More Cali parks · Coming off record 2017 sales, Jellystone Parks recently made Franchise Business...

1industrye-news.com March 23, 2018 | CAMPGROUND NEWS

Campground News, your FREE weekly online magazine ISSUE 468 | March 23, 2018

More Cali parks & campgrounds are investing in solar energy COVER STORY P8

Colorado conference getS high praise STORY P6

CalARVC releases its 2018 campground

guide STORY P10

2 CAMPGROUND NEWS | March 23, 2018 industrye-news.com

INDUSTRY newswith Editor Jamie Macready

CHILLY temperatures but sunny skies brought out a nearly record crowd to the 40th Annual RV Show in York, Pa. in mid-March. James Kesterke, show chairman, reported the show attendance was up 21% over the 2017 show. The energetic crowd

enjoyed visiting the three buildings, which feature more than 130,000 square feet of indoor space, plus an additional 25 units outdoors. The twelve RV dealers reported brisk sales. It was a great weekend overall.

Thirty-three campgrounds showcased their facilities and talked with the customers about the advantages of coming to their park. Twenty-two other booths sold camping-related items such as rugs, chairs and camping coolers. A unique feature of the show is Camper Bingo, where 24 weekends

of camping are given away to one winner each hour. Bingo cards are distributed to everyone when they enter the show. Face painters were on hand for the kids and the ever-popular lucky number game had great door prizes.

A grand door prize of $1,000 toward a new RV was awarded to a lucky winner from New Holland, Pa.

An extensive advertising campaign was formulated which included TV, print, radio, billboards, posters, postcards, and of course social media. An online pre-roll video that targeted people who are in

the market to buy or currently own an RV within a 100-mile radius of the show was also included.

The entire show is produced and manned by volunteers from the Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association. They purchased the show in 1994 from a private individual who started the show in 1978 when camping was just coming into its heyday.

Dates for the 2019 show are March 8, 9 and 10. For more information, go to yorkrvshow.net or pacamping.com.

Source: Press Release

York RV show has a very successful run

THE TWELVE RV DEALERS REPORTED BRISK SALES. IT WAS A GREAT WEEKEND OVERALL.

www.yorkrvshow.net

www.pacamping.com


INDUSTRY NEWS

Jellystone adds news U.S. and Canada franchise locations

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts is continuing to expand with the addition of two new campgrounds, one in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Tenn., and the other in Pouch Cove, Newfoundland, Canada.

Coming off record 2017 sales, Jellystone Parks recently made Franchise Business Review’s Top 200 list of award-winning franchise opportunities and moved up to #265 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list for 2018.

Heather Blankenship, a commercial real estate broker, converted her existing

campground in Pigeon Forge, which she has owned for seven years, to a Jellystone Park. Its grand opening was March 10.

“My goal is to bring camping to the next generation and get kids outside,” said Blankenship, a single mother of three

children. “Having a franchise that is so kid-oriented will help drive my mission.”

Blankenship’s campground has 100 RV sites, 20 cabins, and 15 glamping tents. The campground also has two pools, a fishing pond, activities all day, outdoor movies, a playground and a pizzeria.

The new franchisee in Pouch Cove is David Snow, who is converting his existing 450-site Marine Park campground to a Jellystone Park. Now open, it is the sixth Jellystone Park in Canada.

“By becoming a Jellystone Parks franchisee, we can tap into the brand’s experience and expand our traffic overnight,” Snow said. “We’re adding to our play structures and redoing our store to make room for Jellystone Park novelty items,” Snow said. He also plans to install rental cabins.


www.agritainmentshow.com


INDUSTRY NEWS

ABILENE KS – As campground owners from across Kansas prepare for a busy spring and summer, some took time out for industry education and networking. The Kansas Association of RV Parks & Campground (KARVC) held its annual meeting on February 27th at Four Seasons RV Acres in Abilene, yet this time they shook things up. Aside from a short business meeting, standard election, round-table discussions, and industry presentations by the National ARVC, attendees also heard formal presentations. There were two in-depth presentations: cybersecurity by Peter Pelland of Pelland Advertising and ADA compliance by Mark Douglass of RVing Accessibility Group.

Attendees were also introduced to a variety of Kansas-made items to

consider offering in their camp stores. Executive Director Mary Arlington explains, “There are many Kansas small businesses making products that not only could improve a park’s revenue stream but would also create more new memories for their guests.”

Keeping in line with the made-in-Kansas focus, every attendee went home with a copy of the new Kansas Guidebook 2 for Explorers, which was co-written by fellow Kansans Marci Penner and WenDee Rowe. Arlington explains, “Kansas doesn’t have to be a completely pass-through state but it’s up to each campground owner to encourage their guests to slow down to take it all in, or even return for future visits.”

Along the note of things

made in Kansas, Dave Winter gave a tour of a cabin that’s made in Kansas. Skyline Corporation is in Ark City KS.

Mark Atkinson, Walnut Grove RV Park, told Arlington he appreciated the new expanded educational aspect of the event. Arlington says, “Every single attendee thanked us for shaking things up!”

Karen Weber, Mid-America Camp Inn, borrowed a line that Arlington is known for saying, “Those who don’t attend don’t know what they don’t know!”

Association President Charlie Reaser says, “I was pleased to welcome Jeanne Squier of Beaumont Hotel & RV Park to our Board a few months ago, and now we’ve added Richard Lord to our Board. He’s a new park owner, having purchased Rutlader Outpost RV Park in 2016. This is refreshing news

for us.”

“As I’ve said before,” Reaser adds, “There’s a wealth of information regarding park operations and management. The time together is also about having some fun and tending to some healing. That’s what happens when we spend time with people who have the same career and who face the same struggles. Together is better. “

You can contact KARVC via www.karvc.org if you want to learn more.


