Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for March 31, 2026
The Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) announced a legislative win for private campgrounds after Governor Tony Evers signed Wisconsin Act 117 into law, clarifying that personal property owned by seasonal campers in licensed campgrounds is exempt from real property tax.
Glamping developers and operators can learn how intentional wastewater system design can enhance guest experience, protect the environment, and improve operational efficiency in the AGA Lunch&Learn webinar on Wednesday, April 1.
Influence Outdoor Hospitality (IOH) and the Outdoor Hospitality Industry (OHI) have launched a revenue-focused digital marketing platform designed specifically for campground and RV park operators, connecting marketing campaigns directly to bookings and measurable revenue while offering OHI members a 10% discount on managed services.
The RV Industry Association joined leaders from across the outdoor recreation sector in Washington, D.C., for a two-day legislative fly-in, urging federal investment in public lands and infrastructure that support the $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy.
Lightspeed has joined the 2026 Compete for Kids campaign as a Gold Sponsor, supporting a national fundraising effort by Care Camps Foundation and the RV Dealers Association to expand access to medically supervised outdoor camps for children with cancer.
The Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners has identified at least 30 campgrounds across the state with seasonal campsite availability, offering limited opportunities for long-term stays in a market where sites are often retained year after year by returning campers.
The Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) announced a legislative win for private campgrounds after Governor Tony Evers signed Wisconsin Act 117 into law, clarifying that personal property owned by seasonal campers in licensed campgrounds is exempt from real property tax.
Influence Outdoor Hospitality (IOH) and the Outdoor Hospitality Industry (OHI) have launched a revenue-focused digital marketing platform designed specifically for campground and RV park operators, connecting marketing campaigns directly to bookings and measurable revenue while offering OHI members a 10% discount on managed services.
Glamping developers and operators can learn how intentional wastewater system design can enhance guest experience, protect the environment, and improve operational efficiency in the AGA Lunch&Learn webinar on Wednesday, April 1.
Central Wyoming College and the National Outdoor Leadership School have formalized a new partnership aimed at expanding college credit opportunities for students in outdoor leadership and wilderness education programs, creating a streamlined pathway that connects experiential learning with academic degree advancement.
Nantcol Waterfalls in Wales has opened bookings for its April 1 to October 31, 2026 season, offering a mix of traditional camping and glamping accommodations alongside pricing and operational strategies relevant to outdoor hospitality businesses.
KI has entered the outdoor furniture market with the launch of its Outspan Outdoor Collection, offering seating and tables designed for durability and flexibility in campuses, workplaces, hospitality settings, and other exterior environments.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has finalized a master plan for Machicomoco State Park in Gloucester County, outlining phased improvements over the next 30 years, including new visitor facilities, natural resource management, and expanded recreational opportunities.
Lightspeed has joined the 2026 Compete for Kids campaign as a Gold Sponsor, supporting a national fundraising effort by Care Camps Foundation and the RV Dealers Association to expand access to medically supervised outdoor camps for children with cancer.
The Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners has identified at least 30 campgrounds across the state with seasonal campsite availability, offering limited opportunities for long-term stays in a market where sites are often retained year after year by returning campers.
The Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) announced a legislative win for private campgrounds after Governor Tony Evers signed Wisconsin Act 117 into law, clarifying that personal property owned by seasonal campers in licensed campgrounds is exempt from real property tax.
Lightspeed has joined the 2026 Compete for Kids campaign as a Gold Sponsor, supporting a national fundraising effort by Care Camps Foundation and the RV Dealers Association to expand access to medically supervised outdoor camps for children with cancer.
The Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners has identified at least 30 campgrounds across the state with seasonal campsite availability, offering limited opportunities for long-term stays in a market where sites are often retained year after year by returning campers.
The Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) announced a legislative win for private campgrounds after Governor Tony Evers signed Wisconsin Act 117 into law, clarifying that personal property owned by seasonal campers in licensed campgrounds is exempt from real property tax.
Central Wyoming College and the National Outdoor Leadership School have formalized a new partnership aimed at expanding college credit opportunities for students in outdoor leadership and wilderness education programs, creating a streamlined pathway that connects experiential learning with academic degree advancement.
The Virginia Natural Heritage Program will mark its 40th anniversary in 2026 with a series of expert-led hikes and events across the state, offering visitors opportunities this spring to restore river cane, view rare wildflowers and see Virginia’s earliest blooming orchid.
The Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners has identified at least 30 campgrounds across the state with seasonal campsite availability, offering limited opportunities for long-term stays in a market where sites are often retained year after year by returning campers.
Glamping developers and operators can learn how intentional wastewater system design can enhance guest experience, protect the environment, and improve operational efficiency in the AGA Lunch&Learn webinar on Wednesday, April 1.
Campground and RV park operators are facing a widening gap between guest expectations and operational capabilities as digital adoption lags, with RMS CEO Adam Seskis warning that limited “digital maturity” is preventing many businesses from delivering the mobile-first, integrated experiences modern campers now expect.
Unlock Europe’s luxury camping secrets! Ward Wijngaert of Yelloh! Village reveals how “open-air hotels” are redefining high-end experiences for North American operators. Don’t miss this MC Fireside Chats episode to elevate your park’s offerings.
The European Trade Fair for Tourism Trends (SETT) will mark a historic milestone at its 47th edition, November 3-5 at the Montpellier Exhibition Centre, with the launch of the “Sett Hospitality” brand and a dedicated hall for cafés, hotels, and restaurants.
