The episode of MC Fireside Chats from March 18th, 2026, hosted by Brian Searl, brings together a panel of outdoor hospitality industry leaders to discuss current market trends, operational strategies, and the integration of new technologies. The recurring guest panel includes Jeff Hoffman from Camp Strategy, Mike Harrison from CRR Hospitality, and Robert Preston from Unhitched RV. They are joined by special guest Stacy Dam, the CEO and co-founder of Set Your Sites.The conversation opens with a discussion on macroeconomic factors, specifically rising fuel prices and inflation. Robert Preston notes a recent personal trip where gas prices spiked significantly, raising the question of how travel costs might impact the camping industry. Brian Searl adds that compounding inflation, such as a reported 50% increase in wholesale vegetable prices, is something campground operators need to monitor closely.Despite these economic concerns, Mike Harrison points out that the outdoor hospitality industry has historically been insulated from economic downturns. When budgets tighten, consumers often trade expensive hotel vacations for more economical camping trips. Additionally, he notes that average travel distances have already shortened in recent years, mitigating some of the sting of higher fuel costs.Building on the idea of shorter travel distances, Robert Preston explains that his company shifted its strategy years ago to focus heavily on long-term guests and properties located near dense population centers. By operating in tertiary markets primarily in the Southeast, his parks rely on guests traveling 150 miles or less, rendering national fuel price spikes relatively inconsequential to their overall occupancy.When asked if these close-to-home travelers present an opportunity for glamping and cabin rentals, Mike Harrison emphasizes that glamping is an entirely different market from traditional RV camping. He notes that glamping falls into a luxury segment that has seen massive, multi-year growth. It operates more like a boutique hotel alternative and requires separate marketing and operational strategies compared to standard RV sites.To help operators prepare for market shifts, Mike Harrison introduces a blunt but effective analogy: "Are you fat?" He uses this to explain that campground owners must first acknowledge their business shortcomings by diving into their data, reviewing monthly P&Ls, and looking at basic reporting before they can craft a strategy to improve revenue.Robert Preston softens Mike’s analogy to "looking in the mirror," stressing that operators often misdiagnose their problems. He highlights the concept of system constraints, pointing out that a park can have millions invested in amenities and cutting-edge marketing, but if the primary constraint is a grumpy employee answering the phones, the entire business will underperform.Special guest Stacy Dam shifts the conversation toward camper friction. She introduces her company, Set Your Sites, which was born out of a frustrating personal experience of being denied a walk-up site due to outdated administrative rules. Her technology aims to eliminate the traditional cash box, providing real-time digital booking for walk-up campers and preventing software blackout periods that needlessly lock out same-day guests.Stacy’s product sparks a debate on the necessity of fully digital check-ins. Robert Preston cautions against treating RVers like hotel guests; he argues that someone navigating a 45-foot rig still wants the reassurance of a human conversation and a quick visual of their site before committing to pulling in. He warns that over-automating the arrival process could alienate traditional campers.Mike Harrison agrees that human interaction is vital but counters that operators must cater to diverse demographics. While Boomers and Gen X guests appreciate front desk chatter, Millennial and Gen Z campers increasingly expect frictionless, entirely digital check-ins. He argues that campgrounds failing to implement digital options like smart locks and gate codes will eventually be left behind by younger consumers.Despite differing views on automation, the entire panel agrees that technology should enhance, not replace, the human element. Jeff Hoffman emphasizes that simple human touches—like training staff to use specific, welcoming phone scripts—can drastically increase conversions. Stacy Dam echoes this, noting that automating tedious tasks allows campground staff to step out from behind the desk and deliver proactive, surprise-and-delight hospitality.The chat wraps up with a round-robin Q&A. When asked about future industry disruptions, Mike Harrison points to the rapid evolution of AI and the accelerating consolidation of independent "Mom and Pop" campgrounds by larger corporate entities. Finally, Jeff Hoffman shares that he is currently gathering data to track the lifecycle of the used RV market to better forecast long-term campsite supply and demand.