Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for July 29, 2026
Hospitality partners Teresa Raffo and Chris Hougie will open the 40-suite Mendocino Cove boutique hotel in August, expanding their Mendocino Coast business a decade after launching the Mendocino Grove glamping retreat.
The American Glamping Association (AGA) has opened nominations for its 2026 Glamping Awards while announcing Staylist as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Glamping Show Americas, where more than 160 exhibitors and industry experts will gather Sept. 29-30 in Aurora, Colorado, for the association’s annual outdoor hospitality trade event.
A retrospective planning application has been submitted to retain a glamping pod that has operated since June 2023 at an existing Caravan and Motorhome Club Certificated Location near Kilgetty, with Pembrokeshire County Council set to consider the proposal at a later date.
A Northern Ireland council is investigating three glamping pods erected in Portrush before planning approval was granted, while the project’s planning application submitted in June remains under consideration.
The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) has launched a partnership with RV dealers across Texas to offer dealership customers discounts at nearby TACO-member campgrounds, an initiative aimed at strengthening ties between RV dealers and campground operators while promoting camping within local service areas.
Spot2Nite has completed its integration with Firefly Reservations, allowing campground, RV park and glamping operators using the cloud-based reservation platform to connect directly to Spot2Nite’s booking marketplace and broader distribution network, where they can publish live rates and availability while automatically syncing reservations back into their management system.
National campground rates declined for the first time since the Outdoor Hospitality Pricing Index (OHPI) launched in April, as the July index slipped to 102.7 and the national weighted average nightly rate eased to $103.60 despite demand reaching a record high.
A retrospective planning application has been submitted to retain a glamping pod that has operated since June 2023 at an existing Caravan and Motorhome Club Certificated Location near Kilgetty, with Pembrokeshire County Council set to consider the proposal at a later date.
A Northern Ireland council is investigating three glamping pods erected in Portrush before planning approval was granted, while the project’s planning application submitted in June remains under consideration.
The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) has launched a partnership with RV dealers across Texas to offer dealership customers discounts at nearby TACO-member campgrounds, an initiative aimed at strengthening ties between RV dealers and campground operators while promoting camping within local service areas.
Spot2Nite has completed its integration with Firefly Reservations, allowing campground, RV park and glamping operators using the cloud-based reservation platform to connect directly to Spot2Nite’s booking marketplace and broader distribution network, where they can publish live rates and availability while automatically syncing reservations back into their management system.
National campground rates declined for the first time since the Outdoor Hospitality Pricing Index (OHPI) launched in April, as the July index slipped to 102.7 and the national weighted average nightly rate eased to $103.60 despite demand reaching a record high.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has joined a coalition of more than 75 organizations urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Office of Management and Budget to establish a unified federal framework for workplace chemical safety.
Campground and RV park business conditions across Florida and Alabama have remained generally in line with last year’s levels despite mixed performance among individual properties, according to the Florida and Alabama RV Park and Campground Association’s July member update.
OHI has recognized Ashley Cary, operations manager at Hidden Acres Campground, in its ongoing Board of Directors spotlight series, highlighting her commitment to industry collaboration, mentoring the next generation of outdoor hospitality professionals and addressing the operational challenges facing campground businesses.
The Florida and Alabama RV Park and Campground Association (FRVCA) is highlighting its membership benefits, including an exclusive legal hotline that provides campground and RV park owners with direct access to legal support for operational and compliance matters.
The American Glamping Association will host its monthly virtual meet-up on July 29, bringing together glamping and outdoor hospitality operators, vendors and industry professionals for an online business spotlight featuring four member companies that provide lodging, marketing and digital services to the sector.
Fifty-two RV dealerships across the United States raised more than $100,000 during National Camping Month through the 2026 Compete for Kids campaign, a fundraising initiative organized by Care Camps Foundation and the National RV Dealers Association to help fund pediatric oncology camp experiences for children with cancer and their families across the United States and Canada.
GuideTime is expanding its hospitality technology platform across the lodging industry, enabling hotels, resorts, RV parks, campgrounds and glamping destinations to offer bookable local experiences as a new revenue stream while outsourcing the management of activity bookings.
U.S. RV wholesale shipments fell 13.1% year over year to 25,484 units in June 2026, extending the industry’s year-to-date decline, while Park Model RVs continued to outperform the broader market with double-digit shipment growth, according to the RV Industry Association.
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has secured planning approval for a new hardstanding area at the entrance to a 70-hectare conservation site in the Gwaun Valley, a project designed to support long-term habitat management and native woodland restoration.
The Abilene City Council unanimously denied a zoning request for a proposed 149-site RV park near Lake Fort Phantom Hill after residents argued the development conflicted with the area’s master plan and neighborhood character.
