MC Fireside Chats, an Outdoor Hospitality Podcast

The May 13th, 2026 episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, focused heavily on the evolution of experiential outdoor hospitality and the unique ways campground owners and resort developers are crafting immersive guest experiences.The conversation opened with Jeremy Johnson of Kona Hills Campground, who questioned the current state of dynamic pricing in the outdoor hospitality sector. Jeremy pointed out that traditional software relies heavily on basic yield management and often fails to account for the unique characteristics of individual properties or offer dynamic pricing floors based on seasons. He also noted the value of changing seasons in his own life, which naturally force a slower, more deliberate pace. Zach Stoltenberg from LJA expanded on this pricing discussion, explaining that traditional hotel pricing models rely on clear demand drivers, like concerts or conventions, that are much harder to measure for purely experience-based stays. Zach also highlighted a growing industry trend toward non-RV accommodations like glamping tents and park models, and shared his excitement about a current design project in Utah where accommodation units are being excavated directly out of solid rock.Special guest Travis Chambers from OutpostX then introduced his concept of building immersive, movie-set micro-resorts designed to completely disconnect guests from the modern world. Having achieved high occupancy at his Utah location, Travis shared his plans for an Avatar-inspired jungle resort in Puerto Rico. He detailed his successful marketing strategy of utilizing medium-sized travel influencers rather than traditional ads, and discussed the logistical challenges of remote builds, which he solves by using a live-in, mobile construction crew. Finally, special guest Joy de Vos of Foxtrot Dairy Store and Campground shared her highly unique approach to hospitality through her working dairy farm in British Columbia. Driven by her background as a 4-H leader and a desire to reconnect city dwellers with agriculture, Joy offers educational stays where guests can interact with farm animals, shop at an 1800s-style general store, and even milk cows. She also outlined her long-term vision of securing capital to build a farm-themed glamping village.Ultimately, the entire panel agreed that the future of outdoor hospitality lies in storytelling and providing highly authentic, non-commoditized experiences, whether that means surviving a cinematic jungle adventure or learning where ice cream comes from on a family farm.

The May 6th, 2026, episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Scott Bahr (President of Cairn Consulting Group), featured a deep dive into the 2026 outlook for the outdoor hospitality and RV industries. The panel included Eleonore Hamm (President of RVDA of Canada), Simon Neal (Founder & CEO of CampMap), John Lindley (CEO of the Michigan Association of RVs & Campgrounds), and Kevin Long (CEO of The Dyrt). The discussion centered on the impact of rising fuel costs, shifting traveler demographics, and the evolving expectations of modern campers.Scott Bahr opened the session by noting a "mixed bag" of reports from campground owners, suggesting that location currently dictates success more than in previous years. Kevin Long shared data from The Dyrt, noting that Google search volume for camping was down in April compared to the previous year, highlighting a potential cooling of interest or a shift in how consumers are planning their trips. Eleonore Hamm observed similar trends in Canada, where high gas prices (reaching $2.20 a liter in Vancouver) are leading travelers to book shorter trips closer to home rather than canceling altogether.The panel discussed the shrinking travel radius of the average camper. Simon Neal cited a European report showing a 50-kilometer decrease in average holiday travel distance, with a significant majority of campers choosing to stay within their own country. John Lindley noted that in Michigan, campgrounds are seeing cancellations from out-of-state visitors but a surge in last-minute bookings from in-state residents, suggesting that the desire to recreate remains strong despite economic pressures.The conversation shifted to the "era of the casual participant." Scott Bahr highlighted research showing that since 2019, the percentage of campers taking only one trip per year has increased by 257%, while avid campers (three or more trips) have declined. This trend poses a challenge for occupancy, as the industry must find ways to increase the frequency of participation among new entrants who may not feel a strong emotional connection to the outdoors.John Lindley and Eleonore Hamm addressed the rise in RV rentals and the shift toward lighter, more affordable towable units. Dealers are seeing increased demand for units that do not require heavy-duty trucks, allowing consumers to enter the lifestyle without changing their primary vehicle. Simon Neal added that the European market has long thrived on smaller, more efficient hardware, providing a potential roadmap for North American trends toward economy and minimalism.The panelists debated the impact of "sanitized" outdoor experiences, such as glamping and high-end cabins. Scott Bahr argued that while these accommodations make camping accessible, they can reduce the level of nature immersion that builds long-term loyalty. Simon Neal noted that in Europe, "posh cabins" are now in direct competition with hotel rooms, offering a middle ground for leisure travelers who want the benefits of an outdoor community without the ruggedness of traditional camping.Reservation frustrations were a key topic, particularly regarding state park systems. John Lindley described the intense competition for sites in Michigan, where consumers often feel locked out of popular dates. He emphasized that this frustration presents an opportunity for private campgrounds to market themselves as flexible alternatives, filling the vacuum for travelers who are willing to be spontaneous with their locations.Customer behavior regarding flexibility was identified as a permanent change post-COVID. Eleonore Hamm and Simon Neal agreed that free cancellation and the ability to "pivot" plans are now top priorities for guests. Simon Neal suggested that offering premium flexible booking options is a "win-win" for operators and guests alike, as it provides peace of mind in an unpredictable economic environment.The importance of education and "onboarding" for new RVers was highlighted as a way to lower barriers to entry. Eleonore Hamm discussed the success of "RV Learning Weekends" and the use of "ambassadors" by Go RVing to show real-life usage. Scott Bahr noted that younger generations often feel intimidated by the technical aspects of RVing, such as parking and hookups, making dealership training programs more vital than ever.In closing, the group touched on the "shared responsibility" of the industry. John Lindley summarized a philosophy from the RV Power Breakfast: manufacturers must build quality, dealers must simplify the sale, and campgrounds must provide hospitable service. If each segment excels, the industry will remain resilient. Before the session ended, Eleonore Hamm and John Lindley invited members to share their "burning issues" to help guide their advocacy efforts with state and federal governments.

