State and national campground associations, including the Louisiana Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (LARVC) and several state-level organizations, are encouraging campground owners, operators, and campers to support the Credit Card Competition Act, a bipartisan piece of federal legislation aimed at increasing competition in the credit card processing market and reducing transaction fees.
The Credit Card Competition Act would require large financial institutions that issue credit cards to enable at least two unaffiliated payment networks on each card.
Supporters say this would allow merchants, including campgrounds and RV parks, to choose the network with more favorable terms when processing transactions. According to industry advocates, increased competition among networks could reduce credit card swipe fees by as much as 20 percent for businesses that accept card payments.
For campground owners and operators, credit card fees are a routine cost of doing business, particularly as more reservations, retail purchases, and on-site payments move online or to contactless systems.
Associations supporting the legislation argue that lower interchange fees would improve operating margins and create flexibility for reinvestment in maintenance, amenities, staffing, or guest services. They also note that reduced processing costs could translate into lower prices or fewer added fees for campers when booking sites online or making purchases at the campground.
LARVC and other associations are urging campground businesses to take an active role by contacting their members of Congress.
Campground owners or operators can express their support through this link. In parallel, associations are asking businesses to engage their guests by sharing information about how credit card fees affect consumer pricing.
Campers may also send a letter through this dedicated link.
Advocacy efforts have intensified following recent public statements and renewed congressional attention to the bill.
On January 12, 2026, former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, “Everyone should support great Republican Senator Roger Marshall’s Credit Card Competition Act, in order to stop the out-of-control Swipe Fee ripoff.” Supporters say comments like this have helped elevate the issue ahead of expected legislative activity in early 2026.
From a professional standpoint, campground operators are being encouraged to assess how much they currently pay in interchange fees and to communicate those figures clearly to both lawmakers and customers.
Industry groups note that credit card processing costs affect nearly every business in outdoor hospitality and every consumer who uses a credit card, making the issue relevant across the sector.
By participating in the advocacy effort and educating campers, associations say businesses can help shape policy that directly affects daily operations and long-term financial sustainability.