How are innovative park owners leveraging the power of artificial intelligence and smart technologies to attract more guests and streamline operations? Tune into MC Fireside Chats, presented by Modern Campground, on June 24, 2026, at 2 PM ET, as industry leaders unravel the future of digital engagement in outdoor hospitality.
This week, recurring panelists Kurtis Wilkins, Private Equity Analyst at RJourney; Cara Csizmadia, President of CCRVA; Matt Whitermore, Director of Market Expansion at Climb Capital; and Mychele Bisson, CEO of Bison Peak Ventures, join the discussion to provide their expert perspectives on Week 4’s focus: Marketing, AI, and Technology.
Joining the conversation is Scott Lengel, Chairman & CEO of AdventureGenie, who will demonstrate how artificial intelligence can craft hyper-personalized smart itineraries, effectively enhancing digital engagement and directing more targeted RV traffic directly to campgrounds.
Also featured is Craig Alsup, Owner of Askew’s Landing RV Campground, offering his invaluable perspective on the practical implementation of smart technologies and data-driven marketing strategies to significantly increase bookings and refine the digital guest journey from the ground up.
Previous Episode Recap
The June 17, 2026, episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, brought together a panel of recurring and special guests to discuss the latest trends and challenges in the outdoor hospitality industry. The panel included Jeff Hoffman of Camp Strategy, RV industry advisor Sandy Ellingson, Cris Risley of Bar Run Golf and RV Resort, and Ken and Garrett Sawyer of Freedom Yurt Cabins. After some initial lighthearted banter regarding delayed shipping and exploding computer batteries, the conversation quickly transitioned into significant industry updates and operational strategies.
Sandy Ellingson opened the professional discussion by announcing her new role as the CEO of the Lamp Post Foundation. Through this non-profit organization, she is helping launch “Outdoor Insights,” a highly anticipated agnostic digital dashboard designed to aggregate and share crucial campground and industry data. By operating under a foundation rather than a for-profit model, the platform aims to provide this essential data for free or at an extremely low cost, largely supported by donations from major industry players, ultimately seeking to remedy the industry’s current lack of reliable operational data.
Ken and Garrett Sawyer then introduced their unique structural offerings at Freedom Yurt Cabins. They explained that their products bridge the gap between traditional canvas yurts and standard wooden cabins by providing round, solid-walled structures with integrated flooring systems. Unlike traditional yurts that rely on fabric and lattice, their cabins utilize hard walls and a durable PVC roof membrane with a 15-year warranty, offering a highly customizable and robust alternative for campground owners looking to diversify their lodging options.
Jeff Hoffman highlighted the practical advantages of these solid-wall yurt cabins, particularly noting the common pitfalls of traditional yurts, such as short lifespans and poor insulation that lead to exorbitant air conditioning costs. The Sawyers explained that their cabins solve these issues by offering multiple insulation options, ranging from standard bat insulation to rigid foam, resulting in superior R-values. Additionally, they provide accessible engineering plans that meet various state building codes, simplifying the installation and permitting process for park owners.
The conversation then shifted to purchasing strategies for glamping and unique accommodations. Sandy inquired about the optimal number of units a park should initially purchase to maximize occupancy without overextending. Garrett shared examples from their work with Colorado State Parks and California operators, suggesting that starting with a handful of units—such as six or eight—allows owners to gauge guest interest and experiment with interior layouts before scaling up to larger orders.
The panel also explored the evolving necessity of electrical infrastructure, specifically the implementation of 100-amp service at RV sites. Jeff noted that while retrofitting older parks with 100-amp service is incredibly cost-prohibitive, it is a forward-thinking move to accommodate the future of all-electric RVs. Sandy added a strategic perspective, explaining that developers building new parks often install 100-amp service so that if transient RV travel declines, those sites can easily be repurposed for long-term tiny homes without the need to dig up and retrofit the electrical lines.
Cris Risley provided practical insights from his property, Bar Run Golf and RV Resort in Roseburg, Oregon. He discussed their diverse range of rental accommodations, which includes both traditional cabin-style tiny homes and repurposed shipping containers. Cris noted an interesting consumer trend at his park: while the highly unique container homes attract attention, the more traditional cabin rentals maintain slightly higher and more consistent occupancy rates, largely because their layouts are better suited for varying family sizes and group dynamics.
Cris further detailed the extravagant amenities that draw guests to Bar Run, including an 18-hole golf course and a massive, jet-powered lazy river built on a reclaimed sand and gravel mining site. When Jeff questioned the return on investment for building such massive concrete amenities for a relatively small 76-site park, Cris admitted that the project was driven more by a desire to create a spectacular, generational family legacy than by strict financial calculations, proving that sometimes exceptional guest experiences take precedence over immediate ROI.
A critical warning for the industry was brought forward by Sandy regarding an upcoming National Electrical Code change aimed at improving RV safety and reducing liability. Slated for implementation around 2028, the new code will require newly manufactured RVs to feature a specific GFI interrupt, meaning these future RVs will not be able to function on current standard 50-amp campground pedestals. She advised owners to avoid panic but urged them to begin setting aside funds gradually so they can eventually retrofit a select number of premium sites to accommodate these newer vehicles.
The episode wrapped up with a round of final thoughts and questions among the participants. Ken and Garrett informed interested buyers of their current 60 to 90-day manufacturing lead times, ensuring owners can plan for future seasons. Brian shared his current technological focus on utilizing artificial intelligence to code data analytics tools, while Jeff offered a parting piece of advice for campground owners navigating the current economic climate, suggesting they tighten their marketing radiuses to target guests looking for trips closer to home.
https://moderncampground.com/fireside-chats/mc-fireside-chats-June-17th-2025
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.