Outdoor Hospitality Weekly
by Matt Whitermore
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
Episodes
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One Company, 90% of Components: New RV Mega-Merger Between Lippert + Patrick
In this solo edition of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, lets break down the massive, industry-shaking news that just dropped: Patrick Industries and LCI Industries (Lippert) have officially agreed to combine in an all-stock merger valued at a staggering $7.7 billion in enterprise value. As two of the...
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CampgroundViews, AI, and the Future of Camping (w/ Garett McKinnon)
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Garrett McKinnon to talk about the future of campground discovery, AI-powered trip planning, and evolving camper behavior. Garrett shares how CampgroundViews has grown into one of the industry’s leading virtual tour and trip-planning...
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What Memorial Day Revealed About The Camping Industry
In this special solo edition of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, Alex reflects on Memorial Day weekend and what the first major holiday of the camping season revealed about the state of outdoor hospitality. Drawing from new AAA travel data, KOA research, and firsthand operational experience, he breaks...
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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,...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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Inside RESET Hotel: Ben Uyeda on Site Planning, Design, and Development
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Ben Uyeda, founder of HomeMade Modern, to unpack the development story behind RESET Hotel in Twentynine Palms, California. Ben shares how the concept came together—from early site planning and zoning considerations to shaping a…
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Is the Campground Industry Entering Its Consolidation Era?
We’re back! In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, break down the biggest signals shaping the RV park and campground industry right now: from professional third-party management entering the space to accelerating acquisitions and changing guest demographics. We unpack why a major...
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Inside Bolt Farm Treehouse: Tori Bolt Interview on Building the Brand
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, Matt talks with Tori Bolt, co-founder of Bolt Farm Treehouse, about building one of the most iconic luxury outdoor destinations in the country. Tori shares how Bolt Farm grew from a single handcrafted treehouse into a design-driven, experience-first...
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Inside OHCE: What 2025 Really Signals for Outdoor Hospitality
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, Matt and Alex break down everything they learned at the 2025 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo in Louisville. From shifting demand patterns to the rise of strategic revenue management, this conversation recaps the real trends shaping operators...
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From $150K to $4M: The Hedgehog Model Behind JET Hospitality
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Jesse Baker, founder and CEO of JET Hospitality, to unpack how independent operators can outperform the big corporate consolidators moving into outdoor hospitality. Jesse shares how he scaled JET from a single riverside property to a...
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Five Years, One Huge Mistake: My Covered Bridge Story
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we unpack one of the toughest chapters in Matt’s journey. How a $250,000 glamping investment at Covered Bridge Campsite spiraled into delays, vendor issues, and a lost $5 million development deal. Matt shares the full story of what it’s really like…
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How Azure Printed Homes Is Transforming Glamping with Recycled 3D-Printed Units
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Gene Eidelman, co-founder of Azure Printed Homes, to explore how 3D-printed structures made from recycled plastics are changing the way we think about construction and outdoor hospitality. From rebuilding after California’s wildfires...
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The Next Chapter for Under Canvas?
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we explore how Under Canvas may be shifting its strategy away from National Parks and what that means for glamping’s future. We also tackle one of the industry’s biggest guest experience gaps — park Wi-Fi and broadband challenges — with real-world...
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When Washington Sneezes: How DC Decisions Are Shaking Up Campgrounds
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we explore how federal actions, such as the government shutdown and new import tariffs, are reshaping the outdoor hospitality industry, from guest demand to operating costs. We also dig into the latest RV retail registration data, what it signals for...
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How Marriott Is Building an Outdoor Hospitality Ecosystem
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we unpack Marriott Bonvoy’s two-layer strategy behind its new Outdoor Collection. First came the guest-facing brands, Postcard Cabins and Trailborn, positioned as the friendly consumer gateway into outdoor hospitality. Then, at the Lodging…
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Advertising Won’t Grow Your Campground—Here’s What Will [Case Study]
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we dive into the difference between marketing and advertising—and why true marketing is about building lasting value, not just buying attention. Using Covered Bridge Campsite as a case study, we explore how giveaways, social media, and...
