In this episode of MC Fireside Chats, industry leaders talked about the latest news in the RV, camping, and outdoor recreation, focusing on what’s ahead for the summer camping season, how campers are affected by the increasing gas prices, and inflation, and the importance of working together to combat RV repair and maintenance challenges.
Mark Koep, Founder, and CEO of CampgroundViews.com, started the open discussion by congratulating everyone for a successful Memorial Day weekend, marking the unofficial start of camping season.
The experts said that it is indeed an interesting camping season, seeing how increasing fuel prices hit RVers and noting that campgrounds and parks are still packed with campers over the weekend.
“Camping is the most affordable way to travel, even with all the expenses that add up… It’s a good sign that we’re again in an industry that is going to be resilient in the face of a significant headwind,” Koep said.
Sandy Ellingson, an RV Industry consultant, said that parks she’s worked with reported over 50% of the people who camp over the long weekend are locals, and the remaining percentage of those who camped was within the 150 miles.
This pattern is seen as the gas price increases; more campers choose to take shorter trips but longer durations.
Ivar Mensink of Europe-based travel company Camping Dreams expects an increase in bookings as the German government lower gas prices.
“With lower gas prices here in Germany now, we expect people to start booking the rest of the high season. We expect [a] great year.
”The experts also tackled the campground and RV park owners’ creativity and ability to innovate to build a better camping experience for guests during these trying times amid a pandemic, increasing gas prices, and inflation.
One of the main highlights of the episode is the importance of education focusing on RV maintenance and repair and how the RV industry can work together to bridge the gap.
“The industry is robust; it’s strong. Some good financial planning is injecting itself back into. [It’s] good for the health of the industry, best days are in front of us,” said Randy Hendrickson, Founder & CEO of United Parks Brokers.