Kansas campground owners meeting took on new format

Inside a cabin that was provided by Skyline Corporation

Carolyn Fenn (host; Four Seasons RV Acres) and Amy Thieme (ARVC)

http://www.karvc.org


• A greAt return on investment • A sAFe FlAt jumping AreA • eAsy to instAll & roll up to store over winter

• mAny sizes to choose From • mAny color choices

www.thejumppad.com Call sales manager Randy Jenkins on 704 902 1786 E: [email protected]

for the whole Fun

Family

http://www.thejumppad.com

mailto:[email protected]


INDUSTRY NEWS

COLORADO Springs, CO – Attendees at the conference for Colorado campground owners seem to have been astonished about the event. Praise was shared regarding everything from the outline of the program to the choice and format of presentations, and from the venue selection to the food choices. The atmosphere was that of openness, warm welcoming of those who hadn’t attended in some time, embracing of those who are in their first weeks in the industry, and renewed familiarity to many others. It ended with excitement for the possibilities that the future offers.

Mary Arlington, Executive Director, has been changing the flow of the conference for several years, aiming to achieve what was finally provided this year. She says, “We’ve been shaking things up for several years

and the full change was far more evident this year. We first addressed the business of the association, succinctly and transparently. Then we focused on expert presentations. Once everyone was beginning to feel the load of the new knowledge, we lit into the social and banquet. The second day was designed for discussions regarding how the earlier content and other issues in the industry impact

the campgrounds.” Diana Fruh, a third-

generation manager at Golden Eagle Campground says, “[It

was] such a well-organized and informative conference this year. I came away with some great ideas!”

Peter Pelland of Pelland Advertising provided insight into cyber security and also taught on branding. Peter Erickson of Clean Designs, Inc. discussed laundromat revenue centers. Ivy Fife of Colorado Yurt Company outlined viable options for yurts, from registration centers and stores to meeting rooms and as a lodging option.

Attendees heard from Mark Douglass of the RVing Accessibility Group. He set out to inspire them to embrace ADA compliance. Peri Ann Query enjoyed all presentations and hopes to have Douglass perform an assessment of Estes Park KOA, the campground she co-owns with her husband, Greg. Rick Spear of Jellystone Park of Estes has the same

hopes, as do several others across the state.

Other valuable insight was provided by Colorado Caliber, RMS, Insider Perks, Aspira Connect, It’s All About Satellites, Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance, ARVC, and the ARVC Foundation.

Campground discussions provided ideas for next year’s conference, which is now set for March 6 & 7, 2019. Don Seppi, Vice-President of CCLOA and owner of Sugar Loafin’ RV Campground says, “It also became obvious that a special presentation is needed even sooner, regarding the Colorado Wage Act. We’re now arranging that presentation to be held electronically, hopefully for April.”

Attendees also heard about the newest opportunity: CCLOA’s Founder’s

The Colorado conference hailed as “awesome” to “phenomenal”

Cont'd pg 7

The one of the Board shows, L to R, • Mary Arlington, Executive Director • Carrie York, Secretary (Golden Eagle Campground) • Don Seppi, Vice President (Sugar Loafin RV Campground) • Ivan Mehlhaff, Treasurer (Bristlecone Lodge) • David Ozburn, President (Falcon Meadow RV Campground) • Cathy Harbick, Director (Arrowhead Point Campground & Cabins)

WE’VE BEEN SHAKING THINGS UP FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND THE FULL CHANGE WAS FAR MORE EVIDENT THIS YEAR


Assistance Fund. This accepts tax-deductible donations. Arlington explains, “Our members can now apply for grants to assist them following a disaster or emergency, or to assist with registration fees for an industry educational program, such as through CCLOA, ARVC or the Colorado Tourism Office. We had a soft-launch of this a few months ago and now the fund has grown to $1,587. The fund was inspired by the recent loss of one of CCLOA’s founders, Edith Seppi. A photo of Dick Mandel of Cross D Bar Trout Ranch, a member we lost in late November, was also shown in the display.”

Arlington adds, “Some donations have been made in honor or memory of an inspiring person in CCLOA. We think this is a lovely tribute to the vast number of volunteers who have carried us for nearly 50 years!”

As always, the auction provided valuable funds and it added laughter to the event. In addition, David Ozburn, President of CCLOA and co-owner of Falcon Meadow RV Campground, adds, “We also introduced a Made In Colorado segment. Through it we were able to share ideas for camp store inventory

while we also generated

funds and increased

awareness of other Colorado

small businesses. All in all,

this was the best conference

I’ve ever attended, even

outside of CCLOA.”

The campground owners

and managers gathered

at Colorado Springs KOA.

Members requested future

conferences

be held

in similar

venues.

Arlington

says,

“Moving

away from

conference

centers lets

us support

our own industry. It also let

us to have local caterers

deliver delicious cuisine from

Tucanos Brazilian Grill and

locally renowned Bird Dog

BBQ. Desserts were home-

baked by Katrina Schram,

who is also an assistant

to CCLOA. Thanks to the

support and sponsorship

of Mission Management’s

Astra Campground Manager

and BookYourSite, we were

able to provide the array of

cuisine.” Arlington adds, Peter

Kearns is now synonymous

with good food!”


INDUSTRY NEWSINDUSTRY NEWS

From P6

www.buildingpro.com

mailto: [email protected]


Across California, RV parks are increasingly investing in solar energy systems as a way of combating rising electricity costs.

In the past two years, at least seven parks in Central and Southern California have invested in solar systems that offset their energy costs by 38 to 83 percent, depending on the size of their solar panels installations.

“RV parks are investing in solar energy to alleviate the unpredictable impacs of rising electricity rates dealt out by the utilities,” said Erik Boardman, who oversees business development for Shorebreak Energy Developers.

The Irvine-based company has developed turnkey solar power systems in more than 240 manufactured housing communities, about 20 of which are RV parks.

Thom Niederkofler, a partner with Pacific Current Partners, whose holdings include Oceanside RV Park in Oceanside, said there are very compelling reasons for RV park operators to invest in solar energy systems.

“Electric utility expenses are one of the biggest line items in our operating budget every year,” he said. “You can make a huge impact on your bottom line by reducing that expense.”

