Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for July 21, 2026
Unity Holidays has secured planning approval for the first phase of its £20 million redevelopment of Skirlington Coast Yorkshire, while a separate proposal for 92 new caravans has been deferred pending further discussions with East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
As localized campground oversupply increases competition in some markets, operators are protecting profitability by expanding ancillary revenue, optimizing premium accommodations, and adopting long-term financial strategies that strengthen business resilience.
RMS has appointed Rich Steers as chief product and technology officer, adding more than 25 years of SaaS product and engineering leadership experience to its executive team as the hospitality technology company accelerates investments in product innovation, artificial intelligence, automation and connected technology to support its global growth strategy.
Glamping operators can no longer rely on luxury tents and scenic views alone to build profitable businesses, as industry leaders warned during a recent MC Fireside Chats episode that rising operational costs, shifting traveler behavior and the hidden expense of off-grid infrastructure are forcing developers to adopt more strategic hospitality models centered on guest experience, reliable utilities and diversified revenue streams.
Columbia County officials are scheduled to review an August 6 rezoning request for a proposed 12-dome glamping retreat in Evans that would offer year-round short-term accommodations while incorporating environmental and site planning measures.
Growing demand for experiential travel is prompting Philippine hospitality developers to explore glamping domes and other alternative accommodations as they seek faster construction timelines, flexible expansion opportunities, and nature-focused guest experiences.
Artificial intelligence-powered search platforms are reshaping how consumers research vacations, compare products and discover brands, prompting the RV Industry Association to encourage businesses to improve their visibility in AI-generated search results through regular audits and Answer Engine Optimization strategies.
Go RVing’s influencer marketing program reached more than 4.2 million people during the second quarter, generating 202 pieces of creator-led content and more than 100,000 engagements across social media as the campaign used first-time RV travel experiences to introduce new audiences to the RV lifestyle.
Pinelodge Holidays reported higher revenue and profit after record performance at its Darwin Forest and Sandybrook holiday parks, while noting that rising operating costs and economic uncertainty remain ongoing challenges for the outdoor hospitality sector.
Hafan y Môr Holiday Park has retained the AA 5-Star Platinum Award for a third consecutive year, with inspectors highlighting recent investments including new beachfront holiday homes and upgraded Wi-Fi infrastructure.
Northgate Resorts has opened a newly redeveloped Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia, converting the former Williamsburg Campground into an 80-acre family-focused destination that adds new accommodations, expanded recreational amenities and themed programming to the region’s outdoor hospitality offerings.
Unity Holidays has secured planning approval for the first phase of its £20 million redevelopment of Skirlington Coast Yorkshire, while a separate proposal for 92 new caravans has been deferred pending further discussions with East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
As localized campground oversupply increases competition in some markets, operators are protecting profitability by expanding ancillary revenue, optimizing premium accommodations, and adopting long-term financial strategies that strengthen business resilience.
RMS has appointed Rich Steers as chief product and technology officer, adding more than 25 years of SaaS product and engineering leadership experience to its executive team as the hospitality technology company accelerates investments in product innovation, artificial intelligence, automation and connected technology to support its global growth strategy.
Glamping operators can no longer rely on luxury tents and scenic views alone to build profitable businesses, as industry leaders warned during a recent MC Fireside Chats episode that rising operational costs, shifting traveler behavior and the hidden expense of off-grid infrastructure are forcing developers to adopt more strategic hospitality models centered on guest experience, reliable utilities and diversified revenue streams.
Columbia County officials are scheduled to review an August 6 rezoning request for a proposed 12-dome glamping retreat in Evans that would offer year-round short-term accommodations while incorporating environmental and site planning measures.
Growing demand for experiential travel is prompting Philippine hospitality developers to explore glamping domes and other alternative accommodations as they seek faster construction timelines, flexible expansion opportunities, and nature-focused guest experiences.
