TACO NEWS SPRING 2024

SPRING SHOW RECAP - PLUS

TACO Spring Board Report -p4

TEXAS LEGISLATURE FAILS TO DELIVER A PROPERTY TAX CUT -p6-7

TACO Hands Out Assocation Awards to Parks, Individuals -p9 Legislative Report -p12-13

Is “Revenge Travel” still a thing -p21

TACO Unveils Music Licensing Deal; Kicks Off Meeting & Trade Show. -p24

Booking Trends for Texas Campgrounds -p29

Total Solar Eclipse a Big Draw for Parks Across U.S. -p30

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Celebrating 22 years as the trusted leader in outdoor connectivity solutions

Regional Directors

REGION 1, DIRECTOR

Venky Venkatesan

Midland RV Campground

Midland, TX

REGION 2

Ken Hinz

Traders Village

Grand Prairie, TX

REGION 3, PRESIDENT

Randall Dally

Rayburn RV Hideout

Brookeland, TX

REGION 4, SECRETARY

Susie Prater

The Vineyards of Fredericksburg RV Park

Fredericksburg, TX

REGION 5, PAST PRESIDENT

Cheryl McLaughlin

Hatch RV Park

Corpus Christi, TX

REGION 6, DIRECTOR

Charlie Bates

Parkview Riverside RV Park

Concan, TX

Directors At Large

DIRECTOR AT LARGE

Austin Faught

Bolivar Peninsula RV Park

Crystal Beach, TX

TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

Diana LeBlanc-Link PPL Houston, TX

LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANT

Ron Hinkle Austin, TX

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / CEO

Brian & Debra Schaeffer

TACO Office Crowley, TX

TACO SPRING BOARD REPORT

There was full attendance at the spring TACO board meeting that was held in conjunction with the TACO Spring Meeting and Trade Show.

• The board approved the second quarter financials, which were also reviewed and approved at the general TACO meeting.

• Randall Dally, TACO president and Brian Schaeffer, TACO CEO introduced a new law firm: The Towe Law Firm, P.C. The lead attorney for TACO is Chrissy Taylor. The new law firm will bring many new benefits for campground members, including a legal hotline.

• The board reviewed the new Vendor Guide, which includes 10% more vendors than the last issue. The Vendor Guide was distributed to all TACO Show attendees and will be mailed to all current campground and vendor members.

• Ron Hinkle, Michael Moore and Brain Schaeffer presented the legislative report of items TACO will be working on in the next legislative session. This includes reducing property taxes; passing a statewide building guideline based on NFPA-1194; monitoring hotel/motel tax so that it does not apply to RV site services fees; monitoring any new squatters legislation that may apply to RV parks.

• OHI (formerly ARVC) meeting will be held in Oklahoma City, November 4 – 6, 2024. Michael Moore and Terry Munoz are currently on the OHI board and updated those in attendance on the OHI rebranding.

• The next TACO board meeting is scheduled for August 7, 2024, via zoom. ✪

Board members Brian Schaeffer, Randall Dally, Terry Munoz, Venkey Venkatasan, Austin Faught, Diana LeBlanc-Link, Ron Hinkle, Cheryl McLaughlin, Charlie Bates, Ken Hinz and Susie Prater.

TEXAS LEGISLATURE FAILS TO DELIVER A PROPERTY TAX CUT

By Bill Peacock and Don Huffines

What Happened to the $18 Billion Property Tax Cut

Last year, Texans were told that the Texas Legislature had passed an $18 billion property tax cut, the largest tax cut in Texas history. It turns out this was not the case.

According to numbers newly released by Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar, total property tax revenue was increased in 2023 by $165.2 million. While the increase was much less than in previous years, it was not the largest tax relief in Texas history; it fell more than $600 million short of the Legislature’s limited tax cut in 2007.

So what happened to the $18 billion?

There actually never was $18 billion in the first place. According to Texas’ Legislative Budget Board, only $12.7 billion was dedicated to new property tax relief in SB 2, the property tax bill (LBB). Politicians fabricated the $18 billion so they could claim 1) it was the largest property tax cut in history—larger than the 2007 property tax cut, and 2) the tax cut used at least half of last year’s record $32 billion budget surplus.

Then, because Texas operates on a two-year budget cycle, only $6.1 billion of the $12.7 billion in SB 2 was dedicated to reducing school property taxes this year (school districts operate on an annual budget). The other $6.6 billion will be used next year to pay for this year’s school property tax reduction (LBB).

Why Property Tax Revenue Increased

Despite the Legislature using $6.1 billion to reduce property taxes, property taxes increased by $165 million. Why? Because schools, cities, counties, and special districts raised property tax revenue more than the Legislature lowered it.

Throughout last year, many advocates for eliminating property taxes warned legislators and state officials that they needed to do more than buy down property taxes. For instance, Don Huffines wrote, “At the same time [the Legislature sends money to each school district and instructs them to lower their property tax rates], school districts and other local governments raise their property taxes to get more revenue, with each new dollar of local revenue off-setting a dollar of the Legislature’s tax relief.” That is exactly what happened.

School property taxes should have gone down by $6.1 billion; instead, they only fell by $4.1 billion. That means school districts

Figure 1: Total Texas Property Texas Revenue: 2022-23

Figure 2: Amount of Property Tax Relief Lost to Local Property Tax Increases

increased property tax revenue enough to wipe out $2.1 billion of the property tax cut. Texas State Rep. Carrie Isaac filed a bill last session, HB 4479, that would have prevented that from happening. It never received a hearing in the Texas House of Representatives.

Other taxing entities did the same thing. Cities, for instance, increased property tax revenue by a total of $1.3 billion, an increase of 9.5%. Property taxes for counties, likewise, increased by $1.5 billion, up 11.5%. And special districts jacked their revenue up $1.5 billion, more than 13% than in 2022. All of this happened despite alleged limits placed on property tax growth of 2.5% on schools, 3.5% on cities and counties, and 6% on special districts. As can be easily seen in these numbers, the limits are so riddled with loopholes that they are essentially meaningless.

Sen. Paul Bettencourt was one of several legislators who complained this fall that local governments were raising taxes and cutting into the property tax cut. However, the Texas Legislature did not do anything to stop this while they were in session despite being warned by grassroots advocates that something needed to be done.

Homeowners Are Receiving Property Tax Cuts, but Many Renters and Small Businesses Are Not

When his property tax bill passed, Sen. Bettencourt promised the average homeowner would see $1,266 of property tax relief (Bettencourt). And many individual homeowners have received property tax cuts. For instance, the tax bill for a single-family residence with a homestead in Houston with a market value of $375,000 dropped $547 (Harris County). The tax bill for a house with a homestead exemption valued at $805,000 in Travis County was reduced by $430 (Travis County). And some homes saw larger reductions. But for the most part, the property tax cuts were focused on homes with homestead exemptions. Other property owners were not so lucky.

In Tarrant County, for example, a $393,000 house with no homestead exemption saw an increase in property taxes of $65 (Tarrant County). An apartment complex in Dallas saw its property tax bill increase by $100,000; no doubt, the tenants in the complex will soon see that reflected in their monthly rent (Dallas County). A small business (auto repair) in Carrollton experienced a tax hike of $777 (Dallas County).

The effort to cut property taxes in 2023 was the fourth time in the last ten years that Texas politicians have promised real property tax relief; each time, they have failed.

A Missed Opportunity

Heading into 2023, Texas had amassed a record $32 billion budget surplus. With more money coming into the coffers as the economy recovered from the COVID lockdowns, the Texas Legislature had more than $69 billion in new funds to spend—an amount unprecedented in Texas history. However, rather than take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cut property taxes and put Texas on the path toward eliminating school property taxes, the Texas Legislature decided to spend money—a lot of it. New spending for the current two-year budget cycle totaled $55.6 billion, a 34% increase; only $12.6 billion went toward property tax relief. If the Legislature had committed the full $32 billion surplus to property tax relief, school property

taxes could have been eliminated in eight years or less. Now, it will likely take longer.