Parks that invest in solar energy systems can also take advantage of tax credits as well as accelerated depreciation.

Carport-mounted solar systems are also very popular among RVers because they like to park in shaded sites. The same dynamic holds true for RV storage sites, Niederkofler said, adding that RVers will pay more to be able to store their vehicles under carport-mounted solar

systems because of the shade they provide.

Many RVers also like supporting businesses that are investing in environmentally friendly technologies, he said.

Meanwhile, Shorebreak and other companies are keeping busy with solar system installations in RV parks. During the past two years, Shorebreak has supervised the installation of solar

systems in the following parks:

- Castaic Lake RV Park in Castaic: This 103-site park installed a carport mounted system that produces 501,366 Kwh of electricity, while offsetting the park’s energy needs by 62.7 percent and its energy bills by 63.4 percent. The system went online in February of 2016.

- Loomis RV Park in Loomis: This 81-site park installed a carport mounted

solar system that produces 216,501 Kwh of electricity, while offsetting the park’s energy needs by 38.3 percent and its energy bills by 50.1 percent. The system went online in June of 2016.

- Oceanside RV Resort in Oceanside: This 139-space park installed a roof carport system that produces 407,765 Kwh of electricity, while

INDUSTRY NEWS

More California parks are investing in solar energy


INDUSTRY NEWS

offsetting the park’s energy needs by 83 percent and its energy bills by 73.6 percent. The system went online in June of 2017.

- Orange Grove RV Park in Bakersfield: This 177-site park installed a ground mounted solar system that produces 721,266 Kwh of electricity, while offsetting the park’s energy needs by 64 percent and its energy bills by 56.3 percent. The system is expected to go online any time now.

- Santa Nella RV Park in Santa Nella: This park, which has 47 mobile home site and 90 RV sites, installed a ground mounted solar system that produces 292,051 Kwh of electricity, while offsetting the

park’s energy needs by 79.5 percent and its energy bills by 76.3 percent. The system is expected to go online any time now.

- Smoke Tree RV Park in Bakersfield: This 202-site mobile home park installed a carport mounted solar system that produces 288,074 Kwh of electricity, while offsetting the park’s energy needs by 55.5 percent and its energy bills by 50.4 percent. The system went online in October of 2016.

- Suncrest Village RV Park in Bakersfield: This 41-site park installed a carport mounted system that produces 130,536 Kwh of electricity, while offsetting the park’s energy needs by 49 percent and its

energy bills by 58.7 percent. The system went online in October of 2017.

For more information on Shorebreak Energy Developers, please visit its website at www.shorebreakenergy.com.

For more business to

business information on campgrounds, RV parks and resorts, please visit CalARVC.com, the website for the California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, which is headquartered in Auburn, Calif.


www.shorebreakenergy.com

www.ownakoa.com


INDUSTRY NEWS

THE 2018 edition of “Camp-California! The Camper's Guide To California” lists nearly 300 private campgrounds that are not listed on government websites. There are 225,000 copies of the award-winning print directory are free for the asking at www.Camp-California.com, which has also been redesigned into mobile-, tablet- and desktop-friendly formats

AUBURN, Calif. - Consumers looking to plan a weekend getaway or a dream vacation in California now have a new resource available to them at no cost.

Camp-California.com has produced 225,000 printed copies of the 2018 edition of its award-winning directory, Camp-California! The Camper’s Guide to California, which are available free of charge on a first come, first serve basis.

The magazine style directory is an invaluable consumer resource because it lists nearly 300 mostly privately owned and operated campgrounds, RV parks and resorts that are not listed on recreation.gov or other government websites.

“We provide consumers with information on campgrounds and RV parks they would not otherwise find using government websites,” said Debbie Sipe, CEO of Camp-California.com.

While the 80-page printed campground directory does not provide all of the travel

planning content that is available on Camp-California.com, it does serve as a useful quick reference not only for campgrounds, but for food and wine festivals and other special events taking place this year in different regions of California, including stories on Lodi, Bakersfield and San Luis Obispo County as well as craft beers and product reviews.

A digital version of the

directory is available on Camp-California.com and includes links to more extensive campground and special event listing information as well as advertiser websites. Camp-California.com and the digital version of the printed campground directory have also been redesigned to be compatible with mobile-, tablet- and desktop friendly formats, courtesy of La Quinta, Calif.-based Big Rig Media, LLC.

The photos, videos and social media postings of each campground, RV park and resort have also been integrated into Camp-California.com, which also now has the ability to show consumers appropriate online advertisements about campgrounds as well as camping and RV supplies based on the consumer’s IP address, said Jeff Beyer, CEO of Big Rig Media.

However, Sipe said there continues to be considerable market

demand for a printed campground directory.

“We find that consumers like to have a printed directory to take with them when they travel because it’s faster and easier to use than a smart phone, and it doesn’t burn up any precious Internet data!” Sipe said. “It’s also more reliable in outlying rural areas where cellphone service is still spotty.”

CalARVC releases its free 2018 campground guide

BUSINESSES THAT MARKET TO RVERS ARE FINDING CAMP-CALIFORNIA! TO BE A SUCCESSFUL MEDIUM

http://www.Camp-California.com



INDUSTRY NEWS

The Camp-California! guide includes amenity grids for campgrounds in each region of the state that highlight 17 different types of amenities, such as swimming pools, laundry facilities, rental accommodations and WiFi service. Brief descriptive write-ups, locator maps, websites, telephone and contact information are also provided for each park.

The 2018 edition of the award-winning directory is free for the asking by calling (530) 885-1624. Camping enthusiasts only need to pay for the postage required to send the directory to them. Camp-California.com also has a listing of locations where consumers can pick up the

print directory on their own. Camp-California! The

Camper’s Guide to California has received the State Directory of the Year Award from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds in eight competitions involving state campground

associations.The guides are being

distributed at all California Camping World locations, Bass Pro Super Stores, all 14 California Welcome Centers, the California RV Show, as well as through affiliated member campgrounds, RV dealers and

service centers.

