Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for June 11, 2026
Kelling Heath Holiday Park officially opened a refurbished red squirrel enclosure during its June 6–7 “Nuts About Nature” weekend, highlighting its long-running conservation efforts and commitment to wildlife-focused guest experiences.
Perth and Kinross Council has approved a £2 million Gypsy/Traveler transit site in North Muirton despite objections from flood risk officials who warned that the location could face significant flooding in extreme conditions.
Campground owners and operators from 26 states traveled to Capitol Hill this week as part of an OHI advocacy fly-in urging lawmakers to advance the Credit Card Competition Act, a bipartisan proposal supporters say would increase competition in the payment processing market and help reduce rising credit card transaction fees that continue to burden small businesses, including outdoor hospitality operators.
Love’s Travel Stops has expanded its RV service network by adding light mechanical repairs and oil and lube services at hundreds of truck care locations nationwide while partnering with Spartan RV Chassis to provide warranty work for Spartan motorhomes, broadening maintenance and repair options for RV travelers during the peak summer travel season.
Eurocamp has opened bookings for stays beginning in May 2027 at the new hu Eraclea Mare holiday village near Venice, a resort being developed in partnership with hu Openair that will feature what the companies describe as Italy’s largest holiday village water park, alongside more than 500 holiday homes, direct beach access and a range of outdoor recreation amenities.
A planning application submitted to Carlow County Council proposes a new outdoor hospitality development at Monaughrim featuring glamping pods, motorhome spaces, tent camping facilities, and supporting infrastructure, with a decision expected in mid-July.
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.
Campspot has launched a weeklong summer sale featuring discounts on campground stays across North America as travelers increasingly turn to drive-to vacations and scale back air travel amid higher vacation costs, according to the company’s latest consumer survey.
Open Road Resorts has entered the Tennessee market with the acquisition of Raccoon Mountain Campground and Caverns near Chattanooga, adding a destination that combines RV and camping accommodations with access to a cave system featuring more than 5.5 miles of explored passageways.
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.
Little Farm in Swannanoa, North Carolina, has expanded its agricultural and outdoor hospitality operations following Tropical Storm Helene, adding campsites, increasing food production, and purchasing the full 6.3-acre property it previously leased.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
Campspot has launched a weeklong summer sale featuring discounts on campground stays across North America as travelers increasingly turn to drive-to vacations and scale back air travel amid higher vacation costs, according to the company’s latest consumer survey.
Open Road Resorts has entered the Tennessee market with the acquisition of Raccoon Mountain Campground and Caverns near Chattanooga, adding a destination that combines RV and camping accommodations with access to a cave system featuring more than 5.5 miles of explored passageways.
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.
Campspot has launched a weeklong summer sale featuring discounts on campground stays across North America as travelers increasingly turn to drive-to vacations and scale back air travel amid higher vacation costs, according to the company’s latest consumer survey.
Open Road Resorts has entered the Tennessee market with the acquisition of Raccoon Mountain Campground and Caverns near Chattanooga, adding a destination that combines RV and camping accommodations with access to a cave system featuring more than 5.5 miles of explored passageways.
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.
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.
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).
A planning application submitted to Carlow County Council proposes a new outdoor hospitality development at Monaughrim featuring glamping pods, motorhome spaces, tent camping facilities, and supporting infrastructure, with a decision expected in mid-July.
A heritage-themed glamping development in Rossport, County Mayo, received planning approval on June 3, 2026, and will feature themed accommodations, camping facilities, dark sky tourism experiences, and sustainability-focused infrastructure.
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.
Vatrer Power has launched a new 12V 300Ah lithium iron phosphate battery aimed at RV owners seeking to maximize onboard power capacity while reducing the storage space required for traditional multi-battery setups, combining 300 amp-hours of energy, self-heating technology and Bluetooth monitoring into a single compact unit.
Go RVing’s Memorial Day marketing campaign on Reddit generated 7.8 million impressions and drove 24,500 visits to GoRVing.com, outperforming platform benchmarks for both reach and traffic as the organization sought to position RV travel in front of consumers planning summer vacations before making transportation and lodging decisions.
The RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) will host a three-part Summer Discussion Series beginning June 17, bringing together healthcare, leadership and personal development experts for virtual sessions focused on self-advocacy, well-being and professional growth.
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.