Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for October 23, 2025
The Nashville East/Lebanon KOA Journey is celebrating 20 years of family-run hospitality, with the Kaly family continuing to expand and modernize the campground while preparing the next generation to carry on their legacy.
Qatar’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has launched a series of field inspections across winter camping sites to promote safe, sustainable, and environmentally responsible outdoor recreation in line with the nation’s Vision 2030.
Florida’s RV resort industry is gearing up for the winter season with a wave of new openings, expansions, and renovations aimed at accommodating incoming snowbirds. According to the Florida RV Park and Campground Association, parks across Florida and Alabama are enhancing amenities and adding sites, reflecting steady investment in outdoor hospitality despite a slower pace of new construction.
SETT 2025 will bring together thousands of European tourism professionals in Montpellier this November to explore innovations in outdoor hospitality, artificial intelligence, and sustainable tourism solutions for the 2026 season.
Verendus has launched a new mobile app designed to streamline workshop operations for caravan and motorhome dealers, marking a step forward in digitalizing aftersales and service management across the leisure vehicle industry.
RoverPass has unveiled an enhanced Partner Directory aimed at helping campground, RV park, and glamping operators connect with verified industry partners offering marketing, financing, consulting, and structural support services.
Insider Perks Founder and AI innovator Brian Searl is launching CampVantage Live—a free, collaborative weekly learning series empowering campground, RV park, and glamping resort professionals to navigate artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging technology together.
Amigos Holiday Park in County Clare has lodged a planning application to expand its facilities with nearly 50 new mobile home spaces and upgraded infrastructure, with Clare County Council expected to make a decision by December 8.
Wunderland Resort, a newly opened 35-acre retreat along Curtis Creek Road near downtown Old Fort, North Carolina, blends luxury glamping with nature-inspired wellness experiences. Created by owner Shawn Verbrugghe, the sustainable resort invites guests to reconnect with nature through artistic design, immersive amenities, and outdoor activities that promote mindfulness, adventure, and well-being.
Chris Balderrama, co-founder and president of iClaims Services and director of fixed operations and warranty administration for RVsurance, will lead a session titled “Broken Promises: The RV Warranty Crisis” at the 2025 RV Dealers Convention/Expo in Las Vegas, focusing on how the industry can improve warranty service, strengthen trust between dealers, manufacturers, and customers, and better align with evolving consumer expectations.
Airxcel showcased a new lineup of windows and window shade solutions from its brands—MCD Innovations, Cleer Vision Windows, and United Shade—at its 2025 New Product Showcase held in Elkhart, Indiana, highlighting advancements in light control, privacy, and design for modern RV interiors.
The RV Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada has named four finalists for the 36th Annual Walt Paseska Memorial Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award, recognizing dealers who demonstrate exceptional leadership, customer service, and community engagement across the country.
The Nashville East/Lebanon KOA Journey is celebrating 20 years of family-run hospitality, with the Kaly family continuing to expand and modernize the campground while preparing the next generation to carry on their legacy.
Qatar’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has launched a series of field inspections across winter camping sites to promote safe, sustainable, and environmentally responsible outdoor recreation in line with the nation’s Vision 2030.
Florida’s RV resort industry is gearing up for the winter season with a wave of new openings, expansions, and renovations aimed at accommodating incoming snowbirds. According to the Florida RV Park and Campground Association, parks across Florida and Alabama are enhancing amenities and adding sites, reflecting steady investment in outdoor hospitality despite a slower pace of new construction.
SETT 2025 will bring together thousands of European tourism professionals in Montpellier this November to explore innovations in outdoor hospitality, artificial intelligence, and sustainable tourism solutions for the 2026 season.
Verendus has launched a new mobile app designed to streamline workshop operations for caravan and motorhome dealers, marking a step forward in digitalizing aftersales and service management across the leisure vehicle industry.
RoverPass has unveiled an enhanced Partner Directory aimed at helping campground, RV park, and glamping operators connect with verified industry partners offering marketing, financing, consulting, and structural support services.
OHI has named the finalists for the 2025 Awards of Excellence Supplier Innovators of the Year, honoring companies that exemplify innovation and contribute to the advancement of the outdoor hospitality industry. Winners will be revealed during the Awards of Excellence Luncheon at the 2025 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE 2025), taking place November 10-12 in Louisville, Kentucky.
OHI has named finalists for the 2025 Awards of Excellence Park Innovators of the Year, recognizing campgrounds, RV parks, and resorts nationwide that exemplify innovation and leadership in outdoor hospitality. Winners will be announced during the Awards of Excellence Luncheon at OHCE2025 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Insider Perks Founder and AI innovator Brian Searl is launching CampVantage Live—a free, collaborative weekly learning series empowering campground, RV park, and glamping resort professionals to navigate artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging technology together.
Amigos Holiday Park in County Clare has lodged a planning application to expand its facilities with nearly 50 new mobile home spaces and upgraded infrastructure, with Clare County Council expected to make a decision by December 8.
