Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for June 22, 2026
Pennsylvania campgrounds will stage synchronized patriotic parades on July 4 to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, with the Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association coordinating celebrations across multiple regions.
The American Glamping Association will host a virtual industry meet-up on June 24, bringing together companies from across the glamping, campground and outdoor hospitality sectors for an online networking event featuring businesses specializing in construction, consulting, creative services and glamping infrastructure.
Outdoor recreation participation in the United States reached a record 183.2 million people in 2025, with nearly six in 10 Americans ages six and older taking part in outdoor activities, according to the Outdoor Participation Trends Report released June 16 by the Outdoor Industry Association and the Outdoor Foundation, even as researchers found Americans are spending less time outdoors than before the pandemic.
OHI is urging outdoor hospitality professionals to register for the 2026 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo before June 30, when early bird pricing expires, allowing members to save up to $400 on full conference registration for the industry event scheduled for Nov. 9-11 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Stackpole Under the Stars has received Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award for the fifth consecutive year, placing the Pembrokeshire camping and glamping business among the platform’s top 10% of listings based on guest reviews.
A family-owned Yorkshire holiday business has received Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travellers’ Choice Award across all five of its parks and accommodation properties, placing them among the platform’s top 10% of listings worldwide based on guest reviews.
Northern Lights Recreation Family Entertainment Center in Harbor Springs, Michigan, will celebrate the opening of a new nine-hole mini golf course from July 5 through July 12, adding an Adventure Golf & Sports-designed attraction that anchors a series of expansions introduced since owner Bill Lloyd acquired the facility in late 2024.
Rathlin Glamping Pods, a four-unit accommodation business established in 2016 on Rathlin Island, has been listed for sale with an asking price of £295,000, offering a potential investment opportunity in Northern Ireland’s island tourism sector.
Campground location and proximity to public fast chargers are emerging as the strongest factors shaping EV charging policies, as operators balance growing demand from electric vehicle travelers against infrastructure limitations, utility costs, and equipment protection concerns.
Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. has appointed battery technology and artificial intelligence specialist Dr. Lukas Lutz to its board of directors, adding expertise in AI-driven engineering and battery innovation as the company advances its data and technology strategy.
The Outdoor Hospitality Pricing Index rose modestly to 103.1 in June as peak-season rate growth slowed, while the Demand Pressure Index surpassed 50 percent for the first time, signaling that booked site inventory now exceeds available inventory across the United States, according to data released by Insider Perks.
South Australia’s Caravan, Camping & Outdoor Sale will return to the Adelaide Showground from July 23–26, 2026, featuring product showcases, educational sessions, and opportunities for industry professionals to monitor emerging trends in outdoor recreation and RV travel.
Stanley Villa Farm Fishing and Camping in Lancashire has received Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Award and was named Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year at the Lancashire Tourism Awards following a series of facility upgrades and investments.
Treasure Lake KOA in Pennsylvania hosted Camp Confidence participants and community members on June 11 for a Touch-A-Truck event featuring public safety displays, emergency vehicle access, and fire prevention education.
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has completed the first phase of an $18 million facilities improvement project at Burlingame Campground, delivering three new restroom buildings as part of a broader modernization effort scheduled to continue through 2027.
Pennsylvania campgrounds will stage synchronized patriotic parades on July 4 to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, with the Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association coordinating celebrations across multiple regions.
The American Glamping Association will host a virtual industry meet-up on June 24, bringing together companies from across the glamping, campground and outdoor hospitality sectors for an online networking event featuring businesses specializing in construction, consulting, creative services and glamping infrastructure.
Outdoor recreation participation in the United States reached a record 183.2 million people in 2025, with nearly six in 10 Americans ages six and older taking part in outdoor activities, according to the Outdoor Participation Trends Report released June 16 by the Outdoor Industry Association and the Outdoor Foundation, even as researchers found Americans are spending less time outdoors than before the pandemic.
