Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for August 7, 2025
Starting September 1, 2025, only officially classified accommodations—including campsites and glamping sites—will be eligible for listings on Russian booking platforms, marking a significant shift toward regulation and service standardization in the country’s tourism sector.
The Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association will host its 62nd Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Kalahari Resort in Pocono Manor on December 9 and 10, bringing together campground and RV park owners from across Pennsylvania and neighboring states for two days of networking, product sourcing, and business development.
Starting September 1, 2025, only officially classified accommodations—including campsites and glamping sites—will be eligible for listings on Russian booking platforms, marking a significant shift toward regulation and service standardization in the country’s tourism sector.
Aliner has launched the Switchback, a lightweight camper pod built for outdoor adventurers seeking a minimalist setup. Designed to fit most standard and mid-sized pickup trucks, the 375-pound unit emphasizes mobility, insulation, and quick setup, offering a compact, garageable solution for on-the-go camping.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) hosted its annual Regulatory & Safety Compliance Seminar on July 30 in Elkhart, Indiana, bringing together nearly 100 professionals from over 19 manufacturers and 19 supplier companies to address emerging compliance challenges, share data-driven safety strategies, and strengthen recall management practices across the RV sector.
The Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association will host its 62nd Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Kalahari Resort in Pocono Manor on December 9 and 10, bringing together campground and RV park owners from across Pennsylvania and neighboring states for two days of networking, product sourcing, and business development.
The New Jersey Campground Owners Association (NJCOA) is spotlighting the state’s wide-ranging outdoor offerings, urging travelers to explore New Jersey’s independently owned campgrounds—from sandy shorelines to forested mountain trails.
Representatives from the RV Industry Association met with officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on July 25 to address industry concerns over the federal PFAS reporting rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Starting September 1, 2025, only officially classified accommodations—including campsites and glamping sites—will be eligible for listings on Russian booking platforms, marking a significant shift toward regulation and service standardization in the country’s tourism sector.
The Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association will host its 62nd Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Kalahari Resort in Pocono Manor on December 9 and 10, bringing together campground and RV park owners from across Pennsylvania and neighboring states for two days of networking, product sourcing, and business development.
The New Jersey Campground Owners Association (NJCOA) is spotlighting the state’s wide-ranging outdoor offerings, urging travelers to explore New Jersey’s independently owned campgrounds—from sandy shorelines to forested mountain trails.
The U.S. Forest Service plans to convert 48 designated dispersed campsites along Homestake Road in Eagle County, Colorado, into a fee-based, managed campground beginning in summer 2026. The proposed change aims to protect sensitive wetland habitats and improve the visitor experience in the high-use area southeast of Minturn.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will introduce new parking fees at 21 state parks in October and raise the cost of camping, yurt, and cabin rentals beginning May 1, 2026, in an effort to address a projected $14 million budget shortfall by 2027 and avoid potential park closures.
Brook Meadow is broadening its summer 2025 lineup with a new woodland sauna experience, a charity music festival, and a variety of wellness and family activities designed to attract both overnight guests and day visitors.
The Bureau of Land Management’s Richfield Field Office is requesting public input on a proposal to develop the Beas Lewis Flat Campground east of Torrey, Utah, a project that would create up to 45 campsites near Capitol Reef National Park and restrict dispersed camping in the surrounding area to address growing visitor impacts and protect natural resources.
Starting September 1, 2025, only officially classified accommodations—including campsites and glamping sites—will be eligible for listings on Russian booking platforms, marking a significant shift toward regulation and service standardization in the country’s tourism sector.
Crawford’s Double O Farm in Thomson, Georgia, demonstrates how a small-scale livestock operation can evolve into a successful glamping destination by blending animal experiences, family branding, and visually distinctive accommodations.
A proposed three-year glamping project in Haliburton village was unanimously rejected by local council over zoning conflicts and neighborhood concerns, highlighting regulatory and infrastructure hurdles for outdoor hospitality businesses in urban settings.
