Operating a successful campground takes strategy, adaptability, and innovation. Join MC Fireside Chats on October 15 at 2 PM EST to hear from leading voices in the industry as they reveal proven ways to enhance efficiency, overcome challenges, and drive profitability.
This episode, host Brian Searl will be joined by special guests Sangeetha Ramkumar, Founder of Dunya Camp, and Hannah Terry, Owner of Wildwoodland Retreat, who will share their experiences in building unique outdoor destinations that combine comfort, sustainability, and unforgettable guest experiences.
They’ll be joined by our regular industry voices: Jeff Hoffman, Board Member at OHI; Sandy Ellingson, a renowned RV Industry Advisor; Ali Rasmussen, CEO of Spacious Skies Campground; Mike Harrison, Chief Operating Officer at CRR Hospitality; Angele Miller, Co-Founder of Creekside RnR Glamping; and Robert Preston, CEO and Founder of Unhitched Management.
Your next big idea could be just one conversation away. Join us live on October 15 at 2 PM EST and discover strategies, tips, and inspiration to elevate your business.
October 8th Episode Recap
The October 8th episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl and featuring recurring guest Scott Foos, along with special guest Stephanie Kichler, navigated the dynamic landscape of the outdoor hospitality industry, focusing primarily on glamping, the guest experience, and the impact of major industry news. Despite several expected guests missing the episode, the conversation was rich with personal insights and professional perspectives.
Brian Searl kicked off the podcast, welcoming listeners and addressing the noticeable absence of several scheduled guests, playfully attributing it to either the excitement of the Glamping Show or the recovery afterward. The core agenda for the chat was set to include a recap of the recent Glamping Show, the significant Marriott Outdoor Collection announcement, and a potential discussion on the future of marketing with Sora 2 (an AI technology), though the latter topic was deferred due to time.
Scott Foos, a Managing Partner and co-owner of Horizon Outdoor Hospitality, introduced his firm as a third-party management and professional services company dedicated exclusively to the outdoor hospitality space. He expressed excitement to be back on the show, noting that the focus for operators remains on continually enhancing the guest experience.
Stephanie Kichler, the General Manager of Basecamp 37, was introduced as the special guest. She described her property as a 10-acre glamping site in Southern Utah, situated near major national parks like Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon. Basecamp 37 is an independent, woman-owned business, running five tents and celebrating its ninth year of operation, notably as one of the region’s first glamping sites. Stephanie proudly mentioned their commitment to being eco-friendly and primarily solar-powered, illustrating the unique challenges of off-grid living, even as they’ve added amenities like fiber internet and city water for guests.
The panel dove into a recap of the recent Glamping Show. Scott Foos noted that the event continues to be a source of inspiration, showcasing the industry’s commercial growth and innovation, from various physical units like cabins and tents to on-site activities. Brian Searl acknowledged that the show, despite a management transition, maintained its core feel and content, including presentations from established players like Bolt Farm Treehouses and HoneyTrek.
Stephanie Kichler, who was unable to attend as a small, two-person operation, highlighted her company’s desire to attend for networking and learning real-world troubleshooting stories from other independent operators. She emphasized that practical strategies—such as handling wear and tear in the desert environment, dealing with permitting, or managing challenges like the closure of National Parks—are often more valuable than seeing new corporate designs.
The conversation shifted to the vital role of the personalized guest experience, a topic close to Stephanie’s heart. Drawing on her background as a public school teacher, Stephanie explained that Basecamp 37’s approach involves a personal check-in for almost all guests. She personally greets them, gives them a tour of their tent, explains the solar power system and heaters, and walks them through the guest lodge amenities. She considers this one-on-one support and presence on the property a key amenity that helps first-time campers feel comfortable, welcome, and at home, an effort reflected in their positive reviews.
Scott Foos affirmed that this warm, human touch is one of the hardest and most important elements of hospitality, especially as properties scale. He suggested that while technology and AI can help operators automate tasks like housekeeping to improve margins, the ultimate goal should be to free up staff to invest more time in the personal connection and welcoming experience. Brian Searl agreed, proposing that AI could work behind the scenes (e.g., researching guest preferences to personalize a welcome with their favorite snack) without guests needing to “see the technology.”
Stephanie Kichler elaborated on the challenges of running a small, independent operation in the desert. The constant battle against the elements—the desert sun and sand—makes resources highly consumable, leading to a roughly two-year lifespan for their safari tents and perpetual maintenance needs. Additionally, being located eight miles outside Kanab, Utah, on a dirt road, means handling rural life realities like keeping the property clean, maintaining the solar-powered system, and occasionally shooing away neighboring ranchers’ cattle, which can find their way onto the property due to Utah’s fence-out laws.
Scott Foos related this to the wider issue of burnout for owners, noting that while the personal touch is vital, it’s also the hardest to scale and sustain without support. The panel discussed the importance of framing expectations for guests, using the example of mice: instead of a “do not” list, Stephanie educates guests by saying they will hear mice outside, so to keep them out of their tent, they should secure their food. This technique helps manage expectations, ensuring guests feel comfortable when they encounter the realities of an outdoor, off-grid environment.
The conversation moved to the announcement of Marriott’s Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy, an unsurprising development following their acquisition of Postcard Cabins and partnership with Trailborn Hotels. Scott Foos explained that this platform allows guests to earn and redeem Bonvoy points at associated properties, which are typically lodging units, but not currently RV sites. He noted that the mass implementation of this is yet to be determined, as a high key count (number of units) minimum for franchising (historically around 70) might not fit the vast majority of smaller glamping operations.
Stephanie Kichler drew a parallel to the now-closed REI Experiences, but maintained an optimistic view. She suggested that a major player like Marriott entering the space helps elevate the entire glamping community, making it more approachable for a larger audience, which ultimately benefits all operators.
Brian Searl played devil’s advocate, questioning whether Marriott—which has thus far avoided using the word “glamping” in its main branding for the collection—will actually raise the profile of the glamping industry, or simply brand the new offerings as “cabin rentals” or “Marriott experiences.” He further suggested that the move could raise guest expectations for independent operators like Basecamp 37, with guests potentially demanding the amenities of a five-star resort (hot water, AC, luxury bedding) at a more rustic site.
The discussion also touched on the fragmentation of the outdoor hospitality industry and the growing necessity of classifying properties to better understand performance metrics and guest expectations. Scott Foos noted that many institutional properties are combo properties with both lodging units and RV sites, which currently complicates their participation in the Outdoor Collection. The panelists agreed that the ultimate goal remains to make outdoor experiences more accessible and memorable, regardless of the accommodation type.
In their closing thoughts, the guests underscored the primary mission of the industry. Stephanie Kichler shared a personal final thought: that glamping is uniquely positioned to inspire people to care for the outdoors. By creating positive memories in nature, the industry encourages guests to become better stewards of the environment, which she finds personally inspiring.
Scott Foos emphasized that despite the big industry news, operators must stay focused on what they can control: the guest experience, ensuring the human element remains central to every connection. Brian Searl concluded by encouraging operators not to be afraid to create experiences that don’t require millions in capital, but simply require a clear understanding of what their specific guest truly desires.
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.