Property Tax Revenue Growth

$90

Billions

$80

$70

$60

$50

$40

$30

$20

Texans Can Still Eliminate School Property Taxes

Despite the failed promises, Texas can not only reduce property taxes but also eliminate the school property tax in about ten years, if our elected officials really want to do it. These five steps will bring Texans long-awaited and permanent relief from runaway property taxes without creating a new tax or reducing school funding. It is up to Texas voters and politicians to make it happen.

Limit State Spending Growth

Limiting state spending growth to no more than 5.9% per biennium (2.9% annually) will provide adequate state revenue to eliminate the M&O portion of school property taxes within eight years.

Freeze School M&O Property Taxes

Eliminating the ability of school districts to increase M&O property taxes by freezing school property taxes at the current level stops school districts from interfering with a buydown. This will not change school funding formulas or reduce overall school funding.

Use 90% of Current and Future Texas’ Budget Surpluses for the Property Tax Buydown

Fiscal discipline at the state level will provide enough funds to eliminate the M&O property tax in 10 years (or less) only if 90% of the surpluses generated are used for the buydown.

Require Voter Approval for Local Governments to Exceed the No-New-Revenue Tax Rate

Cities and counties constantly undermine property tax relief by rapidly filling in the gap created by a reduction in school property taxes. They should be required to ask voters for permission if they want to keep doing so.

Enshrine Property Tax Relief in the Texas Constitution

Property Tax relief can be accomplished by the Texas Legislature passing a new law. But to ensure a future Legislature does not backtrack on its promises, property tax relief must be made permanent through the passage of an amendment to the Texas Constitution. ✪

TACO Tradeshow in Conroe, Texas!

TACO HANDS OUT ASSOCATION AWARDS TO PARKS, INDIVIDUALS

By: Woodalls Campground Magazine | Credit: Jennifer Rose/WCM

The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) on Tuesday (April 30) presented its annual awards for top parks as well as the association’s Supplier of the Year.

A new award was also presented to the person who best represents TACO’s spirit.

TACO’s Executive Director and CEO Brian Schaeffer said numerous parks entered this year’s competition.

“We had a dozen entries for each category, which is a record,” Schaeffer said, adding, “We switched how to enter your park to a much simpler method, which only took a few minutes to complete.”

Schaeffer announced awards Tuesday afternoon during the first day of TACO’s annual Spring Meeting and Convention, which was held at the Lone Star Convention Center in Conroe, Texas.

TACO’s Large Park of the Year Award, for parks with more than 125 sites, was presented to:

El Campo Lost Lagoon RV Resort in El Campo: This 255site RV resort features a two-acre, 650,000-gallon, beach entry swimming pool. The pool area has many amenities, including a rope swing, rockslides and a 500-foot lazy river. Improvements in recent years include adding extra decking and palapa-style cabanas as well as a kiddie lagoon, a multilevel water play structure, and a large, serene swimming pool, which is called the Oasis Cove Pool.

TACO’s Small Park of the Year Award, for parks with less than 125 sites, was presented to:

Quilly’s RV Park in Rockport: Amenities at this park include four large, stocked fishing ponds with catfish, bass and perch; nature trails; a swimming pool that is ADA compliant; a clubhouse; a dog park; and free Wi-Fi.

TACO’s Accommodations of the Year Award was presented to:

Al’s Hideaway in Pipe Creek, whose rental units include nicely furnished park model RVs as well as two tipis.

“For supplier, we send a ballot out to each TACO campground member with every TACO vendor member listed and ask them to choose one to win Supplier of the Year,” Schaeffer explained.

Based on member feedback, TACO’s Supplier of the Year Award was presented to:

RV Park Management, a Bulverde, Texas-based company with clients in Texas and across the country.

TACO also presented a new award to an individual who best represents the association’s spirit. That award was presented to association President Randall Dally and he was also recently installed as the new Legislative Liaison, being a direct voice for park owners concerning legal and legislative matters.

Dally has owned and operated Rayburn RV Hideout in Brookeland since 2002 and has been a TACO member for 17 years.

The TACO Guide offers:

• An exclusive focus on the Lone Star State

• Themed regional profiles

• Distribution through TxDOT Travel Centers, Chambers of Commerce & CVBs, and at 400+ member campgrounds

• Enhanced park listings, advertorials, and a pullout map insert

• New focus on Glamping Hundreds of thousands of RV campers see the printed or online TACO Guide each year – customers you NEED!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS!

Large Park of the Year 125+: El Campo Lost Lagoon RV Resort

Small/Medium Park of the Year Under 125: Quilly’s Big Fish RV Park

Accommodations of the Year: Al’s Hideaway Cabin & RV Campground

Supplier of the Year: RV Park Management

April 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT

As the Texas Legislature moves closer to the upcoming legislative session in 2025 a few headwinds remain that will potentially set the scene for a very interesting relationship between the Texas House, and Senate.

In regard to legislative leadership, the biggest headwind looming is whether or not the current Speaker of the House, Rep. Dade Phelan, will emerge a victor in the May 28 election runoff against a relatively unknown candidate in House District 21. Speaker Phelan’s re-election campaign has been under assault from outside conservative groups seeking to beat the Beaumontbased legislator and create new paradigm in the way the Texas House runs its operations. In addition to this situation, a growing group of current legislators and soon-to-be legislators is seeking significant changes in House parliamentary rules, committee chair assignments, leadership tenure, and overall operations of the Texas House.

Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, has publicly announced his run for the Speakership. This will undoubtedly open the gate whereby other legislators may announce their intent to convince their colleagues to support his or her candidacy for Speaker of the House. With a continued majority of Republicans in the Texas

House, some of the ideas about how only the House Republican Caucus will ultimately choose the next Speaker has caused some consternation among the Republican House members as the best method to choose their leader. What weighs heavily in most of the inner conversations is the determination not to have any Democrats to serve as committee chairs. With the Republican majority, some legislators feel the need not to include Democrats to serve as committee chairs or even to have a majority of Democrats on any committees.

Outside groups that support the current Texas House regime feel Lt. Governor Patrick, and perhaps Governor Abbott, as either not supporting Speaker Phelan’s re-election or trying to convince House legislators and candidates that may be victorious in the General election to weigh in to the ultimate decision as to who may emerge as Speaker of the House.

A “Contract with Texas” group made up mainly of some current Conservative lawmakers and expected new House members has put together a list of recommendations as to how the Texas House should operate. This is expected to provide significant debate in January.

The Lt. Governor released the Senate Interim Committees charges that contains several important items that could have an effect on RV Parks in Texas. The main focus is on the following committees and the topics for study.

Business & Commerce

• Addressing the Rising Cost of Insurance: Assess the impact of rising property and casualty insurance costs on Texas property owners, real estate lenders, and commercial and industrial development. Identify ways to increase consumer transparency to better inform coverage decisions and make recommendations to ensure a competitive and affordable insurance market for consumers.

Senate Finance

• Continue Cutting Property Taxes: Identify the best combination to further increase the amount of homestead exemption and compression to continue cutting Texans’ property taxes.

Additionally, establish and report on the cost of eliminating:

• School maintenance and operation property taxes;

• All school property taxes; and

• All property taxes.

Determine the fiscal consequences of each action, including whether revenue reallocations would be required for public education funding and local government funding, and impacts on the state’s ability to respond to disasters and other urgent priorities. For example, determine the effect on other state programs if general revenue were used to fully replace school property taxes, particularly during economic downturns. Evaluate and report on how much state revenue would need to be generated to replace foregone property tax revenue, and from what source.

