Outdoor Hospitality Weekly

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, Matt and Alex sit down with Zahner Habib, founder of Ferociter, to explore how AI is transforming outdoor hospitality and what campground operators can do to get started.

The conversation goes beyond basic AI tools to explore real-world applications in campground operations, marketing, revenue management, and back-office automation. Drawing on past projects we discuss the opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned from implementing AI across hospitality businesses.

From simplifying repetitive tasks and building better workflows to overcoming the learning curve and turning AI into a revenue driver, this episode...

In this solo edition of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, lets break down the massive, industry-shaking news that just dropped: Patrick Industries and LCI Industries (Lippert) have officially agreed to combine in an all-stock merger valued at a staggering $7.7 billion in enterprise value. As two of the absolute largest giants in the RV component space, this historic merger of almost equals is set to reshape the landscape for manufacturers and everyday RVers alike.

Alex dives into his immediate gut reaction, exploring the massive financial footprint of this new mega-company, the leadership shakeup following Jason Lippert’s recent retirement, and th...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Garrett McKinnon to talk about the future of campground discovery, AI-powered trip planning, and evolving camper behavior.

Garrett shares how CampgroundViews has grown into one of the industry’s leading virtual tour and trip-planning platforms, helping campers explore parks before they book while giving operators new ways to market their properties.

The conversation dives into AI tools, virtual tours, midweek demand challenges, experiential travel, remote work trends, and how campground operators can create more compelling reasons for guests to travel and return. Garrett also sh...

In this special solo edition of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, Alex reflects on Memorial Day weekend and what the first major holiday of the camping season revealed about the state of outdoor hospitality.

Drawing from new AAA travel data, KOA research, and firsthand operational experience, he breaks down the mixed signals campground operators are seeing across the industry—from softer RV sales and shorter booking windows to strong demand for local, experience-driven travel.

The episode explores how camping behavior is evolving, why occupancy alone no longer tells the full story, and how parks are adapting through lo...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we break down the latest industry trends, economic pressures, and market shifts impacting campgrounds, RV parks, and outdoor hospitality operators across the country.

The conversation covers Matt’s trip to the Florida & Alabama RV Park Conference, where AI, rising payroll costs, park valuations, and increasing competition dominated discussions among operators and investors. We also unpack the latest developments surrounding Sandy Pines Campground in Maine and what its bankruptcy proceedings could signal for high-profile outdoor hospitality assets.

We dive into the newly released 2026 Outdoor Hospitality Industry Outlook Report, discussing oc...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Billy Rhyne, developer of Horseshoe Ridge RV Resort in Wimberley, Texas, to break down what it actually takes to build a high-end RV resort from the ground up.

Billy shares his journey from working in software with no prior experience in outdoor hospitality to developing a luxury, amenity-rich RV resort in the Texas Hill Country. We dive into the full process—from finding the property and navigating complex entitlements to self-performing construction and delivering a high-end guest experience.

We also explore the realities of op...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we break down the latest industry data, major hotel brand expansion into outdoor hospitality, and new signals from the RV market.

We unpack insights from the 2026 KOA report and Campspot’s Q1 data, including shifting demand, changing camper demographics, and the evolving balance between occupancy and pricing.

We also cover continued hotel entry into the space—from Best Western’s new glamping collection to Under Canvas expanding near Yosemite—and what it means for independent operators.

Finally, we dive into major RV industry news, including a potentia...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we go deep on AI in our first AI “Tech Corner” takeover—breaking down the real tools, workflows, and use cases we’re actively using across campground operations, investing, and day-to-day work.

Matt shares his experience building with Claude Code and OpenClaw, including how AI agents actually work, what it takes to set them up, and the reality behind automation. We also unpack the shifting economics of AI, including recent pricing changes from Anthropic and what they signal for the future of AI tools.

On the operations side, Alex wal...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we break down a major shift in campground demand: the growing role of events, experiences, and timing in driving bookings.

We explore how large-scale events like the World Cup and Route 66 anniversaries are creating massive but short-term demand spikes, and what operators can learn from failed and successful development attempts tied to those opportunities. We also dive into the rise of experiential programming, using Terramor’s wellness retreat as a case study in how campgrounds can create reasons for guests to return—not just places to stay.

Finally, we d...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we break down one of the biggest shifts in the industry: major hotel brands entering the campground space and converting traditional properties into higher-end lodging experiences.

We discuss recent development case studies, the growing role of loyalty programs from brands like Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott, and what this means for independent operators navigating a more competitive landscape.