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.

In the recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, Brian Searl hosts a discussion on the intersection of artificial intelligence and outdoor hospitality with guests Blair Noel, Thierry Tombelle, and Matt Whitermore. Brian opens the session by addressing the inherent tension between high-tech tools and the "unplugged" nature of camping.He suggests that AI should act as an invisible intelligence layer that enhances the stay without being intrusive. Matt Whitermore notes how quickly the landscape is shifting, admitting that a month in the AI world feels like an eternity.Matt admits his own skepticism toward voice bots evaporated in just a few months as they became essential force multipliers. These tools help manage rising payroll and utility costs across his portfolio of dozens of properties.The conversation shifts toward the creative and psychological aspects of the guest experience with Thierry Tombelle. He emphasizes that technology in glamping must be purposeful and truly serve the human element.Thierry shares an example of using simple remote alarms for tent zippers to provide psychological comfort to guests. He believes the industry's future lies in "augmented staff" rather than total automation.In this model, employees like gardeners or chefs use AI assistants to solve complex problems behind the scenes. This ensures the guest still interacts primarily with a human face while receiving high-level service.Blair Noel from Newbook highlights the logistical power of data, explaining how AI identifies revenue gaps humans are often too busy to spot. He notes that many operators sit on a goldmine of information they never have time to analyze.Brian builds on this by suggesting that "intelligence" is more important than the "AI" label itself. He proposes systems that track gas prices or weather patterns to provide proactive advice to travelers.The panel also discusses the technical side of integrations, specifically how APIs allow operators to bypass messy spreadsheets. This allows for direct, actionable answers regarding housekeeping schedules and occupancy.They agree that the ultimate goal is to use these advanced tools to return to the core of hospitality. By removing the friction of the back office, owners can focus on providing a seamless and authentic outdoor experience.

The April 15th, 2026, episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl of Insider Perks and Modern Campground, brought together a panel of industry leaders to discuss the complexities of scaling outdoor hospitality brands, the integration of advanced technology, and the rising demand for luxury wellness amenities. Brian Searl opened the conversation by introducing recurring guest Robert Preston, the CEO and Founder of Unhitched RV and Climb Capital, and new guest Cody Fall, the Chief Operations Officer of Happy Grounds Campgrounds. The group was soon joined by Angele Miller, Co-Founder of Creekside RnR, who provided a fascinating look into the high-end glamping market in New Brunswick, Canada.The dialogue initially focused on the intersection of technology and business operations, with Robert Preston and Brian Searl diving into the shifting landscape of artificial intelligence. Robert discussed the challenges of rising API costs for models like Claude and his strategic pivot toward local, hard-device-hosted models to maintain data security while managing the "monotony" of tax season and investor relations. This technological foundation set the stage for a larger conversation about efficiency as Cody Fall described how Happy Grounds Campgrounds has scaled from one to 16 locations since 2022. Cody addressed the "shadow enemy" of corporate perception, explaining that while seasonal campers often resist the change brought by new ownership, professional investment is frequently the only thing saving distressed properties from aging infrastructure and eventual closure.Angele Miller shared the impressive growth of Creekside RnR, which has evolved into a premier wellness destination. She detailed the opening of a massive Nordic spa, a specialized wellness center offering vitamin IV therapy and lymphatic drainage, and a new restaurant centered around fire cuisine. Angele told a unique story about the construction of their salt cave, which required sourcing massive concrete culverts usually reserved for septic systems, highlighting the innovation required to create "luxury in nature." Her experience served as a live case study for Brian Searl’s observation that lodging and glamping are currently seeing higher occupancy rates and nightly premiums than traditional RV sites, as younger demographics seek outdoor experiences without the need to own or transport heavy equipment.As the discussion moved toward future trends, Robert Preston and Cody Fall debated the long-term habits of different generations. Robert suggested that while Gen Z and Millennials may currently show different camping patterns, the fundamental human attraction to water, food, and fire remains a constant that will sustain the industry. The panel concluded with an "inside baseball" look at their organizational charts. Cody explained how Happy Grounds utilizes a centralized sales and service center to handle guest inquiries, ensuring on-site managers aren't pulled away from property maintenance. Robert shared that Unhitched RV, which has grown to 34 properties with a goal of 50 by year-end, uses a tiered system of area and regional managers to maintain standards. Collectively, Brian Searl and his guests painted a picture of an industry in a state of professionalization, where data-driven strategies and high-touch hospitality are becoming the new standard for success.