Local Government Committee

• Additional Property Tax Relief and Reform: Report on the effects of prior property tax relief and reform, including the $18 billion tax cut with the $100,000 homestead exemption authorized by the 88th Legislature. Focus particularly on the interaction

between Senate Bill 2, 88th Legislature, 2nd Called Session, and Senate Bill 2, 86th Legislature. Make recommendations for further property tax relief and reform, including methods to improve voter control over tax rate setting and debt authorization, and mechanisms to dissolve taxing entities such as municipal management districts (MMDs) and tax increment reinvestment zones (TIRZs) when they have outlived their purpose.

• Secure Texas Against “Squatters”: Review current laws relating to “squatters” or those claiming adverse possession of property. Make recommendations to streamline the process for the immediate removal of “squatters” and to strengthen the rights of property owners.

The Senate and House both release their respective interim charges. The reason for these charges, or studies, is to have House and Senate committees study various subject matters. Charges are usually submitted by a Senator on topics he or she is interested in, or on ideas from constituents that want the legislature to go more in depth on various issues they believe are important to their community, region, or is of statewide import. The committees hold hearings either at the State Capitol or potentially in regions around the state that give the general public a chance to attend a committee hearing and provide input rather than having to go to Austin for a committee hearing. At the end of the hearing schedule, the Chairman of the committee will usually write a report summarizing the hearings on the intended subject matter and recommend changes based on testimony given. The recommendations can turn into drafted legislation, that may or may not be filed to be debated and passed in the upcoming session. Sometimes committees hold hearings, write their reports and recommendations but no legislation is drafted or considered.

If and when committees are scheduling hearings on the aforementioned committee topics the TACO legislative team will alert TACO members as to the time and place of the hearings and coordinate any testimony TACO may want to provide to the committee. Should any or all of the aforementioned committee hearings result in draft legislation the TACO legislative team will pin the draft bills to its Legislative Bill Tracking System for future work with the author(s) of the bills. ✪

TACO’s legislative team answering questions at the TACO Spring Show. Ron Hinkle, Michael Moore, Randall Dally and Brian Schaeffer.

TACO’s Vendor Guide Offers Detailed Company Info

The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) has just released its annual Vendor Guide, which is available for free in printed and digital formats for TACO members, according to a press release.

“We’ve increased our vendor listings by 18% since last year and now feature over 115 companies,” said Brian Schaeffer, TACO’s executive director and CEO.

The Vendor Guide contains contact information for each TACO vendor member along with a description of their products and services. Vendors can also advertise in it.

“We provide a free Vendor Guide to each TACO member, which we will first hand out at the TACO Spring Meeting followed by mailing it to each member,” Schaeffer said. “We also include the guide in the new member package we send out whenever a campground signs up to join our association, along with the TACO Legal Handbook and TACO sign to display at their park. The digital version will also be available at TACOMembers.com.”

The 2024 TACO Vendor Guide features companies specializing in everything from accounting and booking, banking and finance to campground consulting, equipment and management to glamping and park model accommodations, website and Wi-Fi services.

Some of the new companies listed in the Vendor Guide include Culver City, Calif.-based Azure Printed Homes; FDomes, a Polish company that manufactures glamping domes; Farmtastic Fun, which provides unique playground equipment, ropes courses, games and other attractions; and Mission Golf Cars, which has locations across Texas. ✪

For more information about TACO membership information and to see the online version of the Vendor Guide, please visit www.tacomembers.com or email info@texascampgrounds.com.

ank You to Our Sponsors

TACO VENDOR MEMBERS

Thank you to our TACO Vendor

Members who were Exhibitors at the 2024 TACO Trade ShowIndicated by a blue star. H

ACCOUNTING/BOOKKEEPING

BOYKIN GROUP, LLC

Brittany Boykin . . . . . . . . . . . . 254-600-5560

We offer a wide range of bookkeeping, payroll, tax and other financial/business services.

www .boykingroupllc com

CAMPGROUND REFUND

Jim Dixon ................................ 214-546-7886

Performing no-risk contingency fee, refund on utilities sales tax, and construction for RV campgrounds.

www .campgroundrefund com

CAMP BACKGROUND CHECKS/DATA SOURCE CORP

DeeAnn Myers ............................ 877-577-3832

Your Trusted partner in camp safety, seamless screening solutions.

www campbackgroundchecks com BANKING/FINANCE

H BUSINESS FINANCE DEPOT/ HEALTH CLUB EXPERTS COM

Gary Raffensberger

Campground and SBA Equipment Financing

www businessfinancedepot com

H THE BSC GROUP

Drew Sikula

info@thebscgroup com

954-494-5944

312-224-8965

Commercial mortgage brokers financing RV parks thru local and national banks, credit unions, lifecos and private debt funds.

www thebscgroup com

CABLE TV & SATELLITE SYSTEMS

H RVPARKTV COM BY IT’S ALL ABOUT SATELLITES

Barry Conley

800-951-1979

TV systems, business-class internet, 100% coverage Wi-Fi networks, DIRECTV satellite programming, and streaming solutions.

www itsallaboutsatellites com

CAMPGROUND CONSULTING

H CAMPGROUND CONSULTING GROUP, LLC

Jayne Cohen

SAGE OUTDOOR ADVISORY

Shari Heilala

312-291-1921

Leveraging national database and research, in preparing businesses for investment, financing, acquisition, development and expansion.

www sageoutdooradvisory com

CAMPGROUND EQUIPMENT

COMMERCIAL RECREATION SPECIALISTS

Nicole Barreau

877-896-8442

Create an unforgettable experience with aqua parks, floating cabanas, dock systems, splashpads, playgrounds, shelters and more!

www crs4rec com

H FARMTASTIC FUN

Jennifer Pixton

With two decades of expertise, we guide you with the most efficient practices to forge partnerships and transform challenges into opportunities.

www buzzworthypm com

H CRR HOSPITALITY

Lindsay Slater

Empowering success through trusted third-party management.

www crrhospitality com

FOCUSED ON MANAGEMENT

Pamela Wright

888-798-0596

We provide low ropes courses, spiderwebs, Jumbo Jumper and playground equipment.

www farmtastic com

H GRASSHOPPER COMPANY

Connie Estep

620-345-8621

Grasshopper true zero-turn radius riding rotary mowers & quick-converter attachment system for year-roud implements.

www grasshoppermower com

GREAT AMERICAN DIRECT

Kendall Lecker ............................

757-229-0567

Your glamping experts at factory direct pricing! Mattresses, wipe downs, mattress protection, futon frames & mattresses.

www greatamericandirect com

H KANGAROO JUMPER INC

Courtney Childress .........................

865-387-8706

We help make playgrounds even more fun, by delivering and installing the market’s leading jumper product to you.

www kangaroojumper .com

H KOOLER ICE, INC

Drew Mercer ..............................800-858-3025

Kooler Ice offers 4 ice vending machine sizes that auto-bag the ice and dispense purified water.

www koolerice com

H MYTCOAT

Clay Eppler ...............................

855-637-9616

MyTCoat is a proud family owned and operated American manufacturer of site amenities.

www mytcoat .com

800-897-8836

National consulting group specializing in all aspects of RV park and campground development, investment and operations, land planning and design; feasibility studies, operational audits and more.

www campgroundconsultinggroup com

MATTHEWS CONSULTING GROUP

Wendy Matthews

903-372-7777

Site assessments, market analysis, market studies, park design, business plans,and feasability studies.

www matthewsbcg com

MCG HOSPITALITY

Amie Mersmann

979-703-4572

Provides strategic planning, design, feasibility studies, operational startup, marketing solutions, & resort management.

www mcg-hospitality com

MOORE’S CAMPGROUND CONSULTING

Joe Moore

817-999-4108

Professional campground assessment, providing consulting services from a thought, all the way through opening.

www .moorescampgroundconsulting com

H NADI GROUP

Uchenna Nnadi

928-554-7710

337-426-0938

Streamline your RV Park/RV Resort/Campground operations and/or hire staff that are qualified and ready to work.

www focusedonmgmt com

HORIZON OUTDOOR HOSPITALITY

Scott Foos

303-529-9770

Full service management, financial management, and consulting for RV resorts, RV parks, and campgrounds, since 2004.

www horizonoutdoors com

IVEE GROUP

Scott Knepp ..............................

