Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for May 8, 2025
Six Highland caravan and camping parks have been named among the top 10% of Tripadvisor listings worldwide in the 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards, highlighting the role of guest reviews in driving visibility and growth for outdoor hospitality businesses.
The 2025 Florida and Alabama RV Park and Campground Association Outdoor Hospitality Convention and Expo kicks off today at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, uniting RV park and campground owners, operators, and industry professionals for the Southeast’s largest outdoor hospitality event, featuring educational sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at addressing the industry’s evolving challenges and opportunities.
A decade-long project led by the late Patrick Hockers is coming to fruition with the opening of Camp Door, a new luxury RV and camping resort in Sister Bay, Wisconsin, designed to offer a family-friendly and sustainable outdoor experience.
More than 759,000 visitors spent over 13.5 million days at Iowa state parks in 2025, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, as the state readies for another busy camping season with upgraded amenities, expanded reservation options, and new projects aimed at enhancing accessibility and visitor experiences across multiple parks.
The Bureau of Land Management’s Northern California District has opened three popular recreation sites in northeast California for the summer season, with North Eagle Lake and Pit River campgrounds opening May 1 and the Hobo Camp day-use area scheduled to open May 17, offering expanded camping and outdoor opportunities for visitors.
Industry leaders, campground owners, and outdoor hospitality professionals will gather Thursday for the second day of the Outdoor Hospitality Conference, which will feature sessions on RV park trends, workplace culture, accessibility, acquisitions, and legislative updates aimed at helping businesses navigate an evolving market.
Vale Holiday Parks Ltd has launched a public consultation on plans to relocate 47 caravan units to Ocean Heights Holiday Park near New Quay, aiming to optimize land use while maintaining local traffic and residential conditions.
Six Highland caravan and camping parks have been named among the top 10% of Tripadvisor listings worldwide in the 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards, highlighting the role of guest reviews in driving visibility and growth for outdoor hospitality businesses.
Open Roads and AdventureGenie have announced a strategic partnership to combine fuel savings and AI-powered trip planning for RV travelers, bringing together Open Roads’ diesel fuel discount program and AdventureGenie’s trip planning platform to help RVers plan better routes, find destinations, and save money at the pump.
Myers Industries announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, reporting higher profitability despite flat net sales from the prior year, driven by contributions from its Signature acquisition and strong sales of its Scepter military products, while reducing expenses under its “Focused Transformation” program, according to President and CEO Aaron Schapper.
The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), in partnership with workforce risk management firm KPA, will host a free webinar on Wednesday, May 21, at 2 p.m. EDT to provide RV dealers with human resources best practices, onboarding strategies, and guidance on common employment issues to help strengthen workforce practices and navigate compliance challenges.
Unhitched Management, the third-party management division of the Unhitched family of outdoor hospitality brands, announced it has assumed operations of the Milton / Gulf Pines KOA Holiday Campground in Milton, Florida, rebranding the property as Unhitched Milton and continuing to welcome guests under its new name while retaining existing staff and honoring all reservations.
Industry leaders, campground owners, and outdoor hospitality professionals will gather Thursday for the second day of the Outdoor Hospitality Conference, which will feature sessions on RV park trends, workplace culture, accessibility, acquisitions, and legislative updates aimed at helping businesses navigate an evolving market.
Vale Holiday Parks Ltd has launched a public consultation on plans to relocate 47 caravan units to Ocean Heights Holiday Park near New Quay, aiming to optimize land use while maintaining local traffic and residential conditions.
Six Highland caravan and camping parks have been named among the top 10% of Tripadvisor listings worldwide in the 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards, highlighting the role of guest reviews in driving visibility and growth for outdoor hospitality businesses.
Industry leaders, campground owners, and outdoor hospitality professionals will gather Thursday for the second day of the Outdoor Hospitality Conference, which will feature sessions on RV park trends, workplace culture, accessibility, acquisitions, and legislative updates aimed at helping businesses navigate an evolving market.
Unhitched Management, the third-party management division of the Unhitched family of outdoor hospitality brands, announced it has assumed operations of the Milton / Gulf Pines KOA Holiday Campground in Milton, Florida, rebranding the property as Unhitched Milton and continuing to welcome guests under its new name while retaining existing staff and honoring all reservations.
The 2025 Florida and Alabama RV Park and Campground Association Outdoor Hospitality Convention and Expo kicks off today at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, uniting RV park and campground owners, operators, and industry professionals for the Southeast’s largest outdoor hospitality event, featuring educational sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at addressing the industry’s evolving challenges and opportunities.
