From contactless check-ins to smart cabin controls, automation is rapidly reshaping the outdoor hospitality experience. What began as a pandemic-driven shift toward minimal contact has evolved into a broader push for operational efficiency and guest convenience, mirroring expectations set by hotels and short-term rentals.
But as new tools flood the market, a new tension is emerging: while automation promises efficiency and elevated guest experiences, many operators are struggling with fragmented systems, integration costs, and increasing technical complexity.
Jeremy Johnson, owner of Camp Kona Hills, pointed to recent innovations like license plate recognition and automated gate access as examples of how campgrounds are moving toward frictionless arrivals—similar to the Airbnb model.
“I was pretty excited to see that, and I hope some of the other providers help facilitate that contactless entry as well,” said Johnson during the April 8 episode of MC Fireside Chats.
“You’re not like having somebody let you in your Airbnb, you’re getting a code automatically generated sent to your phone, and then that’s your code for the weekend. Like, that’s pretty nice, and I think it’s something that consumers have come to expect at this point from their short-term stays.”
His perspective highlights a broader shift: campground guests are no longer comparing their stay solely to other parks, but to the seamless digital experiences found in hotels and vacation rentals.
Automation as a Tool for Operational Efficiency
For developers and designers, automation is not just about convenience—it’s about reallocating labor.
Zach Stoltenberg, associate principal at LJA, emphasized that removing friction from operational processes can improve both staffing efficiency and guest satisfaction.
“So, I think any sort of system that takes a human element out of it, as long as it’s reliable, workable, it’s passive, I think it’s a great thing for guest experience,” Stoltenberg said.
“And the way I prefer to think about it is automating all these systems, that frees up those staff to do just that, to take care of your guests, to talk to your people, to not get bogged down in the busy work of check-ins and key generation and all this stuff.”
He added that integrated systems—where guest arrival triggers lighting, HVAC, or personalized messaging—represent the next evolution of outdoor hospitality design. However, these benefits are typically more effective when implemented during initial development rather than as retrofits.
Rising Demand Meets Uneven Technology Adoption
The push toward automation aligns with broader hospitality trends. In traditional lodging, integrated property management systems (PMS), smart room controls, and mobile check-ins have become standard expectations rather than premium features.
Within outdoor hospitality, however, adoption remains uneven. Operators often rely on a mix of campground-specific software and third-party tools, many of which require additional fees or technical expertise to integrate.
At the same time, demand for tech-enabled stays is rising. During the discussion, Johnson referenced recent Airbnb data suggesting that 94% of Gen Z travelers are seeking rural destinations in 2026—particularly among younger audiences—highlighting the growing expectation for both digital convenience and outdoor immersion.
The Integration Problem
Despite growing demand, one of the biggest barriers to automation may not be the technology itself—but usability.
AL Betschart, co-owner of Countryside Campground, underscored the importance of simplicity from an operator standpoint.
“You can have every little customization you could think of, but is it really necessary? It has to be stupid simple,” he said, comparing ideal software design to the intuitive nature of smartphones.
The challenge, however, is fragmentation. Many operators manage multiple systems for locks, lighting, reservations, and communications—creating operational complexity rather than reducing it.
This lack of integration can be particularly difficult for small and mid-sized operators, who may lack the resources to invest in custom solutions or API-driven systems.
Simplicity as a Competitive Advantage
Jeremy Johnson offered a more pragmatic approach: instead of chasing full automation, his team focuses on expectation-setting through communication.
“By the time somebody gets to our campground, unless they completely ignored every email and every, every blurb on our website, they already have a really good idea of what to expect in terms of the setting and the checking process and the rest of their experience,” he said, noting that automated emails and call systems have reduced guest inquiries by more than 90%.
Meanwhile, some operators are exploring alternatives outside traditional campground software. Stoltenberg noted that certain clients are adopting hotel-based systems, which often come with built-in integrations for payments, guest services, and room controls.
What Comes Next for Campground Technology
Looking ahead, the industry appears to be at a turning point.
Technology providers are continuing to expand their capabilities, and integration across platforms is gradually improving. However, until systems become more unified and accessible, many operators will continue to balance innovation with practicality.
At its core, the conversation reflects a familiar pattern in outdoor hospitality: adapting to modern guest expectations without losing operational control—or the essence of the camping experience.
Automation may be the future, but for many campground owners, simplicity remains the real competitive advantage.
The full episode of the recent MC Fireside Chats broadcast is available at https://moderncampground.com/fireside-chats/mc-fireside-chats-april-8th-2026/
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: Marketing, AI and Technology
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.