404-477-6189

Third party management specializing in bringing the best hospitality practices to the outdoor hospitality space.

www .ivee com

H NEWPORT PACIFIC CAPITAL COMPANY INC .

Karri Seeds ............................... 949-852-5575

We are a full-service, nationwide property management company with over 43 years of experience.

www .newportpacific .com

NORTHGATE RESORTS

Tessa McCrackin .......................... 616 -249-8444

Elevate your business: experts in operations, marketing, HR, finance, labor, revenue and legal.

www .northgateresorts .com

H RV PARK MANAGEMENT, LLC

Austin Faught ............................. 855-515-1777

RV Park Management provides owners with professional management services and systems designed to maximize RV park investments.

www .rvparkpm .com

KEELEY CONSTRUCTION

Matthew Bradley .......................... 210-850-3299

H POLY FURNITURE USA

Levi Good

641-732-7429

Outdoor poly furniture built to last 10 years, with warranty and all 316 stainless steel hardware.

www polyfurnitureusa com

H STEELSTOR RELOCATABLE

Kristin Hesse

512-535-7666

SteelStor Units provide additional income-generating streams while providing much needed storage for RV guests.

www steelstorrelocatable com

THE JUMP PAD

Steve Hawaii

865-387-5667

The Jump Pad is a flat jumping product with individual baffles that allow side by side jumping.

thejumppad com

H THE PLAYWELL GROUP

James Robertson

800-726-1816

The PlayWell Group has been providing commercial playground equipment and park products since 1987.

www playwellgroup com

CAMPGROUND MANAGEMENT

H ADVANCED OUTDOOR MANAGEMENT

Jenna Lombardo

844-669-6234

Urban design, land-use planning and landscape architecture that adds resilience, value, and the human experience to your project.

www .nadigroup com

OUTDOOR DESIGN GROUP, INC

Matt Corrion .............................. 303-993-4811

RV Park and campground land use planning, design, financial analysis, marketing, start-up and operations consulting. Also landscape design, irrigation planning & design and signage design.

www .odgdesign .com

We are here for all your exterior improvements - asphalt, concrete, dirt work. Customer service, quality, and safety never go out of style.

www keeleyconstruction com

PIPER WHITNEY CONSTRUCTION LLC

Kryshon Bratton 713 504-1260

Hardscaping, playgrounds, swimming pools, splashpads, landscaping & design.

www piperwhitney com

H RELIABLE COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION INC

Erica Larson

817-467-0779

Commercial, industry, self storage, warehouse & retail office construction, tilt wall experts & turnkey general contractor. www realiblecommercial com

CREDIT CARD SERVICES

H CLEARVIEW MERCHANT CONSULTING

Noa Lager

210-769-5472

Elevate campground/RV profits with transparent payment processing, seamlessly integrated into your booking software for optimized efficiency.

www clearviewmc net

MCPS CREDIT CARDS

Deanne Bower

800- 579-9796

RV resort, RV park, campground management - 3rd party management consulting.

www advanced-outdoor biz

H BLUE WATER DEVELOPMENT

Tony Nichols

443-856-4300

Blue Water delivers top management services where operations, revenue management, and marketing create solutions.

www bwdc com

BUZZWORTHY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Stephanie Culver

682-551-4498

877-858-9010

We are one of the largest processors in the campground industry because we are where processing relationships are formed.

www mcpscreditcards com

ELECTRICAL SERVICES/SUPPLIES

H B & B ELECTRICAL

Matt Linnell

888-391-3802

We are your One Stop Source for everything electrical for your RV Park.

bbelec com

INFINITY POWER PARTNERS, LLC

Nick Altman

713 559-0558

VV TACO VENDOR MEMBERS

Electricity and natural gas procurement management solutions, risk management service and marketing insight through the development of client-specific strategies.

www infinitypowerpartners com

INTEGRITY ENERGY

Daniel Aultman

MARSHALL & STERLING CAMPGROUND INSURANCE

PROGRAM

Irene Jones

440-497-7492

One of the largest commercial energy brokers in the US serving over 30,000 commercial customers.

www integrityenergy com

LIVINGSTON ENERGY GROUP, A LYNKWELL CO

Kate Kruk ................................ 518-691-3119

Single-source solution for electric vehicle EV charging equipment hardware and software.

www solution .energy

H PEAK ENERGY TECHNOLOGY LLC

Carol Weideman ........................... 888-613-7775

Recycle electricity and save 15-20 percent off of your electric bill with Peak Energy Savers. Save money and the environment.

www peakenergytech com

H TEXEN POWER COMPANY

Tom Stubblefield .......................... 281-989-7440

Aggregator agent for electric power/commercial electricity, save you up to 35%.

www texenpower com

H UTILITY SUPPLY GROUP

Heidi Doyle ............................... 800-800-2811

Utility Supply Group is the premier supplier of electrical products and components for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry.

www go-usg com

VUTILITY

Aidan Thain

800-782-2926

Campground, RV Resort and Glamping Insurance solutions, specialists and resources to help your business succeed.

www marshallsterling com

OUTDOOR INSURANCE SERVICES

Frank Hursh .............................. 832-497-5312

Insurance for RV Parks, campgrounds, resorts, cabins, RVs, and travel trailers.

www .outdoorinsuranceservices com

H ROWLEY INSURANCE

Evan Rowley ..............................800-880-9397

RV park insurance.

www .rowleyinsurance .com

LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT

AADVANTAGE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS

Jerry Lewis ............................... 800-880-2138

Installing all new smart washers/dryers with app, credit card or debit card so that guests can start machines and get a text when it’s finished. We service everything and pay commission to you.

www .aadvantagelaundry .com

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS DISTRIBUTION

Kristen Thigpen

Coin-operated laundry equipment supplier.

www distribution alliancelaundry com

H BEST WASH INC .

James West

206-495-2055

Vutility is the leading provider of turnkey, instant-installation wireless submetering solutions.

www vutility com

H WILD ENERGY INC

Emily Steinhauer

800-888-0074

281-441-2465

Commercial laundry equipment, sales & service, designs and more.

www bestwashinc com

H COMMERCIAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY

John Francis

833-563-6300

Industry leader in utility sub-metering, we automatically capture and record energy usage by customer.

www wildenergyco com

FRANCHISE SERVICES

H CAMP JELLYSTONE

Steve Stafford

Since 2006, our robust, customizable reservation system helps you save time, make money, and get back to doing what you love. Demo today!

www getcamplife com

H CAMPSPOT

Michelle Hollenbeck

616-226-5500

The Industry’s leading campground reservation and management software.

www software .campsot .com

H FIREFLY RESERVATIONS

Doug Kinney .............................. 656-347-3359

Focusing on simplicity, Firefly Reservations was built by campground owners, for campground owners. Now combined with Astra and Reserve America.

www fireflyreservations com

H NEWBOOK

Blake Burris .............................. 310-855-3773

Powerful campground management & booking system.

www newbook .cloud

RESNEXUS

Travis Orton .............................. 385-218-2637

Management software for any business operating a reservation system for renting, leasing, or scheduling a campground.

www resnexus .com

H ROVERPASS

Gabriel Gaaravit ........................... 737-252-5625

Manage, track, and optimize all your campground’s needs with RoverPass’ easy-to-use reservation management software.

www roverpass com

H SKYWARE SYSTEMS

Jan Murza

972-991-9274

Commercial Equipment Company has served the RV/ Campground industry since 1967, providing Speed Queen washers and dryers to community laundry rooms.

www ceclaundry com

MARKETING SERVICES

H ANDERSON’S BROCHURE DIS SERVICE

Donald Bennett

248-579-8296

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts is the only franchise in the US solely focused on the family camping demographic. There are currently more than 75 Jellystone Park locations in the US & Canada.

