How do you transform a simple stay into an unforgettable adventure that keeps guests talking and coming back? This Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 2 PM ET, Modern Campground invites you to MC Fireside Chats for a deep dive into elevating guest experiences with innovative themes and authentic activities.
Joining host Brian Searl will be the esteemed panel of recurring guests, including Casey Cochran, Vice President of Business Development of Campspot; Zach Stoltenberg, Associate Principal of Architecture at LJA; Joe Duemig, Co-Founder of App My Community; Scott Foos, CEO of Horizon Outdoor Hospitality; Jayne Cohen, Founder and CEO of Campground Consulting Group; and Jeremy Johnson, Owner of Kona Hills Campground.
This week, special guest Travis Chambers, Founder of Chamber Stays, will reveal how high-concept, themed environments like OutpostX leverage sci-fi aesthetics to craft an emotional ‘escape.’ Campground owners will discover how such immersive experiences drive unparalleled guest engagement and generate powerful social media buzz, making every stay a shareable adventure.
Also joining the panel is Joy de Vos, Owner of Foxtrot Dairy Campground, who will share insights into integrating farm-based activities and educational dairy tours. She will explain how these unique ‘nature-first’ offerings add significant value, fostering a deep connection with the land that ensures families return year after year to rural campgrounds.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to create more engaging and memorable experiences for your guests. Tune in to MC Fireside Chats on Modern Campground.
Last Week’s MC Fireside Chats: Navigating the 2026 Outdoor Hospitality Landscape
The May 6th, 2026, episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Scott Bahr (President of Cairn Consulting Group), delved into the 2026 outlook for the outdoor hospitality and RV industries. Guests Eleonore Hamm (President of RVDA of Canada), Simon Neal (Founder & CEO of CampMap), John Lindley (CEO of the Michigan Association of RVs & Campgrounds), and Kevin Long (CEO of The Dyrt) explored the impact of rising fuel costs, shifting traveler demographics, and evolving camper expectations.
The panel observed a “mixed bag” of reports, noting that location now dictates success more significantly. Data from The Dyrt showed a dip in Google search volume for camping, while high gas prices in Canada and elsewhere were prompting shorter, closer-to-home trips rather than outright cancellations. This led to discussions about a shrinking travel radius and the rise of the “casual participant,” with a 257% increase in campers taking only one trip per year since 2019, posing new challenges for occupancy and fostering long-term loyalty.
Further insights included the growing demand for RV rentals and lighter, more affordable towable units, mirroring European trends towards economy. The conversation also touched on the impact of “sanitized” outdoor experiences like glamping, reservation frustrations in state parks, and the permanent shift towards flexible booking options post-COVID. The episode concluded by emphasizing the industry’s “shared responsibility” to ensure quality, simplify sales, and provide hospitable service, alongside the importance of education for new RVers. Read the full recap here: https://moderncampground.com/fireside-chats/mc-fireside-chats-May-6th-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.