Wunderland Resort, a newly opened 35-acre retreat along Curtis Creek Road near downtown Old Fort, North Carolina, blends luxury glamping with nature-inspired wellness experiences. Created by owner Shawn Verbrugghe, the sustainable resort invites guests to reconnect with nature through artistic design, immersive amenities, and outdoor activities that promote mindfulness, adventure, and well-being.
Insider Perks Founder and AI innovator Brian Searl is launching CampVantage Live—a free, collaborative weekly learning series empowering campground, RV park, and glamping resort professionals to navigate artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging technology together.
Amigos Holiday Park in County Clare has lodged a planning application to expand its facilities with nearly 50 new mobile home spaces and upgraded infrastructure, with Clare County Council expected to make a decision by December 8.
Wunderland Resort, a newly opened 35-acre retreat along Curtis Creek Road near downtown Old Fort, North Carolina, blends luxury glamping with nature-inspired wellness experiences. Created by owner Shawn Verbrugghe, the sustainable resort invites guests to reconnect with nature through artistic design, immersive amenities, and outdoor activities that promote mindfulness, adventure, and well-being.
Florida’s RV resort industry is gearing up for the winter season with a wave of new openings, expansions, and renovations aimed at accommodating incoming snowbirds. According to the Florida RV Park and Campground Association, parks across Florida and Alabama are enhancing amenities and adding sites, reflecting steady investment in outdoor hospitality despite a slower pace of new construction.
RoverPass has unveiled an enhanced Partner Directory aimed at helping campground, RV park, and glamping operators connect with verified industry partners offering marketing, financing, consulting, and structural support services.
OHI has named the finalists for the 2025 Awards of Excellence Supplier Innovators of the Year, honoring companies that exemplify innovation and contribute to the advancement of the outdoor hospitality industry. Winners will be revealed during the Awards of Excellence Luncheon at the 2025 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE 2025), taking place November 10-12 in Louisville, Kentucky.
OHI has named finalists for the 2025 Awards of Excellence Park Innovators of the Year, recognizing campgrounds, RV parks, and resorts nationwide that exemplify innovation and leadership in outdoor hospitality. Winners will be announced during the Awards of Excellence Luncheon at OHCE2025 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Sparrow Lake Camp, a historic property on the Canadian Shield, continues to evolve as a modern outdoor destination—earning recognition from Hipcamp in 2024 while offering lessons in sustainable diversification for operators across the outdoor hospitality sector.
The British Columbia government will begin construction on 32 new campsites at a provincial park in Mission as part of a CA$4-million project to expand outdoor recreation opportunities and improve accessibility across the province.
Insider Perks Founder and AI innovator Brian Searl is launching CampVantage Live—a free, collaborative weekly learning series empowering campground, RV park, and glamping resort professionals to navigate artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging technology together.
Wunderland Resort, a newly opened 35-acre retreat along Curtis Creek Road near downtown Old Fort, North Carolina, blends luxury glamping with nature-inspired wellness experiences. Created by owner Shawn Verbrugghe, the sustainable resort invites guests to reconnect with nature through artistic design, immersive amenities, and outdoor activities that promote mindfulness, adventure, and well-being.
Port Erin Commissioners are seeking court approval to reclaim the unfinished Reayrt Vradda glamping site after its operating company entered voluntary liquidation, highlighting the financial and regulatory hurdles facing new outdoor hospitality developments.
Longford County Council has granted conditional approval for a glamping development in Enybegs, including six self-catering cabins and a visitor centre, marking a step forward for rural tourism expansion in the region.
Set within 250 acres of woodland between Exmoor and Dartmoor, The Fishing Lodge blends sustainable design with modern comfort, reflecting the outdoor hospitality industry’s shift toward eco-conscious, pet-friendly accommodations.
Booking.com’s 10th annual Travel Predictions report projects that by 2026, travelers will increasingly design their vacations around personal passions, technology, and experiential goals, signaling a shift toward more individual, connected, and tech-enabled journeys.
Since opening in May, Garth Glamping in Gwaelod Y Garth has drawn visitors from Cardiff and beyond with its off-grid accommodations, sustainable practices, and growing community initiatives that highlight the potential of small-scale rural tourism.
Tanzania’s Siringit Collection is expanding its footprint with new property upgrades, the launch of Siringit Safaris, and plans for a new camp opening in 2026, reflecting broader trends in sustainable, experience-focused hospitality.
Waenfechan Glamping in North Wales blends rural charm and modern comfort, illustrating how small-scale operators can attract travelers seeking nature-based experiences with easy access to regional attractions.
Chris Balderrama, co-founder and president of iClaims Services and director of fixed operations and warranty administration for RVsurance, will lead a session titled “Broken Promises: The RV Warranty Crisis” at the 2025 RV Dealers Convention/Expo in Las Vegas, focusing on how the industry can improve warranty service, strengthen trust between dealers, manufacturers, and customers, and better align with evolving consumer expectations.