We also dive into early January 2026 RV sales data showing a sharp year-over-year decline, rising gas prices, and what those macro trends could mean for demand this season.

Finally...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we break down the rise and potential fall of LOGE Camps, a lifestyle outdoor lodging brand that once scaled to 17 locations and positioned itself as the future of outdoor hospitality.

We explore how the brand grew quickly during the outdoor travel boom, raised nearly $40 million in capital, and built a portfolio of properties across the country before recent developments suggested significant financial and operational challenges.

The conversation looks at what might have happened behind the scenes: development delays, the complexity of scaling hospitality brands, investor expectations, and the...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, Matt and Alex break down Blue Metric Group’s $97 million acquisition of a seven-park RV resort portfolio and what it signals for the outdoor hospitality market.

We discuss portfolio sourcing, off-market deal flow, branding strategy, and what today’s consolidation wave means for independent operators. Matt also shares insight from Unhitched’s transition from third-party management into acquisition.

In the second half, we dive into how AI is transforming our own workflows and campground operations from automation and reporting to AI call agents and workflow systems. If you’re an ow...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Ben Uyeda, founder of HomeMade Modern, to unpack the development story behind RESET Hotel in Twentynine Palms, California.

Ben shares how the concept came together—from early site planning and zoning considerations to shaping a modern desert hospitality concept that balances design, function, and guest experience. We explore how the property responds to its environment, the trade-offs made during development, and the realities of building a boutique hotel from the ground up.

This conversation offers a candid look at the development process, including lessons le...

We’re back! In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, break down the biggest signals shaping the RV park and campground industry right now: from professional third-party management entering the space to accelerating acquisitions and changing guest demographics.

We unpack why a major self-storage operator launching RV park management matters, what recent campground acquisitions reveal about buyer strategy, and how regional density and amenity escalation are becoming competitive necessities. We also dig into new REIT data showing younger, wealthier RV travelers—and why that shift validates higher-end upgrades across the industry.

To subscribe and see all...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, Matt talks with Tori Bolt, co-founder of Bolt Farm Treehouse, about building one of the most iconic luxury outdoor destinations in the country.

Tori shares how Bolt Farm grew from a single handcrafted treehouse into a design-driven, experience-first brand with national demand and a loyal following. We dive into land selection, guest experience strategy, the details that drive premium pricing, and how she and Seth scale while protecting the soul of the brand.

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In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, Matt and Alex break down everything they learned at the 2025 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo in Louisville. From shifting demand patterns to the rise of strategic revenue management, this conversation recaps the real trends shaping operators heading into 2026.

They dig into the growing role of AI tools like Campspot’s new pricing engine, why transient softness is pushing parks toward smarter site mix strategies, and how operators are rethinking long-term vs. short-term segmentation. Matt shares insights from investor and broker conversations including why deal flow is slowing, what distressed opportunities are em...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Jesse Baker, founder and CEO of JET Hospitality, to unpack how independent operators can outperform the big corporate consolidators moving into outdoor hospitality.

Jesse shares how he scaled JET from a single riverside property to a multi-million-dollar portfolio using his “hedgehog investment model”—buying distressed, underperforming assets and transforming them into boutique destinations full of character, culture, and cash flow.

He breaks down what makes this model work: finding underpriced problems instead of overpriced perfection, building teams that protect authenticity, and creating loyalty systems like J...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we unpack one of the toughest chapters in Matt’s journey. How a $250,000 glamping investment at Covered Bridge Campsite spiraled into delays, vendor issues, and a lost $5 million development deal.

Matt shares the full story of what it’s really like to bootstrap a campground: living on-site, hiring in a rural market, chasing capital, and learning the hard way how fast optimism can collide with reality.

This episode isn’t about failure. It’s about what happens next. For anyone building, buying, or developing in outdoor hospitality, it’s a candid...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Gene Eidelman, co-founder of Azure Printed Homes, to explore how 3D-printed structures made from recycled plastics are changing the way we think about construction and outdoor hospitality. From rebuilding after California’s wildfires to creating sustainable glamping units that use millions of recycled water bottles, Azure is reshaping the future of eco-friendly accommodations.

We discuss Azure’s journey to the TIME 100 Best Inventions list, their expansion into new markets, and why the glamping industry has become one of their strongest partners.

Invest in Azure Prin...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we explore how Under Canvas may be shifting its strategy away from National Parks and what that means for glamping’s future. We also tackle one of the industry’s biggest guest experience gaps — park Wi-Fi and broadband challenges — with real-world solutions for operators. Finally, we wrap with branding insights from John Gibson at Secret Creek, on staying authentic while growing your outdoor business.

