ARVC Blog Categories: What's Happening

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) and Marshall & Sterling, which includes a Campground and RV Park Insurance Program that offers business insurance solutions combined with proactive risk management, have officially entered into a Select Partnership. ARVC and Marshall & Sterling will be working together to provide extended benefits to ARVC members and increase Marshall & Sterling’s brand visibility throughout the year within the outdoor hospitality industry.  

The ARVC Foundation Auction has always been one of the highlights of the annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE), as members of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) come together to bid on amazing items to support the ARVC Foundation. This year, the ARVC Foundation is excited to pivot to a fully online auction, taking place from Nov. 2-5 during the virtual OHCE2020.

Time is running out to register for the virtual 2020 Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE) hosted by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds’ (ARVC). The deadline to register is October 28. 

It is always nice when a RV park’s name fits what it offers. Nature’s Resort RV Park in Homosassa, Fla., is a perfect example of that, as any park that is renowned for its waterfront, complete with daily manatee and dolphin sightings, doesn’t need to overthink it. Customers know it is a place where fun abounds on the Gulf Coast and you can escape the hustle and bustle of central Florida.

It could be safely said that this year’s camping season was unlike any other in recent memory. Having to endure so many challenges presented by this year’s public health crisis required the owners and managers of ARVC member-parks to be prepared to turn on a dime to implement changes to policies and procedures as conditions warranted. If there are lessons to be learned from meeting these challenges, one of them is the power of being flexible.

In order to assist RV park and campground owners and operators in their search for the best reservation system for their park, the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) is bringing back the wildly popular interactive Reservation Systems Panel during this fall’s Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE). This panel will give attendees a chance to engage directly with seven of the premier companies to gain a better understanding of the products and services each offer.  

Excitement for the 2020 Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE) continues to build, with a record number of attendees registering in the past week, according to the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC). ARVC’s Hosted Buyer Program is also seeing a surge in interest, with more than 500 one-on-one meetings between attendees and vendors already scheduled.

In preparation for the virtual 2020 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE), the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) is announcing its final slate of speakers and education sessions, adding to an already robust lineup of that will feature more than 30 industry experts and leaders prepared to help campground owners and operators succeed in 2021.  

In response to the numerous challenges 2020 has presented, the ARVC Foundation has pivoted to ensure its fundraising efforts will continue to provide support for those in the outdoor hospitality industry. 

In preparation for the virtual 2020 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE), the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) is announcing its second slate of speakers and education sessions, adding to an already robust lineup of industry experts and leaders prepared to help campground owners and operators succeed in 2021.

The Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association (PCOA) highlights tips to hosting safe Halloween events at campgrounds and RV parks. 

The deadline to secure the best rate for the 2020 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE) is fast approaching, as the last day to register and receive the early bird rate is October 12.  

Just like ARVC’s in-person Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE) events held in previous years, 2020’s virtual conference on November 2-5 will be packed with educational sessions, industry insights and networking along with an Expo offering product presentations and demonstrations. Here are a few things you need to know:

As one of the host sites of this year’s Takeaway Tours at ARVC’s annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE), Jolly Roger RV Resort will offer a virtual tour, with Managing Partner Andrew Jackson sharing insights and behind-the-scenes looks at the nuts and bolts of the 130-site park. He will focus on how he and his family manage the park, the challenges and obstacles that they encounter and how he makes sure his staff goes the extra mile to provide service and accommodations that match the beauty of the park’s oceanfront setting. 

Building on the success of last year’s award-winning Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE), the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) is excited to announce this year’s virtual OHCE2020 already has 12 sponsors and more than 35 exhibitors, with more being added every day. 

This ‘new normal’ has created an opportunity for innovative RV park and campground owners to enhance their customers’ onsite experience and generate new revenue, with products and services that eliminate contaminants and address consumer confidence. For this to be sustainable for your business, these products and services must be effective, reliable and generate an ROI. As a PURIFYD®SYSTEMS Certified Service Provider, your team is trained and certified by us to industry and application best practices. That gives you the capability and confidence to offer an innovative health protection service that reliably eliminates contaminants of any kind, any size, anywhere ... with 99.99999% effectiveness. The System is completely safe for people, pets, all surfaces and food handling areas! 

In preparation for the virtual 2020 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE), the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) is announcing its first slate of speakers and education sessions focused on the topics born from the lessons of 2020 that will help set attendees up for success in 2021.  

Building on the success of last year’s record-setting Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE) in Knoxville, the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) is excited to announce registrations for this year’s virtual OHCE are tracking at a similar pace. 

As one of the host sites of this year’s Takeaway Tours at ARVC’s annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE), the management and staff at Cross Creek RV Resort will offer a virtual tour of their park, highlighting how they have built one of the best parks in the country, certified as one of only six parks in Florida that has been awarded Good Sam’s Highest Rating of 10/10/10. 

ARVC’s first-ever virtual Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE), which will take place on November 2-5, is quickly shaping up to be a can’t-miss event packed with information and ideas that can help you make your park as successful as it can be. Here’s a sneak preview of what to expect:

The Takeaway Tours are always one of the most popular experiences offered at ARVC’s annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE) —the outdoor hospitality industry’s premier event. With OHCE2020 going virtual, instead of traveling to parks, ARVC is bringing the parks to you and including it in the cost of registration. 

90% of Expo Attendees Made a Purchase Within 6 Months of Show, More Opportunities for Engagement and One-on-One Interactions for Vendors  

Excitement is growing around the Expo at ARVC’s virtual 2020 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE) in November largely due to ARVC’s new Hosted Buyer Program. Attendees participating in the Hosted Buyer Program will be able to connect directly with exhibitors offering the products and services that interest them and, at the same time, get their registration for free.

One of the many benefits of ARVC membership is having the opportunity to make your voice heard on industry issues that are important to you. One way to do this is by sharing your thoughts and concerns with your area representative, and you now have an opportunity to vote to elect a representative for your area for the next term. The individuals elected will serve on the ARVC Board of Directors for three years beginning on November 5, 2020. Voting opened on August 6 and will continue through November 4 at Noon MT.

The best part of camping is escaping for some much-needed relaxation and tranquility with family and friends, but nothing is worse than when mosquitos and other pests try to join the party. To help keep campers and campsites stay free of bugs, the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) announces today that Ranger Ready Repellents, an industry leader in insect repellent, has been added as its newest Member Benefit Provider (MBP) offering exclusive wholesale discounts to ARVC member RV parks and campgrounds.

Music can bring so much to the camping experience, whether it’s through fun karaoke sessions or great playlists streamed into your recreation facilities or registration area. But did you know that if you play copyrighted music at your park without a license, you could be held legally liable? This is true whether the music is performed live, by a DJ, on the radio or through CDs, DVDs or cassettes that you own or through streaming or cable services you subscribe to.

The National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC) announces Gretchen Rubin, one of today’s most influential and thought-provoking observers of happiness and human nature, will be the keynote speaker at the 2020 Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE). 

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) today announced an exciting new opportunity for campground owners, operators and managers who are decision makers at their campground to attend its virtual OHCE2020 for free.

The National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC) announces registration for its virtual 2020 Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE) will open tomorrow (July 21). As part of the shift this year to virtual, registration rates will be significantly reduced compared to the in-person event, including an option to attend for free allowing even more individuals in the industry to experience the event.

One of the many advantages of being an ARVC member is that you get a complimentary listing on the newly redesigned GoCampingAmerica.com website and mobile app (app coming later this summer). As one of the largest campground databases available online, GoCampingAmerica.com features a powerful search engine which allows RVers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts to find campgrounds that are ideal for their needs. It’s where millions of campers go each year to find their next adventure!

Here’s are 5 ways to enhance your complimentary listing to help campers find you:

ARVC announced that PURIFYD®SYSTEMS, with its innovative and highly effective disinfectant products, has been added as its newest Member Benefit Provider (MBP), providing exclusive discounted prices to ARVC members on both start-up packages and ongoing purchases. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented campground owners with many challenges, not the least of which is how to stem the tide of lost revenue due to cancellations. Fortunately, there are creative ways to accomplish that goal while still retaining guests’ loyalty.

The National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC) is announcing the 2020 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE), the premiere event of the outdoor hospitality industry, will be presented virtually this year in response to health concerns related to the COVID pandemic. The decision was announced following a vote by the ARVC Board of Directors. 

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) today announced the debut of a redesigned GoCampingAmerica.com, the organization’s consumer-facing website focused on helping the more than 25 million Americans who go RVing each year find their next adventure.

On June 4, the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) hosted its first workshop specifically designed for prospective campground owners. The online format of the one-day Prospective Owners Workshop (POW) made it easy for participants across the country to tap into the knowledge of industry experts on a wide range of topics and acquire valuable information they can use as they move forward in their planning process. 

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC), working alongside industry partners, has successfully fought for seasonal businesses owners to have even more flexibility to use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds.

To help parks navigate the challenges of getting back to business, ARVC collaborated with Kampgrounds of America (KOA), the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), the Canadian RV Association (CVA), Marshall & Sterling Insurance, state associations and other industry partners to create a comprehensive Re-Opening Toolkit. The kit is a natural extension of the eight-week webinar series ARVC launched in March which helped more than 1,000 campgrounds across the U.S. and Canada navigate the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Are you looking for a way to get more involved in the outdoor hospitality industry so you can have an even greater impact? Here’s your chance! Nominations are being accepted from May 23 through July 7 to fill six open positions on the ARVC Board of Directors, one for each of the six ARVC voting areas indicated on the map below:

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) has launched a comprehensive toolkit that gives owners and operators in the United States and Canada all the tools they need to re-open their RV park or campground while focusing on the safety of their guests and employees and a smooth return to business. 

The NFPA 1194 Completion Certificate program is designed to ensure that park owners and operators have in-depth knowledge of the current standards for the design and construction of RV parks and campgrounds as outlined by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). The course also examines the elements of the NFPA 1194 standard that cover public safety, electrical, facilities, fire protection and water and sanitation.

Now, for the first time, the course is available in an online format to enable learners to complete the course on their own schedule and at their own pace at any time. The NFPA 1194 Completion Certificate course was previously offered only in person each year at the Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE) in November.

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) and the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable have successfully led an effort to get Paycheck Payment Program (PPP) loans extended to accommodate seasonal businesses.

This latest rule, issued by the U.S. Treasury, is big news for seasonal RV parks and campgrounds which may not have had active payroll during the base period stipulated by the original PPP loan criteria, which required the business to have been in operation by February 15, 2020.

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) has announced a partnership with RVs 4 MDs, a Facebook-based organization that matches medical personnel with donated recreational vehicles and accommodations while they help combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

ARVC member-parks with available sites can sign up to offer free RV sites or other accommodations for doctors, nurses and other health care personnel who are seeking a place to stay during the crisis.

The industry-leading webinar series launched by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) in mid-March came to a close on Thursday, but the opportunity to get questions answered by subject matter experts continues.

Almost 1,000 campground owners attended the eight-episode webinar series and the webinar recordings were viewed more than 3,000 times in the past month.

Are you thinking of buying or building your own campground? Or are you already in the process of building one? Then you won’t want to miss ARVC’s Prospective Park Owners Workshop (POW). And now, it will be even more convenient for you to attend!

To eliminate the time and expense of travel for attendees, this information-packed workshop will now be offered in a one-day online format on Thursday, June 4. (This will replace the in-person workshop originally scheduled in May in Colorado Springs.) That means you’ll be able to tap into the knowledge of industry experts on a wide range of topics, including financing, purchasing, marketing, insurance and much more – all from the comfort of your home.

It’s impossible to predict when a crisis will occur that can disrupt the operation of your park, whether that crisis involves a public health emergency, a major weather event or other serious situation. So it’s a good idea to have a plan in place for marketing your park and communicating with campers during challenging times so you’ll be well prepared to take action.

US House leaders from both sides of the aisle expressed optimism Thursday afternoon about what will hopefully be swift passage of the emergency $2.2 trillion relief bill aimed at mitigating the financial crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The last remaining hurdle is a possible procedural issue that could delay sending the measure to President Trump.

A coalition of the RV park and campground industry’s leading organizations, led by the National Association of RV Parks and Campground’s (ARVC) Business Forum, announced today their collective efforts to advance advocacy in Washington for RV parks and campgrounds across the United States during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

ARVC announces a series of interactive webinars focused on helping RV park and campground owners and operators deal with the current health emergency. The series will provide resources, tools and strategies from experts to safely and effectively manage a campground through this situation.

The webinars will take place every Monday and Thursday at 11 a.m. ET, beginning this Thursday, March 19 with “Planning and Marketing During an Emergency.” The webinar series is open to everyone in the industry and registration is free. To register, visit https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jVgxAPMiQZOhgwIRasb5UQ.

March is National Women’s History Month, so we thought this would be the perfect time to honor all of the smart, talented, hard-working women who have helped make the outdoor hospitality industry the success that it is today. We wish we had the space to recognize each one of them individually (that would be one seriously long blog post), but since we don’t, here’s a sampling of the many amazing women who contribute so much to our industry.

Are you thinking of buying or building your own campground? If so, your timing is great —you’re choosing to enter an industry that’s growing at a rapid rate. According to the 2019 State of the Industry Report published by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC), the outdoor recreation industry contributes over $25.6 BILLION dollars to the GDP annually!  

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) has announced the launch of the ARVC Career Center, a first-in-the-industry online tool designed to help businesses find and recruit qualified employees and allow job seekers to view new opportunities in the outdoor hospitality industry.

Are you interested in getting involved in ARVC’s advocacy efforts to help ensure a strong future for our industry? Here’s your chance.

An advocacy effort led by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) that took more than eight months finally secured a vital victory in late December as the National Fire Protection Agency Standards Council approved a Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) to the 2020 National Electric Code (NEC) regarding the use of GFCI protection on 30- and 50-amp receptacles on RV park site equipment. 

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) announces its NFPA 1194® Completion Certification class will be available on Monday, Feb. 10, making it the first class available as part of the new ARVC Online Education Portal.

Are you considering getting into the campground business or are you in the process of building or buying a park? There’s a lot to learn, and as the saying goes, “you don’t know what you don’t know.” But now, there’s an easy way to tap into the knowledge and experience of industry experts to get answers to your questions. For the first time, the National Association of RV Parks and Campground (ARVC) is offering a workshop exclusively for prospective campground owners.

The three-day workshop will be held on May 4-6 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The 2019 Industry Trends and Insights Report, released Monday by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, includes numerical data to support anecdotal evidence of the campground industry expanding rapidly in the past five years and an expectation of even greater growth in the next 12 months.

The ARVC Foundation announces six scholarship recipients for the National School of RV Park & Campground Management in Myrtle Beach, S.C. National School is a high-quality educational program that focuses on business management principles and practices as applied to the RV park and campground industry. The program brings leading industry experts into the classroom to provide attendees with the skills and expertise they need to make a positive impact on their campground and in the industry.