Blue Water Development is redefining the American camping experience as demand for outdoor travel continues to rise, expanding its glamping portfolio to 67 properties across 24 states. The company’s offerings reflect a national trend toward nature-based getaways that combine scenic access with high-end amenities, catering to travelers seeking both adventure and comfort.
Glamping in the Leningrad Region continues to grow as a viable alternative to traditional accommodations, though legal ambiguity, seasonal occupancy, and rising competition require operators to plan strategically and adapt quickly.
Brook Meadow is broadening its summer 2025 lineup with a new woodland sauna experience, a charity music festival, and a variety of wellness and family activities designed to attract both overnight guests and day visitors.
A new analysis from Horwath HTL Spain highlights the growing maturity of Europe’s outdoor hospitality market, driven by a blend of increased consumer demand, constrained supply, and rising institutional investment.
Dancing Fire Glamping & RV Resort celebrated its official grand opening with a community showcase in Michigan’s Blue Water Area, inviting guests to tour its newly redeveloped property and explore a variety of themed accommodations and outdoor amenities.
A proposed luxury glamping resort south of Cadillac is advancing as developers Shelby and Ben Hastings seek approval for a Planned Unit Development overlay on a 70-acre site near Evergreen Golf Course, aiming to begin construction on The Haven of Cadillac in spring 2026.
Aliner has launched the Switchback, a lightweight camper pod built for outdoor adventurers seeking a minimalist setup. Designed to fit most standard and mid-sized pickup trucks, the 375-pound unit emphasizes mobility, insulation, and quick setup, offering a compact, garageable solution for on-the-go camping.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) hosted its annual Regulatory & Safety Compliance Seminar on July 30 in Elkhart, Indiana, bringing together nearly 100 professionals from over 19 manufacturers and 19 supplier companies to address emerging compliance challenges, share data-driven safety strategies, and strengthen recall management practices across the RV sector.
Representatives from the RV Industry Association met with officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on July 25 to address industry concerns over the federal PFAS reporting rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Go RVing has launched RV-2-50, a national road trip campaign running through July 4, 2026, to mark America’s 250th anniversary with monthly itineraries that guide travelers to historic sites, cultural landmarks, and RV-friendly destinations across the country.
Don Reed, CEO and founder of DealerPRO RV Training, will present a workshop on technician hiring and retention at the 2025 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, taking place Nov. 10-14 at Paris Las Vegas, to help dealership leaders address the ongoing shortage of qualified RV service technicians with actionable workforce strategies.
Overland Expo Mountain West is set to return to Loveland, Colorado, from August 22 to 24, offering three days of hands-on training, industry exhibitions, and community networking for overlanding professionals and outdoor travel enthusiasts.
Chuck Boyd, who served as Dealer Services Manager for the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) for more than 30 years, has died, the association confirmed. Boyd was a key figure in advancing dealer support and engagement, overseeing membership initiatives, managing the Go RVing Dealer Tie-In Program, and representing RVDA at major industry events nationwide.
Performance Brokerage Services, North America’s leading dealership brokerage firm, has announced the successful sale of Edmundson RV in Edinburgh, Indiana to Fun Town RV, one of the nation’s top RV dealership groups.
The Headrest Safe Company has entered into a partnership with Grand Design RV Company to equip all Lineage Class C motorhomes with its patented in-vehicle safe storage system, marking a strategic effort to enhance security features for RV travelers.
AEONrv is launching a coast-to-coast road tour this August to showcase its 2025 model, a high-tech, all-season recreational vehicle designed for off-road and off-grid travel, with scheduled stops in Colorado, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Airxcel has announced the retirement of Chief Financial Officer Debi Jones, effective July 31, concluding a decades-long tenure that played a key role in the company’s growth into a global supplier in the recreational vehicle sector.
Federal Parliament has reconvened in Canberra, marking the first parliamentary sitting period since the May election, and the Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) is actively engaging lawmakers to advance the interests of the caravanning and outdoor hospitality industry.