The camper’s guide is provided to consumers free of charge by members of the California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, many of which are family owned and operated. The directory is also supported by a growing base of advertisers, including campgrounds and RV aftermarket suppliers.

“Our advertiser base is growing more and more,” Sipe said, adding, “Businesses that market to RVers are finding Camp-California! to be a successful medium.”

For more information, visit www.Camp-California.com.




INDUSTRY NEWS

THERE are only a handful of RV park owners who can commit major dollars to their marketing efforts. The fact of the matter, however, is that you don’t need to commit major dollars to market your RV Park. You do need to plan how you are going to market your park and stick to it. I’ve laid out 12 points that you need to recognize and keep in front of you as you go about putting together your marketing plan.

1. LOW COST MARKETING - Not only is it possible to market your park without breaking the bank it is absolutely doable. You can grow your customer base without spending a lot of dollars but you do need to spend the time to do it. Time

is a precious commodity so schedule a day each week when you can spend a large chunk of the day working on your marketing plan, your marketing program and your marketing campaigns.

2. COMMITMENT

- It is easy to get discouraged with your marketing efforts when you don’t see any results. Your efforts will pay off if you just see it through. Don’t give up before it has a chance to stick.

3. BRANDING - Your guests need to have a clear picture of who you are and what your park is all about. Is it a family park, an overnight park, a destination park, or a weekend getaway

park? Saying all of the above is going to muddy your marketing efforts. Select the one that best applies to you and use that as your focus for the next year. Once you have that side of the market developed, you can begin to develop the other

areas. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed trying to be everything to everybody.

4. CONSISTENCY

- Be consistent in your marketing message. Let your ads, brochures, and pamphlets, marketing packets all reflect the same image. The actual wording can be different but make the look and feel of the graphics remain the same.

5. TARGET MARKETS

- Mass marketing isn’t going to work in today’s world. Focus on the market that you are branding your park for and find out everything you can about them. If you try to market to the entire RVing world, you are going to spread your marketing dollars so thin that you’re not going to see great results.

6. ELICIT TRUST

- If your current guest trusts you to deliver what you say

by Pamela Wright

12 Random Steps to Making Marketing Work


INDUSTRY NEWS

in your marketing efforts, they are going to be confident in recommending you to their friends. If you deliver more than they expect, the likelihood that they will spread the word for you increases. If you deliver an outstanding experience, they are going to be sure to tell everyone what a great time they had. Their trust and confidence is key to building your community.

7. REPETITION

- Here is where the bad news comes in. Research suggests that people need to encounter your marketing efforts between seven and twelve times before they are ready to stop in. Put repetition together with consistency to build recognition. Once you have built recognition, people will begin to associate you with your message which is what marketing is all about.

8. QUALITY

- If your park isn’t top quality, you’re not going to get repeat business. Your long term success is going to depend on your satisfied guests talking about you. Take a look around your park and imagine yourself as an RVer coming into the park. What could be improved on?

9. RELATIONSHIPS

- Establish relationships with your guests. Make sure all of your employees/workampers are always smiling and

asking the guests how their stay is going. If they have a complaint do everything you can to resolve it immediately. This also means giving those employees/workampers the authority to make a guest’s stay the best. Don’t get me wrong. You probably don’t want to give all of your employees the ability to hand out free stays or refund money, but you can give them the authority to move a picnic table, take a trash bag to the dumpster, etc.

10. TRACKING RESULTS

- It is imperative that you know how well your marketing efforts are doing. Don’t put an ad in a local paper, a magazine or on the internet without some type of code so that you can know when a person is responding to the ad. Always, always, always track your results and adjust your efforts accordingly.

11. FLEXIBILITY

- Be ready to change as your environment changes. Be willing to jump out there and try out the next marketing platform. However, you do need to do this judicially. At the rate new platforms are coming out, you would need to hire an entire staff just to stay on top of what is new.

12. DETERMINE COSTS

- Here is where a lot of effort falls down. Calculate what your cost is for each of your marketing efforts and divide that by the number of people who responded to you. This is going to tell you how much money you are spending on one individual. Some items are givens, (i.e. brochures, business cards, websites) and won’t have individual costs; however, when you run an ad you can determine what the cost per person is. Now you have a way of determining

whether the ad gave you any return on your investment (ROI.)

Those are my twelve points that I believe are vital to making your marketing efforts work for you. What would you add?

Need a nudge in the right direction? Give me a call at 800-478-0516 and let’s talk about what problems you need solved. Be sure to follow me on Twitter: @RVStops and @FocusedWords and join my group on LinkedIn, “Social Media in the RV Industry” and “RV Park Management Software User’s Group”. Check out my blog at www.FocusedWords.com/blog for more articles about doing business in the RV world. Copyright by FocusedWords. If you would like to reprint, please email [email protected] with your request.

http://www.FocusedWords



SILVER CITY — The Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary teamed up with Darley Newman of "Travels with Darley" to do a special on what the Campground is all about. The result is a video called "New Mexico's Continental Divide Trail" which will air on PBS stations in March and April.

"In August (2017) we were contacted by Darley to inquire if my husband (Dr. Al Grauer) and I would be interested in being part of a project at the Cosmic Campround," Patricia Grauer said. "We agreed and Newman and her camera crew met us there on the evening of Sept. 3."

According to Grauer, Newman interviewed them and directed them while the camera crew made videos, stills and aerial views with drones. Dr. Grauer began to show them objects with the telescope.

"When they saw the moon a photographer tried his hand at taking photos of the moon through our telescope," Grauer said. "Four hours with them went by quickly."

Grauer also stated that in late February of this year, Newman spoke on Capital Hill for the 50th anniversary event for the National Trail System.

"They talked about us and the Cosmic Campground," Grauer said. "She also showed them photographs of us and

the video from their visit."The Cosmic Campground

is located off Hwy 180 West between mile marker 37 and 38 - 8.5 miles north of Alma. There is a brown National Forest sign opposite the entrance at an orange cattle guard. The hard surface road is about 1.3 miles to the campground. There is a two-place standard FS toilet on site.