Campspot, an online booking platform for campgrounds and RV parks, has announced the 2025 Campground Revolutionaries, recognizing seven professionals across the United States and Canada for their leadership, innovation, and dedication to enhancing the outdoor hospitality industry.
The Carolinas Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (CARVC) has launched Camping Carolinas, a free mobile app available on Android and Apple devices as of May 5, designed to connect campers with CARVC’s member campgrounds, RV dealerships, and suppliers across North and South Carolina while offering a digital platform to promote businesses and provide real-time information.
Bobbie’s RV Park announced a grand opening in Midland, Texas, offering over 70 full-hookup RV sites for short- and long-term guests. Located at 6200 E. Interstate 20, the park is near Business-20 and Loop-250, providing easy access to dining, shopping, and local attractions.
A decade-long project led by the late Patrick Hockers is coming to fruition with the opening of Camp Door, a new luxury RV and camping resort in Sister Bay, Wisconsin, designed to offer a family-friendly and sustainable outdoor experience.
More than 759,000 visitors spent over 13.5 million days at Iowa state parks in 2025, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, as the state readies for another busy camping season with upgraded amenities, expanded reservation options, and new projects aimed at enhancing accessibility and visitor experiences across multiple parks.
The Bureau of Land Management’s Northern California District has opened three popular recreation sites in northeast California for the summer season, with North Eagle Lake and Pit River campgrounds opening May 1 and the Hobo Camp day-use area scheduled to open May 17, offering expanded camping and outdoor opportunities for visitors.
Wildlife Prairie Park in Hanna City, Illinois, is moving ahead with a proposed $1.5 million expansion that includes the development of a new RV campground designed to host 40 recreational vehicles. The project, slated for the park’s west side, is intended to enhance visitor amenities and drive tourism growth in the region. The Peoria County Board is scheduled to vote on Thursday, May 8, on whether to grant a special use permit for the nonprofit-led development, which would then advance to additional permitting stages with state agencies.
China Beach Campground on Vancouver Island is set to reopen May 15 with 13 newly added campsites and upgraded accessible facilities, part of a CA\$2.3 million expansion by BC Parks in partnership with the Pacheedaht First Nation aimed at improving visitor access and accommodating growing demand at the popular coastal destination.
Dometic embarks on the next chapter with Project Zero Earth: An Icelandic expedition that blends adventure with climate action. Experience the second installment of the inspiring journey of an Australian father and son as they champion bold, hands-on conservation and sustainable exploration.
Valley Views Glamping, a family-run retreat in New Zealand’s Waitaki Valley, has been named one of Tripadvisor’s top 10 One-of-a-Kind Hotels for 2025, highlighting the growing appeal of sustainable and experiential travel in the outdoor hospitality sector.
ParcVu Systems, a veteran in the holiday park industry with over 35 years of experience, has announced a new integration with Booking Experts that aims to transform the guest experience and streamline operations across outdoor hospitality venues. By combining ParcVu’s deep-rooted operational insight with Booking Experts’ advanced booking and content management tools, the partnership delivers a powerful, automated platform designed to boost efficiency and drive revenue.
A proposal to build four glamping pods and a reception building with public amenities near Port Henderson has been submitted to Highland Council, aiming to provide nature-focused holiday accommodations and fill a local gap in services.
Open Roads and AdventureGenie have announced a strategic partnership to combine fuel savings and AI-powered trip planning for RV travelers, bringing together Open Roads’ diesel fuel discount program and AdventureGenie’s trip planning platform to help RVers plan better routes, find destinations, and save money at the pump.
Myers Industries announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, reporting higher profitability despite flat net sales from the prior year, driven by contributions from its Signature acquisition and strong sales of its Scepter military products, while reducing expenses under its “Focused Transformation” program, according to President and CEO Aaron Schapper.
The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), in partnership with workforce risk management firm KPA, will host a free webinar on Wednesday, May 21, at 2 p.m. EDT to provide RV dealers with human resources best practices, onboarding strategies, and guidance on common employment issues to help strengthen workforce practices and navigate compliance challenges.
Registration is now open for the RV Technical Institute and Truma’s free, eight-hour advanced training session, scheduled for June 16 at the RV Technical Institute in Elkhart, Indiana, where up to 20 certified Level 2 technicians or higher can earn eight hours of credit toward the RVTI’s Level 3 Appliance Specialist certification by completing coursework on the Truma AquaGo on-demand water heater and the Truma Combi 2-in-1 furnace and water heater.
Three out of four campers in the United States have camped in or next to a vehicle, highlighting a shift in outdoor lodging preferences, according to The Dyrt’s 2025 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks. Released May 6, the report is based on nationwide surveys of campers, U.S. residents, and campground property managers, offering a detailed view of evolving trends in the camping industry.