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In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we explore how federal actions, such as the government shutdown and new import tariffs, are reshaping the outdoor hospitality industry, from guest demand to operating costs. We also dig into the latest RV retail registration data, what it signals for 2026 planning, and how the work camping model is evolving as a staffing strategy.

If you manage or invest in outdoor hospitality, this episode offers practical insights to navigate volatility, plan smarter, and stay ahead of shifting market trends.

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In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we unpack Marriott Bonvoy’s two-layer strategy behind its new Outdoor Collection. First came the guest-facing brands, Postcard Cabins and Trailborn, positioned as the friendly consumer gateway into outdoor hospitality. Then, at the Lodging Conference, Marriott revealed the second layer: a curated network of prefab partners like elmntl, OOD House, Nokken, and others to supply scalable units for Bonvoy distribution.

We break down how this sequencing reveals Marriott’s true play—building not just a brand, but an ecosystem. Plus, what it means for independent operators competing in a space that’s...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we dive into the difference between marketing and advertising—and why true marketing is about building lasting value, not just buying attention. Using Covered Bridge Campsite as a case study, we explore how giveaways, social media, and activities/programming create deeper guest connections and drive long-term success. Whether you manage a campground, RV park, or glamping resort, learn practical strategies to market smarter and elevate your guest experience.

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In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, Alex and Matt break down a case study from Covered Bridge Campsite in Livingston Manor, NY, where a Zook Cabins A-Frame cabin is reshaping the park’s performance.

We dive into booking data, ADR, and occupancy to see how the A-Frame compares with traditional sites, and what those numbers reveal about the growing demand for unique lodging. Alongside the data, we discuss the broader transformation of Covered Bridge — from upgrading infrastructure to repositioning the park as a destination.

This episode offers practical insights for operators considering specialty lodging, expl...

Episode Note: This conversation was prerecorded earlier this year, directly following the sale of BookOutdoors to Hipcamp.

Amir Harpaz of Harp Development joins us for a behind-the-scenes look at campground expansion, strategic development, and what’s really happening in the outdoor hospitality industry. Based in Fort Myers, Florida, Amir shares how he's growing parks across Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee, how he approaches infrastructure through his septic company Dunn Infrastructure, and why his role on the Florida/Alabama Campground Association board gives him a front-row seat to industry trends. We also dive into BookOutdoors’ sale to Hipcamp and what...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we're joined by Margaret Jankowski, Director at FWD, a landscape architect who specializes in transforming outdoor hospitality properties through thoughtful design. Margaret shares her expertise in balancing ecological resilience with exceptional guest experiences, revealing how proper landscape architecture can make or break your property's success.

We explore the complete design process from initial planning through construction documentation, and why involving landscape professionals early can save you thousands while maximizing your site's potential. Margaret discusses how her team preserves each property's unique character while making it both functional and profitable, covering...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we're joined by Mychele Bisson, CEO of Bison Peak Ventures, a strategic investor who has mastered transforming underperforming outdoor hospitality properties into profitable destinations.

Mychele shares her transition from multi-family real estate into campgrounds and the story behind acquiring her first property. We explore her proven methodology for identifying diamonds in the rough, her approach to property revitalization, and what drives her investment decisions from budget RV parks to luxury resorts.

We also dive into her hands-on renovation experience, current expansion plans for Bison Peak Ventures, and how...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we’re joined by TJ Ammond, founder of CampSite 360, a platform bringing cutting-edge virtual tour technology to the campground world.

TJ shares the story behind CampSite 360 and how a cross-country RV journey with his family inspired a mission to modernize how guests discover and book outdoor destinations. We dive into the nuts and bolts of how virtual tours are created, what makes them valuable for both operators and guests, and the data on how they impact bookings and guest satisfaction.

TJ also takes us behind the scenes of hi...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Travis Chambers, founder and chief designer of ChamberStays and the visionary behind Outpost X, a revolutionary concept in experiential outdoor hospitality.

Travis shares his fascinating journey from media entrepreneur to hospitality innovator and explains the philosophy that led him to develop these unique destination experiences. He reveals how he discovered the remote location for his first development and discusses the challenges and triumphs since Outpost X's opening, offering a candid look at building a distinctive hospitality operation from the ground up.

We explore Travis's...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Landan Dory, founder of North Star Brokerage & Advisory, the specialized commercial real estate firm that's becoming the dominant force in campground and RV park transactions across the country.

Landan shares his journey into the outdoor hospitality real estate niche and reveals the strategies that have helped him successfully complete transactions across multiple states. From discussing current market conditions to explaining what today's buyers are really looking for, Landan provides invaluable insights for both sellers looking to maximize their exit and buyers seeking promising investment opportunities.