Artificial intelligence-powered search platforms are reshaping how consumers research vacations, compare products and discover brands, prompting the RV Industry Association to encourage businesses to improve their visibility in AI-generated search results through regular audits and Answer Engine Optimization strategies.
Go RVing’s influencer marketing program reached more than 4.2 million people during the second quarter, generating 202 pieces of creator-led content and more than 100,000 engagements across social media as the campaign used first-time RV travel experiences to introduce new audiences to the RV lifestyle.
The Motorcoach Store is positioning itself for growth following a $60 million capital infusion and its unification with Millennium Luxury Coaches, with CEO Bradley Twait saying the company is differentiating itself through a luxury, relationship-focused ownership experience that replaces traditional commissioned sales and price negotiation with education, transparent pricing and long-term customer support.
Many privately owned campgrounds across Ohio continue to welcome dogs and, in many cases, cats, with the Ohio Campground & Travel Guide highlighting pet-friendly parks, recommended travel essentials and summer safety tips to help campers plan trips with their animal companions.
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), in partnership with Confluence of States, has released the first national disaster resilience playbook designed specifically for state outdoor recreation offices, providing guidance to help officials prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters while protecting outdoor recreation economies, public lands and gateway communities.
The state of Idaho opened a tent-only campground along the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, which extends from Mullan to Plummer, officials with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality announced Thursday, July 9.
A freehold caravan park and campground bordering Victoria’s Tarra Bulga National Park has been listed for AU$1.45 million, with the seller citing portfolio rebalancing and the broker highlighting opportunities for future operational growth.
Clayton Holiday Park in Fife, Scotland, says its £6 million investment in guest amenities, completed during the COVID-19 pandemic, has supported business growth, workforce expansion, and stronger engagement with both holidaymakers and the local community.
A Welsh couple who purchased an abandoned caravan park in South Wales in 2022 is redeveloping the property into an off-grid glamping destination, illustrating how phased restoration can create new opportunities in the outdoor hospitality sector.
Fylde Council has approved the expansion and reconfiguration of Hurst Lea Caravan Park, allowing additional holiday caravans after revised drainage plans and environmental assessments addressed concerns raised during the planning process.
Nokken has launched the Softshell Suite, a modular self-contained accommodation designed to help campground, glamping, and holiday park operators expand lodging capacity with premium amenities while supporting longer stays and year-round operations.
South Korea’s camping and glamping industry is experiencing a market correction as declining domestic demand, renewed international travel, and rising costs weigh on campground operators, RV manufacturers, and camping equipment retailers.
The New Jersey Campground Owners Association (NJCOA) has released its annual report, highlighting changing traveler booking patterns, increased legislative advocacy and weather-related operating challenges as campground owners adapt to economic uncertainty, shorter stays and more last-minute reservations during the 2026 camping season.
Pinelodge Holidays reported higher revenue and profit after record performance at its Darwin Forest and Sandybrook holiday parks, while noting that rising operating costs and economic uncertainty remain ongoing challenges for the outdoor hospitality sector.
Hafan y Môr Holiday Park has retained the AA 5-Star Platinum Award for a third consecutive year, with inspectors highlighting recent investments including new beachfront holiday homes and upgraded Wi-Fi infrastructure.
Northgate Resorts has opened a newly redeveloped Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia, converting the former Williamsburg Campground into an 80-acre family-focused destination that adds new accommodations, expanded recreational amenities and themed programming to the region’s outdoor hospitality offerings.
Unity Holidays has secured planning approval for the first phase of its £20 million redevelopment of Skirlington Coast Yorkshire, while a separate proposal for 92 new caravans has been deferred pending further discussions with East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
As localized campground oversupply increases competition in some markets, operators are protecting profitability by expanding ancillary revenue, optimizing premium accommodations, and adopting long-term financial strategies that strengthen business resilience.
The New Jersey Campground Owners Association (NJCOA) has released its annual report, highlighting changing traveler booking patterns, increased legislative advocacy and weather-related operating challenges as campground owners adapt to economic uncertainty, shorter stays and more last-minute reservations during the 2026 camping season.
