Outdoor Hospitality Podcast: Glamping, STR, Resorts, Unique Stays, RV Parks, RV Resorts & Campgrounds

We dig into what actually constrains glamping unit design, from aging electrical grids to septic rules that quietly limit how many units you can add. We also get practical about financing options pros and cons and why the “best” unit is the one that matches your permitting, utilities, and long-term operating plan.

• starting unit selection with constraints like budget, permitting, wheels versus foundations, and utility access
• breaking down 30 amp versus 50 amp power and what it changes operationally
• choosing HVAC and appliances so guests stay comfortable without constant breaker trips
• designing panels and utility access so resets do not disrupt the guest experience
• using propane for hot water, heating, and cooking when power is limited, plus the added operational complexity
• planning septic capacity, leach fields, and event-day wastewater loads
• winter considerations like heated lines and temporary hookups in freezing climates
• comparing leasing with traditional financing, depreciation, and tax impacts
• explaining park model RV cabins versus modular builds and how lenders underwrite each
• why custom unit design helps properties stand out and command higher nightly rates
• add-ons like sauna and cold plunge concepts, plus support with linens and turnover needs

Design your unit and get a quote by visiting sandboxstay.com. 

Click here to ask us a question or suggest content for the pod

We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.

Newbook - www.newbook.cloud

Interested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.

This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals. 

Third-party management gets talked about like a last resort, but that mindset leaves real money and time on the table. We sit down with Rafael Correa, President and CFO of Bluewater, to demystify what a great outdoor hospitality management company actually does, how it creates leverage for owners, and where the common myths fall apart once you look at day-to-day operations.

We dig into Bluewater’s growth story, including why brands like Spacious Skies decide to shift from owner-management to a third-party partner. Rafael shares a practical framework for choosing the right manager: start with your “why”, check geographic reach and on-the-ground support, match experience to your park’s place on the resort-to-long-stay spectrum, and talk to references who will tell you the good, the bad and the ugly. We also explore what should stay on-property, what should move to the corporate office, and how reviews reveal whether a team is truly listening to guests.

From there, we get tactical on revenue generation in a softer 2026 transient RV market: revenue management, marketing, PMS mastery, dynamic pricing, and Blue Water’s “trifecta” workflow that keeps the GM, revenue and marketing aligned. We also cover park model cabins as a growth lever, the operational realities behind “pretty units”, and how Bluewater is approaching AI in hospitality with security guardrails and a clear rule: if it makes service feel less human, it is the wrong use.

If you found this useful, subscribe, share with another operator, and leave a review so more outdoor hospitality owners can find the show. 

Click here to ask us a question or suggest content for the pod

We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.

Newbook - www.newbook.cloud

Interested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.

This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals. 

We sit down with Executive Leadership Simon Smith from Storable Newbook to unpack what the best glamping  and RV park operators do differently with their property management software and data. We share the tactics that lift revenue per reservation, protect the guest experience, and help operators stay resilient as the market cools. 

• extend-your-stay promotions that drive extra nights and higher revenue per reservation 
• automated guest texting and shopping-cart add-ons that increase upsells without extra staff time 
• how customer success teams transfer best practice across regions and property types 
• market trends on occupancy, ADR, inflation pressures and what they mean for pricing decisions 
• guest expectations around amenities, cleanliness and why Wi‑Fi can be a deal breaker 
• the core metrics to track, including revenue per available site and promotion performance 
• exporting booking data into AI tools to spot pricing and operational opportunities 
• dynamic pricing basics and why OTA distribution still gets missed 
• which OTAs matter most, including Hipcamp, Booking.com and Expedia 
• where AI is heading next, including booking agents, reporting and BI 
• practical marketing ideas, including closed enthusiast groups to fill low season 
• loyalty and retention tactics that do not require a complex points system 

Click here to ask us a question or suggest content for the pod

We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.

Newbook - www.newbook.cloud

Interested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.

This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals. 

Hard-wall or canvas-based units?  Custom or off the shelf?  Are floor to ceiling windows worth the cost?  Should you invest in a kitchenette? 

Sandbox walks us through the design process for our custom built A-frames for a Flagstaff cabin resort. We share the practical constraints and ROI trade-offs that actually decide whether your glamping units succeed, from zoning and power to transport and premium design details. 