www jellystonefranchise com

H KOA - KAMPGROUNDS OF AMERICA, INC

Larry Bronfield

800-548-7239

Franchise marketing providing onsite training & KOA U-Design support for technology and site upgrades to serve today’s public.

www ownkoa com

H MISSION GOLF CARS

James Cam

GOLF CARS

210-545-7868

Here for all your golf car needs. With a total of 9 locations, we have a dedicated staff ready to assist you with sales, rentals, leasing, and service.

www missiongolfcars com

INSURANCE

ARK ASSURANCE GROUP

John Hinsley

RV park insurance services.

www arkassurance com

H COVERRA INSURANCE SERVICES

Crystal Erickson

903-509-2292

608-269-2127

Our experienced agents guide you through your options, securing the most appropriate campground insurance for your business.

www coverrainsurance com

H LEAVITT RECREATION & HOSPITALITY INS

Chris Hipple

.............................. 800-525-2060

Specialized Insurance for RV Parks, Campgrounds, & Resorts. #1 in the industry for over 40 years!

www leavitt .com

585-615-7742

Professional and cost-effective distribution of brochures, directories, and camping guides at RV and other shows.

www campwithandersons com

H CAMPGROUND VIEWS, INC

Mark Koep

805-341-3828

The best marketing tool available for your destination. Allow guests to virtually tour your property and click to book.

www campgroundviews com

H GOOD SAM

Siera Samaniego

805-667-4391

Travel guide, website, mobile app, and social media marketing.

www goodsam com

INFLUENCE DIGITAL AGENCY LLC

Josh Richardson

509-554-3376

Helping campgrounds navigate the landscape of digital marketing to successfully accomplish their goals.

www influencedigitalagency com

H RV LIFE

Dawn Watanabe

805-290-0656

RV LIFE, a campground website & digital network of 50+ RV websites/blogs & forums, with an annual audience 60M+ visitors & 2M+ Rvers.

www rvlifenetwork com

RVSHARE LLC

Steve Manes

888-482-0234

RVShare is the world’s first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace in the US.

www rvshare com

ONLINE RESERVATION PROVIDER

H BOOKOUTDOORS

Brian Nolan

818 523-4872

BookOutdoors connects leisure travelers with outdoor accommodations like yours in a seamless booking platform.

www .bookoutdoors .com

H CAMPLIFE INC

Roguer Rosa .............................. 877 783-2367

Listing continued to next column

877-759-9329

Cloud-based campground property management system includes an online booking engine and POS.

www skywarervsoftware com

PARK MODELS/GLAMPING ACCOMMODATIONS

ARCHED CABINS LLC

Gillian Cruey

832-930-2724

DIY Steel Arched Cabin Kits for glamping or luxury cabins. Built faster and last longer than conventional structures.

www archedcabinsllc com

H ATHENS/CHAMPION PARK MODELS

Derek Fanning

Manufacturer of park models and RVs.

www athenspark com

H AZURE PRINTED HOMES

Gene Eidelman

940-507-0926

424-298-2674

Azure is transforming outdoor hospitality by 3D printing with recycled materials - park models & tiny homes.

www azureprintedhomes com

CLAYTON PARK MODELS

Michael Burleson

800-465-7923

Bring a little adventure to your resort. Our luxury Park

Models are constructed by one of the most trusted names in home building.

www claytonparkmodels com

H CONESTOGA WAGON CO

Jason Olson

307-277-0525

Manufacturer of the Conestoga Wagon, Showerhouse and our New Cabin!

www conestogawagonco com

EVOLVE LODGING, LLC

Randy Hendrickson

605-202-2048

Turnkey, site-built rental units, Park Models, full FF&E, construction and more.

www evolvelodging com

H FDOMES WOJCIKOWSCY SP K

Joanna Reimann

Fdomes Glamping offers premium geodesic domes for remote retreats and enhancing campground experiences.

www fdomes com

IRONTOWN MODULAR

Kam Valgardson ........................... 801-798-9026

Generational company providing high quality park models and cabins in European, rustic and traditional styles.

www irontownmodular .com

VV TACO VENDOR MEMBERS

H LELAND’S COMMERCIAL CABINS

Amanda Lancaster

Cabins, portable buildings, RV covers.

www lelandscabins com

H OUTSTANDING TENT

Charlie Boyne

817-409-6513

703-615-6012

Outstanding luxury lodges bring high returns; European products guarantee quality; worldwide success defines our expertise.

www outstandingtent com

H PARK COTTAGES

Kevin Kamin

We only sell campgrounds, and RV parks and we have previous owner/operators on staff.

www parksandplaces com

PARTNERS

Landan Dory

512-580-6225

Specializing in helping investors and buyers navigate the exciting world of RV parks.

www doryreis com

H RV PARKS ONLINE STORE

Larry Frawley

817-821-9747

Park Model RV Manufacturer located in Fort Worth TX. Numerous floor plans and ready to rent packages.

www parkcottages com

H PLAINSCRAFT COVERED WAGONS

Dennis Steinman

785-748-4588

Handmade in the heart of Kansas, PlainsCraft creates full size luxury covered wagons for outdoor hospitality providers who seek to offer a one-of-a-kind overnight experience visitors will never forget.

www plainscraft net

H PLATINUM COTTAGES

Penni Feil

Park model manufacturer.

www platinumcottages com

RECREATIONAL RESORT LIVING, LLC

Rebecca Moore

713-899-7394

Full service RV Park sales brokerage and property management company.

www rvparkonlinestore com

TEXAS COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SERVICES - TEXAS CRES

LLC

Doug Larson

RV park & real estate specialists.

www texascres com

YALE REALTY & CAPITAL ADVISORS

Dana Smith

903-675-2525

469-340-6029

Tiny Homes and cabins -Simplicity - Sustainability - SerenityMinimalism without compromise.

www recreationalresortliving com

POOL & WATER STRUCTURES

H KRAFTSMAN COMMERCIAL PLAYGROUNDS & WATER

PARKS

Lauren Quinn

281-353-9599

Plan, design, and construct playgrounds, SplashParks, pool slides, shade, shelter, site amenities, and more throughout Texas!

www kraftsmanplay com

H UNION AQUAPARKS

Sarah Stone

407-353-4286

Union Aqua Parks offers unmatched quality in on-the-water inflatable playgrounds that are unique and versatile

www .unionaquaparks com

PRINTING & PUBLISHING

H AGS GUEST GUIDES

Michael Moore ............................ 877-518-1989

Guest guides, site maps and marketing

www .agspub .com

REAL ESTATE

BAEHRE REAL ESTATE LLC

Russell Baehre ............................830-896-5050

RV parks, real estate.

www .rvparksforsale com

COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURED HOUSING GROUP

Michael J. Nissley .......................... 561-479-1588

Real estate brokers focusing exclusively on manufactured housing and RV communities throughout the U.S. and Canada

– we list communities for sale and assist in acquisition.

www .colliers com

CRD REALTY

Ryan Dooley

936-206-3184

We are Real estate brokers that focus on buyer and seller representation of RV Communities.

www crdrealty com

H NAI OUTDOOR HOSPITALITY BROKERS

Jessie Pine 520-271-2304

Real estate professionals assisting clients with the purchase and sale of RV parks, campgrounds, and glamping retreats nationwide.

www naiohb com

H PARK BROKERAGE AND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

John Sheedy

WEBSITE SERVICES/MOBILE APPS

H APP MY COMMUNITY

Joe Duemig

636-459-5161

Put your resort directly in both app stores. We create an individual app for you to communicate and engage with your guests.

www appmycommunity com

H BIG RIG MEDIA LLC

Jeff Beyer

866-524-4744

Big Rig Media is the leading digital marketing & website development firm servicing the outdoor hospitality industry.

www bigrigmedia com

TXAD WEB DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN

Michael Moore

713-824-3799

303 323-5649

Real Estate Brokerage - specializing in brokerage and financing nationwide for the RV & manufactured housing industry.

www yaleadvisors com

RV DEALER, REPAIR, & SERVICE

5 STAR TUNING

Chris Duncan

843-536-1244

Dyno proven gains of 42HP/75 to 6.8L, 75 HP, 70lb ft from a 7.3L

www 5startuning com

PPL MOTOR HOMES

Courtney Casares Hernandez

713-988-5555

RV consignment dealer, serving locations in Houston, Cleburne and New Braunfels.

www pplmotorhomes .com

H MOSKINTO

Rodrigo Ricaud

STORE GOODS

469-466-8168

Boost camp experience & sales w/ Moskinto 14hr Picaridin Repellents & Itch-Relief Patches. An itch-free camp is a happy camp!

www qrskinusa com

WILCOR INTERNATIONAL

Susan Corrigan ............................ 800-346-2345

Camping goods - outdoor wholesale supplier.

www wilcor net

WATER TREATMENT

H IMPERIAL INDUSTRIES

Renee Menge .............................

