Private campground owners and operators looking to transform seasonal operations into thriving year-round destinations will want to tune in as Modern Campground presents an exclusive MC Fireside Chats episode this September 9, 2026, at 2 PM ET.
Regular industry heavyweights will join the discussion, including Zach Stoltenberg, Associate Principal of Architecture at LJA; Scott Foos, CEO of Horizon Outdoor Hospitality; Jayne Cohen, Founder and CEO of Campground Consulting Group; Jeremy Johnson, Owner of Kona Hills Campground; Kaleigh Day, Owner/Operator of Surf Junction Campground; and Tom Mason, Chief Operating Officer at IVEE Group.
This week, special guests Joe Knihnitski and Veronika Knihnitski, the visionary Owners of Prairie Junction RV Resort, will take center stage.
They will unveil their proven strategies for seamlessly blending rustic charm with modern luxury, demonstrating how to cultivate a year-round RV and glamping destination that keeps guests coming back regardless of the season.
Previous Episode Recap
Last week, on September 2, 2026, Brian Searl guided a comprehensive panel through an engaging discussion on the evolving technological and demographic shifts impacting outdoor hospitality.
The episode began with Rafael Correa advocating for OHI board of director elections and highlighting Rachel R. Godbout as a strong candidate, setting a collaborative tone for the dive into property management systems and the rapid integration of artificial intelligence.
Brian Searl introduced new reservation platforms like Acre by Campground Views and CampGuide, sparking a debate on defining features for future successful software companies. Rafael Correa of Blue Water shared insights on the difficulty of perfecting property management systems, expressing excitement for AI-driven phone answering and call tracking to combat labor shortages and streamline bookings.
Rachel R. Godbout elaborated on her company’s proprietary management system, emphasizing AI’s role in enhancing guest communication and backend accounting, ultimately allowing staff to deliver a personalized check-in experience. She noted that AI’s true value lies in offering customized guest journeys, moving beyond generic responses.
Michael Moore provided a nuanced view on technology’s democratization, suggesting future industry leaders might be unknown companies today, yet acknowledging the inertia of campground operators in adopting new systems. He cautioned that automation must balance with essential in-person hospitality to maintain repeat and referral business.
From a European perspective, Simon Neal detailed a fragmented market historically reliant on third-party channels for bookings, which previously hindered dynamic pricing. He observed a current consolidation by major software companies and a strong push towards automated arrival experiences like license plate recognition and app-based cabin unlocking.
The conversation then turned to consumer behavior and the prospect of AI fully planning vacations. Rafael Correa and Rachel R. Godbout both expressed skepticism about a complete AI takeover, arguing that trip research is an enjoyable part of the experience and new customers have too many specific preferences for a machine to handle independently.
Scott Bahr supported these points with market research on ‘booking risk,’ indicating sophisticated travelers prefer involvement in complex trip planning, while those planning simpler getaways are more open to automation. He also shared findings that teenagers engaged in planning report higher vacation enjoyment.
Shifting to RV sales, Phil Ingrassia discussed how dealerships are reducing ownership hassle by focusing on fixed operations and faster repair times. He also identified a consumer trend towards overlanding and rustic camping, leading to demand for simpler, lighter RVs without heavy features.
Eleonore Hamm echoed Canadian trends, citing affordability and flexibility as key drivers. She explained that the unfavorable exchange rate makes importing units expensive, prompting younger buyers to seek lighter trailers not requiring large tow vehicles, enabling them to alternate between private resorts and rustic crown land.
The discussion concluded with Phil Ingrassia and Scott Bahr stressing the importance of categorizing buyers by life stage and usage, not broad generational labels. Michael Moore addressed Texas operators’ biggest challenge: astronomical property tax assessments. Brian Searl ended the episode by thanking guests and reinforcing the importance of industry association participation. You can listen to the full recap of this insightful discussion at: https://moderncampground.com/fireside-chats/mc-fireside-chats-September-2nd-2026
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: Marketing, AI and Technology
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.