Lagoon Ranch RV Resort has launched three tiered birthday party packages exclusively for registered guests with active reservations, offering celebration options that combine reserved event spaces, pool access, food service and themed activities for gatherings ranging from small poolside parties to full birthday weekends.
Attendee registration has opened for the 2026 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, set for Nov. 9-13, offering RV dealers and other industry professionals access to education sessions, networking opportunities, hands-on vendor training and a three-day Expo Hall showcasing the latest products, technologies and services.
Abbey Farm Rhuddlan has been included in the Campsites.co.uk Outstanding Sites List for 2026, recognizing UK camping, touring, and glamping destinations that have earned positive guest reviews and are known for their family-friendly facilities.
Chelly and Kevin Clayton have entered into a long-term investment partnership with Streamside RV Resorts & Campgrounds that includes the acquisition of four Townsend, Tennessee, hospitality and recreation businesses, expanding Streamside’s portfolio to 39 properties while keeping the Clayton family as significant investors and the existing local management team in place.
Hospitality partners Teresa Raffo and Chris Hougie will open the 40-suite Mendocino Cove boutique hotel in August, expanding their Mendocino Coast business a decade after launching the Mendocino Grove glamping retreat.
The American Glamping Association (AGA) has opened nominations for its 2026 Glamping Awards while announcing Staylist as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Glamping Show Americas, where more than 160 exhibitors and industry experts will gather Sept. 29-30 in Aurora, Colorado, for the association’s annual outdoor hospitality trade event.
Chelly and Kevin Clayton have entered into a long-term investment partnership with Streamside RV Resorts & Campgrounds that includes the acquisition of four Townsend, Tennessee, hospitality and recreation businesses, expanding Streamside’s portfolio to 39 properties while keeping the Clayton family as significant investors and the existing local management team in place.
Spot2Nite has completed its integration with Firefly Reservations, allowing campground, RV park and glamping operators using the cloud-based reservation platform to connect directly to Spot2Nite’s booking marketplace and broader distribution network, where they can publish live rates and availability while automatically syncing reservations back into their management system.
National campground rates declined for the first time since the Outdoor Hospitality Pricing Index (OHPI) launched in April, as the July index slipped to 102.7 and the national weighted average nightly rate eased to $103.60 despite demand reaching a record high.
Campground and RV park business conditions across Florida and Alabama have remained generally in line with last year’s levels despite mixed performance among individual properties, according to the Florida and Alabama RV Park and Campground Association’s July member update.
OHI has recognized Ashley Cary, operations manager at Hidden Acres Campground, in its ongoing Board of Directors spotlight series, highlighting her commitment to industry collaboration, mentoring the next generation of outdoor hospitality professionals and addressing the operational challenges facing campground businesses.
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.
Chelly and Kevin Clayton have entered into a long-term investment partnership with Streamside RV Resorts & Campgrounds that includes the acquisition of four Townsend, Tennessee, hospitality and recreation businesses, expanding Streamside’s portfolio to 39 properties while keeping the Clayton family as significant investors and the existing local management team in place.
Hospitality partners Teresa Raffo and Chris Hougie will open the 40-suite Mendocino Cove boutique hotel in August, expanding their Mendocino Coast business a decade after launching the Mendocino Grove glamping retreat.
The American Glamping Association (AGA) has opened nominations for its 2026 Glamping Awards while announcing Staylist as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Glamping Show Americas, where more than 160 exhibitors and industry experts will gather Sept. 29-30 in Aurora, Colorado, for the association’s annual outdoor hospitality trade event.
A retrospective planning application has been submitted to retain a glamping pod that has operated since June 2023 at an existing Caravan and Motorhome Club Certificated Location near Kilgetty, with Pembrokeshire County Council set to consider the proposal at a later date.
A Northern Ireland council is investigating three glamping pods erected in Portrush before planning approval was granted, while the project’s planning application submitted in June remains under consideration.
GuideTime is expanding its hospitality technology platform across the lodging industry, enabling hotels, resorts, RV parks, campgrounds and glamping destinations to offer bookable local experiences as a new revenue stream while outsourcing the management of activity bookings.
France’s camping industry is adapting to changing traveler preferences through expanded glamping accommodations, motorhome infrastructure, and diversified lodging options that reflect broader trends across the outdoor hospitality market.
Unlock the secrets of tech-savvy campground operations! Join Modern Campground’s MC Fireside Chats on July 29 as GuideTime, CD Hospitality, and Enso Connect reveal how to boost guest experience, efficiency, and revenue with innovative technology solutions.
A proposal to develop a six-pod glamping site near Drumaness, County Down, has received a recommendation for approval, with the project emphasizing low-profile accommodations, retained natural landscaping, and private guest amenities.