800-558-2945

Specialized in storage and handling equipment for bulk industrial materials and commercial waste for more than 42 years.

www imperialind .com

H INFILTRATOR WATER TECHNOLOGIES

Steve Murdock ............................ 512-415-2446

Wastewater treatment solutions for residential and commercial systems with daily flows up to 300,000 gallons per day.

www deltatreatment .com

H JMI OSSF DESIGN & CONSULTING

Jon Maass ................................ 512-297-2346

We provide OSSF/septic designs that are best for your land and usage, and we can assit with the permitting process.

www jmionsitesystems com

H RIGERO

Rich Boam

855-755-0445

We get rid of muck on pond and lake bottoms and manage nutrients in the water column.

www rigero com

H TEXAS WASTEWATER LLC

JD Stacks 972 322-9717

602-821-4666

Providing best pricing, customer service, and negotiating skills to buyers, sellers, and borrowers for RV parks

www parkbrokerage com

PARKS AND PLACES, INC

Mark Whitworth 616-301-0765

877-518-1989

Website design and hosting, ADA Compliance Services, Adwords and Online Marketing.

www txadweb com

WIRELESS INTERNET PROVIDER

H ACCESSPARKS BROADBAND

Tim Rout

858-353-0845

Seventeen years as end-to-end managed services provider (MSP), offering true Broadband Wi-Fi to RV parks nationwide

www accessparks com

H BLUE REEF NETWORKS

Jim Henderson

972-489-9171

We design and install, as well as provide managed internet & WiFi service for RV parks nationwide.

www bluereefnet com

H CHECKBOX SYSTEMS

Jim Ganley

866 345-9434

For over 22 years CheckBox has been a leading provider of reliable, affordable WiFi solutions.

www checkboxsystems net

H SKYWEB NETWORKS

Uttsha Shrestha

855-759-9434

Leading Wi-Fi and Camera service provider in the US, providing secure, reliable, and hassle-free service.

www skywebwifi com

H TENGO INTERNET

Eric Stumberg

512 469-7660

Industry leader in outdoor Wi-Fi and connectivity with over 22 years of experience.

www .tengointernet .com

Thank you to our TACO Vendor Members who were Exhibitors at the 2024 TACO Trade ShowIndicated by a blue star. H

Thank you to these vendors who are not TACO Vendor Members who were exhibitors at the 2024 TACO Trade Show.

Campers App • www.campersapp.com

Campsite 360 • www.campsite360.com

Connecticut Electric • www.connecticut-electric.com

Electrical Works • www.electricalworksflorida.com

EOB Consulting • www.EOB-Consulting.com

FireBuggz • www.firebuggz.com

Hercules Outdoor Amenities • www.herculesinc.com

JTACR • www.jtacr.com

Lancaster Log Cabins, LLC • www.lancasterlogcabins.com

Live Oak Ban • www.liveoakbank.com

RV Business Tech • www.rvbusinesstech.com

HIGHLIGHTED LISTINGS ARE TACO PREFERRED PROVIDERS .

For complete TACO Vendor listings, visit TACOMembers.com/taco-suppliers

Texas Wastewater LLC provides solutions for all commercial septic needs.

www texaswastewaterllc com

WILLCO ENGINEERING, PLLC

Eric Williams

713-502-0650

Septic System Design Services and RV Park Development & Design Services.

www willcoengineering com

Building Better WiFi

With

If your WiFi system is falling short, CheckBox can help you rapidly deploy upgraded or new WiFi to keep your guests happy at a cost that will make you happy.

With machines as legendary as your campsite’s scenery, Speed Queen® makes laundry simple for guests and profitable for you thanks to:

PlainsCraft Covered Wagons are built to captivate. As your guests look for unforgettable experiences for their next vacation, our wagons are always a draw. Start your season booked with our wagons, which are luxuriously appointed and a perfect addition to your location.

Ready to stand out from the crowd? Let’s talk.

Photos by Chris Killingsworth Photography

IS “REVENGE TRAVEL” STILL A THING?

The term “Revenge Travel” refers to the phenomenon where people, after being restricted from traveling due to circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic, engage in more extensive or extravagant travel experiences once restrictions are lifted. This term became popular during the pandemic to describe the pent-up demand for travel and tourism. In the Outdoor Hospitality sector, we experienced a surge of new campers and increased nights in 2021, with a percentage of growth that was unsustainable, looking toward a year-overyear metric. That said, Outdoor Hospitality continues to see strong numbers as we move into 2024.

For some perspective, notice Kampgrounds of America, Inc.’s (KOA) February 2024 monthly report. This report revealed a significant uptick in travel bookings for the 2024 season, particularly among Gen Z campers. This increase points to a marked eagerness among travelers to secure their spot for future trips. It emphasizes a desire to celebrate life’s milestones and foster relationships through shared outdoor experiences.

While I would not consider it reaching “Revenge Travel” territory, the report indicates the continuing trend of integrating road trips with camping, noting a 10% higher preference for road trips over traditional camping activities. This preference highlights a broader enthusiasm for exploration and adventure, with 59% of campers favoring road trips and 49% opting for stationary camping. This underscores a deeper integration of road-tripping into the camping experience, reflecting a dynamic approach to travel and adventure.

However, there could be some residual of the “Revenge Travel” phenomenon as travel demand has surged significantly beyond last year’s figures, with 64% of campers already making reservations for upcoming trips. This proactive booking behavior starkly contrasts with noncamping leisure travelers, of whom only 29% have made similar arrangements. Among these bookings, camping trips are the most popular (54%), followed by hotel stays (46%).

Gen Z campers and individuals who began camping during the COVID-19 pandemic lead the early booking trend. Key motivations for these bookings include family reunions, birthdays, and celebrations during major holidays such as Memorial Day and the 4th of July. Perhaps they still have a little revenge on COVID and how it disconnected them from

what mattered most, people. It also points to a collective desire to use trips as opportunities to celebrate and connect. “The increase in travel bookings year-over-year isn’t just about the act of traveling,” said Whitney Scott, Senior Vice President of strategy at Kampgrounds of America, Inc. “It reflects people’s desire to plan for meaningful celebrations and kindle relationships through shared experiences in the great outdoors. It’s heartening that the outdoors is becoming the place to commemorate milestones and strengthen bonds with family and friends.”

As the report notes, a segment of travelers (16%) has shortened booking windows (or intends to) in 2024, influenced by weather concerns and work schedules, meaning there are segments that have more hesitancy with booking This trend is less evident among RVers, while 25% of those combining camping with other forms of travel are inclined towards last-minute plans. Weather concerns, particularly among Gen Z campers and tent users, have prompted a more cautious approach to planning trip duration and timing. “Although the intent to shorten booking windows in 2024 is observed within a small group of our campers, it’s crucial to recognize that this trend correlates significantly with delaying and canceling of plans in 2023,” said Scott. “It’s imperative that we stay ahead of these changes to ensure that we continue to meet the needs of our campers and adapt to the shifting landscape of outdoor recreation.”