OHI is urging outdoor hospitality professionals to register for the 2026 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo before June 30, when early bird pricing expires, allowing members to save up to $400 on full conference registration for the industry event scheduled for Nov. 9-11 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Several members of Congress issued a letter to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum expressed deep concern over reports that the agency redirected approximately $90 million in National Park Service entrance fee revenues.
The lawmakers stated that these funds were diverted from critical infrastructure repairs across the country to finance fireworks displays and cosmetic projects in Washington, D.C.
The correspondence emphasized that the National Park System currently faces billions of dollars in deferred maintenance needs.
According to the letter, domestic and international travelers pay entrance fees with the expectation that those dollars will be reinvested into trail repairs, campground improvements, visitor facilities, historic preservation, and road maintenance.
The lawmakers criticized the alternative spending choices, arguing that visitors to locations like Carlsbad Caverns, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon do not benefit from “covering statues in gold leaf, spray painting a pool on the National Mall, or making bloated investments in ornamental fountains across Washington, D.C. with no-bid contracts”.
They noted that resource constraints are already forcing local park managers to delay critical projects.
The letter highlighted ongoing bipartisan efforts to reduce the maintenance backlog, pointing to the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act signed into law by President Trump in 2020.
The members of Congress argued that the redirection of park-generated revenues away from core infrastructure needs is difficult to reconcile with that legislative commitment.
Additionally, the authors raised concerns regarding a lack of transparency, noting that the department has not provided a clear accounting of how entrance fee allocations are managed.
The letter concluded by urging the Department of the Interior to prioritize the needs of the National Park System and ensure visitor fee revenues are used for preserving and improving the parks.
The allocation of park entrance fees directly impacts the quality of public infrastructure that drives regional tourism.
When funding intended for campground improvements and trail repairs is diverted, delayed maintenance can diminish the visitor experience at public parks, ultimately affecting adjacent private campgrounds and outdoor recreation businesses that depend on well-maintained public lands to sustain consumer demand.
Stackpole Under the Stars has received Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award for the fifth consecutive year, placing the Pembrokeshire camping and glamping business among the platform’s top 10% of listings based on guest reviews.
A family-owned Yorkshire holiday business has received Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travellers’ Choice Award across all five of its parks and accommodation properties, placing them among the platform’s top 10% of listings worldwide based on guest reviews.
Northern Lights Recreation Family Entertainment Center in Harbor Springs, Michigan, will celebrate the opening of a new nine-hole mini golf course from July 5 through July 12, adding an Adventure Golf & Sports-designed attraction that anchors a series of expansions introduced since owner Bill Lloyd acquired the facility in late 2024.
CRR Hospitality marked National Go RVing Day with coordinated programming across its portfolio of RV resorts, glamping destinations and lifestyle properties, hosting weekend-long activities and community engagement events designed to celebrate the RV lifestyle and encourage travel.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort locations across the United States are preparing patriotic events and fireworks displays for the Fourth of July holiday as the campground chain marks America’s 250th anniversary with themed celebrations during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.
A revised proposal for a 100-pitch static caravan holiday park near Berrier has been submitted to Westmorland and Furness Council after an earlier application was withdrawn in August 2025 following concerns over traffic, infrastructure, and its proximity to the Lake District National Park.
Rathlin Glamping Pods, a four-unit accommodation business established in 2016 on Rathlin Island, has been listed for sale with an asking price of £295,000, offering a potential investment opportunity in Northern Ireland’s island tourism sector.
Campground location and proximity to public fast chargers are emerging as the strongest factors shaping EV charging policies, as operators balance growing demand from electric vehicle travelers against infrastructure limitations, utility costs, and equipment protection concerns.
The Outdoor Hospitality Pricing Index rose modestly to 103.1 in June as peak-season rate growth slowed, while the Demand Pressure Index surpassed 50 percent for the first time, signaling that booked site inventory now exceeds available inventory across the United States, according to data released by Insider Perks.