Lightspeed DMS has introduced a new integration with Alliance RV designed to enhance dealership operations by providing real-time Parts Price File updates and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) decoding. The collaboration aims to improve pricing accuracy, reduce manual entry errors, and streamline service workflows for Alliance RV dealers using the Lightspeed system.
Go RVing Canada has released its April 2025 update, detailing a range of strategic initiatives aimed at promoting RVing as an accessible and rewarding lifestyle for Canadians. In response to changing travel preferences and increased interest in local exploration, the organization is advancing national campaigns, upgrading its digital presence, and expanding media partnerships to engage new audiences and support the growth of RV travel across the country.
The BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association has announced its support for Canadian RV & Camping Month, a nationwide initiative organized by the Canadian Camping and RV Association and set to return in June 2025. The campaign aims to promote RV travel and camping across Canada while encouraging participation from campground owners, supporting local tourism, and raising funds for Care Camps, a charity that provides camp experiences for children with cancer.
Kevin and Patrice McCabe, hosts of the RV travel series *RV There Yet?*, will feature the Family RV Association’s 110th International Convention & RV Expo—held in March at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, Georgia—in an upcoming episode set to air Saturday, May 10, on Discovery Channel, with a YouTube release following on May 11.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has voiced strong support for the newly introduced America the Beautiful Act, a bipartisan effort led by Senators Steve Daines and Angus King to extend the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund for eight more years, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to ensuring RVers have continued access to safe, well-maintained public lands.
The RV Technical Institute (RVTI) showcased its technician training program at the Association for Career and Technical Education’s Region 4 Annual Conference, held April 23–25 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, engaging with educators and prospective students from six southern states to promote career opportunities in the RV industry.
Diesel-powered motorhomes will remain available for sale in the UK longer than originally planned, thanks to recent changes in the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate—offering relief to the RV industry and buyers alike.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has welcomed several new members in April 2025, further strengthening its commitment to advancing safety, education, and growth within the U.S. RV market. Among the latest additions are Element Three, Inc., a marketing consulting agency in Carmel, Indiana; IHM Outdoor, an RV resort management firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida; and Cascade Van, a Bend, Oregon-based RV manufacturer.
Lippert Components, a subsidiary of LCI Industries, has acquired substantially all business assets of Freedman Seating Company, an Illinois-based manufacturer with a 130-year legacy in transportation seating. The acquisition expands Lippert’s presence in the commercial transportation sector, where it already supplies window, glass, and climate control solutions, and aligns with the company’s broader strategy to diversify its offerings across bus and specialty vehicle markets.
Camping World Holdings reported a strong first quarter for fiscal 2025, highlighted by a 30.3% surge in used RV unit sales and a 278.0% increase in adjusted EBITDA, as the company’s focus on pre-owned inventory and operational efficiencies helped offset weaker new vehicle performance and product revenue declines.
Harbinger has unveiled a new plug-in hybrid chassis aimed at meeting the needs of commercial fleets requiring extended range, offering an estimated 500 miles between charges by combining an electric drivetrain with a gas-powered range extender. Built on the company’s stripped platform and designed for diverse applications—from RVs to emergency vehicles—the hybrid model delivers 440 horsepower and up to 1,140 pound-feet of torque.
Go RVing has released a special report shedding light on former RV owners, offering valuable insights into a demographic that remains closely connected to the RV lifestyle despite no longer owning a vehicle. The study reveals that former owners share many similarities with current RV owners, particularly in terms of age, income, and lifestyle preferences. W
The RV Technical Institute released its 2024 Annual Report highlighting a year of expanded training programs, strengthened partnerships with educational institutions, and a growing number of certified RV service technicians, as part of its ongoing mission to address the national shortage of skilled workers in the RV industry.
RecNation, a provider of specialized storage solutions for recreational and commercial vehicles, is expanding its operations across major U.S. markets, including Florida, Texas, California, South Carolina, Missouri, Arizona, Tennessee, and Kansas, to meet rising demand fueled by growth in outdoor recreation and commercial fleet needs, the company announced.
Roamly, a digital insurance technology provider, has expanded into Florida with the opening of a regional headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, strengthening its presence in one of the nation’s largest recreational markets. The move positions Roamly to better serve Florida’s extensive base of RV, marine, and motorcycle owners, while also launching strategic partnerships with major national carriers like Progressive, Safeco, and Ahoy! Insurance.