RMS has integrated its hospitality management platform with GuestRevu, enabling operators to automate guest feedback collection and access real-time, AI-driven insights across the guest journey as demand grows for faster, more actionable responses to customer sentiment.
With Foxborough and Plainville banning short-term rentals ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Gillette Stadium, campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping resorts in the greater Boston region have a unique opportunity to capture overflow demand from international visitors amid an 80 percent surge in booking interest.
Four out of five campers ages 65 and older either increased their camping activity in retirement or plan to do so, signaling sustained demand from an aging demographic, according to the 2026 Camping Report presented by Toyota Trucks and released by The Dyrt.
Terramor Outdoor Resort will host the second edition of its Ember & Element: A Wellness Retreat from May 29 to June 1, in Bar Harbor, Maine, building on a debut year that earned a Bronze Adrian Award from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International.
The RV Industry Association joined leaders from across the outdoor recreation sector in Washington, D.C., for a two-day legislative fly-in, urging federal investment in public lands and infrastructure that support the $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy.
The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) and Accelerate2Compliance will host a 30-minute webinar on April 9 to show RV dealerships how data privacy compliance can be leveraged to improve business performance, marketing effectiveness, and customer trust.
TechnoRV has launched a second-quarter fundraising campaign that will direct a portion of customer purchase proceeds from April 1 through June 30 to Folds of Honor, supporting educational scholarships for the families of fallen and disabled service members across the United States.
The RV Rental Association (RVRA) has launched a nationwide survey of RV rental businesses to assess current market conditions, including fleet size, vehicle mix, and consumer preferences, with responses due by April 20.
Patrick Industries has launched The Experience, a digital design studio in Elkhart, Indiana, that allows customers in the RV, Marine, Powersports, and Housing markets to visualize products at full scale in real time.
Airxcel has named Andrew Thomas as OEM Account Manager for its Coleman-Mach and Maxxair brands, aiming to strengthen collaboration with original equipment manufacturers and accelerate customer-driven product development in the RV industry.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) Standards Department conducted a two-day training session at Forest River last month, focusing on regulatory compliance and safety standards as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen consistency and safety across recreational vehicle manufacturing operations.
Winnebago Industries reported its financial results for the second quarter of Fiscal 2026, posting net revenues of $657.4 million, a 6.0 percent increase from the $620.2 million reported in the same period last year.
Compass has launched a year-long competition and campaign to celebrate its 50th anniversary, inviting the caravan community to share memories while highlighting opportunities for engagement across the outdoor hospitality sector.
A former marketing vice president credited the RV Technical Institute’s Level 2 program with enabling a mid-career shift into technical work, highlighting hands-on training and personalized instruction as key to his success.
The MARVAC 34th Northwest Michigan RV & Camping Show will run March 27-29 at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center in Traverse City, featuring more than 40 recreational vehicles from Krenek RV, Petoskey RV, and RV Central, with on-site financing, manufacturer rebates, and show-exclusive discounts for attendees.
The Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) announced a legislative win for private campgrounds after Governor Tony Evers signed Wisconsin Act 117 into law, clarifying that personal property owned by seasonal campers in licensed campgrounds is exempt from real property tax.
The European Trade Fair for Tourism Trends (SETT) will mark a historic milestone at its 47th edition, November 3-5 at the Montpellier Exhibition Centre, with the launch of the “Sett Hospitality” brand and a dedicated hall for cafés, hotels, and restaurants.
The Virginia Natural Heritage Program will mark its 40th anniversary in 2026 with a series of expert-led hikes and events across the state, offering visitors opportunities this spring to restore river cane, view rare wildflowers and see Virginia’s earliest blooming orchid.
Governor Abigail Spanberger launched the centennial anniversary of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), celebrating a century of protecting the commonwealth’s natural landscapes and public lands.
Signature Park has reaffirmed its commitment to the Canadian outdoor hospitality industry by renewing its strategic sponsorships with the British Columbia Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) and the Canadian Camping and Recreational Vehicle Council (CCRVA).
CampLife will host a free webinar on Remote Meter Reading for campgrounds on February 5 at 11 a.m. EST, featuring Wild Energy and Kim Mulkey, property manager at University Station RV Resort, who will share her experience using the technology.
State parks across Virginia will mark New Year’s Day 2026 with statewide First Day Hikes, offering visitors free parking and a range of guided and self-guided outdoor activities. The annual initiative, led by America’s State Parks, invites hikers of all skill levels to explore Virginia State Parks on Jan. 1 while kicking off the year with outdoor recreation.
Staunton River Battlefield State Park is lighting up the holiday season with the return of its annual Lighting of the Bridge event, featuring new decorations, festive activities, and family-friendly fun from Dec. 12–14.
Bear Creek Lake State Park is set to sparkle once again as the annual Lights at the Lake returns for its 11th year, offering families a festive drive-through display of holiday lights, community exhibits, and seasonal activities on December 5-7 and 12-14.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has acquired the 455-acre Lake Caledon property, expanding Caledon State Park by 20% through a partnership of local, state, and federal organizations dedicated to conservation and recreation.
Airxcel introduced new exterior components from its Velarium and Cleer Vision Doors brands during the 12th annual New Product Showcase, showcasing innovations designed to enhance safety, functionality, and style in recreational vehicles.
At the upcoming RV Dealers Convention/Expo in Las Vegas, a panel of industry experts will lead a workshop on November 11 to demonstrate how artificial intelligence (AI) is being applied by RV dealers to improve sales, service, and customer engagement.
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.