Cosmic Campground and the Gila National Forest have partnered for a 20-year special use permit. A high tech weather station and night sky data collection system is at the site and run by solar power at the campground. Data will be streamed over the internet wirelessly for people and

students to see around the globe.

The Grauer's have been traveling around the world and speaking about Cosmic Campground to astronomers and others interested in the natural night sky.

"Dr. Grauer and I traveled to Scotland for the European Dark Sky Conference in September (2017) where Dr Grauer presented the keynote talk on the Cosmic Campground," Grauer said. "I was asked to present a poster. I used a 16-inch by 20 inch photo of the Milky Way rising over the Gila Wilderness with the Gila National Forest sign taken by Steven Miller, an astrophotographer visiting from Florida. Many people

were adding a visit to the campground to their bucket lists after seeing the poster and hearing the talk."

Aldo Leopold students and staff will get in on the action in April. The visit will commemorate an Aldo Leopold student who helped take data when the Grauers were working to get the International Dark Sky Association designation as a Dark Sky Sanctuary back in 2015. Cosmic Campground was designated by unanimous vote by the board of the IDA as the only Dark Sky Sanctuary in the northern hemisphere in January, 2016.

Source: http://bit.ly/2DHYB9l

INDUSTRY NEWS

Grauers spend time with Emmy-award winning producer for Cosmic Campground special

http://bit.ly/2DHYB9l


INDUSTRY NEWS

PIERRE SD –Campground occupancy is expected to be strong this year, given all indicators from the RV industry, and South Dakota’s campgrounds are preparing for it.

To assist campground owners, the South Dakota Campground Owners (SDCOA) is hosting its annual gathering on April 18th at the SD Game, Fish & Parks Outdoor Campus West in Rapid City. Member and non-member campground owners, operators and managers are invited to attend.

This will be first SDCOA’s event prepared by their new Executive Director, Mary Arlington. Sh explains, “Having just hosted highly successful meetings for campground owners in Kansas and Colorado, where I carry the same role and responsibilities, there’s a primary difference to the South Dakota meeting: I’m new here. The Board of

Directors and I have been working to secure SDCOA onto a more solid foundation, and it’s still solidifying. Now we need to share the changes, ideas and plans to gain input and to inspire participation.”

Arlington adds, “My other associations went through many changes in recent years that led to their successful recent meetings. It’s my

hope that many campgrounds will be represented at South Dakota’s meeting so that in short order South Dakota, too, can be enjoying larger meetings.”

The program first calls for discussion on SDCOA itself, aligning it for the good of all members. Then the rest of the day will focus on helping the attendees become even better

at campground operations and management.

The schedule includes:

• Networking with fellow campground owners and operators, industry supplier members, and National ARVC's Jeff Sims;

• Educational seminars on topics that relate to most every campground owner, including one on how to take steps toward being ADA compliant;

• Silent and live auctions of items that can be used at your campground;

• A chance to get better acquainted with one another and with Arlington.

The meeting is scheduled to last from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Contact SDCOA for more information: 605.593.1557 or [email protected]


South Dakota campground owners prepare for busy season


www.focusedwords.com



INDUSTRY NEWS

Three from Colorado attend industry roll-out of National Standards seminars

DENVER, CO – The Colorado Campground Owners Association applauds three of its members for attending the National ARVC Foundation Practitioner Certificate for NFPA 1194® seminars.

· Rick Spear of Jellystone Park of Estes

· Rick Stauter of Cutty’s Hayden Creek Resort, and

· Mari Garland of Junction West RV Park

The trio spent March 6th deeply focused on learning the national standards of the industry. The all-day session was held at Colorado Springs KOA, and was taught by ARVC’s Senior Director of Education, Barb Youmans.

According to the ARVC Foundation, the program “is

designed to ensure that park owners and operators have an in-depth knowledge of the current standards for RV Parks and Campgrounds. This will provide practitioners with knowledge of best practices and the necessary resources to work with regulatory agencies when designing or modifying existing facilities.”

Mary Arlington, CCLOA’s Executive Director, says, “I’m so grateful to Rick, Rick and Mari. Certainly, it’s mostly for their businesses, but they know it goes deeper. National ARVC has led the way for us to inform Authorities Having Jurisdiction that these standards have been well analyzed as they were created. AHJs dictate over various components of building, maintaining and

operating campgrounds, yet many aren’t aware that national standards are already in place. There is no reason for each state or county to reinvent the wheel.”

Arlington continues, “I know ARVC is working from Washington DC down, and CCLOA is working in Denver, but empowering campground owners with the knowledge to share with their local authorities helps drive it the rest of the way. Together we really can achieve much more!”

The coursework covers a full range of standards on RV park and campground design, construction, definitions, fire safety, potable water, waste water, and much more.

The document was originally first adopted in 1940

and, obviously, has had many

revisions over the decades.

The most current document

is the 2018 edition. A copy

can be purchased online, and

CCLOA and ARVC members

can order a copy at low

special member pricing on

www.arvc.org/store.

Arlington concludes, “We

hope many more campground

owners become inspired to

sign up for the program. It

will be offered again at ARVCs

school in July in Denver, at

ARVC’s national conference in

Oklahoma City in November,

as well as in other states at

other times of the year.”


NFPA CCLOA Members 2018, L to R, • Rick Spear of Jellystone Park of Estes (Estes Park) • Barb Youmans, ARVC Foundation (Centennial) • Rick Stauter, Cutty’s Hayden Creek Resort (Coaldale) • Mari Garland, Junction West RV Park (Grand Juntion)

http://www.arvc.org/store


INDUSTRY NEWS

Point Sebago Resort purchased by Arizona-based resort group

CASCO, MAINE — The Point Sebago Resort has been sold to an Arizona-based real estate trust, according to a press release.

