Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for June 14, 2025
Ganges Township in Michigan has approved a one-year moratorium on new campground developments to allow time for a review of local zoning rules, though the pause will not affect the proposed Saugatuck Meadows Campground, which remains under township consideration despite resident concerns over traffic, noise and environmental impacts.
Collective Retreats has reopened its luxury glamping site on Governors Island for the 2025 season, offering a blend of city accessibility and nature immersion that may interest outdoor hospitality operators targeting urban markets.
Blue Water Development is redefining outdoor hospitality by transforming ordinary campgrounds into immersive family destinations across some of America’s most scenic locales. Guided by a guest-first philosophy and a meticulous design process, the company blends comfort, local charm, and sustainable practices to craft resorts where parents can relax and children can explore with wonder.
Q Hospitality Management has introduced Caraventure, a new third-party management brand designed to support RV parks, resorts, and glamping destinations across the United States by providing professional operational services aimed at improving efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Five trail and outdoor recreation projects across North Dakota will receive nearly $1 million in funding through the state’s Recreational Trails Program, a grant initiative administered by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department with financial support from the Federal Highway Administration.
Ganges Township in Michigan has approved a one-year moratorium on new campground developments to allow time for a review of local zoning rules, though the pause will not affect the proposed Saugatuck Meadows Campground, which remains under township consideration despite resident concerns over traffic, noise and environmental impacts.
Collective Retreats has reopened its luxury glamping site on Governors Island for the 2025 season, offering a blend of city accessibility and nature immersion that may interest outdoor hospitality operators targeting urban markets.
The RV Dealers Association (RVDA), in partnership with Accelerate2Compliance (A2C), will host a free webinar on June 25 to help RV dealerships strengthen defenses against rising cybersecurity threats and protect sensitive business and customer information.
Construction is underway on a new 26-site tent-only campground along the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes in Smelterville, Idaho, a project designed to expand overnight access for bikepackers and touring cyclists seeking a quiet, trail-side camping option.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District will reopen Tompkins Campground at the Tioga-Hammond and Cowanesque Lakes project in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, on June 30, following a months-long closure caused by a federal hiring freeze that left the site without adequate staff.
National Go RVing Day returns Saturday, June 14, rallying RV businesses and outdoor enthusiasts alike to celebrate the freedom and flexibility of RV travel. Spearheaded by Go RVing, the annual initiative encourages families, first-timers, and seasoned adventurers to hit the road for a weekend getaway.
Blue Water Development is redefining outdoor hospitality by transforming ordinary campgrounds into immersive family destinations across some of America’s most scenic locales. Guided by a guest-first philosophy and a meticulous design process, the company blends comfort, local charm, and sustainable practices to craft resorts where parents can relax and children can explore with wonder.
Q Hospitality Management has introduced Caraventure, a new third-party management brand designed to support RV parks, resorts, and glamping destinations across the United States by providing professional operational services aimed at improving efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Ganges Township in Michigan has approved a one-year moratorium on new campground developments to allow time for a review of local zoning rules, though the pause will not affect the proposed Saugatuck Meadows Campground, which remains under township consideration despite resident concerns over traffic, noise and environmental impacts.
Collective Retreats has reopened its luxury glamping site on Governors Island for the 2025 season, offering a blend of city accessibility and nature immersion that may interest outdoor hospitality operators targeting urban markets.
Ganges Township in Michigan has approved a one-year moratorium on new campground developments to allow time for a review of local zoning rules, though the pause will not affect the proposed Saugatuck Meadows Campground, which remains under township consideration despite resident concerns over traffic, noise and environmental impacts.
Blue Water Development is redefining outdoor hospitality by transforming ordinary campgrounds into immersive family destinations across some of America’s most scenic locales. Guided by a guest-first philosophy and a meticulous design process, the company blends comfort, local charm, and sustainable practices to craft resorts where parents can relax and children can explore with wonder.
