Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for October 30, 2026
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has opened registration for its 2027 Leadership Conference, scheduled for Feb. 23-25 in Tucson, Arizona, with registration priced at $995 and programming focused on leadership development, industry issues and networking.
Travel + Leisure Co. has acquired The Cedars Ranch in Wimberley, Texas, and plans to transform the 20-acre property into a 21-unit Eddie Bauer Adventure Club Outpost, with reservations expected to open in early 2027 and stays anticipated to begin that summer.
The Isle of Wight Council is set to debate a motion challenging the use of caravan legislation for developments that could bypass standard planning and environmental assessment procedures, following opposition to three proposed glamping cabins at Bouldnor Forest.
A military veteran is seeking land and investment to develop Iron & Earth Wilderness Escapes, a proposed year-round luxury off-grid glamping retreat in Somerset that aims to support local businesses and offer guests a nature-focused stay.
AutoCamp Hospitality Group is highlighting partnerships with Airstream, Hilton Hotels and other travel and lifestyle brands as its Regulation Crowdfunding offering enters its final days, with the company reporting more than $150 million in lifetime property revenue and targeting 100 locations.
The Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association is preparing for its 2026 convention with sessions on AI, guest removal, and GMI compliance while promoting 2027 music licensing, RV show participation, and campground marketing opportunities.
Parks Canada is conducting tree removal, forest thinning, and pile burning across several Banff National Park locations through fall and winter 2026, with the Tunnel Toe wildfire risk reduction project expected to continue through spring 2027.
The Honey Pot Inn in Speeton has applied for permission to develop eight heated, one-bedroom glamping pods on a field previously used as a Camping and Caravanning Club certified site, with North Yorkshire Council considering the proposal.
VisitMercerCountyPA has welcomed five businesses, including Ray of Sunshine Camping & Glamping, expanding Mercer County’s tourism offerings across outdoor accommodations, dining, retail, agriculture, and community events.
The RV Dealers Association (RVDA) will bring together dealership, brokerage and financial planning professionals Nov. 10 for a session at the 2026 RV Dealers Convention/Expo focused on helping RV dealers assess business value, prepare for ownership transitions and plan dealership sales.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has opened registration for its 2027 Leadership Conference, scheduled for Feb. 23-25 in Tucson, Arizona, with registration priced at $995 and programming focused on leadership development, industry issues and networking.
Travel + Leisure Co. has acquired The Cedars Ranch in Wimberley, Texas, and plans to transform the 20-acre property into a 21-unit Eddie Bauer Adventure Club Outpost, with reservations expected to open in early 2027 and stays anticipated to begin that summer.
The Isle of Wight Council is set to debate a motion challenging the use of caravan legislation for developments that could bypass standard planning and environmental assessment procedures, following opposition to three proposed glamping cabins at Bouldnor Forest.
A military veteran is seeking land and investment to develop Iron & Earth Wilderness Escapes, a proposed year-round luxury off-grid glamping retreat in Somerset that aims to support local businesses and offer guests a nature-focused stay.
AutoCamp Hospitality Group is highlighting partnerships with Airstream, Hilton Hotels and other travel and lifestyle brands as its Regulation Crowdfunding offering enters its final days, with the company reporting more than $150 million in lifetime property revenue and targeting 100 locations.
As the year begins to wind down, the industry outlook naturally shifts. Modern Campground invites you to prepare for the next wave of campers and explore how economic changes directly translate into new revenue on the latest episode of MC Fireside Chats, airing live on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 2 PM ET.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has released a video detailing the more than 500 safety-related requirements behind its association seal and the more than 2,000 unannounced inspections its full-time inspectors conduct annually to verify compliance during RV manufacturing.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has awarded $8.6 million in Land and Water Conservation Fund grants to 10 parks and outdoor recreation projects, supporting improvements ranging from sports courts and playgrounds to accessible boat launches, trails and new public park facilities.
The Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association is preparing for its 2026 convention with sessions on AI, guest removal, and GMI compliance while promoting 2027 music licensing, RV show participation, and campground marketing opportunities.
The Honey Pot Inn in Speeton has applied for permission to develop eight heated, one-bedroom glamping pods on a field previously used as a Camping and Caravanning Club certified site, with North Yorkshire Council considering the proposal.
AutoCamp Hospitality Group is highlighting partnerships with Airstream, Hilton Hotels and other travel and lifestyle brands as its Regulation Crowdfunding offering enters its final days, with the company reporting more than $150 million in lifetime property revenue and targeting 100 locations.
Chatsworth Caravan Park in England’s Peak District National Park is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, November 3, following a month of renovations that included site-wide Wi-Fi, upgraded electric hook-up points, and a new general store.
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.
The Honey Pot Inn in Speeton has applied for permission to develop eight heated, one-bedroom glamping pods on a field previously used as a Camping and Caravanning Club certified site, with North Yorkshire Council considering the proposal.
VisitMercerCountyPA has welcomed five businesses, including Ray of Sunshine Camping & Glamping, expanding Mercer County’s tourism offerings across outdoor accommodations, dining, retail, agriculture, and community events.
Travel + Leisure Co. has acquired The Cedars Ranch in Wimberley, Texas, and plans to transform the 20-acre property into a 21-unit Eddie Bauer Adventure Club Outpost, with reservations expected to open in early 2027 and stays anticipated to begin that summer.