Pinelodge Holidays reported higher revenue and profit after record performance at its Darwin Forest and Sandybrook holiday parks, while noting that rising operating costs and economic uncertainty remain ongoing challenges for the outdoor hospitality sector.
Hafan y Môr Holiday Park has retained the AA 5-Star Platinum Award for a third consecutive year, with inspectors highlighting recent investments including new beachfront holiday homes and upgraded Wi-Fi infrastructure.
Northgate Resorts has opened a newly redeveloped Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia, converting the former Williamsburg Campground into an 80-acre family-focused destination that adds new accommodations, expanded recreational amenities and themed programming to the region’s outdoor hospitality offerings.
Unity Holidays has secured planning approval for the first phase of its £20 million redevelopment of Skirlington Coast Yorkshire, while a separate proposal for 92 new caravans has been deferred pending further discussions with East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
RMS has appointed Rich Steers as chief product and technology officer, adding more than 25 years of SaaS product and engineering leadership experience to its executive team as the hospitality technology company accelerates investments in product innovation, artificial intelligence, automation and connected technology to support its global growth strategy.
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.
Glamping operators can no longer rely on luxury tents and scenic views alone to build profitable businesses, as industry leaders warned during a recent MC Fireside Chats episode that rising operational costs, shifting traveler behavior and the hidden expense of off-grid infrastructure are forcing developers to adopt more strategic hospitality models centered on guest experience, reliable utilities and diversified revenue streams.
Columbia County officials are scheduled to review an August 6 rezoning request for a proposed 12-dome glamping retreat in Evans that would offer year-round short-term accommodations while incorporating environmental and site planning measures.
Growing demand for experiential travel is prompting Philippine hospitality developers to explore glamping domes and other alternative accommodations as they seek faster construction timelines, flexible expansion opportunities, and nature-focused guest experiences.
A Welsh couple who purchased an abandoned caravan park in South Wales in 2022 is redeveloping the property into an off-grid glamping destination, illustrating how phased restoration can create new opportunities in the outdoor hospitality sector.
Nokken has launched the Softshell Suite, a modular self-contained accommodation designed to help campground, glamping, and holiday park operators expand lodging capacity with premium amenities while supporting longer stays and year-round operations.
South Korea’s camping and glamping industry is experiencing a market correction as declining domestic demand, renewed international travel, and rising costs weigh on campground operators, RV manufacturers, and camping equipment retailers.
Get ready to supercharge your campground! On July 22, 2026, at 2 PM ET, Modern Campground’s MC Fireside Chats welcomes CampLife leaders to unpack their secrets for success in marketing, AI, tech, and operations. Don’t miss these expert strategies to elevate your park’s performance and boost bookings.
Tajikistan is proposing mandatory sanitary facilities for roadside businesses while expanding campgrounds, glamping sites, communications, and transportation infrastructure as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s tourism sector ahead of the 35th anniversary of its independence.
Bamburgh Under Canvas will launch its new Bamburgh Wyld brand on July 18 with wellness experiences, followed by floral workshops on August 1, as the Northumberland glamping retreat expands its range of nature-focused guest offerings.
Monarto Safari Lodge is expanding South Australia’s premium outdoor hospitality offerings by combining luxury glamping accommodations, wildlife experiences, and conservation-focused tourism adjacent to Monarto Safari Park.
Drumheirny Woodland Hideaway has received planning permission to construct 12 new chalets, two padel courts, expanded parking, and a solar photovoltaic array as part of its latest expansion in Leitrim Village, subject to 17 planning conditions.
A five-year planning dispute requiring the removal of four glamping tents from NRMA Bright Holiday Park has prompted industry groups to call for clearer statewide planning regulations as Victoria prepares updated guidance for alternative accommodations.
Verdant Parks has invested £2 million in new glamping accommodations and lodges across two holiday parks, expanding its lodging options in response to demand for UK staycations and experience-focused outdoor travel.