Q Hospitality Management has introduced Caraventure, a new third-party management brand designed to support RV parks, resorts, and glamping destinations across the United States by providing professional operational services aimed at improving efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Shady Oaks Camping Resort, a new vintage-inspired campground near Plattsburgh, officially opened this past weekend following more than nine months of development. Positioned as a northern gateway to the Adirondacks, the resort blends natural surroundings with modern amenities to offer a community-focused camping experience.
Americans are rethinking summer travel in 2025, with many turning to road trips, RV camping, and domestic destinations amid economic uncertainty and growing concerns about air travel, according to a new survey from Harvest Hosts.
The Village of Kaslo is once again weighing the future of its riverfront, as council voted 3-1 on May 27 to reopen negotiations with QP Property Developments over a revised plan to build a recreational vehicle park near the south side of the Kaslo River.
Construction is underway on a new 26-site tent-only campground along the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes in Smelterville, Idaho, a project designed to expand overnight access for bikepackers and touring cyclists seeking a quiet, trail-side camping option.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District will reopen Tompkins Campground at the Tioga-Hammond and Cowanesque Lakes project in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, on June 30, following a months-long closure caused by a federal hiring freeze that left the site without adequate staff.
Hernando Point Campground at Arkabutla Lake in Mississippi is set to reopen on June 14 following a multi-year closure caused by storm damage and extensive rehabilitation work, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District announced.
Americans are rethinking summer travel in 2025, with many turning to road trips, RV camping, and domestic destinations amid economic uncertainty and growing concerns about air travel, according to a new survey from Harvest Hosts.
The Nunda Shoal boat ramp and adjacent campground at Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area have officially reopened following extensive upgrades aimed at improving infrastructure, accessibility, and safety, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission announced.
Collective Retreats has reopened its luxury glamping site on Governors Island for the 2025 season, offering a blend of city accessibility and nature immersion that may interest outdoor hospitality operators targeting urban markets.
Blue Water Development is redefining outdoor hospitality by transforming ordinary campgrounds into immersive family destinations across some of America’s most scenic locales. Guided by a guest-first philosophy and a meticulous design process, the company blends comfort, local charm, and sustainable practices to craft resorts where parents can relax and children can explore with wonder.
Q Hospitality Management has introduced Caraventure, a new third-party management brand designed to support RV parks, resorts, and glamping destinations across the United States by providing professional operational services aimed at improving efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Casco Township officials are forming a committee to review local noise ordinances following resident complaints about live music at a nearby glamping resort, highlighting a growing tension between tourism-focused businesses and rural communities.
Polmanter Touring Park in St Ives has been awarded Gold in the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year category at the 2025 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, recognizing decades of commitment to guest satisfaction and quality investment.
Glamping sites, hotels, and farm parks across the Peak District and Derbyshire were recognized for outstanding service and guest experience at the 2025 Tourism Awards, providing key takeaways for professionals in the outdoor hospitality industry.
A glamping site in Skelmersdale that began as a lockdown project has evolved into an award-winning hospitality business, offering insights into innovation, community engagement, and sustainable design for outdoor accommodation operators.
Terramor Outdoor Resort in Bar Harbor, Maine, will host *Ember & Element: A Wellness Retreat* from June 13–16, offering guests a four-day, nature-immersive experience designed to support mental and physical well-being through movement, mindfulness, and outdoor exploration near Acadia National Park.
The RV Dealers Association (RVDA), in partnership with Accelerate2Compliance (A2C), will host a free webinar on June 25 to help RV dealerships strengthen defenses against rising cybersecurity threats and protect sensitive business and customer information.
National Go RVing Day returns Saturday, June 14, rallying RV businesses and outdoor enthusiasts alike to celebrate the freedom and flexibility of RV travel. Spearheaded by Go RVing, the annual initiative encourages families, first-timers, and seasoned adventurers to hit the road for a weekend getaway.
