Lyon County commissioners have decided to shift all Garvin Park and Twin Lakes Park campsite reservations to an online format by 2026. The approved system, known as Firefly, aims to enhance safety for campsite hosts and meets the growing demand for digital transactions.
At a previous Park Board meeting, members recommended a full transition to Firefly, and commissioners later voted in April to replace onsite cash collections. Officials also cited theft concerns and a desire to increase operational efficiency. According to county discussions, the new approach will reduce the risk of stolen funds by eliminating the practice of storing money in personal vehicles. The commissioners noted that local campers will be informed throughout the 2025 season before the final rollout.
Roger Schroeder said, “We get some calls from folks that want to know how many campsites are remaining,” adding, “We’re trying to increase the service that we have for people that might be traveling a distance, and at the same time keeping our local campers able to see what we have available for the weekend.” He also explained, “There’s several different reasons why we were asked to look into a payment system that would maybe satisfy the types of concerns that we have out there with cash on site,” while noting, “We wouldn’t want either of our campground hosts to have their camper broken into because somebody thinks that there may be cash in those vehicles.” These remarks were reported in a recent article.
This move comes as Lyon County prepares for a growing influx of visitors interested in more convenient reservation options. Commissioners stressed that the Firefly system will enable people to view site availability in real time, make a booking online, and receive automated notices on park rules or any construction alerts.
Brooke Kor said, “At our last Park Board meeting, they made a recommendation to move all campsites at Garvin and Twin Lakes to our Firefly online payment system by 2026,” emphasizing, “If we were to approve this now, it would give us an entire camping season to let campers know.” She addressed kiosk options by stating, “The problem right there, though, is that there’s internet needed, and electric,” and, “One bad thing about using a new kiosk system is it does not talk to our current system, so you would have two separate systems which would not be user friendly.” Her statements appear in a published account of the county’s plans.
Cost was another concern, as self-serve kiosks ranged from $5,487 to $27,000 and required infrastructure upgrades such as electricity and internet. County officials determined that focusing on a single integrated online system would streamline the booking process and reduce confusion for both staff and visitors.
Many other campgrounds and RV parks leverage online reservation data to anticipate peak travel times, schedule maintenance tasks, and promote targeted discounts. Gathering demographic information also helps shape future marketing campaigns, which can draw more visitors, particularly during off-peak periods. While theft prevention and better operational efficiency motivated Lyon County’s shift, tapping into these additional benefits could further boost occupancy and revenue.
Enhancing the onsite experience is often seen as a natural complement to any digital transition. Reinvesting money previously used for hardware or cash management into improvements like expanded Wi-Fi, updated facilities, or recreational areas can encourage longer stays and repeat visits. This type of investment strengthens the broader perception that the county is committed to modernizing for the benefit of all campers.
Officials say that a seamless shift to Firefly can reduce administrative strain by automating tasks and providing detailed reports on campsite usage. Kor has indicated that technology upgrades must be cost-effective and user-friendly, ensuring that the online booking system truly enhances the visitor experience.
For a broader comparison of infrastructure improvements and revenue gains, a documented plan highlights how campground investments can lead to stronger financial outcomes. Although Lyon County’s circumstances differ, the emphasis on modern amenities aligns with a wider trend in outdoor recreation.
Throughout the 2025 season, signs and online notices will direct visitors to Firefly’s reservation portal. This window allows regular patrons sufficient time to adapt to digital bookings, avoiding potential confusion when onsite payments are no longer accepted.
County leaders point out that this online model mirrors what is already happening at many state parks, providing travelers with instant booking confirmation and secure transactions. As the final phase nears, officials remain confident that centralizing all payments through Firefly will protect revenue, enhance visitor convenience, and serve as a template for similar upgrades elsewhere. Further details on the transition can be accessed on the official news page.
Many campgrounds and RV parks use their reservation systems to identify high and low demand periods. Offering targeted discounts or family packages can help drive off-peak bookings. Gathering basic guest details, like demographic group, allows operators to develop focused promotions, align staffing levels, and optimize maintenance schedules. While Lyon County’s main objective is safety and convenience, the adoption of a platform like Firefly can also support more informed occupancy management and marketing initiatives.
Campgrounds frequently reinvest funds previously spent on manual processes into improvements such as extended Wi-Fi coverage, fuller hookup sites, and enhanced facilities. Survey data or mobile app feedback can guide future investments, ensuring that additions match guest needs. For Lyon County, moving to a digital platform reduces cash handling risks and kiosk expenses, which can be reallocated to onsite upgrades. These measures can strengthen visitor satisfaction and encourage repeat stays by showcasing an overall commitment to both streamlined reservations and improved amenities.