The release from Cove Communities, a relatively new resort and manufactured community group formed in September 2017, says that it has acquired the 775-acre resort on Sebago Lake in Casco.

A Cove Communities spokeswoman said that the existing full-time management team and staff at Point Sebago were offered employment, and a majority have chosen to stay on.

“The Point Sebago team is excited to begin working with the Cove management team to bring the resort to new levels of excellence and family fun,” said Point Sebago

General Manager Don Toms. “We look forward to a great relationship that will benefit our guests, homeowners, the Casco community and our valued employees.”

The sale was finalized March 2, according to the spokeswoman, and Cove Communities purchased the resort for an undisclosed sum from the Gould family. Dr. Larry Gould was an initial investor and later the sole owner of Point Sebago. Gould, who also founded Casco’s Camp Sunshine, died in 2015.

Cove Communities’ website says that it aims to “create the finest RV and Manufactured Home Communities in the US and Canada.

Full Article: http://bit.ly/2G91OBq

http://bit.ly/2G91OBq


BERRIEN SPRINGS — Nearly a month after historic flooding hit the area, Berrien Springs village officials are breathing a sigh of relief that the worst is over, while they help repair the damage.

Council members Monday night reported on everything from the status of the village-owned Shamrock Park campground to plans for fundraisers to help those who have lost their homes.

Keith Moss, of Fleis & Vandenbrink Operations, briefed members on the status of the wastewater treatment plant, which avoided damage.

“We made it through the flood without problems,” he said. “Everything seems to be going good.”

Council Member and Shamrock Park Committee

Chairman Sandy Swartz then reported on the status of the campground. Both Shamrock Park and the nearby River Springs Estates mobile home park are located on the St. Joseph River and were

evacuated during the flooding. Swartz said campers

were moving back slowly into Shamrock Park after the electric service was checked and restored. She noted that many of the campers had found a temporary home at the fairgrounds after the flooding.

Swartz and Village President Milt Richter said the cleaning of the campground is ongoing, with more of the park being readied for people to move back in. The plan is to start charging campers again on April 1.

Full Article: http://bit.ly/2uf0if1

A Michigan campground slowly recovers from flood

http://bit.ly/2uf0if1

www.koacarecamps.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wsz_tmuAbSM&t=1s


THE Grayback Gulch Campground, just south of Idaho City, remains closed after the bridge leading to the

campground was removed because of a fallen tree

IDAHO CITY - Winter was mild this year, but the effects

of last year’s big snowfall and spring flooding that followed are still being felt nearly a year later.

The Grayback Gulch Campground, just south of Idaho City, remains closed after the bridge leading to the campground was removed because of a fallen tree. It has many like Rose Eggers asking, when will the campground reopen?

“It really has just about everything that you would want,” said Rose Eggers

Memories of Grayback Gulch Campground hang on the walls of Eggers’ home.

“We've spent a lot of

summers up there just because it's so accessible. It's just overall a nice campground,” said Eggers

However, this past summer, the Eggers had to find a new campground as Grayback Gulch wasn’t so accessible. Nearly a year-to-date, the Grayback Bridge was removed because of erosion, ice, and snow build-up.

"It was a big hit. We've driven up there I don't know how many times just to say, 'is anything different?’” said Eggers.

Full Article: http://bit.ly/2u8zuN8

Popular Idaho campground could reopen this summer

http://bit.ly/2u8zuN8

www.pelland.com


PUBLISHED BY Industry E News 419 Saint Francis Avenue, Smyrna TN 37167

Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved

Republishing content from this E News is prohibited.

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in Campground & RV Park E News are not necessarily the opinion of the editor, publisher or staff. We do not accept responsibility for any damages resulting from inaccuracies in editorial or advertising. The Publisher, Industry ENews LLC is therefore indemnified against all actions, suits, claims for damages resulting from content in this publication. Content cannot be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher.

CONTACT US Publisher/Editor: Dennis Macreadyemail: [email protected] 317-408-6849

Associate Editor & Advertising: Jamie Macreadyemail: [email protected] 317-408-6849

Listings in the Campground Supplier Directory are only $200 for a 48 week placement. Please contact us to get your business listed at [email protected] or call 317 408 6849.

Listings are featured via alphabetically listed categories with hot links to email and websites. This is undoubtedly the most economical method of promoting your business on a weekly basis.

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Published By: Industry ENews LLC419 Saint Francis AveSmyrna, TN 37167Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved Republishing content from this E News is prohibited. Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in Campground & RV Park E News are not necessarily the opinion of the editor, publisher or staff. We do not accept responsibility for any damages resulting from inaccuracies in editorial or advertising. The Publisher, Industry ENews LLC is therefore indemnified against all actions, suits, claims for damages resulting from content in this publication. Content cannot be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher.

CONTACT US: Publisher/Editor: Dennis Macready [email protected] 317-408-6849 Associate Editor & Advertising: Jamie Macready [email protected] 317-408-6849

Listings in the Campground Supplier Directory are only $200 for 48 week placement. Please contact us to get your business listed at [email protected] or call 317 408 6849 Listings are featured via alphabetically listed categories with hot links to email and websites. This is undoubtedly the most economical method of promoting your business on a weekly basis.

campgroundsupplier directory

www.rvparksforsale.com Phone: 830-896-5050 Fax: 866-300-0146 [email protected] 612 Sidney Baker St. Kerrville, Texas 78028

SPECIALIZING IN RV PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS. We offer professional Park Brokerage Services to those seeking to sell or purchase RV Parks, Resorts, Mobile Home Parks, Marinas, and Campgrounds in Texas and Oklahoma. We offer a lot more than typical Realtors or unlicensed Business Brokers, plus we have over 30 years experience just in this specialized Property.