What may have started as “Revenge Travel” in 2023 has a lasting impact in 2024. What started as revenge could now be seen as a “Travel Thirst”, where more people are prioritizing connection and travel as a necessity. While the intensity of travel bookings may decline, the desire and intent to travel remain high, especially with the goal of getting outdoors and connecting with friends and family. ✪

Visit the KOA Press Room to view the full findings of the KOA Monthly Research Report – February 2024 Edition, past and future editions, and review the research methodology.

This article was provided by Larry Brownfield, AVP Franchise Development – Kampgrounds of America.

TACO UNVEILS MUSIC LICENSING DEAL; KICKS OFF MEETING & TRADE SHOW.

By: Woodalls Campground Magazine

The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) plans to kicked off its annual Spring Meeting and Tradeshow today (April 30) with good news for its members.

“Beginning in 2025, we will offer discounts on music licensing with the companies that license music rights,” said Brian Schaeffer, TACO’s executive director and CEO, made the announcement during the association’s general membership meeting on April 30th. Schaeffer also announced TACO’s hiring of The Towne Law Firm, P.C. of Albany, N.Y., to provide legal consulting services for TACO members, replacing another firm that TACO used in the past. “Part of what the Towne Law Firm will be offering is a legal hotline that members can call directly and get legal questions answered,” Schaeffer said, adding, “The specifics will be worked out in the next several weeks.”

Nearly 100 exhibitors signed up to participate in TACO’s annual Spring Meeting and Tradeshow, was one of the largest in TACO’s history. The April 30-May 1 event was held at the Lone Star Convention & Expo Center in Conroe, Texas. Exhibitors and attendees both spoke very highly of the event. Seven different educational seminars were held for the two-day event in the following order:

• “A Glamping Roundtable,” featuring Terry Munoz, a TACO board member; Kelly Jones, vice president of operations of

Houston-based Great Escapes RV Resorts; Carol Stevens, national director of cabins at Grandview, Texas-based Leland’s Cabins; and Kathleen Walsh, of Advanced Outdoor Solutions in Cape Coral, Fla.

• “First Timers, New to the Industry,” a Q & A session about some best practices for operators new to the industry or first-time at a TACO show. TACO Executive Director Brian Schaeffer and TACO President Randall Dally lead the discussion.

• “10 Things Millionaire Campgrounds Are Proficient At,” by Lori Severson, of Severson and Associates in Ettrick, Wis.

• “Outdoor Hospitality Market Dynamics,” featuring Larry Brownfield, assistant vice president of franchise development for Billings, Mont.-based Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA).

• “Building/Expanding Your Park,” by Kathleen Walsh, of Advanced Outdoor Solutions in Cape Coral, Fla.

• “Attitude Matters,” by Lori Severson, of Severson and Associates in Ettrick, Wis.

• “Legislative Report,” by Ron Hinkle, TACO’s legislative consultant, Randall Dally, TACO’s president and legislative liaison; Brian Schaeffer, TACO’s executive director and CEO; and Michael Moore, TACO Assistant Executive Director.

Schaeffer said TACO has replaced its traditional live auction with a silent auction and a fun night with a DJ, photo booth and casino setup. “We want people to be able to let their hair down and have fun,” he said.

TACO showcased its annual awards competition to complement its educational seminars. See the complete list of winners on page 9, including a new award. ✪

More than a dozen companies sponsored the two-day event. Platinum sponsors and show underwriters include:

Access Parks; Conestoga Wagon Company; Firefly Reservations; Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance; Leland’s Cabins; Newbook; Reliable Commercial Construction; Rowley Insurance; RVParkTV.com; TengoInternet and Utility Supply Group.

NEW CAMPGROUND MEMBERS

REGION 1

RV PARK ODESSA 9911 W CANDACE STREET, ODESSA, TX 79756

REGION 2

MCKINNEY NORTH-CELINA KOA

599 BOURLAND BEND, CELINA, TX 75009

QUAIL VALLEY RV PARK 6564 E LONE OAK ROAD, VALLEY VIEW, TX 76272

TURTLE POND CAMPGROUND 7554 E I-30 FRONTAGE ROAD, CUMBY, TX 75433

REGION 4

BBQ CAPITAL RV PARK 1114 WESTWOOD RD, LOCKHART, TX 78644

GATHER CAMPGROUND 3360 S IH 35 SERVICE ROAD, BELTON, TX 76513

JUNIPER RIDGE RV VILLAGE

1060 CR 257, LIBERTY HILL, TX 78642

LIL RODEO 9895 FM 2673, CANYON LAKE, TX 78133

PEPPERS RV PARK,INC.

113 JORDAN LANE, ELGIN, TX 78621

PITMASTER RV PARK 8723 SONOMA VISTA, BOERNE, TX 78015

RETREAT 254 RV RESORT 9630 US HWY 190, ROGERS, TX 76569

REGION 5

ALLURING OAKS RV PARK 1514 W 12TH STREET, ROCKPORT, TX 78382

BLUE LAKE RV PARK 19261 IH 10, VIDOR, TX 77662

LAVACA BAY RV PARK 1818 BROADWAY ST., PORT LAVACA, TX 77979

LOST RIVER RV PARK LLC 8407 N FM 565 RD, BAYTOWN, TX 77523

ROCKPORT KOA HOLIDAY

3025 FM 1781, ROCKPORT, TX 78382

REGION 6

GILMORE HERITAGE RV PARK 171 FRANCES DR, THREE RIVERS, TX 78071

WELCOME NEW VENDOR MEMBERS

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS DISTRIBUTION

Madison Smith

920-230-2583 madison.smith@bluedoorconsulting.com www.distribution. alliancelaundry.com

Coin-operated laundry equipment supplier.

ARCHED CABINS, LLC

Gillian Cruey

832-930-2724 info@archedcabinsllc.com www.archedcabinsllc.com

DIY Steel Arched Cabin Kits for glamping or luxury cabins. Built faster and last longer than conventional structures.

BLUE REEF NETWORKS

Jim Henderson

jim@bluereefnet.com www.bluereefnet.com

972-489-9171

We provide managed internet, WIFI and managed service for RV Parks nationwide including design & install.

BUZZWORTHY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Stephanie Culver

sculver@buzzworthypm.com www.buzzworthypm.com

682-551-4498

With two decades of expertise, we guide you with the most efficient practices to forge partnerships and transform challenges into opportunities.

COMMERCIAL RECREATION SPECIALISTS

Nicole Barreau

crsmarketing@crs4rec.com www.crs4rec.com

877-896-8442

Create an unforgettable experience with aqua parks, floating cabanas, dock systems, splashpads, playgrounds, shelters and more!

EVOLVE LODGING, LLC

Randy Hendrickson

EVOLVE@EvolveLodging.com www.evolvelodging.com

605-202-2048

Turnkey, site-built rental units, Park Models, full FF&E, construction and more!

FDOMES WOJCIKOWSCY SP.K.

Joanna Reimann

joanna@fdomes.com www.fdomes.com

Fdomes Glamping offers premium geodesic domes for remote retreats and enhancing campground experiences.

GRASSHOPPER COMPANY

Connie Estep

620-345-8621

cestep@grasshoppermower.com www.grasshoppermower.com

Grasshopper true zero-turn radius riding rotary mowers & quick-converter attachment system for year-round implements.

IMPERIAL INDUSTRIES, INC

Renee Menge

rmenge@imperialind.com www.imperialind.com

715-359-0200

Specialized in storage and handling equipment for bulk industrial materials and commercial waste for more than 42 years.

KOOLER ICE INC

Drew Mercer

sales@koolerice.com www.koolerice.com

800-858-3025

Kooler Ice offers 4 ice vending machine sizes that auto-bag the ice and dispense purified water.

