The Campground Owners of New York (CONY) and the Northeast Campground Association (NCA) will bring campground owners, operators, suppliers, and outdoor hospitality professionals together in Lake George, New York, for the 2026 CONY Annual Conference and NCA Great Escape, scheduled for September 28–30.
The event is expected to draw attendees from New York, the Northeast, and other parts of the United States for a program focused on education, networking, business collaboration, and campground tours.
The conference will begin on Monday, September 28, with the CONY Annual Meeting, a one-day event that will review the 2026 camping season while looking ahead to planning for 2027.
The agenda includes the association’s annual business meeting, educational sessions, networking opportunities, and discussions on industry trends and operational planning. During the event, CONY will also present the 2026 Best of Camp New York Awards, recognizing achievements within New York’s privately owned campground industry.
Activities will continue on September 29 and 30 with the Northeast Campground Association’s Great Escape, which will feature expanded networking opportunities, regional collaboration, and guided tours of campgrounds in the Lake George area.
Organizers said the tours are intended to give participants an opportunity to observe campground operations firsthand while exchanging ideas and operational practices with peers from across the region.
In addition to educational programming, CONY and NCA plan to host networking events at businesses throughout the Lake George region. Organizers said these activities are designed to introduce visiting campground professionals to local tourism and hospitality businesses while encouraging interaction between attendees and the surrounding business community.
“Lake George offers the perfect backdrop for outdoor hospitality professionals to connect, learn, and experience one of the Northeast’s premier camping destinations,” organizers said. “This event not only strengthens our industry but also highlights the incredible businesses, attractions, and campgrounds that make the Lake George region so special.”
The conference will take place during the fall tourism season, a period that many campground operators use to prepare for the Columbus Day holiday weekend and the conclusion of the camping season. By scheduling the event before the holiday period, organizers aim to provide attendees with an opportunity to discuss end-of-season operations, exchange ideas on business planning, and identify strategies for the coming year.
For campground owners and operators, industry conferences can provide practical value beyond networking. Educational sessions and campground tours often expose attendees to new approaches in guest services, maintenance, marketing, technology adoption, and operational efficiency.
Conversations with fellow operators and suppliers can also help businesses identify solutions to common challenges, evaluate emerging industry trends, and strengthen relationships that support future growth.
Campground Owners of New York is a trade association representing privately owned campgrounds and RV parks across New York State. The organization provides advocacy, education, marketing support, and industry collaboration for its members.
The Northeast Campground Association serves campground owners and operators throughout the Northeastern United States by promoting professional development, networking, and initiatives that support the growth of the outdoor hospitality industry.
Registration, sponsorship opportunities, and additional event information are available through CONY ahead of the September 28–30 conference. For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or registration details, visit members.campnewyork.com/events or contact info@campnewyork.com.