Integrated Dealer Systems (IDS) has opened its annual survey to collect input from RV dealers across North America in preparation for its 2026 RV Dealership Industry Trends Report, expected this fall. The company aims to gather insights on the operational challenges, innovations, and successes shaping the industry, with the goal of producing data-driven benchmarks to support dealer growth and performance.
Thor Motor Coach has unveiled its 2026 Class C motorhome lineup, introducing upgraded safety features, expanded solar capabilities, and refreshed interior and exterior designs across popular models including Four Winds, Chateau, Quantum, Echelon, Tiburon, and Delano.
Go RVing has introduced a new set of promotional posters as part of its continued effort to support RV dealers, state associations, and RV show organizers in amplifying the industry’s national marketing campaign at the local level.
The RV Technical Institute has opened registration for its next Level 3 Electronics Workshop, scheduled for September 3–4 at its Elkhart, Indiana, headquarters, offering 16 hours of advanced training as part of the institute’s ongoing effort to certify RV technicians in specialized areas.
As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association (CRVA) brought its “RV The North Giveaway Tour” through British Columbia in July 2025, combining a showcase of the RV lifestyle with a charitable effort to support Care Camps Canada, which helps children affected by cancer attend specialized oncology camps.
Blacksford, a premium RV rental company operating in key U.S. markets, has launched a travel advisor program designed to expand its luxury RV vacation offerings through professional partnerships. Announced alongside a 100% year-over-year sales increase, the initiative provides travel advisors with commission-based earnings, training support, and curated booking tools as part of the company’s broader strategy to connect more travelers with national park experiences.
Go RVing highlighted the RV lifestyle at the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe, using the high-profile celebrity golf event as a platform to engage attendees as part of its 2025 Experiential Events strategy. The initiative gave spectators and celebrity participants—including Travis and Jason Kelce, Steph Curry, Miles Teller, and Charles Barkley—an opportunity to explore RVs firsthand and consider RV travel as part of their future getaways.
Campspot, a reservation software provider for campgrounds, has announced a new integration with Iterable, an AI-powered cross-channel marketing platform. This collaboration enables multi-park operators and marketing teams to sync guest and reservation data directly into Iterable’s advanced system.
RoverPass’s new “Escape the Chaos” campaign brings the stress of running a campground to life through humor, animation, and a not-so-cuddly Chaos Monster—showing owners they’re not alone and that smarter, AI-powered solutions are on the way.
My Financing USA, a national RV and boat financing provider, has announced a plan to give away $1 billion worth of prequalified leads to dealerships through its newly launched website, MyFy Marketplace. The platform is designed to connect dealers with thousands of credit-qualified buyers at no cost for listings, offering a timely solution as retailers face rising advertising expenses across the recreational vehicle and marine industries.
Campspot, an online booking platform for campgrounds and RV parks, has announced the 2025 Campground Revolutionaries, recognizing seven professionals across the United States and Canada for their leadership, innovation, and dedication to enhancing the outdoor hospitality industry.
Jellystone Park’s annual bear-waking event, which invites guests to help rouse Yogi Bear, Boo Boo, and Cindy Bear from hibernation, highlights how themed experiences can enhance engagement and drive early-season campground bookings.
The Half a Mind Podcast has released a compelling new episode featuring an exclusive interview with Carl Borkholder, founder of Gen-Y Hitch, who shares his inspiring journey from leaving school after the 8th grade to transforming the towing industry with his innovative hitch designs.
Larry Troutt III of Topper’s Camping Center in Waller, Texas, has been appointed chairman of the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) for 2025, taking on the leadership role during the association’s annual meeting on Nov. 13 at Paris Las Vegas.
Research indicates that RV dealerships prioritizing a robust culture of safety experience tangible benefits, including reduced absenteeism, fewer injuries, minimized safety violations, and lower turnover rates. At the upcoming RV Dealers Convention/Expo, attendees can explore these advantages during the workshop “Creating a Safety Culture – Your New Competitive Advantage,” scheduled for 3:15 p.m. on November 14 as part of the fixed operations education track.