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How a Single A-Frame Cabin Boosted ADR & Transformed a Campground
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, Alex and Matt break down a case study from Covered Bridge Campsite in Livingston Manor, NY, where a Zook Cabins A-Frame cabin is reshaping the park’s performance. We dive into booking data, ADR, and occupancy to see how the A-Frame compares with...
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Campground Industry Insider: Amir Harpaz on Growth & Strategy
Episode Note: This conversation was prerecorded earlier this year, directly following the sale of BookOutdoors to Hipcamp. Amir Harpaz of Harp Development joins us for a behind-the-scenes look at campground expansion, strategic development, and what’s really happening in the outdoor hospitality...
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Designing Outdoor Spaces with Margaret Jankowski of FWD
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we're joined by Margaret Jankowski, Director at FWD, a landscape architect who specializes in transforming outdoor hospitality properties through thoughtful design. Margaret shares her expertise in balancing ecological resilience with exceptional…
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From Multi-Family to Campgrounds: Mychele Bisson's Portfolio Transformation
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we're joined by Mychele Bisson, CEO of Bison Peak Ventures, a strategic investor who has mastered transforming underperforming outdoor hospitality properties into profitable destinations. Mychele shares her transition from multi-family real estate…
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Virtual Tours & RV Life with TJ Ammond of CampSite 360
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we’re joined by TJ Ammond, founder of CampSite 360, a platform bringing cutting-edge virtual tour technology to the campground world. TJ shares the story behind CampSite 360 and how a cross-country RV journey with his family inspired a mission to...
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From Media Mogul to Glamping Pioneer: Travis Chambers' Outpost X Story
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Travis Chambers, founder and chief designer of ChamberStays and the visionary behind Outpost X, a revolutionary concept in experiential outdoor hospitality. Travis shares his fascinating journey from media entrepreneur to hospitality...
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How This Broker Dominates the Texas Campground Real Estate Market
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Landan Dory, founder of North Star Brokerage & Advisory, the specialized commercial real estate firm that's becoming the dominant force in campground and RV park transactions across the country. Landan shares his journey into the...
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Why This CEO Made His Campground Software 100% FREE
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Rylan Blowers, founder and CEO of Park Software, the innovative platform that's disrupting the campground management industry with its free reservation system. Rylan shares his entrepreneurial journey into outdoor hospitality tech…
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The Glamping Revolution: Inside Ferncrest with CEO Brian Linton
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Brian Linton, founder and CEO of Ferncrest, the glamping franchise that's revolutionizing the luxury outdoor experience market. Brian takes us through his entrepreneurial journey into the specialized world of glamping and shares how...
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How to Build a National Campground Brokerage Team with Tim Dougan
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Tim Dougan, Director of National RV & Campground Brokerage at MHP Brokerage, who's bringing a fresh perspective to outdoor property transactions. Tim takes us through his journey into the specialized world of campground brokerage and...
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Interview: Steve Turk on Building Better Hospitality Experiences, Ventures
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we're joined by Steve Turk, a multifaceted hospitality expert and author who's making waves in the outdoor hospitality industry. Steve shares his journey through founding The Hospitality Mentor, Tangy Management, and Turk Hospitality Ventures,...
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Building the Future of Outdoor Hospitality with Ben Wolff
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Ben Wolff, the visionary founder behind Onera and Oasi, who's revolutionizing the outdoor hospitality space. Ben shares his journey from identifying emerging travel trends to creating innovative hospitality concepts that resonate…
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Building a National RV Service Business - Interview with CEO Heath Padgett
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Heath Padgett, CEO of RV Help, a national RV service business, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and how he is building a company that serves RV travelers across the country. Heath shares the story behind launching his business,...