Specializing in acquisitions and sales of RV properties Nationwide. If you have considered selling, let’s discuss how we may be able to assist you in ways others cannot. Not ready to sell? We offer full-service management options for far less than you might imagine

Contact: Randy Hendrickson, 805-253-1562 Email: [email protected] www.1Horizon.com

AQUISITIONS





http://www.1Horizon.com

http://www.rvparksforsale.com



Texas Advertising is the publisher of several state campground guides as well as an approved ad agent for national publications like the Good Sam Directory. Not to mention, Texas Advertising owns AGS Guest Guides which publishes hundreds of campground guides every year and works with tens of thousands of campground-related businesses.

910 S. Crowley Rd, Ste. 9-504, Crowley, TX 76036. 877-518-1989www.TexasAdvertising.net Email: [email protected]

Southeast Publications provides site maps for your campground at NO COST to you. We can design your rack cards, mirror hangers, business cards, banners and more. FREE listing on MobileRVing.com and mobile app.

Call today 888.832.3292 www.SoutheastPublications.com 7676-B Peters Rd, Plantation, FL 33324 [email protected]

ADVERTISING SERVICES

Pinnacle Park Homes has served the campground industry for over 15 years. With our focus solely on park models and camping cabins, Pinnacle Park Homes has become a leader in the industry. We deliver to 48 states and our homes arrive complete – they are not a kit. We offer a rental line exclusively to campground owners that are designed to bring a return on investment in a short period of time.

Call us today or visit the web. 866-574-515926488 GA Hwy 3 Ochlocknee, GA 31773 Email: [email protected] www.pinnacleparkhomes.com

CABINS/PARKS MODELS

Building Pro: 713-880-2801www.buildingpro.com [email protected]

Bath House and Commercial Modular Buildings to meet any Building Code.Building Pro the Out House Masters has been custom building modular buildings since 1979. We design and build to meet your exact needs. We provide Showers, Toilets , Meeting rooms, Laundries, Classrooms, Locker rooms, Offices, Daycare's, Churches, Clinics.

BATH HOUSE UNITS

http://www.TexasAdvertising.net


http://www.SoutheastPublications.com


http://www.buildingpro.com



http://www.pinnacleparkhomes.com


With more than 100 years of combined outdoor hospitality experience, the Gorin + Cohen Consulting Group provides expert experience in all aspects of RV Park and Campground design, development, investment, operations and marketing. The Gorin + Cohen team exclusively works with investors, developers, campground owners and park buyers, providing experience based consulting services at affordable fees.

www.gorincohenconsulting.comDavid: [email protected]: [email protected]

CONSULTANTS

Visit our website to request a one hour complimentary consultation

Ph: 800 897 8836

Great American Direct leads the industry in providing hospitality solutions at factory direct pricing. Our line features mattresses, mattress protection, bed frames, futons. Our NEW line provides outdoor furniture and umbrellas for your patio sites and pool areas. For a full list of products, visit our website.

Ph: (757) 229-05674000 Newman Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188 Email: [email protected] www.greatamericandirect.com

CABINS/PARKS MODELS

Owner: Maggie Linnell Lake Orion, Michigan Toll free number: 855.644.2400www.YourElectricalSolutions.net [email protected]

Use our knowledge for the best electrical fixes and upgrades. YES is a nationwide distributor of electric pedestals, surface boxes, electric meters, conversion kits, water meters, lighting, power distribution equipment and accessories from Millbank, Midwest, Eaton, General Electric and more.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES

Full Circle Finance has been financing the campground industry for nearly 20 years. We finance park models, bath houses, yurts, laundry equipment, honey wagons, hardware,/software, pool equipment, jumping pads, playground equipment, picnic tables, fire rings and just about anything else you can think of for the hospitality industry. If it's equipment used for your business, chances are we will finance it!

Call Kevin Van Wagner today at 1-888-223-2600 or visit us online www.fullcirclellc.us [email protected] APPLY NOW

EQUIPMENT FINANCE


http://www.greatamericandirect.com

http://www.gorincohenconsulting.com



http://www.YourElectricalSolutions.net


http://www.fullcirclellc.us



MERCHANDISE AND SUPPLIES

Ph: 877 766 7784 [email protected] www.smorstix.com

SMORSTIX - The perfect Marshmallow Roasting Stix. The original since 1999. Packaged bulk or with pre-loaded clip-strips or floor display. Made of 100% untreated white birch without any additives, dirt or grime. SMORSTIX are a generous 30" length to keep everybody at a safe distance from the fire. Trees & forests are left undisturbed which is a good lesson when teaching the kids to leave our forests the way we found them.

MOBILE APPS

CREATE AN EXPERIENCE APP FOR YOUR CAMPGROUND, IN MINUTES! Features include a real-time alert system, activities calendar with reminders, mobile initiated delivery services, turn-by-turn directions to nearby things to see and do and MORE. No setup fees, 30 day Free trial. Subscriptions start at $30/month. Join the network.

Phone: 888-231-CAMP (2267)Email: [email protected] www.campersapp.com



MOBILE APPS

MCPS for Campgrounds is the industry’s largest credit/debit card processor with very low rates to save you money. We have a virtual terminal, PCI Compliance Protection with up to $100,000 indemnification and many other services. We are on the Suppliers Council of ARVC and over a dozen state and regional associations. We work with most of the reservation services. MCPS processes through Woodforest Bank, with over 800 branches in Wal-Mart stores.

418 Hazel St., New Berlin, PA 17855 USA Ph: 877-858-9010 Fax: [email protected] www.mcpsforcampgrounds.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES


http://www.mcpsforcampgrounds.com


http://www.smorstix.com


http://www.campersapp.com



https://youtu.be/rNHPb4VBV7Q

https://youtu.be/rNHPb4VBV7Q


PRINTING SERVICES



AGS is the industry leader in printing and promotional products. From site maps to brochures to fun, unique items like dry-erase maps for check-ins, floor mats, wine glasses and more! AGS prints high-quality and customized products to promote your business.

910 S. Crowley Rd, Ste. 9-504, Crowley, TX 76036. 817-426-9395. www.AGSPub.com Email: [email protected]

The Jump Pad has taken the market by storm and is the ideal kid magnet for campgrounds and RV resorts. Available in a variety of sizes, the Jump Pad is a series of inflatable "pillows" along a flat play jump area. No installation is required. Insurance companies have endorsed it. Can be folded and stored over winter!