• pivoting Ponderosa Pines Resorts into a cabin-led nature and wellness resort 
• sourcing modern park model cabins that stand out online 
• starting with constraints: CUP, zoning ordinances, building codes, RVIA certification 
• educating counties on classification and when axles are truly required 
• understanding shipping height limits and how trailers change design 
• planning utilities early, especially 30 amp vs 50 amp power decisions 
• comparing canvas vs hardwall units using all-in cost per key 
• factoring lifespan, replacement cycles, sound, critters, and climate control 
• designing for the target guest: couples, road trippers, remote workers 
• spending on high-perceived-value features: glass walls, kitchenette, great bathrooms 
• deciding between off-the-shelf units and custom units for defensibility 
• what we would upgrade next time on finishes for a premium feel 

Interested about getting a quote for a custom designed unit from Evan at Sandbox?  Go to sandboxstay.com

Show notes

Ponderosa Pines Resort => ponderosapinesresort.com

Sandy Vans =>  sandyvans.com

Connor Schwab =>  linkedin.com/in/connorschwab/

Click here to ask us a question or suggest content for the pod

We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.

Newbook - www.newbook.cloud

Interested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.

This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals. 

We catch up with Lark Elliott one year after opening Tuxedo Falls to learn what it takes to turn a rare waterfall property near Asheville into a high-demand glamping retreat. We dig into design choices like open air soak tubs, heated toilet seats, brutal infrastructure realities, and the operating and marketing decisions that drive reviews, pricing power, and direct bookings. 

• How exceptional land and location can do your selling 
• Choosing Bushtec safari tents and building true treehouses around living trees 
• Guest experience details that lift reviews and return visits 
• The hidden horizontal infrastructure budget: stormwater, roads, rock, wells and septic 
• Zoning, utility availability and fire access as early deal killers 
• Financing a proof of concept while building infrastructure for future units 
• The whiplash shift from builder to operator and what to fix first 
• Handing off social media marketing and using paid social to find the right guest 
• Dynamic pricing and revenue management trade-offs at different unit counts 
• Leveraging tourism board PR and avoiding costly OTA surprises 
• Mentoring, books and practical habits that make operations saner 
• Using travel insurance messaging to reduce cancellation pain 

Check out tuxedofalls.com or reach out to lark at [email protected]

Click here to ask us a question or suggest content for the pod

We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.

Newbook - www.newbook.cloud

Interested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.

This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals. 

We talk with Justin Kamm, founder of North Star Farm, about transforming a blueberry farm in New York's Western Catskills into a wellness-focused glamping destination. Justin shares how a personal health journey inspired the concept—and how thoughtful design, authentic storytelling, and intentional guest experiences have become powerful drivers of direct bookings, repeat visits, and long-term brand loyalty.

In this episode, we discuss:

•  transforming a working farm into a hospitality business that isn't dependent on commodity-crop economics 
•  identifying three core guest segments and why destination positioning is critical 
•  using professional photography and organic social media to increase direct bookings 
•  turning a personal health crisis into a hospitality philosophy centered on healthy living 
•  designing geodesic domes with superior ventilation, low- and zero-VOC materials, and healthier building products 
•  overcoming the construction challenges of raw, sloped land, including foundations, utilities, septic systems, and winter conditions 
•  streamlining operations with self-check-in, automated messaging, and a comprehensive digital guidebook 
•  intentionally designing guest moments that create emotional connections, memorable experiences, and word-of-mouth marketing 
•  prioritizing exceptional sleep quality and comfort—even when it comes at the expense of higher margins 
•  balancing occupancy, ADR, and thoughtful expansion without losing the property's unique character 
•  using sheep, humor, and storytelling to create a distinctive and memorable brand 

Click here to ask us a question or suggest content for the pod

We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.

Newbook - www.newbook.cloud

Interested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.

This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals. 

A mile of waterfront, a hillside that photographs cannot explain, and a resort name that dares you to relax. We’re joined by Justin McWilliams, developer and owner of Camp QYB (Camp Quitcherbichin) on Lake Bridgeport near Runaway Bay, Texas, fresh off winning Glamping Resort of the Year from TACO. Justin has spent roughly four decades in construction and land development, and he brings that hard-earned perspective to what it takes to build a real outdoor hospitality destination from scratch. 

We talk about why variety matters in glamping and RV resort design: cabins, wagons, Airstreams, capsule-style units, and a growing number of RV sites, all built around the idea that many guests want nature plus community. From there, we dig into the amenity engine that makes the place work, including an old western town hub, multiple food and beverage concepts, events, activities on the lake, and the small details that create a “whimsical” feeling at night. Justin also shares the thinking behind the brand ethos: leave the complaining at home and be present. 

Then we get practical about the business of campground development: unexpected rock conditions and how they reused boulders, fighting for water and sewer, how interest rates and timing can squeeze a project, and why conservative underwriting matters. Justin breaks down occupancy reality (including the logic behind modelling closer to 35%), the importance of weekday demand, and how ancillary revenue can change the revenue strategy for high-amenity resorts. We also cover events that sell, partnering with charities, and Justin’s next moves, from modular housing ideas to sourcing commercial-grade solar lighting and supplies directly. 