Mike Boyer, director of product management for RV Air Conditioners at GE Appliances, continues to influence the RV industry through a career rooted in Elkhart, Indiana—the heart of RV manufacturing. From his early days working summer jobs at Sportscoach to leading product strategy at GE Appliances, Boyer has built a reputation for innovation, adaptability, and deep industry insight.
Lazydays Holdings has finalized the sale of its Fort Pierce, Florida, dealership and real estate to General RV Center, marking the second of three planned divestitures as the company works to streamline operations and reshape its dealership footprint.
In a move to strengthen ties across the outdoor hospitality and recreational vehicle sectors, the Campground Association for Management Professionals (C.A.M.P.) has deepened its collaboration with RV manufacturers and dealers, with backing from the RV Industry Association (RVIA). This growing partnership took center stage during RVIA’s RVs Move America Week, held the week of June 5 in Washington, D.C., where C.A.M.P. held its spring meeting alongside key legislative advocacy efforts.
From June 6 to 9, Râșnov welcomed digital nomads, overlanding fans, unconventional travelers, and van life enthusiasts of all experience levels for the fourth edition of CamperVan Fest, Romania’s most sustainable outdoor festival.
Spinney, the family-run motorhome and caravan dealership that began as a single-site operation in Cheshire, is celebrating 50 years in business, having grown into a major national network with six outlets across England and Wales.
REV Group reported strong fiscal 2025 second-quarter earnings, with net sales climbing to $629.1 million and adjusted net income surging to $35.4 million. Buoyed by robust demand and throughput in its fire and emergency vehicle division, the Wisconsin-based manufacturer raised its full-year outlook and announced plans to expand production capacity.
More than 100 RV industry leaders met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill June 5 during Advocacy Day to highlight the sector’s \$140 billion economic impact and push for key policy reforms. In 107 meetings, participants urged action on fair tax treatment, tariff clarity, infrastructure investment, and support through the bipartisan RV Caucus.
Top policymakers and political commentators joined RV industry leaders in Washington, D.C., this week for RVs Move America Week, where discussions on tax policy, trade, and shifting political dynamics took center stage during a high-profile gathering hosted by the RV Industry Association.
DM Vans, a Western Slope-based RV manufacturer, will be featured in an upcoming episode of Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid, a nationally broadcast documentary series, highlighting the company’s role in Colorado’s growing adventure van industry and its impact on outdoor recreation and rural economies.
As the UK faces extended periods of dry weather, Compass, a specialist in caravan and leisure insurance, is warning of an increased risk of flash flooding due to hardened ground conditions that limit water absorption when rain returns.
Wholesale RV shipments are projected to remain largely steady in 2025, with the RV Industry Association’s latest RV RoadSigns forecast predicting a modest 1 percent increase over the previous year. Released in partnership with ITR Economics, the Summer 2025 report estimates 337,000 units will be shipped by year’s end—up slightly from 333,700 in 2024—despite an 11% surge through April. The forecast, which anticipates shipments ranging between 320,400 and 353,500 units, reflects cautious optimism amid persistent economic headwinds, including tariff concerns, high borrowing costs, and tightening consumer spending.
Camping World Holdings reported a mid-teens percentage increase in combined same-store new and used RV unit sales during its annual Camp 5 event, held May 22-26, signaling a robust kickoff to the summer selling season and reinforcing strong consumer interest in RV travel and outdoor recreation.
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.
Red Oak Inventory Finance, known for providing innovative and efficient financing solutions for all types of RVs, both new and used, has announced its bronze partnership for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo. Scheduled to take place from November 11-15 at Paris Las Vegas, the event is sponsored by the RVDA of the U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center.
RVDA has announced that Portfolio, a provider of service contracts, has returned as a bronze partner for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, set to take place Nov. 11-15 at Paris Las Vegas. Sponsored by RVDA of U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center, the event will offer dealership professionals the opportunity to network, gain valuable industry insights, and enhance dealership operations.
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.