South Australia’s Caravan, Camping & Outdoor Sale will return to the Adelaide Showground from July 23–26, 2026, featuring product showcases, educational sessions, and opportunities for industry professionals to monitor emerging trends in outdoor recreation and RV travel.
Stanley Villa Farm Fishing and Camping in Lancashire has received Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Award and was named Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year at the Lancashire Tourism Awards following a series of facility upgrades and investments.
A revised proposal for a 100-pitch static caravan holiday park near Berrier has been submitted to Westmorland and Furness Council after an earlier application was withdrawn in August 2025 following concerns over traffic, infrastructure, and its proximity to the Lake District National Park.
Campground location and proximity to public fast chargers are emerging as the strongest factors shaping EV charging policies, as operators balance growing demand from electric vehicle travelers against infrastructure limitations, utility costs, and equipment protection concerns.
The Outdoor Hospitality Pricing Index rose modestly to 103.1 in June as peak-season rate growth slowed, while the Demand Pressure Index surpassed 50 percent for the first time, signaling that booked site inventory now exceeds available inventory across the United States, according to data released by Insider Perks.
South Australia’s Caravan, Camping & Outdoor Sale will return to the Adelaide Showground from July 23–26, 2026, featuring product showcases, educational sessions, and opportunities for industry professionals to monitor emerging trends in outdoor recreation and RV travel.
Treasure Lake KOA in Pennsylvania hosted Camp Confidence participants and community members on June 11 for a Touch-A-Truck event featuring public safety displays, emergency vehicle access, and fire prevention education.
Pennsylvania campgrounds will stage synchronized patriotic parades on July 4 to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, with the Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association coordinating celebrations across multiple regions.
Outdoor recreation participation in the United States reached a record 183.2 million people in 2025, with nearly six in 10 Americans ages six and older taking part in outdoor activities, according to the Outdoor Participation Trends Report released June 16 by the Outdoor Industry Association and the Outdoor Foundation, even as researchers found Americans are spending less time outdoors than before the pandemic.
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable has launched two new grant programs to help rural communities turn outdoor recreation plans into on-the-ground projects, offering funding and technical support aimed at strengthening local economies, improving public health, expanding outdoor access and enhancing quality of life.
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and its member organizations are backing bipartisan legislation in Congress to reauthorize and strengthen the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, citing its role in improving public land infrastructure, expanding outdoor access, and supporting the nation’s $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy that sustains 5.2 million jobs.
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.
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.
Rathlin Glamping Pods, a four-unit accommodation business established in 2016 on Rathlin Island, has been listed for sale with an asking price of £295,000, offering a potential investment opportunity in Northern Ireland’s island tourism sector.
The American Glamping Association will host a virtual industry meet-up on June 24, bringing together companies from across the glamping, campground and outdoor hospitality sectors for an online networking event featuring businesses specializing in construction, consulting, creative services and glamping infrastructure.
Stackpole Under the Stars has received Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award for the fifth consecutive year, placing the Pembrokeshire camping and glamping business among the platform’s top 10% of listings based on guest reviews.
CRR Hospitality marked National Go RVing Day with coordinated programming across its portfolio of RV resorts, glamping destinations and lifestyle properties, hosting weekend-long activities and community engagement events designed to celebrate the RV lifestyle and encourage travel.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort locations across the United States are preparing patriotic events and fireworks displays for the Fourth of July holiday as the campground chain marks America’s 250th anniversary with themed celebrations during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.
Private campground operators are confronting one of the toughest summer seasons in years as softer demand, shorter stays and changing traveler behavior force businesses to rethink traditional marketing strategies, with industry leaders warning that success in 2026 will depend increasingly on hyper-local outreach and adapting to an emerging AI-driven booking landscape.
Wisconsin Dells KOA Holiday has completed a major expansion that adds new premium patio RV sites and infrastructure upgrades, increasing accommodations and amenities at the campground ahead of the 2026 season in one of Wisconsin’s busiest vacation destinations.
Mandai Wildlife Reserve has opened Crocodile Lodge, a new glamping experience featuring safari-style accommodations, wildlife encounters, guided activities, and overnight stays within the Rainforest Wild Adventure East zone.
