Outdoor Hospitality Weekly

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 heading into 2026.They dig into the growing role of AI tools like Campspot’s new pricing engine, why transient softness is pushing parks toward smarter site mix strategies, and how operators are rethinking long-term vs. short-term segmentation. Matt shares insights from investor and broker conversations including why deal flow is slowing, what distressed opportunities are emerging, and how consolidation is evolving.To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ohweekly.substack.com

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 to bootstrap a campground: living on-site, hiring in a rural market, chasing capital, and learning the hard way how fast optimism can collide with reality.This episode isn’t about failure. It’s about what happens next. For anyone building, buying, or developing in outdoor hospitality, it’s a candid look at the risks, lessons, and resilience behind every great property.To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ohweekly.substack.com

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 solutions for operators. Finally, we wrap with branding insights from John Gibson at Secret Creek, on staying authentic while growing your outdoor business. To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ohweekly.substack.com

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 Conference, Marriott revealed the second layer: a curated network of prefab partners like elmntl, OOD House, Nokken, and others to supply scalable units for Bonvoy distribution.We break down how this sequencing reveals Marriott’s true play—building not just a brand, but an ecosystem. Plus, what it means for independent operators competing in a space that’s rapidly being corporatized.To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ohweekly.substack.com

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 traditional sites, and what those numbers reveal about the growing demand for unique lodging. Alongside the data, we discuss the broader transformation of Covered Bridge — from upgrading infrastructure to repositioning the park as a destination.This episode offers practical insights for operators considering specialty lodging, exploring the financial impact, guest response, and long-term value of investing in units like the Zook A-Frame. If you’re looking to expand beyond standard RV or tent sites, this case study provides a clear picture of what’s possible.To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ohweekly.substack.com

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 guest experiences, revealing how proper landscape architecture can make or break your property's success. We explore the complete design process from initial planning through construction documentation, and why involving landscape professionals early can save you thousands while maximizing your site's potential. Margaret discusses how her team preserves each property's unique character while making it both functional and profitable, covering everything from master planning strategies to the cultural context that drives design decisions. Whether you're developing a new campground, upgrading an existing RV park, or planning a luxury glamping resort, this conversation offers essential insights into creating outdoor spaces that guests love and owners profit from.To subscribe and see all of our content for free, join our Substack: ohweekly.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ohweekly.substack.com