With a $1 million USDA grant and plans to cut its electricity usage by 95%, Quilly’s Magnolia RV Park in Vicksburg, Mississippi, is leading the charge in sustainable hospitality.
Through the support of the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), the park will install solar panels that significantly reduce its reliance on grid-based energy—a step forward for the outdoor hospitality industry.
The USDA’s funding for solar energy projects is often reserved for farmland or hotels, but RV parks are also uniquely positioned to benefit due to their large, open spaces and high energy consumption. By adopting solar energy, Quilly’s is seizing the opportunity to not only cut costs but also meet the growing demand for eco-friendly travel experiences.
Recent research by Modern Campground reveals that 52% of campground guests consider sustainable practices when making booking decisions. This trend aligns perfectly with Quilly’s solar adoption and broader green initiatives, further strengthening its appeal to the modern, eco-conscious traveler.
Beyond Solar: A Culture of Sustainability
Quilly’s commitment to sustainability extends well beyond solar energy. “I’m always looking for ways to have green practices,” said Katie McLeod, co-founder of Quilly’s RV Parks, in an exclusive interview with Modern Campground.
“In Texas, we don’t have a recycling program, so I partnered with the Girl Scouts to do aluminum can recycling,” McLeod shared. “In Mississippi, we have also been looking into doing something like that.”
This ethos is also woven into the daily operations at Quilly’s RV Parks, where electric hand dryers replace paper towels, smart thermostats optimize energy usage, and native, low-maintenance plants are used in landscaping to reduce water consumption. The Rockport location also features modern bathrooms to enhance the guest experience.
“We have plants that don’t need to be watered, that have low upkeep,” McLeod explained. “We choose plants that are native to the area and are going to adapt well.”
In addition to eco-friendly practices, the park incorporates water conservation measures, such as reusing pool backwash to water plants. When building its clubhouse in Rockport, the park also took energy efficiency to the next level by installing foam insulation, low-water-use faucets, and toilets.
These practices go hand-in-hand with Quilly’s broader commitment to sustainability. McLeod’s approach reflects a growing shift in the outdoor hospitality sector, where green initiatives are increasingly seen as both an operational advantage and a market differentiator.
Enhancing Guest Experience Through Solar Power
Electricity is one of the largest consumption demands in RV parks, and for Quilly’s, this was a driving force behind the decision to go solar. “Something that is one of the biggest uses in RV parks is electricity,” McLeod explained.
Seeking a solution to reduce this demand, McLeod partnered with Evolve, a renewable energy solutions provider specializing in grant applications. Evolve guided Quilly’s through every step of the process, from assessing electric usage and identifying energy offsets to exploring storage options like battery systems.
The installation is set to feature solar panels mounted on shade structures, offering a dual benefit to guests. “Not only are people going to get a really great shade structure—where they’re sheltered from the rain, the sun, and all of that—but it’s also going to produce electricity,” McLeod explained.
For guests, the shade structures are more than just a convenience—they’re a welcome reprieve from Mississippi’s hot summer sun. “I think it’s going to be a really positive experience,” McLeod said. “In Mississippi, it is very hot during the summer. Having the extra shade and the availability for the shade is going to be a fantastic draw for guests.”
McLeod also believed that the addition of shade, coupled with the park’s emphasis on green practices, will resonate with campers. Guests who are camping are more likely to want to be out in nature and care about these environmental initiatives,” she shared. “I think the fact that we are pushing the industry forward in terms of green practices and using more sustainable energy sources is going to be a draw for them as well.”
Navigating Challenges in Solar Adoption
While the vision for Quilly’s solar initiative is clear, the process hasn’t been without hurdles. As one of the first RV parks to implement a project of this scale, Quilly’s has faced delays caused by short staffing and logistical complexities associated with being a trailblazer.
Despite the setbacks, McLeod remained optimistic. “We are hopeful that it can actually cover all of our electric usage over time in Mississippi,” she said. To ensure a consistent power supply, the park will remain connected to the grid.
“Mississippi requires the electric company to buy back excess electricity,” McLeod explained. “If I’m using 80% [of my energy needs from solar], then I can sell the rest back to them. If I’m using a little bit more, then I can buy from them. I’m hoping that it evens out over time.”
Empowering Guests to Participate in Sustainability
While the solar panels will handle much of the park’s energy production, McLeod is also encouraging guests to take an active role in energy conservation.
Her approach focuses on education and simple reminders. “My hope is [to bring] awareness to electric use by giving them suggestions like, ‘Hey, turn your AC to a higher temperature when you leave and make sure you turn off appliances,’” she said. “I hope to do it and to have greener practices that way.”
A Model for Sustainable RV Hospitality
For McLeod, the USDA grant represents more than just financial support—it’s a validation of her park’s leadership in sustainability. The initiative positions Quilly’s Magnolia RV Park as a model for RV parks nationwide, showcasing how sustainability and guest experience can go hand in hand.
“And I do think that it’s kind of nice to have these parks that are really showing that they care about the environment, showing that they’re caring about the future, and moving forward with more sustainable practices,” McLeod shared. “So, I think it’s going to be, overall, a great thing.”
While sustainability is a key focus, Quilly’s Magnolia RV Park continues to prioritize guest comfort. Conveniently located off I-20 in Vicksburg, the park offers a blend of modern amenities and family-friendly features.
Guests have access to full 30/50 AMP hookups, updated laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi to keep travelers connected. Families can enjoy a dog park, a saltwater pool, playgrounds, and BBQ spaces perfect for social gatherings.
For more information about Quilly’s Magnolia RV Park, visit their website here.
Featured image by Quilly’s Magnolia RV Park