Campground software providers Storable and Newbook have released a new guide for National Camping Month that outlines 10 technology-driven strategies designed to help campground operators streamline operations, improve guest experiences and increase revenue per stay during the peak camping season.
MC Fireside Chats on June 17th dives into innovative strategies for outdoor hospitality! Discover how to boost revenue with golf-RV synergy from Bar Run Golf’s Cris Risley, and streamline expansion through yurt-cabin strategies with Freedom Yurt-Cabins’ Ken Sawyer.
Thousand Islands/Ivy Lea KOA Holiday more than doubled its guest satisfaction score during the first year under owners Shawn and Christine Kim, with its Net Promoter Score rising from 29.9 to 70 as the campground advanced efforts to improve the guest experience and support future growth, according to Kampgrounds of America (KOA).
Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. has appointed battery technology and artificial intelligence specialist Dr. Lukas Lutz to its board of directors, adding expertise in AI-driven engineering and battery innovation as the company advances its data and technology strategy.
South Australia’s Caravan, Camping & Outdoor Sale will return to the Adelaide Showground from July 23–26, 2026, featuring product showcases, educational sessions, and opportunities for industry professionals to monitor emerging trends in outdoor recreation and RV travel.
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.
The RV Industry Association’s Standards team has released materials from its May seminar on updated recreational vehicle standards and scheduled a June 23 virtual question-and-answer session to help industry stakeholders navigate revisions to key codes and standards, including NFPA 1192, NEC 70 and the Standard for DC Voltage Systems in Recreational Vehicles.
The RV Women’s Alliance is seeking volunteers for Kids Night at New Paris Speedway on July 25, calling on industry members to help assemble backpacks filled with school supplies and support fundraising activities as part of the annual community event.
The RV Technical Institute recently brought its Level 1 dealer on-site training program to NTP-STAG’s facility in Austell, Georgia, where trainer Chris Jachim provided product education to the distributor’s sales team to strengthen product knowledge and support improved sales performance.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) is offering sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 RV Aftermarket Conference, a three-day industry event designed to connect aftermarket suppliers and distributors through business meetings, networking sessions and product-focused discussions.
Forest River employees recently joined campers and staff at Camp Watcha-Wanna-Do in Wolcottville, Indiana, through the company’s ongoing partnership with the Care Camps Foundation, contributing volunteer support and resources to a summer camp program serving children surviving cancer and brain tumors.
The RV Industry Association will host a members-only webinar on June 10 to review its Summer RV RoadSigns forecast, offering industry stakeholders an analysis of wholesale shipment projections and the economic trends expected to influence the recreational vehicle market in the months ahead.
The RV Industry Association honored six industry leaders and two members of Congress during RVs Move America Week 2026, recognizing contributions to workforce development, industry standards, government affairs and cross-sector collaboration, while highlighting achievements by Matt Carboneau, Whitney Holtz, Toby O’Rourke, Bob Martin and Martin Perlot through its annual awards program.
The RV Industry Association honored U.S. Reps. Rudy Yakym of Indiana and Dina Titus of Nevada with its National Legislative Award during RVs Move America Week, recognizing their leadership in advancing the Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act, a measure that was ultimately signed into law after gaining bipartisan support in Congress.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) Board of Directors has approved a revised timeline for implementing a Grounding Monitor Interrupter (GMI) requirement in the 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC), setting a Jan. 1, 2027, effective date and pushing mandatory enforcement to the start of manufacturers’ 2028 model year production.
Dragonfly Energy has received a notice of allowance from the European Patent Office for a patent covering its dry electrode manufacturing technology, supporting the company’s plans to commercialize next-generation battery and solid-state energy storage solutions.
RV industry organizations are leveraging earned media coverage as a strategic tool to keep RV travel in front of consumers and generate interest that can translate into future sales, according to a June 11 News and Insights report from the RV Industry Association.
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).
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.
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.