MISSION GOLF CARS

James Camp

james@missiongolfcars.com www.missiongolfcars.com

210-545-7868

Here for all your golf car needs. With a total of 9 locations, we have a dedicated staff ready to assist you with sales, rentals, leasing, and service.

MYTCOAT

Clay Eppler

info@mytcoat.com www.mytcoat.com

855-637-9616

MyTCoat is a proud family owned and operated American manufacturer of site amenities.

OUTSTANDING TENT

Charlie Boyne

charlie@outstandingtent.com www.outstandingtent.com

703-615-6012

Outstanding luxury lodges bring high returns; European products guarantee quality; worldwide success defines our expertise.

PARK COTTAGES

Kevin Kamin

kevin.kamin@hstr.com www.parkcottages.com

817-821-9747

Park Model RV Manufacturer located in Fort Worth TX. Numerous floor plans and ready to rent packages.

PARTNERS

Landan Dory

landan.dory@partnersrealestate.com www.doryreis.com

512-580-6225

Specializing in helping investors and buyers navigate the exciting world of RV Parks.

RIGERO

Rich Boam

admin@rigero.com www.rigero.com

855-755-0445

We get rid of muck on pond and lake bottoms and manage nutrients in the water column.

TEXAS WASTEWATER, LLC

JD Stacks

972-322-9717

jdstacks@texaswastewaterllc.com www.texaswastewaterllc.com

Texas Wastewater LLC provides solutions for all commercial septic needs.

UNION AQUAPARKS

Sarah Stone

sarah@aquapark.com www.unionaquaparks.com

407-353-4286

Union Aqua Parks offers unmatched quality in on-the-water inflatable playgrounds that are unique and versatile.

BOOKING TRENDS FOR TEXAS CAMPGROUNDS

Data and Insights Provided by

Here at Campspot, data is in our DNA. We offer campgrounds customizable dashboards that allow them to watch trends, identify opportunities, and benchmark against comp sets. For this TACO News exclusive, we leveraged anonymized industry data from our powerful analytics platform to bring you Texas-specific insights.

TEXAS BOOKING TRENDS

In this roundup, we looked at data in the Lone Star State compared to the rest of the country. Here’s what we learned.

Well-Traveled Campers

Campers who stay in Texas come from far and wide. In the coming months, Texas is trending to have 26% of guests travel 480 miles or more before arriving at the campground. This is 9 percentage points higher than the rest of the country. Nearly half (43%) are projected to travel at least 240 miles and the average driving distance for RV campers is considerably higher than the rest of the country at 489 miles, compared to 335. When developing your marketing strategy for the remainder of the year—keep the full picture of your guest’s travel experience in mind and dedicate touchpoints that reach campers further afield as they plan their trip.

Long Stays in the Lone Star

Are Texas campgrounds cozier or is it the weather? Either way, data shows that campers like to linger. The Texas share of extended stays was greater than the rest of the country 11 out of the last 12 months, peaking at 95.15% in January of 2024. And last year, 12% of campers stayed 28 days or more, compared to only 6% of the rest of the country. Want to attract these travelers? Advertise your amenities that most appeal to long-term guests.

Last-Minute Reservations

In the last year, we found that Texas’ booking window was on the much shorter side when compared with the rest of the country.

In the last year, 18% of campers staying in Texas made sameday reservations, while only 13% made same-day reservations for the rest of the country. 78% of Texas reservations came between days 0 and 59, compared to only 62% for the rest of the country. When we look at days 0 to 13, 50% of Texas reservations came during this period, while only 37% came in this period for the

rest of the country. We also found that campers book the earliest for lodging site types (160 days early), then RV sites (142 days early), and last tent sites (86 days early). These windows are all considerably shorter than the rest of the country at (207 for lodging, 201 for RV, and 173 for tent).

To capitalize on this last-minute booking behavior, consider last-minute deals or promotions to encourage additional bookings. Also, review your digital footprint. Is your website well-optimized to appear in search results for “near me” search terms? Is your Google business profile complete with positive reviews? Investments in these areas can increase your visibility and ensure you stand out for campers making last-minute decisions and comparing your campground to others nearby.

Total Eclipse Drives Demand

In the months that are closest to March, April, May (2024), Texas is trending between 1% to 5% ahead of last year, compared to the rest of the country that is trending between -3% and +3%. Of course, we know time is running out in March and April and Texas appears to be doing a much better job at capturing spring demand. However, a good chunk of Texas is in the eclipse path and the YoY difference of 5% compared to -3% for April is a strong indicator this could be not only driving demand in Texas but also pulling from other areas.

We also observe that while nearly the entire country is pacing behind last year for June, July, and August reservations, Texas is farther behind the rest of the country in July and August. If you need to close the gaps to meet your reservation goals for the hottest months of the year, consider marketing materials that showcase your amenities designed to keep folks cool and wellentertained. ✪ To learn more about Campspot Analytics and Signals, the campground industry’s first industry benchmarking tool, contact us at sales@campspot.com.

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE A BIG DRAW FOR PARKS ACROSS U.S.

WOODALL’S CAMPGROUND MAGAZINE By: Ben Quiggle

The total solar eclipse of the sun that occurred on Monday (April 8) appears to have been an economic boon for parks across the country that were within the path of totality.

Woodall’s Campground Magazine (WCM) Editor Ben Quiggle stayed at the Sandusky/Bayshore KOA Holiday over the past weekend to take in the eclipse and noted that the park filled over 100 of its 300-plus sites for the event. The park typically doesn’t open until May 1.

“We have never been open this early before and with the way the weather has been warmer in April and even sometimes through November, we are going to make this kind of a trial run to see if we can expand the season,” explained Ashlee Gooding, general manager of the family-owned park along with her husband, Alex Gooding. “I know there are a lot of people that look for places that are open in April.”

Rachel Godbout, COO of Advanced Outdoor Management (AOM), told WCM that its parks in New York were sold out and had waiting lists of campers wanting to view the eclipse.

“We pre-sold packages with glasses and t-shirts, and all bookings were a two-night minimum,” she highlighted.

Its parks that were sold out included Bedford Creek RV (230 sites), Lake Bluff RV (178 sites), Willows on the Lake (109 sites),

Eclipse as seen at the TACO headquarters in

Junius Ponds (241 sites) and Branson RV (41 sites). Branson typically opens on April 15, while the other parks would typically open later.

Of course, Texas was one of the most popular destinations for the once-in-a-generation event. Millions of people took in the event, despite the risk of severe weather in some areas. Noted Texas economist Ray Perryman estimated that the eclipse could bring in more than $400 million to the state’s economy, a number dwarfed by the downstream and multiplier effects figure of $1.4 billion in expected economic impacts statewide.

KCEN reported that Gather Campground in Belton saw droves of people coming in from all across the country to see the once-ina-lifetime phenomenon.

“We’ve had people come from Florida, Oklahoma and California,” Owner Garrett Weber-Gale said. “We have people here from Massachusetts and Michigan, all over the place. There is someone who drove in from Arizona yesterday in one straight shot and got here last night.

“We’re brand new, started Feb. 1,” Weber-Gale added. “A lot of folks made reservations for the eclipse a year ago. We’ve gotten a lot of reservations for the eclipse in the past month.” ✪

Eloise Bullen, age 7, from the Kingwood area of Houston, watches the eclipse with her siblings, Atticus Bullen 7, and Madelyn Bullen 10, while visiting the Jellystone Park Camp Resort in Tyler Texas. Photo courtesy of the park.

Dark skies set in over Camp Fimfo in Canyon Lake Texas as the eclipse worked its way across the Lone Star State. Photo courtesy of Camp Fimfo.

Steven and Kathy Ingle view the eclipse from Johnson Creek Resort & Park in Ingram, Texas.

Photo courtesy of Tom Cauthen of Johnson Creek RV Resort & Park

Crowley, Texas.

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