How do top campground operators stay agile, profitable, and future-ready in a rapidly changing industry? Find out on the next MC Fireside Chats, airing Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 2 PM EST. This week’s episode explores the strategies, tools, and mindset shifts driving smarter operations across outdoor hospitality.
Stepping in as guest host this week is Mike Harrison, Chief Operating Officer at CRR Hospitality, who will guide an in-depth discussion on cutting inefficiencies, scaling smarter, and unlocking new revenue streams in today’s dynamic landscape.
Joining the conversation are recurring guests: Jeff Hoffman, Board Member at OHI, Sandy Ellingson, a leading voice and advisor in the RV sector, and Ali Rasmussen, CEO of Spacious Skies Campgrounds.
We’re also excited to welcome two special guests for this episode. Kaleigh Day, Owner and Operator of Surf Junction Campground, and Steve Saint, Owner of Fort Welikit Family Campground, will be sharing valuable insights from the front lines of campground management.
Their hands-on experience and region-specific knowledge offer a grounded look at what it takes to adapt, innovate, and meet guest expectations while staying true to the spirit of outdoor hospitality.
June 11th Episode Recap
On the June 11th, 2025, episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl of Insider Perks and Modern Campground led a vibrant discussion with a panel of industry experts on the evolving landscape of outdoor hospitality. The conversation delved into crucial topics ranging from the practicalities of developing off-grid glamping sites to the profound importance of curating a transformative guest experience. The episode brought together recurring panelists and special guests, each offering unique perspectives from their respective corners of the industry, creating a comprehensive overview of current trends, challenges, and opportunities.
The show welcomed back its knowledgeable recurring guests, who consistently provide valuable insights. Scott Foos, representing Horizon Outdoor Hospitality, a third-party management and consulting firm, offered his analysis on market trends and operational strategies. Zach Stoltenberg of LJA, a multidisciplinary design firm, shared his expertise on the planning and design of outdoor resorts. Joe Duemig, the owner of App My Community, brought his perspective on technology and guest communication within campgrounds and resorts.
Joining the panel were two special guests, both operators of distinctive Canadian glamping properties. Elizabeth McIntosh, the co-founder of Back Forty Glamping in Ontario, provided a look into the world of creating a luxury, four-season dome resort from the ground up. Also featured was Sarah Cruse, the General Manager of the remote and exclusive Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on Vancouver Island, who shared her passion for creating deeply restorative and nature-based experiences for guests.
The conversation kicked off with Zach Stoltenberg identifying a significant industry trend: the increasing client demand for off-grid and remote resort sites. He explained this push is driven by both the economic desire to avoid costly infrastructure development and the experiential appeal of secluded locations. Zach highlighted innovative solutions like those from Electric Outdoors, a company producing self-contained units with their own power and water systems, which could revolutionize how operators utilize undeveloped land and create unique, low-impact accommodations.
Responding to the off-grid theme, Sarah Cruse detailed the operations of Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, a property that has successfully operated off-grid for 25 years. She explained how the resort, accessible only by floatplane or boat, is a self-contained village that recently invested in British Columbia’s largest solar panel installation to harness the power of nature. Sarah’s story underscored the immense appeal and viability of such ventures but also served as a caution, noting that the “wild west” era of development has passed and that securing permits for such a project today would be incredibly challenging.
Elizabeth McIntosh of Back Forty Glamping echoed the sentiment regarding regulatory hurdles, sharing her own complex journey with permitting in Ontario. She explained how the process of trying to fit their unique dome structures into existing, conventional building codes ultimately shaped their business model, forcing them to pivot to a higher-end, luxury offering to justify the extensive investment in infrastructure like a massive septic system. Her experience illustrated a common struggle for innovators in the glamping space and highlighted how external constraints can define a brand’s niche.
A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to the art and importance of the guest experience, a topic Sarah Cruse spoke about with palpable passion. She described her role as stewarding a “heart property” where the goal is to facilitate a “transformational state” in guests by disconnecting them from devices and reconnecting them with nature and each other. She emphasized that true hospitality is “heart-forward,” starting with a happy, engaged staff who genuinely care, which in turn creates an authentic and emotionally resonant experience for the guest.
Scott Foos provided a broader market context to the importance of guest experience, sharing observations from a recent tour of over 50 properties across four states. He noted a softening in transient demand and a subsequent pivot by many operators toward chasing extended-stay business. His key finding was that properties demonstrating “intentionality”—those with thoughtful theming, clean aesthetics, visible staff, and a focus on creating a special atmosphere—were significantly outperforming their more generic neighbors, even those located right next door.
Offering an international perspective, Joe Duemig recounted his recent trip to Australia for caravan industry shows. He observed a different business landscape, with a prevalence of marketing groups that parks belong to, as opposed to the more common franchise models in North America. He noted differences in pricing and amenity focus, providing a valuable comparison of how the industry operates in another part of the world and highlighting the global nature of outdoor travel.
In his final thoughts, Scott Foos shared critical data on the American traveler, noting that while the desire for travel remains high, budget constraints are significant, with the average family having around $5,500 for the entire year. He argued that this economic reality uniquely positions the outdoor hospitality industry to provide value. However, he stressed that now is the time to double down on providing exceptional experiences to retain the core camping audience and continually remind them of the unique value and joy that camping provides.
Ultimately, the episode underscored that success in the modern outdoor hospitality industry is a holistic endeavor. It requires navigating practical challenges like permitting and infrastructure, embracing innovation in accommodations, and, most importantly, cultivating an authentic and emotionally intelligent guest experience. The insights from Brian Searl, Scott Foos, Zach Stoltenberg, Joe Duemig, Elizabeth McIntosh, and Sarah Cruse painted a clear picture of an industry where those who focus on the details and lead with heart are best positioned to thrive.
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.