlife education and outdoor recreation in Northern Virginia.
Virginia State Parks will take part in the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Clean the Bay Day, a statewide volunteer initiative aimed at protecting and restoring the Chesapeake Bay watershed through coordinated cleanup efforts across rivers, streams, and shorelines.
Strong customer engagement and heightened interest in real-time safety technology underscored growing demand for advanced tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) as TechnoRV reported a successful partnership with Road Tech following the Mid-America Trucking Show, held March 26–28 in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) announced a legislative win for private campgrounds after Governor Tony Evers signed Wisconsin Act 117 into law, clarifying that personal property owned by seasonal campers in licensed campgrounds is exempt from real property tax.
Campground owners across the U.S. can now join OHI or their state association independently, following a major shift to a direct membership model. While the move sparked mixed reactions, both OHI and state leaders agree on one goal: supporting park owners through tailored benefits, advocacy, and collaboration.
June is Parks and Recreation Month, celebrating the numerous benefits of parks and outdoor recreation spaces. This initiative encourages communities to engage in diverse outdoor activities, promoting physical, mental, and community health while supporting economic growth and environmental sustainability.
USA Camping Company is elevating traditional campgrounds into resort-level destinations by acquiring and upgrading properties with enhanced amenities and community integration. Their growth strategy focuses on providing high-quality guest experiences, prime outdoor locations, and sustainable practices.
Luxe Glamp, an eco-friendly luxury dome glamping project, has begun construction in the Umm Al Quwain Mangrove Reserve, UAE, promising a sustainable and immersive stay experience. The project, attended by Sheikh Majid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, aims to blend luxury with environmental conservation, highlighting the UAE’s diverse tourism offerings.
National Powersports Auctions (NPA) has expanded its RV and Marine team by appointing Shannon Bennett as the RV+Marine sales and admin coordinator and promoting Tom Wilkinson to production supervisor for RV+Marine and Specialty Product. This strategic move aims to enhance service efficiency and support the growing demand in the RV and Marine industries.
Temporary road closures and changed parking conditions are set for the 2024 Let’s Go Queensland Caravan and Camping Supershow from May 30 to June 11. The event will feature the latest models of caravans, motorhomes, and camping equipment, hosted by over 200 exhibitors.
A recent Winnebago Industries survey reveals that more Americans are turning to outdoor activities for health benefits, with 71% acknowledging their positive impact on physical and mental well-being. The survey highlights a growing trend in outdoor participation, which supports increased demand in the RV industry.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro launches the “Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway” tourism initiative with a weeklong RV tour to promote the state’s attractions and boost its tourism industry. The campaign aims to draw millions of visitors, benefiting local businesses and the outdoor recreation sector.
Campsite reservations in BC Parks’ Okanagan region have decreased this year, with 1,400 reservations for the May long weekend compared to 1,600 last year. Despite this, most parks are fully booked, and several trails remain closed due to wildfire impacts and seasonal conditions.
The 12th annual RV Industry Power Breakfast at the RV/MH Hall of Fame witnessed its highest turnout ever, with industry leaders discussing the robust interest and emerging trends in the RV sector. Key talks highlighted increased outdoor activities spurred by the pandemic and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in enhancing customer experiences.
As the 2024 camping season begins, demand for local campsites in southern Ontario shows significant growth, with facilities like Whistle Bare Campground nearly fully booked. Campground operators are advised to optimize services and facilities in response to the increasing popularity of outdoor activities.