The Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association (PCOA) is asking campgrounds across the state affected by recent severe storms to report damage and request assistance as it works to coordinate recovery efforts and assess the overall impact on the camping industry.
In a message to members, Executive Director Jason Vaughan said the association is responding to storm-related impacts that have affected campgrounds throughout Pennsylvania in recent days.
According to the association, many properties have experienced high winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, downed trees, power outages, and damage to buildings, campsites and other infrastructure.
The association said it is encouraging campground owners and operators that have sustained damage to contact the organization if they need support.
While noting that it may not be able to provide every solution directly, the association said it will work to connect affected members with suppliers, contractors, equipment providers and fellow campground operators who may be able to assist with recovery.
“Please know that PCOA is here to help,” Vaughan said in the announcement.
The association also is asking members to report storm damage even if they do not currently require assistance.
Specifically, campground operators are being asked to provide a brief description of the damage, photographs of affected areas and information about operational impacts, including power outages, flooding, road closures or the temporary closure of campsites and amenities.
According to the association, collecting this information will help it better understand the extent of storm damage across Pennsylvania’s campground industry.
The organization said the reports could also prove valuable if state or federal disaster assistance programs become available or if advocacy efforts are needed on behalf of campground owners.
“This information will help PCOA better understand the scope of the damage across Pennsylvania. If state or federal assistance programs become available, or if advocacy efforts are needed, having accurate information will help us represent our members effectively,” Vaughan said.
In addition to gathering damage reports, the association is asking campgrounds that are able to assist others to come forward.
Members with equipment, supplies, staff or other resources available to support storm recovery are encouraged to notify the organization so those resources can be matched with affected campgrounds.
Vaughan said the association’s response is intended to build on its network of members supporting one another during emergencies.
“One of the greatest strengths of our association is members helping members, and we are committed to coordinating assistance wherever possible,” Vaughan said.