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Rylan Blowers, founder and CEO of Park Software, the innovative platform that's disrupting the campground management industry with its free reservation system. Rylan shares his entrepreneurial journey into outdoor hospitality tech and explains the bold decision to offer premium software at zero cost to campground owners.

Rylan provides a transparent look at Park Software's unique business model, addressing how they maintain profitability while providing a free service, and discusses the challenges of competing against established players in the market. From revealing their customer acquisition strategy to...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Brian Linton, founder and CEO of Ferncrest, the glamping franchise that's revolutionizing the luxury outdoor experience market. Brian takes us through his entrepreneurial journey into the specialized world of glamping and shares how he's built and scaled a high-performing franchise model in this growing hospitality niche.

Brian dives deep into the mechanics of glamping operations, revealing current market trends, typical development timelines, and what today's discerning travelers are really seeking. From discussing the hottest glamping destinations to analyzing how the market has evolved over the past...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Tim Dougan, Director of National RV & Campground Brokerage at MHP Brokerage, who's bringing a fresh perspective to outdoor property transactions. Tim takes us through his journey into the specialized world of campground brokerage and shares how he's built and scaled a high-performing team in this unique niche.

Tim dives deep into the mechanics of campground transactions, revealing current market trends, typical timelines for sales, and what today's qualified buyers are really seeking. From discussing the hottest investment regions to analyzing how the market has evolved over...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we're joined by Steve Turk, a multifaceted hospitality expert and author who's making waves in the outdoor hospitality industry. Steve shares his journey through founding The Hospitality Mentor, Tangy Management, and Turk Hospitality Ventures, showcasing how his diverse experience has shaped his approach to property development and management.

Dive into Steve's latest venture - an innovative glamping project in South Florida that's set to redefine luxury outdoor experiences. He reveals his vision for the property, from unique accommodation concepts to carefully curated amenities, and discusses how his extensive hospitality background...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Ben Wolff, the visionary founder behind Onera and Oasi, who's revolutionizing the outdoor hospitality space. Ben shares his journey from identifying emerging travel trends to creating innovative hospitality concepts that resonate with modern travelers.

Discover how Onera Wimberley has become a testament to thoughtful development and strategic limited-service operations, and learn about Ben's unique approach to hospitality that's reshaping guest experiences in Texas. He offers invaluable insights into building a powerful marketing engine, revealing the secrets behind his company's high-quality video content production and the decision...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Heath Padgett, CEO of RV Help, a national RV service business, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and how he is building a company that serves RV travelers across the country.

Heath shares the story behind launching his business, the challenges of scaling operations to meet nationwide demand, and the strategies he used to navigate the complexities of the RV service industry. He offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and candid reflections on lessons learned along the way.

We also dive into his time as a...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Jeremy Johnson, co-owner of Kona Hills Campground, to explore his journey from discovering raw land to developing an outdoor destination.

Jeremy shares the story behind finding the property, navigating complex entitlement challenges, and maintaining his vision throughout the development process. He offers candid insights about the learning curves he faced and what he would have done differently. We discuss what sets Kona Hills apart in the market, including the unique features and experiences that make it distinctive, as well as his ambitious plans for the property's...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Kevin Thueson, CEO of KCN Campgrounds, to explore his journey from an accounting background to owning and operating a multi-park KOA portfolio. Kevin shares his unique insights into the RV park and campground industry, detailing how his expertise has helped him build a thriving business across multiple states and regions.

We dive into Kevin’s path to founding KCN Campgrounds, the pivotal moments that led him to invest in Kampgrounds of America (KOA) properties, and how his accounting background has been a critical tool for success. Ke...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Robert Preston, the founder and CEO of Climb Capital & Unhitched RV Management, to discuss his journey and the strategies he’s brought to the RV park and campground industry. Robert’s unique approach to RV park investment and management has helped redefine the landscape and focus on creating lasting value for both park owners and guests.

We dive into Robert’s path to founding Climb Capital, the pivotal moments that led him to invest in RV parks, and the vision that’s driven his growth. He shares i...

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we examine one of the industry's most notable failures: the rise and fall of Tentrr, once poised to revolutionize the glamping sector. This deep dive explores how the platform's ambitious vision of becoming the "Airbnb of glamping" ultimately unraveled despite significant venture capital backing and a promising business model.

Join us as we analyze the key factors behind Tentrr's downfall, from operational challenges to market misalignment, and what lessons this holds for the broader outdoor hospitality industry.

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