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Building a Campground from Scratch: The Kona Hills Story with Jeremy Johnson
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Jeremy Johnson, co-owner of Kona Hills Campground, to explore his journey from discovering raw land to developing an outdoor destination. Jeremy shares the story behind finding the property, navigating complex entitlement challenges,...
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Owning a Multi-Park KOA Portfolio with Kevin Thueson, CEO of KCN Campgrounds
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Kevin Thueson, CEO of KCN Campgrounds, to explore his journey from an accounting background to owning and operating a multi-park KOA portfolio. Kevin shares his unique insights into the RV park and campground industry, detailing how...
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Scaling an RV Park Portfolio with Robert Preston, CEO of Climb Capital & Unhitched Management
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Robert Preston, the founder and CEO of Climb Capital & Unhitched RV Management, to discuss his journey and the strategies he’s brought to the RV park and campground industry. Robert’s unique approach to RV park investment and...
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Glamping's Biggest Name Failed Massively: The Story of Tentrr
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we examine one of the industry's most notable failures: the rise and fall of Tentrr, once poised to revolutionize the glamping sector. This deep dive explores how the platform's ambitious vision of becoming the "Airbnb of glamping" ultimately…
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Breaking Down the Numbers: Instagram Giveaway Campaign - Part 3
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, host Alex Burkett takes the reins to break down the results of our recent Instagram Giveaway for Covered Bridge Campsite. We’re diving into the numbers, analyzing what worked, and sharing key takeaways to help you run more effective promotions for…
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Mastering the Art of Instagram Giveaways for Campgrounds - Part 2
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we continue our deep dive into Instagram giveaway strategies with Part 2 of our series. Following the successful launch for Covered Bridge Campsite, we’re moving beyond planning to focus on execution—how to run your giveaway effectively and maximize...
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Launching a Campground Instagram Giveaway Series - Part 1
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we dive into the art of building engagement and growing your online presence with a focused look at Instagram giveaway campaigns. This is Part 1 of our series, where we share the behind-the-scenes process of launching an Instagram giveaway for…
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Tiny Cabins, Big Deal: The Marriott Acquisition of Postcard Cabins (Getaway)
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we examine one of the most significant developments in the outdoor hospitality industry: Marriott International's strategic acquisition of Postcard Cabins, formerly known as Getaway House. This landmark deal signals a major shift in how traditional...
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Our Talk with Joel Holland, CEO of Harvest Hosts on Building the Ultimate RV Camping Network
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Joel Holland, the visionary CEO behind Harvest Hosts, a unique camping network connecting travelers with unforgettable experiences. Joel has taken the concept of RVing to the next level, offering access to over 5,000 scenic and...
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Entering the Campground Business & The Story of Buying My First Campground
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we dive into Matt Whitermore's acquisition of Covered Bridge Campsite in the southwestern Catskills. Located in a truly rustic setting, this campground represents more than just a property purchase—it's a testament to seeing potential where others…
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Why Ignoring Off-Season Marketing Could Hurt Your Campground's Future
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we tackle a common misconception among campground owners: the idea that you can ease up on marketing during the off-season and still expect customers to return without effort. We'll discuss why relying on past success or thinking customers will come...
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How Tech is Shaping the Future of Outdoor Hospitality
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we explore the intersection of technology and outdoor hospitality. We dive into the essential hardware and online systems that are transforming campgrounds, from automated check-ins to smart amenities. We also discuss how these innovations are...
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Behind the Numbers: Understanding Campground Economics - Part 2
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we explore the intersection of technology and outdoor hospitality. We dive into the essential hardware and online systems that are transforming campgrounds, from automated check-ins to smart amenities. We also discuss how these innovations are...
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Behind the Numbers: Understanding Campground Economics - Part 1
In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we dive into the complex economics of campgrounds and explore the opportunities that exist in different regions across the U.S. With over 15,000 public parks and a diverse mix of tent and RV camping, is there room for growth? We examine the...
About this show
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
Hosted by
Matt Whitermore