In the May 31 episode of MC Fireside Chats presented by Modern Campground, host Brian Searl engaged a panel of camping industry experts, including Hipcamp CEO Alyssa Ravasio, National Parks Service National Campground Program Manager, David Miyako , Lahave River Campground Owner Jamie Lee Arseneau and Blackstrap Glamping Owner Joshua Turner. 

Brian introduced the session by discussing the universal aspect of "glamping" and how it varies based on individual experiences and expectations. He also emphasized the historical experiences of soldiers and the potential influence on their perception of living conditions. He ends by discussing the rise of RVing, suggesting that the industry could benefit from marketing strategies emphasizing the ease and diversity of camping experiences.

Alyssa Ravasio, explained the company's mission to increase access to beautiful private lands for camping. She introduces their new iPhone app and collaboration with national and state parks. Alyssa shares her personal camping experiences and advocates for diverse and affordable camping options. She emphasized the lack of a universal definition for "glamping," leading to different expectations among campers. Alyssa also shared the benefits of spending time outdoors, backed by scientific research, and outlined Hipcamp's aim to simplify the process of finding campsites by partnering with property management systems. She then delves into the unique offerings of Hipcamp and its integration with various property management systems, stressing the significance of glamping spaces and their evolution over the years. Lastly, Alyssa advocates for the inclusivity of all forms of outdoor accommodation in camping.

David Miyako, acknowledged the varying quality of national park campgrounds across the U.S and his role in addressing these issues. He revealed plans to improve the recreational.gov platform for campers and indicated that the National Park Service is open to adding glamping units within parks, though the focus currently lies on basic infrastructure improvements. David highlighted the "Park Rx" initiative, encouraging people to use parks for mental and physical healing, and the challenges faced in maintaining facilities due to funding issues.

Jamie Lee talked about her transition to campground ownership amidst the Covid pandemic. Jamie also shared about the potential of working with platforms like Hipcamp, which could bring new traffic to her site. She also shared her observations on the positive impact of camping on mental health and her interest in unique accommodation ideas like converted school buses, shipping containers, and the tiny home movement. She concluded by stressing the importance of easy camping solutions for those new to camping or those with limited preparation time.

Lastly, Joshua Turner mentioned the leasing of a location in a Provincial Park to offer a separate glamping experience within park amenities. Joshua revealed his plans for a new glamping resort with geodesic domes ready for visitors by mid-July, along with unique shelter ideas for the future.

Overall, the episode offered insightful perspectives on the ever-evolving camping and outdoor recreation industry. The discussion spans across an array of topics, from the definition and popularity of glamping, the challenges and rewards of running a campground, the significance of investing in public lands, the impact of outdoor activities on mental health, to the rise of RVing and strategies to cater to this trend.

The conversations underscored the industry's efforts to provide a range of camping experiences, to adapt to changing camper preferences and to ensure accessibility and sustainability of outdoor recreation for all. By addressing these themes, the discussion highlighted the necessity of flexibility, creativity, and forward-thinking in navigating the future of the camping industry.