The Virginia Campground Association (VCA) has highlighted campground industry awards, proposed public aquatic facility regulations, and fall tourism opportunities in a member update, outlining developments relevant to campground owners and operators across the state.
At the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association’s 2026 Ordinary Awards, held September 15 in Richmond, Small Country Campground in Louisa was named Campground of the Year. Thomas Knighton of Small Country Campground received the Charlie Buser Award for Attraction Employee of the Year.
Kings Dominion KOA and Montfair Resort Farm were also recognized as finalists in the Campground of the Year category. The awards acknowledge businesses and employees in Virginia’s tourism and hospitality sector.
The member update also addressed the Virginia Department of Health’s ongoing work to develop new Public Aquatic Facility Regulations, proposed as 12VAC5-461. The proposed rules would replace the existing regulatory framework, and the VCA said it has participated in the stakeholder workgroup, including a meeting held September 24.
The association’s priorities include practical requirements proportionate to the size and nature of campground aquatic facilities, consistent standards for operators and inspectors, reasonable implementation timelines, and manageable compliance costs. It also wants the regulations to recognize differences between campground amenities and larger commercial aquatic facilities.
The VCA emphasized that the proposed regulations have not been finalized. The association said it will continue reviewing proposed language, monitoring the process, and advocating for requirements that reflect campground operating conditions.
For campground businesses with pools or other aquatic amenities, the regulatory process could affect future compliance planning and operating costs. Operators may benefit from following proposed changes, reviewing current facility procedures, and identifying areas where new standards could require equipment upgrades, staff training, or changes to inspections. The final requirements and implementation timeline will determine the specific actions businesses need to take.
The update also pointed to opportunities to attract visitors during Virginia’s fall travel season. It cited AAA’s 2026 travel outlook, which found that 45% of surveyed Americans planned a road trip, and highlighted Virginia Tourism Corporation’s “Find Your Fall in Virginia” initiative. The campaign features foliage reports, scenic drives, outdoor attractions, and seasonal experiences across the state.
The association encouraged campground operators to promote weekend stays, target midweek visitors where practical, highlight nearby attractions, and work with local restaurants and businesses. It also advised members to keep online information current, including seasonal availability, amenities, operating dates, and photographs.
Virginia’s varied geography means foliage conditions change across different regions over several weeks, potentially extending the period during which campgrounds can market fall-themed trips.
For operators, the combination of regulatory developments and seasonal marketing opportunities highlights two parallel priorities: preparing for possible changes to facility requirements while making use of demand outside the traditional summer peak. The VCA directed members to Virginia Tourism’s website for seasonal marketing inspiration and updated foliage information.
