Are your guests leaving with lasting memories, or just checking out? Modern Campground invites park owners and operators to discover the strategies for creating truly exceptional stays during the upcoming MC Fireside Chats on August 12, 2026, at 2 PM ET, focusing on enhancing the guest experience.
The robust panel of recurring industry experts returns, featuring Zach Stoltenberg, Associate Principal of Architecture at LJA; Scott Foos, CEO of Horizon Outdoor Hospitality; Jayne Cohen, Founder and CEO of Campground Consulting Group; and Jeremy Johnson, Owner of Kona Hills Campground.
We’ll also be joined by new panel members Kaleigh Day, Owner/Operator of Surf Junction Campground; and Tom Mason, Chief Operating Officer at IVEE Group.
This week, the chat welcomes special guest Chris Lambert, COO of Streamside Parks. Lambert will draw from Streamside’s innovative approach to share how campground operators can elevate every aspect of a guest’s visit, from arrival to departure.
Attendees will gain practical insights into implementing cutting-edge amenities, personalized services, and smart technology adoption designed to ensure exceptional guest stays and foster loyalty, directly from Streamside’s operational playbook.
Recap of Last Week’s Episode
In the August 5th episode of MC Fireside Chats, a diverse panel of outdoor hospitality leaders discussed how current economic headwinds are driving a shift from transient RV travel to long-term stays and unique glamping experiences, emphasizing that operators must leverage creative marketing and exceptional, personalized hospitality to thrive in a rapidly changing market.
Rafael Correa of Blue Water opened the conversation, highlighting an 8% revenue increase year-over-year but candidly noting a drag in transient RV stays due to consumer uncertainty, high diesel prices, and post-COVID market correction. Seasonal RV stays, vacation rentals, and park models, however, continued to perform strongly, balancing the portfolio.
Scott Bahr added his analytical perspective, revealing that market research shows a significant narrowing in travel diversity, with consumers opting for familiarity and comfort in a risk-averse environment. He warned that this instability would likely worsen, necessitating operators to work harder to address specific booking deterrents.
Echoing these observations, Michael Moore shared that the Texas market was experiencing similar dips in transient business while long-term stays remained robust, aligning with industry data showing increased park model shipments. He stressed that the pandemic-era camping boom had slowed, requiring intensified marketing and hospitality efforts to retain campers with alternative travel options.
Phil Ingrassia provided a critical look at the manufacturing side, stating that new RV retail sales were down and projected to finish the year with an 8% to 12% decrease due to inflation and economic anxiety. A silver lining, however, was strong used RV sales, indicating continued consumer interest in more affordable alternatives.
McKay Quinn discussed how Dwell Outdoor Hospitality strategically adapted by focusing heavily on long-term RV living, realizing that 85% of their revenue came from extended guests. He viewed this shift as an opportunity to provide affordable housing solutions for consumers impacted by inflation and fixed-income retirees.
Derry Green offered an international perspective, noting similarities between US trends and the UK’s caravan market evolution. He explained that younger generations in the UK prefer shorter, occasion-based trips closer to home, seeking seamless, convenient getaways over the time-consuming preparation often associated with traditional RVing.
Miguel Huerta shared that the Mexican tourism industry had seen demand decreases due to shifts in consumer consumption. He advised operators against relying on organic demand, urging a focus on expense management and proactive, creative demand generation, suggesting reinvention through unique offerings like digital detox trips.
The conversation converged on “unreasonable hospitality,” with Derry detailing how simple gestures like customized greetings and a glass of prosecco at check-in boosted repeat bookings by 72% and led to his glamping business being fully booked through summer 2027. Michael and Scott agreed that such personalized touches are crucial for differentiation and perceived value, avoiding a race to the bottom on pricing.
As the episode concluded, speakers unanimously emphasized authentic marketing and rapid adaptability. Derry stressed that marketing an emotional journey is more effective than just showcasing physical units. Rafael added that operators must continually reinvest in assets and utilize new technologies, like AI, to connect with evolving consumers. Brian wrapped up the session, reinforcing that nimble operators focused on exceptional experiences would ultimately thrive.
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.