Airxcel showcased a new lineup of windows and window shade solutions from its brands—MCD Innovations, Cleer Vision Windows, and United Shade—at its 2025 New Product Showcase held in Elkhart, Indiana, highlighting advancements in light control, privacy, and design for modern RV interiors.
The RV Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada has named four finalists for the 36th Annual Walt Paseska Memorial Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award, recognizing dealers who demonstrate exceptional leadership, customer service, and community engagement across the country.
Verendus has launched a new mobile app designed to streamline workshop operations for caravan and motorhome dealers, marking a step forward in digitalizing aftersales and service management across the leisure vehicle industry.
Go RVing has teamed up with All Gear Digital to launch “Detours Welcome,” a new video and editorial series unveiled this fall that highlights the spontaneity and freedom of RV travel. The campaign aims to connect with the “Adventurous Young Adults” audience through creator-driven storytelling across All Gear Digital’s outdoor media network, showcasing how RVs enable authentic, unplanned adventures on the open road.
Dicor Products and Vixen Composites unveiled new roofing, wall, and flooring systems at the 2025 Airxcel New Product Showcase in Elkhart, showcasing innovations designed to enhance durability, efficiency, and sustainability in RV construction.
Brown & Brown, Inc. announced on October 20 that Chief Operating Officer Steve Hearn has been appointed president of the company’s retail segment, a move aimed at strengthening leadership continuity and supporting the firm’s global growth strategy.
Leisure Travel Vans unveiled the Desert Shadow Edition during the grand opening of La Mesa RV’s new LTV showroom in Mesa, Arizona, introducing a new design package available across all Unity models for the 2026 model year.
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.
Snowy River Caravans achieved a historic milestone in Australia’s RV industry during the third quarter of 2025, claiming the top position in both the Imported and RVMAP categories for the first time, according to Retain Media’s Q3 2025 RV Market Brand Consideration Report.
The 37th edition of the International Caravanning Show wrapped up after nine days at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue, drawing more than 60,000 visitors and highlighting strong sales interest in motorhomes and camper vans.
LCI Industries (NYSE: LCII), through its wholly owned subsidiary Lippert Components, Inc., has announced that Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc. has acquired substantially all business assets of Leveltron, LLC, known for its Bigfoot Hydraulic Systems brand.
The RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) recognized standout individuals and companies driving progress for women in the RV industry during its annual awards ceremony on Thursday, October 16, following two days of education and networking hosted by the RV Women’s Alliance Charitable Foundation.
The RV Dealers Association (RVDA), in partnership with Accelerate2Compliance (A2C), will host a free webinar on October 30 to help RV dealers and industry professionals strengthen cybersecurity practices and protect dealership operations from emerging digital threats.
A survey conducted at the 2025 International Caravanning Show in Barcelona found that 75% of attendees prefer motorhomes or campervans, underscoring a continued shift toward integrated, family-friendly, and sustainable travel solutions in the caravanning sector.
The RV Technical Institute (RVTI) and Littleton Public Schools have launched the first high school RV technician certification program in Colorado, aiming to build a skilled workforce and introduce students to new career opportunities in the RV industry.
The RV Technical Institute (RVTI) highlighted the growing demand for skilled RV technicians during the 2025 American School Counselor Conference in Dillon, Colorado, where more than 800 attendees gathered to strengthen career guidance initiatives.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) is reminding manufacturers selling units into Quebec to review and comply with the province’s strengthened French language laws under Bill 96, which require French translations on all product labeling, documentation, and related materials to avoid substantial penalties.
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.
Ken Barnes, director of sales for DealerPRO RV Training, will lead two workshops at the 2025 RV Dealers Convention/Expo in Las Vegas, offering strategies to boost fixed operations profitability and strengthen customer retention.
More than 30 Vendor Training +Plus sessions are set for the 2025 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, giving dealership professionals the chance to explore new products, services, and strategies from leading industry providers during the Nov. 10–14 event at Paris Las Vegas.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, has awarded grants to 12 projects through the Recreational Trails Program, providing more than $1.7 million to support the construction and rehabilitation of trails and related facilities across the commonwealth.
A public information meeting on the 10-year master plan for Powhatan State Park will take place Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Powhatan Village Building Auditorium, giving residents an opportunity to learn about proposed developments and provide input on the park’s future.
The British Columbia Lodging and Camping Association (BCLCA) has partnered with Acera Insurance Services Ltd. and Western Financial Group to expand insurance options for its members, offering tailored brokerage solutions designed to provide greater flexibility, competitive coverage, and value across the province’s outdoor hospitality industry.
Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park will host its 6th annual Butterflies on the Battlefield Pollinator and Nature Festival on Aug. 23, offering free, family-friendly activities that highlight the importance of pollinators through educational programs, nature walks, and craft activities.
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.
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.