The Isle of Wight Council is set to debate a motion challenging the use of caravan legislation for developments that could bypass standard planning and environmental assessment procedures, following opposition to three proposed glamping cabins at Bouldnor Forest.
A military veteran is seeking land and investment to develop Iron & Earth Wilderness Escapes, a proposed year-round luxury off-grid glamping retreat in Somerset that aims to support local businesses and offer guests a nature-focused stay.
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina will begin its 36th annual Lighting of the Bay and Fire & Lights Festival on Nov. 27, featuring more than 50 floating holiday displays nightly through Jan. 3, 2027, and seasonal entertainment Thursdays through Sundays.
A couple operating a small glamping business in Greater Napanee, Ontario, has appealed a municipal decision rejecting its application for temporary zoning permission, setting up a dispute over rural tourism development, neighborhood compatibility, and the costs of securing planning approval.
A farmer has applied to Highland Council for permission to build six two-bedroom glamping pods on the Black Isle, with plans including individual parking areas, EV charging, and wastewater infrastructure as part of an effort to diversify farm income.
A lakeside glamping pod in the Lake District and a four-bedroom cottage in Wales are being marketed for late-2026 and 2027 stays, highlighting amenities and nearby outdoor attractions that may appeal to travelers outside the summer season.
The RV Dealers Association (RVDA) will bring together dealership, brokerage and financial planning professionals Nov. 10 for a session at the 2026 RV Dealers Convention/Expo focused on helping RV dealers assess business value, prepare for ownership transitions and plan dealership sales.
As the year begins to wind down, the industry outlook naturally shifts. Modern Campground invites you to prepare for the next wave of campers and explore how economic changes directly translate into new revenue on the latest episode of MC Fireside Chats, airing live on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 2 PM ET.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has released a video detailing the more than 500 safety-related requirements behind its association seal and the more than 2,000 unannounced inspections its full-time inspectors conduct annually to verify compliance during RV manufacturing.
The RV Technical Institute will accept applications for the Kevin Phillips Scholarship through Oct. 31, offering financial assistance for RV technician training to recent high school graduates, people leaving the military and individuals who decide college is not the right fit.
The Headrest Safe Company will demonstrate its biometric vehicle safes and headrest-integrated storage systems at the 2026 SEMA Show, Nov. 3-6 in Las Vegas, featuring three safe models and a tool-free installation system designed for vehicles with two-post headrests
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has launched an upgraded member portal that requires existing account holders to reset their passwords before accessing membership services, event registrations, industry publications and other resources through the updated online system.
Canadian RV dealerships raised more than $34,000 CAD for Care Camps Foundation during the inaugural Compete for Kids Canada campaign in September, with 16 dealerships participating in the fundraising effort to support medically supervised camps for children with cancer.
Bill Koster of Protective Asset Protection will lead a session on decision-making, cognitive biases and ethical considerations at the 2026 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, examining how emotions, language and other factors influence business decisions affecting dealerships, employees and customers.
RV Industry Association marketers are being encouraged to position RV vacations around “quiet questing,” a 2027 travel trend focused on relaxation, flexibility and fewer obligations, as more than half of Americans with travel plans for the coming year often or always return from vacations feeling drained, according to an October survey commissioned by IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Go RVing will serve as the official RV sponsor of the 2026 National Dog Show Nov. 14-15 in Pennsylvania, with an interactive RV display and sponsorship of the Labrador Retriever competition to highlight pet-friendly RV travel and reach dog owners attending the event.
RV Technical Institute trained nine technicians at RCD RV Supercenter’s Sunbury, Ohio, location, with all nine passing a Level 1 course covering foundational recreational vehicle systems as part of the institute’s dealer on-site training program.
Compass, a specialist caravan and leisure insurance provider, is urging caravan owners across the UK to secure their vehicles, review insurance coverage and prepare for potential flooding and wind damage ahead of Storm Austen, which is forecast to bring strong winds and heavy rain to south-west England, south Wales and southern coastal counties from late Thursday into Friday.
Protective Asset Protection will return as gold partner for the Nov. 9-13, 2026, RV Dealers Convention/Expo in Las Vegas, continuing its support of the dealer education event since 1992 and its more than 30-year relationship with RVDA’s XtraRide service contract program.
Fixed operations professionals at the 2026 RV Dealers Convention/Expo will examine strategies to improve dealership profitability, service efficiency and technician retention during a Nov. 12 program at Paris Las Vegas, with workshops covering parts operations, workforce development and repair processes.
RV Technical Institute (RVTI) certification exams combine industry-developed standards, independent assessment validation and scenario-based performance testing to measure recreational vehicle technician competency, including the ability to apply technical knowledge in real-world service situations.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has awarded $8.6 million in Land and Water Conservation Fund grants to 10 parks and outdoor recreation projects, supporting improvements ranging from sports courts and playgrounds to accessible boat launches, trails and new public park facilities.
Compass, a specialist caravan and leisure insurance provider, is urging caravan owners across the UK to secure their vehicles, review insurance coverage and prepare for potential flooding and wind damage ahead of Storm Austen, which is forecast to bring strong winds and heavy rain to south-west England, south Wales and southern coastal counties from late Thursday into Friday.
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.
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.