Expo Glamping 2026 will bring together entrepreneurs, glamping operators, suppliers and industry experts from across Mexico and Latin America on Nov. 18-20 at Las Estacas in Morelos, offering education, networking and business development resources aimed at helping attendees launch new glamping projects, expand existing operations and build partnerships across the outdoor hospitality sector.
Sirru Fen Fushi has introduced a new luxury glamping package that combines safari-style villas, guided marine experiences, wellness treatments, and personalized services, reflecting the growing demand for experience-focused outdoor hospitality offerings.
A planning application before Gwynedd Council proposes a seasonal five-tipi glamping site in Rhosgadfan featuring shared amenities, biodiversity enhancements, and operations running annually from March 1 to October 31.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners have approved a seasonal campground and glamping development on a former scrapyard site near Haverfordwest after highway concerns were addressed during the planning process.
Mareeba Bush Stays has launched four new glamping tents following a $500,000 investment supported by a Queensland Government grant, expanding its accommodation options for caravanners, RV travelers, and visitors to the region.
Dwell RV Resort & Casita Cabins has opened to guests in Topock, Arizona, launching with 37 RV sites and four Casita Cabins as the first phase of a development that will ultimately include 164 full-hookup RV sites, 20 cabins and a range of resort-style amenities near the Lake Havasu recreation area.
The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Canada (RVDA of Canada) has launched a buy one, get one (BOGO) registration incentive for Canadian dealerships attending the 2026 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, offering a US$799 rebate on every second early-bird registration from the same dealership to reduce the cost of sending multiple employees to the Nov. 9-13 event in Las Vegas.
Airxcel will bring RV manufacturers and industry professionals together Aug. 18-19 for its 13th annual New Product Showcase in Elkhart, Indiana, where attendees will get an early look at the company’s latest product innovations, technology advancements and updates across its portfolio of brands during the invitation-only event.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has joined a coalition of more than 75 organizations urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Office of Management and Budget to establish a unified federal framework for workplace chemical safety.
Fifty-two RV dealerships across the United States raised more than $100,000 during National Camping Month through the 2026 Compete for Kids campaign, a fundraising initiative organized by Care Camps Foundation and the National RV Dealers Association to help fund pediatric oncology camp experiences for children with cancer and their families across the United States and Canada.
U.S. RV wholesale shipments fell 13.1% year over year to 25,484 units in June 2026, extending the industry’s year-to-date decline, while Park Model RVs continued to outperform the broader market with double-digit shipment growth, according to the RV Industry Association.
Attendee registration has opened for the 2026 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, set for Nov. 9-13, offering RV dealers and other industry professionals access to education sessions, networking opportunities, hands-on vendor training and a three-day Expo Hall showcasing the latest products, technologies and services.
As artificial intelligence transforms how consumers research products and engage with brands, the RV Industry Association is urging marketers to focus on in-person experiences and authentic storytelling, saying consumers increasingly value human connection and community over digital interactions alone.
The RV Technical Institute (RVTI) promoted certified RV technician careers and expanded its workforce development outreach at the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) 2026 Annual Conference, where it encouraged school leaders to adopt its high school training curriculum aimed at helping students earn Level 1 certification before graduation.
The RV Industry Association has finalized the candidate slate for its 2027 Board of Directors election, with seven candidates vying for three open seats representing RV manufacturers, Park Model RV manufacturers and suppliers. Member companies will vote from Aug. 24 through Sept. 14 to fill the positions, with the elected directors beginning three-year terms on Jan. 1, 2027.
The RV Women’s Alliance has opened nominations for its annual awards program, with submissions due Aug. 15 for honors recognizing individuals and companies that have advanced the role of women in the recreational vehicle industry, ahead of the awards presentation during the organization’s Annual Educational Symposium on Oct. 15 in Chicago.
The RV Dealers Association will host a live webinar on Aug. 5 to help dealerships prepare for the growing adoption of lithium-powered recreational vehicles, offering practical guidance on customer education, sales strategies and service considerations as lithium batteries become standard equipment on more RV models.
Go RVing has begun rolling out content from its inaugural Creator Summit across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and Substack, using outdoor creators’ firsthand RV travel experiences in the Colorado Rockies to reach millions of social media users and introduce adventure-focused audiences to RVing through hiking, trail running, mountaineering and other outdoor activities.
The RV Industry Association has appointed Gaby Gilbeau as director of state affairs, placing a government affairs professional with a decade of policy experience in charge of the organization’s state legislative advocacy as it monitors and responds to bills affecting the RV industry across all 50 states.
LCI Industries has appointed Robert Hureau, president and chief executive officer of Alamo Group Inc., as an independent director on its board of directors, adding an executive with decades of industrial manufacturing and financial leadership experience to its Audit, Risk, and Compensation and Human Capital committees.
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.
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.