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Outdoor Hospitality Weekly: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Matt Whitermore
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- 6 days ago48 min
Breaking Down the Latest Campground Industry Data, Bankruptcy + More
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 occupancy trends, ADR, RevPAS, rising credit card processing costs, staffing challenges, and the growing divide between transient and long-term campground business models.Finally, we revisit the proposed Lippert and Patrick Industries merger and what its collapse could mean for RV manufacturers, campground operators, and the broader RV ecosystem.To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ohweekly.substack.com
- 2 weeks ago51 min
From Zero Experience to Luxury RV Resort Developer
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 operations after opening, including lessons learned from third-party management, and Billy’s deep dive into marketing—from firing multiple agencies to building his own conversion tracking systems, AI-driven SEO tools, and automated email campaigns.This is a candid look at the complexity behind building and operating a modern RV resort—and the level of detail, effort, and persistence it takes to do it right.To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ohweekly.substack.com
- 3 weeks ago55 min
New Camping Data, Hotels, and RV Market Signals
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 potential merger between Lippert and Patrick Industries and what slowing RV sales could signal for the broader market.To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ohweekly.substack.com
- Apr 10, 202643 min
Inside AI: Tools, Workflows, and How We’re Using AI in Outdoor Hospitality
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 walks through how AI is already impacting campground revenue management, highlighting new predictive pricing and occupancy tools inside reservation systems like Campspot—and how even single-location operators can now leverage data like a full-scale revenue manager.----AI Tools Mentioned in the Episode:Claude (Anthropic) – https://www.anthropic.comClaude Code / Claude Desktop / Claude AI – https://claude.aiOpenAI / ChatGPT – https://www.openai.comOpenClaw – https://openclaw.ai/Claude API (Anthropic API) – https://console.anthropic.comOpenAI API – https://platform.openai.comGemma (Google) – https://ai.google.dev/gemmaCampspot AI-Powered Occupancy & Pricing Predictions: https://software.campspot.com/blog/now-live-ai-powered-occupancy-prediction-and-pricing-recommendations/----To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ohweekly.substack.com
- Apr 3, 202632 min
How Events and Experiences Are Driving Campground Demand
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 discuss operational efficiency for smaller parks, including new staffing models that help reduce payroll pressure while maintaining strong guest service.To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ohweekly.substack.com
- Mar 23, 202649 min
Hotels vs Campgrounds and the Future of Outdoor Hospitality
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, we touch on guest experience strategy from themed properties and “world-building” concepts to simple ways operators can stand out, as well as how AI is beginning to reshape everything from data analysis to day-to-day operations.To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ohweekly.substack.com
- Mar 6, 202634 min
The Rise and Potential Fall of LOGE Camps
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 realities of raising capital in a difficult financing environment. We also discuss broader lessons for operators and investors about growth, discipline, and the operational challenges that come with building multi-location outdoor lodging brands.This episode isn’t about criticizing a company, it’s about understanding the realities of building and scaling businesses in outdoor hospitality, and what the industry can learn from stories like this.To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ohweekly.substack.com
- Feb 24, 202650 min
Blue Metric Group's $97M RV Portfolio Deal + How We're Using AI in Campgrounds
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 owner, operator, or investor, this episode explores where the industry is headed and how to stay ahead of it.To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ohweekly.substack.com
About Outdoor Hospitality Weekly
Outdoor Hospitality Weekly is the go-to podcast for insights and trends in outdoor hospitality. Hosts Matt Whitermore and Alex Burkett explore everything from campground operations and marketing to growing a campground portfolio. Each week, we bring expert interviews, actionable tips, and industry discussions to help you elevate your outdoor hospitality game. Whether you're an owner, investor, or outdoor enthusiast, join us for valuable takeaways and advice! ohweekly.substack.com
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