Modern Campground invites outdoor hospitality professionals to streamline their operations and elevate guest satisfaction with invaluable insights into digital check-ins and real-time feedback, presented on the next MC Fireside Chats on June 10, 2026 at 2 PM ET.
Joining host Brian Searl will be the distinguished panel of recurring experts, including Casey Cochran, Vice President of Business Development at Campspot; Zach Stoltenberg, Associate Principal of Architecture at LJA; Scott Foos, CEO of Horizon Outdoor Hospitality; Jayne Cohen, Founder and CEO of Campground Consulting Group; and Jeremy Johnson, Owner of Kona Hills Campground, all ready to share their expertise.
This week’s special guest, Devyn Johnson, Property Manager at Canopy RV Resort, will reveal how implementing robust digital check-in systems has transformed their guest experience. She’ll walk through the practical steps her team took to significantly reduce wait times upon arrival, making the initial impression for campers smooth and welcoming.
Devyn Johnson will explain how this modernized approach contributes to a higher standard of customer service, offering tangible strategies for park owners looking to upgrade their own operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Recap from June 3, 2026: Economic Shifts and Future Trends
The June 3, 2026, episode of MC Fireside Chats provided a comprehensive look at the outdoor hospitality market, contrasting the slowdown in traditional RV sales with the robust growth in the glamping sector. Host Brian Searl, alongside recurring guests Scott Bahr of Cairn Consulting Group and Simon Neal of CampMap, and special guests Paul Bosley of Business Finance Depot and Ed O. Bridgman of EOB Consulting, navigated the macroeconomic realities shaping the industry.
Scott Bahr highlighted a serious tone from RV industry leaders, driven by significant declines in shipments and retail sales, prompting an active search for solutions, particularly in engaging Generation Z. Paul Bosley underscored the explosive growth in glamping, noting increased activity from developers and major institutional players like Marriott, with lower financial barriers making it an attractive investment.
Ed O. Bridgman offered a contrasting view of large-scale RV destination development, including a $150 million project, emphasizing that premium properties maintain strong occupancy. He also pointed to data center construction as a surprising driver for new, long-term RV communities, particularly in the Northeast, as they accommodate thousands of temporary workers.
Simon Neal provided an international perspective, detailing European market uncertainties and a growing demand for “comfort” and high-end, family-oriented amenities. A fascinating comparison revealed American RV site development costs are significantly higher than European models, sparking a discussion on whether U.S. developers are over-engineering sites and how adopting simpler, cost-effective European approaches could benefit park owners by redirecting capital to communal amenities.
The panel concluded by stressing the importance of diversifying site offerings to cater to various income levels and travel styles, aligning with the desires of younger generations. Bridgman issued a critical warning about the impending impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on outdoor hospitality, urging campground owners to prepare their electrical grids for the unprecedented power demands of future all-electric RVs to remain competitive.
Catch up on this insightful episode and prepare your park for tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities: https://moderncampground.com/fireside-chats/mc-fireside-chats-June-3rd-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.