Prairie Junction RV Resort in Stettler, Alberta, is expanding its lodging offerings with the Prairie Haven Expansion, a themed glamping development featuring nine destination-inspired accommodations scheduled to open in Winter 2026.
Prairie Junction RV Resort in Stettler, Alberta, is expanding its accommodations through the Prairie Haven Expansion, adding nine themed glamping units in partnership with Travel Alberta with an opening planned for winter 2026.
A distinctive off-grid glamping cabin in West Wales is drawing continued interest from summer travelers, offering outdoor hospitality operators insight into how unique design and experience-focused accommodations can strengthen market appeal.
Go RVing’s influencer marketing program reached more than 4.2 million people during the second quarter, generating 202 pieces of creator-led content and more than 100,000 engagements across social media as the campaign used first-time RV travel experiences to introduce new audiences to the RV lifestyle.
The Motorcoach Store is positioning itself for growth following a $60 million capital infusion and its unification with Millennium Luxury Coaches, with CEO Bradley Twait saying the company is differentiating itself through a luxury, relationship-focused ownership experience that replaces traditional commissioned sales and price negotiation with education, transparent pricing and long-term customer support.
Go RVing’s Fourth of July Reddit campaign generated more than 7.8 million impressions and drove approximately 24,500 visits to GoRVing.com, while outperforming the platform’s travel advertising benchmarks and improving on its Memorial Day results, according to a July 16 News and Insights report from the RV Industry Association.
The RV Technical Institute (RVTI) is reminding eligible dealerships that they can bring Level 1 and Level 2 technician training directly to their facilities through its Dealer On-Site Training program, enabling technicians to complete certification courses without traveling to the institute’s headquarters while maintaining the same instructional format as campus-based training.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has opened registration for its 2026 Regulatory and Safety Compliance Seminar, a complimentary event scheduled for July 29 in Elkhart, Indiana, that will bring together compliance professionals, safety experts and legal specialists to discuss regulatory issues, recall management, safety culture and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the recreational vehicle industry.
Forest River has launched its 2026 Great Getaway Sales Event, a nationwide retail marketing campaign running from July 15 through Oct. 15 that combines national advertising, geo-targeted digital promotions and dealer marketing resources to increase consumer awareness and drive traffic to participating dealerships across the United States and Canada.
The World Surf League (WSL) has named Go RVing the Official RV Travel Partner of the 2026 Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico, launching a partnership that will bring interactive RV displays, fan experiences and digital content featuring four-time World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen to one of surfing’s premier events.
The RV Industry Association’s Standards Department held a three-day biannual inspection meeting in Elkhart, Indiana, last week to prepare inspectors for the Sept. 1, 2026, enforcement of updated NFPA 1192 and National Electrical Code standards while aligning enforcement practices and identifying new manufacturer education priorities.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has appointed Thomas Ramsay as senior director of standards administration and technology, where he will lead the organization’s standards development, code administration and compliance initiatives while overseeing programs that support recreational vehicle safety and industrywide adherence to adopted construction standards.
Maxxair will launch a new RV Technical Institute Level 3 accredited training program in early fall 2026, providing professional RV technicians with advanced instruction on installing, diagnosing and servicing the company’s ventilation systems while expanding Airxcel’s portfolio of standardized technical education programs.
InteractRV has launched AI Search Assistant, a conversational search tool that enables RV shoppers to find units by describing their needs in natural language rather than manually navigating traditional inventory filters.
The RV Technical Institute (RVTI) is promoting its job board and Kevin Phillips Scholarship program as workforce development resources aimed at helping RV businesses recruit and train qualified service technicians amid ongoing demand for skilled employees.
The 2026 RV Dealers Convention/Expo is offering limited exhibit space, partnership packages and sponsorship opportunities for companies seeking to connect with RV dealership owners, managers and decisionmakers across North America, according to the RV Dealers Association (RVDA). The event is scheduled for Nov. 9-13 at Paris Las Vegas.
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.