Phone Randy on 704 902 [email protected] www.thejumppad.com

RECREATION EQUIPMENT

Emerald FX is a design build fiberglass company with a full line of American Made products. Our splash pads and water features can be found in many campgrounds throughout the country. We strive in providing our customers with the utmost quality!

Emerald FX LLC 502 Industrial Parkway, Norwalk, Ohio 44857PH: ( 419 ) 663-3279 Email: [email protected] Website: www.emeraldfx.com

RECREATION EQUIPMENT

http://www.AGSPub.com





http://www.thejumppad.com


http://www.emeraldfx.com


Specializing in acquisitions and sales of RV properties Nationwide. If you have considered selling, let’s discuss how we may be able to assist you in ways others cannot. Not ready to sell? We offer full-service management options for far less than you might imagine

Contact: Randy Hendrickson, 805-253-1562 Email: [email protected] www.1Horizon.com

RESORT MANAGEMENT

RESORT MANAGEMENT

RESERVATION SOFTWARE

With over 30 years of innovation and 5,500 properties, RMS provides customizable, easy-to-use cloud-based reservation and property management software for RV parks and campgrounds. RMS provides all the necessities needed to drive bookings, increase revenue and operational efficiency as well as communicate with your guests to maximize business potential.

11120 Roselle St, Suite BSan Diego, CA 92121Email: [email protected]



RESERVATION SOFTWARE

Ready to upgrade your reservation system? If you're looking for simplicity with flexibility, Open Campground is an affordable and easy to use solution for your reservation system needs. Supports use in house and reservations by the guest. Check out the FREE demo today!

www.OpenCampground.com Email: [email protected]

http://www.OpenCampground.com




http://www.1Horizon.com




RV RESORT SEARCH HOME

Enhanced Camping, a product of AGS Guest Guides, is a first-class RV Resort and Campground search engine that not only lists your campground but offers the ability to include a banner photo and your guest guide! It also features thousands of camping-related services that support RVers all across the country.

910 S. Crowley Rd, Ste. 9-504, Crowley, TX 76036. 817-426-9395. www.EnhancedCamping.com Email: [email protected]

SANITATION

Phelps Honey Wagon, Inc. works to provide the best mobile sewage handling system in the country. Making every effort to set you up with a system that will best fit your needs. Proven industrial equipment that makes sewage handling 'so sweet' since 1970.

158 Whiskey Spring Rd, Dillsburg, PA 17019 800-463-3707 [email protected] www.phelpshoneywagon.com

SITE FURNISHING

Great American Direct introduces a new line of outdoor furniture for your patio sites and pool areas. Adirondack chairs, rocking chairs, loungers, dining tables, and dining chairs made of high density composite plastic in your color of choice are perfect for your outdoor spaces. High quality, commercial grade umbrellas with or without logo in the color of your choice are also available. For a full list of products, visit our website.

Ph: (757) 229-05674000 Newman Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188 Email: [email protected] www.greatamericandirect.com

Jamestown Advanced Products manufactures a full line of RV power outlets, grills, campfire rings, picnic tables, benches, dog park products, trash receptacles and more! Our products can be personalized with the use of our in-house laser.

For more information, call 1-800-452-0639. www.JamestownAdvanced.com Email: [email protected]

SITE FURNISHING

http://www.EnhancedCamping.com



http://www.phelpshoneywagon.com


http://www.greatamericandirect.com

http://www.JamestownAdvanced.com


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqvDz7dSLAQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqvDz7dSLAQ


WIFI INTERNET SERVICES

TengoInternet delivers WiFi that Works for property owners. We are the largest outdoor WiFi provider with 14+ years of experience and over 1,500 successful installations. TengoInternet's turnkey wireless solutions increase occupancy, meet budget, increase guest experience and enable operations. Guaranteed

512-469-7660 [email protected] www.tengointernet.com

WEBSITE DESIGN/HOSTING



TXAD Internet has been a web design and online marketing agency that focuses on the campground industry since 1994. We build superior sites that incorporate online marketing for all types of industries but particularly RV Parks & Campgrounds and specialize in web design, managed hosting, blogging services, Google Adwords campaigns and more.

910 S. Crowley Rd, Ste. 9-504, Crowley, TX 76036.817-426-9395. www.TXADInternet.com Email: [email protected]

SITE MAPS

AGS Guest Guides is the industry leader in customer satisfaction when it comes to your site map and guest guide needs. Our top-notch, background-checked marketing representatives work with you to determine the product you need for your guests while creating a custom program to enrich your customers experience.

910 S. Crowley Rd, Ste. 9-504, Crowley, TX 76036.817-426-9395. www.AGSPub.com Email: [email protected]

http://www.AGSPub.com




http://www.TXADInternet.com



http://www.tengointernet.com


INDUSTRY NEWS

28 CAMPGROUND NEWS | November 3, 2017 industrye-news.com

INDUSTRY NEWS

INDUSTRY news

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Campground E News has become the premier news source for owners and managers of Campgrounds and RV Resorts throughout the United States and Canada.

Published weekly, it reports on events almost as they happen giving readers the most up to date information available to the industry.

Advertising rates compared to distribution make the e news a very competitive choice for those wanting to reach out to this market.

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Campground E News is published by Industry E News LLC, 419 Saint Francis Ave, Smyrna TN 37167. Emailed every Wednesday 48 weeks of the year to industry decision makers in the USA and Canada. Ad rates shown are based on a weekly booking. However, we have a MINIMUM 4 week booking policy for display ads as we believe repetitive advertising works far better than a one off ad placement.

DEADLINESDisplay ads: Book by 10am Monday prior to publicationSupply artwork: Monday 12 noon prior to publication. jpg or pdf to our specifi cations with no crop marks or bleed.

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More Cali parks · Coming off record 2017 sales, Jellystone Parks recently made Franchise Business...

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