How Events and Experiences Are Driving Campground Demand

How Events and Experiences Are Driving Campground Demand

From Outdoor Hospitality Weekly by Matt Whitermore

April 3, 2026 · 32 min

About this episode

This episode discusses how events and experiences are influencing campground demand and operational strategies.

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 spikes, and what operators can learn from failed and successful development attempts tied to those opportunities. We also dive into the rise of experiential programming, using Terramor’s wellness retreat as a case study in how campgrounds can create reasons for guests to return—not just places to stay. Finally, we discuss operational efficiency for smaller parks, including new staffing models that help reduce payroll pressure while maintaining strong guest service. 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

People in this episode

Host: Matt Whitermore

Topics covered

  • campground demand
  • events
  • experiential programming
  • operational efficiency
  • staffing models

Keywords

  • campground
  • demand
  • events
  • experiences
  • operational efficiency
  • staffing
  • wellness retreat

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Terramor

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