Some operators are struggling. Others are finding new ways to thrive. Join MC Fireside Chats host Brian Searl on February 11, 2026 at 2 PM EST to hear how industry peers are tackling evolving guest demand.
This session brings together a powerhouse panel of experts: Casey Cochran of Campspot, Zach Stoltenberg, Associate Principal of Architecture at LJA, Joe Duemig of App My Community, Scott Foos of Horizon Outdoor Hospitality, Jayne Cohen, Founder and CEO of Campground Consulting Group, and Jeremy Johnson, Owner of Kona Hills Campground
Featuring special guests Jeremy and Jennie Mullen, Owners of Agape Garden, and John McMahon, Operations Director at Camp Door County RV Resort & Campground, sharing what’s working, what’s changing, and what operators should watch next.
Be part of the discussion and walk away with practical insights, fresh ideas, and real-world perspectives from leaders shaping the industry.
February 4th Episode Recap
The recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, which aired on February 4th, 2026, focused on the critical role of data and analytics within the outdoor hospitality industry. Host Brian Searl, CEO of Modern Campground and Insider Perks, led the discussion alongside a robust panel of industry veterans and newcomers, emphasizing how rapidly market forces are shifting. The episode served as a platform to introduce a new report on Gen Z camping habits while also exploring early 2026 booking trends and international market dynamics.
Rafael Correa, President and CFO of Blue Water Development Corp, kicked off the industry insights by sharing early 2026 trends from his portfolio of nearly 60 RV resorts. He noted a significant uptick in booking pace since the start of the year, particularly in transient RV stays, which had previously been a lagging subset. Correa emphasized that while it is early in the season, the momentum suggests a positive growth trajectory for the industry as it adapts to the “new normal” of guest behavior.
Scott Bahr, President of Cairn Consulting Group, provided a data-driven perspective on these trends, noting that consumer sentiment is at its highest point in three years. He explained that many campers have adjusted their lifestyles to economic uncertainty, choosing to “downgrade” site types or prepare meals at the campground rather than eating out. Bahr highlighted that affordability remains a primary driver for the industry and stressed the importance of operators effectively communicating these cost-saving measures to potential guests.
Phil Ingrassia, President of the RVDA in the United States, and Eleonore Hamm, President of the RVDA of Canada, shared observations from recent consumer RV shows. Ingrassia noted that manufacturers are responding to economic pressures by producing more entry-level, lightweight towables at accessible price points. Hamm echoed this, reporting that while total sales volume in dollars might be lower due to the shift toward entry-level products, attendance at Canadian shows remains steady, and there is a noticeable return of younger families to the market.
Simon Neal, Founder and CEO of CampMap, shifted the geographical focus by sharing 2025 pricing data from the European market. He illustrated how nightly site prices in Europe vary significantly by region, with warmer southern climates like Italy and Croatia commanding the highest rates. Neal’s data showed a steady year-over-year price growth of 4% to 6% across Europe, providing a useful benchmark for North American operators to compare against their own pricing strategies and growth.
Declan Mimnagh, Owner of RoomStay, introduced the perspective of a conversion checkout platform, discussing the increasing aggression of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) in the outdoor hospitality space. He warned that as OTAs like Expedia and Booking.com lean heavily into AI and sophisticated marketing, independent park owners must prioritize direct booking strategies to protect their bottom line. Mimnagh specifically pointed out that savvy Gen Z consumers are adept at “stacking” discounts and loyalty rewards, making it harder for parks to maintain price parity.
The conversation then delved deeply into a new Gen Z research report presented by Brian Searl and Scott Bahr. Bahr revealed startling data showing that Gen Z is the generation least emotionally connected to the outdoors and the most risk-averse. Unlike previous generations who grew up with unstructured outdoor play, many Gen Z adults had their first camping experiences in highly serviced environments like cabins or glamping tents, which has fundamentally changed their relationship with nature and their willingness to take spontaneous trips.
Simon Stockner, co-owner of Kispiox River Lodge, provided a boots-on-the-ground look at a boutique operation in Northern British Columbia. While his current demographic leans older, Stockner discussed his efforts to attract a European market and his passion for integrating skill-based experiences, such as river rafting, into his lodge’s offerings. His approach aligned with Bahr’s earlier point that providing education and building confidence in outdoor skills can be a powerful way to foster guest loyalty and repeat visits.
The panel engaged in a spirited debate about “life stages” versus generational labels, with Rafael Correa noting that while Gen Z is a savvy and critical component of the consumer base, they are “experience chasers” who are not inherently loyal to a single destination. Correa argued that operators must be active on every digital channel—from Instagram to Reddit—to tell a compelling story that meets the high research standards of younger travelers who cross-reference multiple platforms before booking.
As the show concluded, Brian Searl emphasized that while the data on Gen Z might seem daunting, the industry has clear opportunities to evolve. The episode wrapped with a call for operators to remain proactive in their marketing and operational strategies, utilizing the available white papers and data resources to stay ahead of the curve. Searl teased next month’s episode, which will focus on unprecedented pricing data, promising further insights into the economic future of the outdoor hospitality sector.
About MC Fireside Chats
MC Fireside Chats is a live podcast experience dedicated to the outdoor hospitality and outdoor recreation industries. Hosted by Brian Searl, founder and CEO of Insider Perks and Modern Campground, the show offers engaging discussions with industry leaders, innovators, and experts shaping the future of camping, RVing, glamping, and outdoor recreation.
Airing every Wednesday at 2 p.m. (ET), the show follows a structured weekly theme to deliver deep dives into the most relevant topics:
- Week 1: Industry Trends & Insights
- Week 2: Enhancing Guest Experience
- Week 3: Business Operations & Management
- Week 4: RV Industry, Outdoor Recreation & Activities
Each episode features a panel of recurring guests, complemented by 1–2 rotating special guests, including industry analysts, campground owners, technology providers, sustainability advocates, and more. Whether exploring the latest market trends or innovative guest experience strategies, MC Fireside Chats delivers thought-provoking insights for professionals and enthusiasts across the outdoor recreation spectrum.
To explore previous episodes of MC Fireside Chats, visit: moderncampground.com/mc-fireside-chats.