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.
Signature Park, a division of Signature Risk Partners, has become an official supplier sponsor of Camping in Ontario, a move that expands the company’s presence in Canada’s outdoor hospitality sector while strengthening its efforts to provide specialized insurance solutions for campground resorts, RV parks, glamping resorts and lodges across the country.
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).
Three out of five campers used free camping options in the past year, with dispersed camping emerging as the most popular choice, according to The Dyrt’s 2026 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks, highlighting the continued appeal of no-cost camping opportunities across the United States.
Retired Green Bay football player Gilbert Brown will visit 20 Wisconsin campgrounds between June and October as part of a fundraising tour benefiting children through the Gilbert Brown Foundation, a nonprofit that has supported more than 150 children’s charities since 2005.
A proposal to relocate 47 caravan pitches from two existing holiday parks to Ocean Heights Holiday Park near New Quay is again recommended for refusal as Ceredigion County Council prepares to reconsider the application on June 10.
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.
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.
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.
Iowa has become the 25th state to establish a dedicated Office of Outdoor Recreation, with Gov. Kim Reynolds signing an executive order on June 8 that creates a centralized agency to support outdoor recreation development, strengthen public-private partnerships, and advance an industry that generates nearly $6 billion annually and supports almost 48,000 jobs across the state.
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.
OHI and RV park and campground owners from across the United States traveled to Capitol Hill to urge lawmakers to pass the ACCESS Act (HR 8396), legislation that would require businesses to receive notice and an opportunity to address alleged website accessibility violations before facing Americans with Disabilities Act-related lawsuits, as operators raise concerns over costly legal threats and settlement demands tied to website compliance claims.
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.
A proposed touring park at Grafog Farm near Caernarfon has been recommended for approval and will be considered by the planning committee on June 15, with plans for 25 caravan or motorhome pitches, 10 tent pitches, and new site facilities.
Signature Park, a division of Signature Risk Partners, has become an official supplier sponsor of Camping in Ontario, a move that expands the company’s presence in Canada’s outdoor hospitality sector while strengthening its efforts to provide specialized insurance solutions for campground resorts, RV parks, glamping resorts and lodges across the country.
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 proposed touring park at Grafog Farm near Caernarfon has been recommended for approval and will be considered by the planning committee on June 15, with plans for 25 caravan or motorhome pitches, 10 tent pitches, and new site facilities.
Signature Park, a division of Signature Risk Partners, has become an official supplier sponsor of Camping in Ontario, a move that expands the company’s presence in Canada’s outdoor hospitality sector while strengthening its efforts to provide specialized insurance solutions for campground resorts, RV parks, glamping resorts and lodges across the country.
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).
Three out of five campers used free camping options in the past year, with dispersed camping emerging as the most popular choice, according to The Dyrt’s 2026 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks, highlighting the continued appeal of no-cost camping opportunities across the United States.
Retired Green Bay football player Gilbert Brown will visit 20 Wisconsin campgrounds between June and October as part of a fundraising tour benefiting children through the Gilbert Brown Foundation, a nonprofit that has supported more than 150 children’s charities since 2005.
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.
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.
A Blackpool glamping destination is attracting attention for its collection of converted vehicles and aviation-themed accommodations, highlighting how unique lodging concepts can help outdoor hospitality businesses differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
Plans for a new glamping development near Renwick in the Penrith area are scheduled to be considered by Westmorland and Furness Council’s Eden Local Area Planning Committee on June 10, when councilors will review an application for seven glamping pods and associated infrastructure on land adjacent to Raven Bridge Farm.
Planning officers have recommended approval of the proposal, subject to conditions, following an assessment of the scheme against national and local planning policies. The application is set to be determined at the committee meeting at the Redhills Conference Centre in Redhills after objections were raised by Kirkoswald Parish Council.
The proposal seeks full planning permission for a small-scale tourism development comprising seven self-contained glamping pods, a new vehicular access, parking facilities, landscaping works, ecological enhancements, and a plant building that would include a solar battery storage facility and generator. Each pod would be a single-story structure designed to accommodate up to four guests.
The application follows the withdrawal of an earlier scheme. According to HelloRayo, revisions were made to address concerns relating to the scale and layout of the development, landscape impacts, ecological considerations, and site access arrangements.
The proposed site is located in open countryside near, but outside, the North Pennines National Landscape. Planning officers concluded that the development could be integrated into the surrounding rural environment through the use of timber cladding, flat biosolar roofs, landscaping measures, and biodiversity enhancements.
The applicant has stated that the project is intended to support low-impact rural tourism and provide accommodation for visitors exploring the surrounding area, including cyclists using the nearby Coast to Coast route. Sustainability measures form part of the proposal, alongside plans to enhance biodiversity and minimize visual impacts on the landscape.