If you care about glamping resort development, RV park operations, feasibility, occupancy strategy, and building a place guests talk about long after checkout, hit subscribe, share this with a builder or operator you know, and leave us a review. What would you prioritise first: more units, or better amenities?

Click here to ask us a question or suggest content for the pod

We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.

Newbook - www.newbook.cloud

Interested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.

This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals. 

Nick Purslow returns with an update on Posh Outdoors and their latest partnership with Lagom Retreat.  Connor & Nick compare what is working right now to launch and market boutique outdoor resorts. We swap real numbers, real trade-offs, and the details behind filling high-ADR cabins through video, paid ads, reviews, and distribution. 

• Posh Outdoors revenue share partnerships with landowners and modular unit deployment
• Skyridge performance as proof of concept and why operator quality drives reviews
• Lagom Retreat marketing takeover and what “brand” looks like on the ground
• Clear Summit Investments and what asset management looks like in outdoor hospitality
• Ponderosa Pines Resort launch strategy including product story and honest positioning 
• LaunchBoom style VIP deposits to pre-sell bookings and validate demand 
• Video-first social strategy for Instagram Reels and TikTok plus repurposing into paid ads 
• Influencer collaborations including local fit, admin burden, and how to de-risk outcomes 
• Email capture and welcome flows that convert interest into bookings 
• SEO, AI search, Google paid search, and why reviews matter more than ever 
• Review generation systems using QR codes, post-stay texts, and service recovery 
• OTAs versus direct booking, plus tools to capture guest data and sell upsells 

If you're an accredited investor looking to put $50,000 plus to work in Posh Outdoors you can reach out to Nick at [email protected]. 

Click here to ask us a question or suggest content for the pod

We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.

Newbook - www.newbook.cloud

Interested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.

This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals. 

You can learn a lot about outdoor hospitality from spreadsheets and site plans, but you learn the truth from the people who have carried the radio, calmed the queue, and still found a way to make the day feel fun. I’m joined by Lisa Courtney, VP of Operations and Sales at Camp Jellystone, and her career story starts in the most Jellystone way possible: stepping into a character suit and running recreation programming before working her way up to general manager and, later, brand leadership.

We get real about what campground management and RV resort operations demand, especially in year-round parks where staffing is tight and standards are high. Lisa shares what burnout looked like for her, how she thinks about boundaries now, and why “it’s okay to make mistakes” only works if you actually fix what you learn. We also unpack the simplest lever leaders control every day: culture. When a team feels supported and aligned, guests feel it immediately, and the guest experience becomes consistent rather than accidental.

From there, we zoom out to Camp Jellystone’s franchise model and how the industry has shifted since Covid: consolidation, more multi-park operators, third-party management, and the challenge of serving owners with very different systems. We talk seasonal versus transient mix, ancillary revenue, changing booking windows, and the rising cost of glamping cabins and other lodging. Lisa’s north star is clear: reduce friction points, elevate the experience, and create memory-driving stays that bring families back year after year.

If you care about campground leadership, guest experience, glamping strategy, or franchise growth in outdoor hospitality, press play. Subscribe, share the episode with a fellow operator, and leave us a review with the biggest lesson you’ve learned on the ground.

Click here to ask us a question or suggest content for the pod

We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.

Newbook - www.newbook.cloud

Interested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.

This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals. 

There are 10+ marketing and advertising channels which should you invest in? Hear from the best Dustin Baker of Hidden Gem Media

We break down a practical, trackable way to drive more direct bookings for outdoor hospitality using better creative, Meta ads, landing pages and email nurture. We also share what we have learned the hard way about OTAs, influencer marketing, pixels, and where AI can genuinely help operators and marketing teams. 

• prioritising high-quality video content over higher ad spend 
• treating Meta creative as the main driver of performance 
• allocating launch budget towards content creation and Meta ads 
• weighing influencer “exposure” against trackable paid social ROI 
• deciding when Google Ads and SEO are worth it for a property 
• building a direct booking funnel with landing pages and email capture 
• using Meta Pixel and conversion events to optimise for bookings 
• creating clearer customer avatars and committing to one niche 
• understanding creative volume and stage-based ads after Andromeda 
• benchmarking cost per booking against OTA commissions 
• using StayFi to capture guest details and enable upsells 
• applying AI for property knowledge bases, concierge replies and pricing ideas 

Learn more or book a call at hiddengem.media 

Follow @dustindeanbaker and @hiddengem.stays

Click here to ask us a question or suggest content for the pod

We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.

Newbook - www.newbook.cloud

Interested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.

This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals.