 |
MC Fireside Chats, an Outdoor Hospitality PodcastOutdoor Hospitality News/Commentary for Campground, RV park, and Glamping business owners Author: Modern Campground LLC
Join Brian Searl as we discuss important topics and recent news from the outdoor hospitality industry. Our weekly episodes will feature guests ranging from campground owners to companies that provide products/services, and much more. Language: en Genres: Business, Places & Travel, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
MC Fireside Chats - April 29th, 2026
Wednesday, 29 April, 2026
The April 29th, 2026, episode of MC Fireside Chats brought together a unique panel of industry professionals to discuss the future of camping, app integrations, and shifting guest demographics. Host Brian Searl steered the conversation while broadcasting on-the-go from the Florida-Alabama conference. The collaborative session highlighted how the industry is evolving as different generations and international platforms intersect with traditional family-owned campgrounds.Setting the stage for the discussion, the panelists introduced their respective roles and backgrounds in the outdoor hospitality industry. Ashley Cary, a third-generation campground operator from Hidden Acres Family Campground, emphasized her family's 50-year history in Connecticut and her active involvement with OHI. Meanwhile, Duncan Winship provided the perspective of a seasoned owner who has been running Papoose Pond Camping in Maine for over a decade alongside his wife.Bringing an international perspective to the panel, Marie Nichols discussed her work with the European-based app Park4night. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the app has grown into a community of over 9 million users across 100 countries. Nichols highlighted that they are experiencing massive growth in North America, noting a significant surge in both U.S. and Canadian listings since 2024.Brian Searl steered the conversation toward how digital applications and mapping platforms can best serve campground owners, asking Nichols about the type of data her app provides. Nichols explained that the platform offers a community-driven model where owners can list for free or opt for paid tiers to track their performance and increase their visibility among global travelers.Responding to these features, Duncan Winship detailed what he would expect as a campground operator from such digital exposure and data. He noted that understanding the throughput, visual appeal, and vehicle types of guests visiting his park is vital. This information helps him target specific demographics, such as identifying if certain unique accommodations perform better with specific types of camper vans.Ashley Cary added to the operational discussion by reflecting on the heavy demands placed on smaller family businesses and the need to streamline marketing efforts. She emphasized that time is the most valuable asset for operators, making it essential to invest in platforms that actually provide value. Cary also underscored the importance of data, especially concerning external factors like the weather, which uniquely impact outdoor hospitality compared to traditional hotels.Building on Cary’s points, Brian Searl compared the fragmented nature of the U.S. camping market to the highly consolidated hotel industry. Duncan Winship agreed with this observation, noting that the sheer geographical diversification of campgrounds makes every park completely unique. They discussed how owners must carefully select their marketing channels to ensure their marketing budgets yield a strong return on investment.The conversation then shifted toward the changing expectations of younger generations entering the camping community. Ashley Cary pointed out that Gen Z is drawn to the nostalgia of camping but also requires modern connectivity like Wi-Fi. She explained that there is a common misconception that younger people only want to be on their screens when, in reality, they highly value the opportunity to unplug and disconnect in nature.Brian Searl elaborated on these generational preferences by suggesting that parks should avoid completely siloing long-term and short-term guests. He proposed that campground operators should create environments that allow all campers to self-select their level of socialization. Searl shared the idea of using simple, non-intrusive signals, such as green lanterns, to show other campers that a guest is open to conversation and community building.The chat concluded with a warm and lighthearted wrap-up where the participants asked each other fun questions. Duncan Winship asked Cary about her preferred s'more candy, which led to a playful debate about whether a hot dog is a sandwich. Marie Nichols then asked Cary about her dream European destination, highlighting Italy, before the show wrapped up with information on where listeners can find their respective platforms and get involved in the industry.