However, the proposal has attracted opposition from Kirkoswald Parish Council. The parish council’s concerns include potential impacts on highway safety, biodiversity, landscape character, residential amenity, drainage, and the area’s dark skies. Objections also reference the design of the development and the possible effects of increased lighting in the countryside.
The application was previously deferred by the planning committee to allow the parish council additional time to present its objections before a decision was made. The June 10 meeting will provide councilors with an opportunity to consider both the planning officer’s recommendation and the concerns raised by local stakeholders before reaching a final determination.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality and glamping sectors, the outcome of the application may provide insight into how local authorities are evaluating small-scale rural tourism developments.
In particular, the case highlights the growing importance of demonstrating environmental sustainability, biodiversity gains, landscape integration, and community engagement when seeking planning approval for new glamping accommodations.
As planning scrutiny of rural tourism projects continues to evolve, developers may increasingly need to show how proposals balance visitor demand with environmental and local community considerations.
The American Glamping Association and ThinkReservations will host a Lunch & Learn webinar on June 10 at 11:00 a.m. MST featuring general manager Paul Robertson, who will share insights from the development of Camp Roosevelt at The Ranch at Rock Creek and River Ranch at Westgate Resorts, focusing on hospitality technology as a strategic tool in glamping operations.
Super Camping BC has released its 2026/27 Super Camping & Select Lodging Guide, featuring more than 52 pages of listings for campgrounds, RV parks, cabins, resorts and glamping destinations across British Columbia, along with travel-planning resources and a pull-out provincial map.
Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario, is expanding its rental accommodation offerings with the addition of four new glamping yurts ahead of the 2026 camping season, further scaling its mix of RV, tent and alternative lodging options at the 225-site property.
A new report from Glampingstays shows strong and growing demand for glamping in the United Kingdom, with six in 10 adults having taken or planning a glamping trip as flexible work patterns, domestic travel interest and demand for premium outdoor experiences continue to reshape the sector.
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.
Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of Kampgrounds of America (KOA), received the David J. Humphreys RV Industry Unity Award during last week’s RVs Move America Week, becoming the first campground-sector leader to earn the honor for her efforts to strengthen collaboration across the RV, campground and outdoor hospitality industries.
The RV Industry Association Board of Directors has approved a revised timeline for grounding monitor interrupter (GMI) requirements in new recreational vehicles, setting January 1, 2027, as the implementation date and establishing mandatory enforcement beginning with manufacturers’ model year 2028 production after determining that sufficient devices are expected to be available for industrywide compliance.
RV owners across Florida are increasing preventive maintenance, inspections and restoration work ahead of the summer travel season, with DeBary-based KA RV Repair reporting higher demand for roof protection, leak detection, collision repairs and mobile service as travelers prepare for extended trips.
The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada introduced more than 1,000 students to career opportunities in the RV industry during the 2026 Skills Canada National Competition in Toronto, using an interactive workforce development exhibit to highlight the skilled trades, technical expertise and career pathways involved in building, servicing and maintaining recreational vehicles.
The Shyft Group has initiated a recall for 836 Spartan RV Chassis designed for Class A motorhomes due to a component failure that causes the brake lights to stay illuminated even when the brakes are not engaged.
Campendium has launched Campendium RV PRO, a new premium membership that adds campground availability alerts, RV-specific navigation and AI-powered trip-planning tools to its platform, aiming to simplify travel planning for RVers while keeping its campground database and review services free to users.
The RV Women’s Alliance has launched its 2026 Summer Discussion Series, a free three-part webinar program aimed at helping women in the RV industry strengthen their healthcare advocacy, personal well-being and leadership skills through monthly expert-led discussions running from June through August.
LCI Industries announced a major leadership transition on June 4, appointing Johnny Sirpilla as interim chief executive officer following the retirement of longtime President and CEO Jason Lippert, whose 32-year tenure helped grow the company from approximately $125 million in annual revenue to more than $4 billion.
Scouting America has named Go RVing a Proud Partner and the Official RV Partner of the 2026 National Jamboree, formalizing a collaboration aimed at expanding programming and engagement at the organization’s flagship national Scouting event, scheduled for July 22–30 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Glen Jean, West Virginia.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) is highlighting a shift in summer travel behavior toward soft adventure, restorative sleep and experience-driven vacations, saying consumers are increasingly favoring flexible, low-stress trips centered on comfort, wellbeing and meaningful connection.
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.
Bear Creek Lake State Park is set to sparkle once again as the annual Lights at the Lake returns for its 11th year, offering families a festive drive-through display of holiday lights, community exhibits, and seasonal activities on December 5-7 and 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.