On March 12, 2025, MC Fireside Chats, powered by Modern Campground, returns with a fresh conversation on redefining guest experiences in outdoor hospitality. Host Brian Searl will dive into unconventional strategies, industry game-changers, and real-world applications designed to transform campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping resorts into unforgettable destinations.
Joining the conversation are industry experts Casey Cochran of Campspot, Zach Stoltenberg of Clockwork, Joe Duemig of App My Community, Kevin Thueson of KCN Campgrounds, and Scott Foos of Horizon Outdoor Hospitality, who will share their insights on the latest trends driving the industry forward.
This episode also welcomes special guests who bring hands-on expertise from across the outdoor hospitality spectrum. Quentin Incao, CEO of Q Hospitality Management, will discuss high-level hospitality strategies, while Allison English, Manager of Willcox/Cochise KOA Holiday, offers a behind-the-scenes look at optimizing campground operations. Rounding out the panel, Amber and Patrick Tyrrell, owners of Valley Views Glamping, will share their journey in crafting immersive glamping experiences.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from top industry leaders and gain actionable insights that will redefine outdoor hospitality. Tune in and be part of the conversation!
March 5th Episode Recap
The March 5, 2025, episode of MC Fireside Chats featured an insightful discussion on key industry trends and challenges, with host Brian Searl joined by recurring guests and new participants. The panel included Miguel Huerta from the Mexican Glamping Association, Simon Neal from Camp Map, Rafael Correa from Blue Water, Matt Whitermore an Outdoor Hospitality Professional, Shari Heilala from Sage Outdoor Hospitality, and Mark Koep, among others. The conversation revolved around the impact of major events, shifting travel patterns, and data-driven strategies for success in the outdoor hospitality industry.
Miguel Huerta highlighted the significance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across Mexico, Canada, and the U.S., emphasizing the immense potential for campgrounds, glamping sites, and RV parks to capitalize on the surge in tourism. He noted the high demand for alternative accommodations as hotel prices skyrocket, advising operators to begin preparations now. Rafael Correa weighed in on pricing strategies, warning against excessive rate hikes that could deter future guests, and stressed the importance of maintaining value propositions.
Simon Neal, offering a European perspective, pointed out that demand for World Cup accommodations will come in waves—early planners booking far in advance and last-minute travelers willing to pay a premium. He emphasized the need for campgrounds to be flexible and ready to accommodate a range of visitors. Rafael added that major events create displacement effects, meaning people who might otherwise visit certain areas could be looking for alternative travel experiences, further benefiting the outdoor hospitality sector.
The conversation then shifted to the broader state of the industry. Rafael shared insights from Blue Water’s portfolio, noting a rise in long-term stays, a decline in transient RV bookings, and continued strong demand for vacation rentals and glamping. He attributed the shrinking booking window to guests becoming more accustomed to dynamic pricing and greater availability in the post-pandemic landscape. Shari Heilala supported these observations, highlighting the importance of data in making informed pricing and marketing decisions.
A key discussion point was the growing role of long-term stays, not just among full-time RVers but also as a solution to housing affordability issues. Shari pointed out that many people are opting for RV living due to rising housing costs, particularly in regions like Phoenix, where renting a travel trailer is a cost-effective alternative. Brian challenged the assumption that RV owners struggle with housing affordability, but the panelists clarified that many individuals are choosing RV life as a primary living arrangement rather than a leisure activity.
Simon Neal provided a European perspective, explaining that while long-term stays are not a major factor in Europe, seasonal migration from northern to southern regions remains strong. However, uncertainty in the market has made travelers more hesitant to book in advance. Mark Koep added that demand for long-term RV stays is particularly high in areas with significant industrial and economic development, such as Texas and Arizona, where workers need flexible, short-term housing solutions.
Concerns over international travel trends were also raised, with Miguel revealing that searches for flights from Mexico to the U.S. had dropped by 10%. Similar declines were observed in Canadian cross-border travel, attributed to economic conditions and geopolitical tensions. However, Simon remained optimistic that people will still prioritize travel, even if their habits shift toward regional destinations.
Shari emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making, noting that while past data is helpful, predicting future trends remains challenging due to economic uncertainty and external factors such as inflation and potential national park closures. She recommended operators take a conservative approach while exploring new revenue streams to mitigate risks.
The panel also discussed evolving guest expectations, particularly in the glamping sector. Shari revealed that the number of professionally managed glamping units had grown by 11% year over year, with continued rate increases. Matt highlighted the importance of creating unique, experience-driven offerings that differentiate properties from traditional hotels and short-term rentals. Rafael reinforced this idea, noting that the hospitality industry’s competitive advantage lies in fostering community and providing exceptional experiences that hotels and Airbnbs cannot replicate.
Wrapping up, panelists shared insights into their respective companies. Rafael introduced Blue Water Hospitality’s management and development services, Matt talked about his new podcast Good Morning Outdoors, and Miguel invited listeners to explore the Mexican Glamping Association’s work. Shari announced the launch of Sage Outdoor Advisory’s glamping data reports, while Simon detailed Camp Map’s innovative digital mapping solutions, now integrated with KOA’s booking platform.
The discussion underscored the industry’s need to adapt to changing travel behaviors, leverage data for strategic decision-making, and focus on guest experience to drive long-term success. The episode concluded with Brian teasing the next installment of Outwired, promising an in-depth discussion on humanoid robots, RVIA findings, and emerging trends in outdoor hospitality.
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.