The Shyft Group, a North American specialty vehicle manufacturer, reported a positive start to 2025, with sales rising 3.4% year-over-year to $204.6 million and a narrower net loss of $1.4 million for the first quarter. The company, based in Novi, Michigan, also posted a reversal in adjusted net income, reaching $2.4 million, and saw its adjusted EBITDA grow to $12.3 million, marking a 6.0% margin on sales. Shyft remains optimistic about its financial outlook for the year, projecting sales between $870 million and $970 million, and is advancing its merger with Aebi Schmidt, which is expected to close by mid-2025.
In celebration of Earth Month, Winnebago Industries, Inc., a leading manufacturer of outdoor recreation products, has announced a new partnership with Leave No Trace, an environmental nonprofit organization, to promote environmental stewardship across boating and RV communities.
Campspot, an online booking platform for campgrounds and RV parks, has announced the 2025 Campground Revolutionaries, recognizing seven professionals across the United States and Canada for their leadership, innovation, and dedication to enhancing the outdoor hospitality industry.
Jellystone Park’s annual bear-waking event, which invites guests to help rouse Yogi Bear, Boo Boo, and Cindy Bear from hibernation, highlights how themed experiences can enhance engagement and drive early-season campground bookings.
The Half a Mind Podcast has released a compelling new episode featuring an exclusive interview with Carl Borkholder, founder of Gen-Y Hitch, who shares his inspiring journey from leaving school after the 8th grade to transforming the towing industry with his innovative hitch designs.
Larry Troutt III of Topper’s Camping Center in Waller, Texas, has been appointed chairman of the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) for 2025, taking on the leadership role during the association’s annual meeting on Nov. 13 at Paris Las Vegas.
Research indicates that RV dealerships prioritizing a robust culture of safety experience tangible benefits, including reduced absenteeism, fewer injuries, minimized safety violations, and lower turnover rates. At the upcoming RV Dealers Convention/Expo, attendees can explore these advantages during the workshop “Creating a Safety Culture – Your New Competitive Advantage,” scheduled for 3:15 p.m. on November 14 as part of the fixed operations education track.
In a competitive RV market, leveraging data insights is crucial for dealers aiming to capture market share and generate leads effectively. The upcoming workshop, “Insights 360: Leveraging Consumer Data for Market Success,” scheduled for November 14 at 12:45 p.m. during the RVDA Convention, will guide dealers on how to utilize market trends and consumer behavior data to optimize their marketing efforts.
The upcoming RV Dealers Convention will feature a workshop dedicated to leveraging showroom technology. Scheduled for November 14, the session will provide valuable insights on how dealers can integrate sales and finance processes, and identify legal boundaries for customer information protection.
Caledon State Park is set to host its annual Art and Wine Festival on Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a weekend filled with family-friendly activities, live music, and local flavor. Attendees can enjoy tastings from regional wineries, sample dishes from food trucks and vendors, and explore art displays from talented local artists.
GE Appliances, a supplier of refrigerators, air conditioners, stoves, washers, and dryers tailored for the RV industry, is set to return as a bronze partner for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, scheduled for November 11-15 at Paris Las Vegas.
Red Oak Inventory Finance, known for providing innovative and efficient financing solutions for all types of RVs, both new and used, has announced its bronze partnership for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo. Scheduled to take place from November 11-15 at Paris Las Vegas, the event is sponsored by the RVDA of the U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center.
RVDA has announced that Portfolio, a provider of service contracts, has returned as a bronze partner for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, set to take place Nov. 11-15 at Paris Las Vegas. Sponsored by RVDA of U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center, the event will offer dealership professionals the opportunity to network, gain valuable industry insights, and enhance dealership operations.
The RV Dealers Convention/Expo will offer a session titled “Demystifying AI” on November 13 at 3:15 p.m., led by Richard Latman, CEO of TheCRM. This session will tackle the top five myths surrounding artificial intelligence and explore how AI can transform RV dealership operations.
RVDA has announced that Northpoint Commercial Finance will return as a bronze partner for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, set to take place from Nov. 11-15 at Paris Las Vegas. Sponsored by RVDA of the U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center, the event will bring together top dealership personnel across North America.
Mark Goldsmith, a national trainer with iA Dealer Services, will lead a workshop on the importance of communication at the upcoming RV Dealers Convention/Expo. Titled “The Power of Effective Communication,” the session will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Nov. 13 as part of the business innovation education track.
The RVDA has announced that M&T Bank of Buffalo, N.Y., will serve as a bronze partner for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, which will take place from November 11-15 at Paris Las Vegas. Sponsored by RVDA of U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center, the event provides dealership professionals with valuable opportunities to connect with industry leaders, expand their networks, and gain insights into optimizing dealership operations.
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.