In a competitive RV market, leveraging data insights is crucial for dealers aiming to capture market share and generate leads effectively. The upcoming workshop, “Insights 360: Leveraging Consumer Data for Market Success,” scheduled for November 14 at 12:45 p.m. during the RVDA Convention, will guide dealers on how to utilize market trends and consumer behavior data to optimize their marketing efforts.
The upcoming RV Dealers Convention will feature a workshop dedicated to leveraging showroom technology. Scheduled for November 14, the session will provide valuable insights on how dealers can integrate sales and finance processes, and identify legal boundaries for customer information protection.
Caledon State Park is set to host its annual Art and Wine Festival on Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a weekend filled with family-friendly activities, live music, and local flavor. Attendees can enjoy tastings from regional wineries, sample dishes from food trucks and vendors, and explore art displays from talented local artists.
GE Appliances, a supplier of refrigerators, air conditioners, stoves, washers, and dryers tailored for the RV industry, is set to return as a bronze partner for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, scheduled for November 11-15 at Paris Las Vegas.
Campground owners across the U.S. can now join OHI or their state association independently, following a major shift to a direct membership model. While the move sparked mixed reactions, both OHI and state leaders agree on one goal: supporting park owners through tailored benefits, advocacy, and collaboration.
June is Parks and Recreation Month, celebrating the numerous benefits of parks and outdoor recreation spaces. This initiative encourages communities to engage in diverse outdoor activities, promoting physical, mental, and community health while supporting economic growth and environmental sustainability.
USA Camping Company is elevating traditional campgrounds into resort-level destinations by acquiring and upgrading properties with enhanced amenities and community integration. Their growth strategy focuses on providing high-quality guest experiences, prime outdoor locations, and sustainable practices.
Luxe Glamp, an eco-friendly luxury dome glamping project, has begun construction in the Umm Al Quwain Mangrove Reserve, UAE, promising a sustainable and immersive stay experience. The project, attended by Sheikh Majid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, aims to blend luxury with environmental conservation, highlighting the UAE’s diverse tourism offerings.
National Powersports Auctions (NPA) has expanded its RV and Marine team by appointing Shannon Bennett as the RV+Marine sales and admin coordinator and promoting Tom Wilkinson to production supervisor for RV+Marine and Specialty Product. This strategic move aims to enhance service efficiency and support the growing demand in the RV and Marine industries.
Temporary road closures and changed parking conditions are set for the 2024 Let’s Go Queensland Caravan and Camping Supershow from May 30 to June 11. The event will feature the latest models of caravans, motorhomes, and camping equipment, hosted by over 200 exhibitors.
A recent Winnebago Industries survey reveals that more Americans are turning to outdoor activities for health benefits, with 71% acknowledging their positive impact on physical and mental well-being. The survey highlights a growing trend in outdoor participation, which supports increased demand in the RV industry.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro launches the “Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway” tourism initiative with a weeklong RV tour to promote the state’s attractions and boost its tourism industry. The campaign aims to draw millions of visitors, benefiting local businesses and the outdoor recreation sector.
Campsite reservations in BC Parks’ Okanagan region have decreased this year, with 1,400 reservations for the May long weekend compared to 1,600 last year. Despite this, most parks are fully booked, and several trails remain closed due to wildfire impacts and seasonal conditions.
The 12th annual RV Industry Power Breakfast at the RV/MH Hall of Fame witnessed its highest turnout ever, with industry leaders discussing the robust interest and emerging trends in the RV sector. Key talks highlighted increased outdoor activities spurred by the pandemic and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in enhancing customer experiences.
As the 2024 camping season begins, demand for local campsites in southern Ontario shows significant growth, with facilities like Whistle Bare Campground nearly fully booked. Campground operators are advised to optimize services and facilities in response to the increasing popularity of outdoor activities.