Celebrating 22 years as the trusted leader in outdoor connectivity solutions
Directors
Regional Directors
REGION 1,
Venky
REGION
REGION 2 Ken
REGION
TACO BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING RECAP
Via Zoom: Wednesday – July 30, 2025 – Noon
The meeting was called to order by TACO president, Randall Dally, who welcomed new board members. The board then elected new officers; Charlie Bates from Parkview Riverside RV Park then began to chair the meeting, as the new TACO president.
track to achieve its annual objectives by the fiscal year end of September 30, 2025. Those complete numbers will be reviewed in the next board update.
REGION
REGION 6,
Directors At Large
Members went “around the table” virtually and discussed how business had been and what the near-term outlook was. The consensus was that business was down in the neighborhood of 10% for the year and bookings for the rest of the year appeared on that general track. Suggested causes were the addition of new RV sites, which diluted the overall market; added marketing from competitive tourism venues; plus, some final adjustments still occurring after the high-tide bookings during COVID.
The board then approved the minutes for the spring 2025 meeting, and they approved the agenda for the current meeting.
From there, the board went right into the approval of the current third quarter financials (year 2024-2025) ending June 30, 2025. The association was right on
As is customary, the board reviewed annual benchmarks (accomplishments) of the executive director and staff for the current year as a precursor to reviewing and approving the budget of the next year, October 2025 through September 2026.
The board received updates on the results of the 2025 spring meeting and the dates and location of the 2026 meeting. Then a legislative report was given by Randall Dally and Ron Hinkle, followed by updates on legal issues concerning the organization and its members.
The meeting concluded with an executive director report on TACO guide and marketing programs. Dates were shared regarding end-of-year industry shows in Branson, MO and Louisville, KY. The meeting adjourned, with a winter board meeting being set for early 2026.
Written By: Brian Schaeffer, TACO Executive Director/CEO
By Woodalls Campground Magazine
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding Committee Hearing
Texas is 1st State to Adopt NFPA 1194 as State Building Standard
Texas, on Friday (Sept. 5), did what no state has ever done before: Adopted NFPA 1194 as the statewide building standard for RV parks and campgrounds.
“Gov. Greg Abbott signed NFPA 1194 into law Friday morning, (Sept. 5), as part of legislation aimed at improving flood and other disaster preparedness in Texas,” said Brian Schaeffer, executive director and CEO of the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO).
Senate Bill 1, also called the “Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act” in honor of the 27 children who were killed by flooding at Camp Mystic, includes safety requirements for youth camps as well as private campgrounds and RV parks.
“The bill requires youth camps and campgrounds to maintain real-time weather alert systems, train staff on evacuation routes, and develop emergency preparedness plans,” Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick said in a statement, adding, “Camps must also be transparent with families about potential risks, ensure every staff member is trained in emergency procedures, and prohibit cabins used as sleeping quarters from being located in dangerous river
floodplains.
“In addition, SB 1 requires camps to have the ability to notify and communicate with campers and staff during an emergency, and mandates that emergency plans be shared with local emergency management coordinators,” he added.
Schaeffer said TACO was able to incorporate NFPA 1194 into the legislation because it contains several of the emergency procedures and safety requirements sought by Texas legislators. He added that TACO is working right now to develop emergency plan templates that its members can customize for their parks.
“We hosted a webinar on October 22nd to talk about how the law will effect Texas campgrounds and what emergency plans will be required.” Schaeffer said, adding, “We’re going to make it as easy as possible for RV parks and campgrounds to create their own evacuation plans and procedures that reflect the NFPA 1194 building and safety standards that are now part of Texas law.”
The Texas legislature’s efforts to require campgrounds and summer camps to adopt new safety standards began
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We have, and continue to, work closely with our customers to build the best reservation software that meets the needs of only the resort and campground industry.
continued from previous page
with Drew Darby, a Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives, who represents rural counties in West Texas. Darby filed his campground safety bill, HB 19, a few weeks after the Fourth of July flood killed at least 135 people in Texas, mostly in Kerr County, which is about 150 miles southeast of Darby’s home base in San Angelo.
Twenty-seven of the flood victims were children who were staying at Camp Mystic, a private Christian girls’ camp in Hunt, Texas.
TACO, for its part, had been trying to persuade Texas legislators to adopt NFPA 1194 as the statewide building and safety standard for RV parks and campgrounds for several years, most recently during the previous legislative session. TACO worked with Rep. Ryan Guillen and secured House passage of a bill, HB 1286, authorizing NFPA 1194 as the statewide standard during the previous legislative session, but the association was unable to push the legislation through the Senate.
Undeterred, TACO worked with Senator Pete Flores, who filed SB 395 late last year in an effort to address NFPA 1194 during the current legislative session.
TACO Legislative Consultant Ron Hinkle and Legislative Liaison Randall Dally, of Rayburn RV Hideout in Brookeland, were very instrumental in coordinating and participating in the committee testimony process.
With Governor Abbott signing SB 1 into law on September 5th, Texas has become the first state in the nation to adopt NFPA 1194 as the statewide building and safety code standard for RV parks and campgrounds. To learn more about TACO and its advocacy efforts, visit TACOMembers.com ✪
October Webinar For TACO Campground Owners
TACO CEO/Executive Director Brian Schaeffer, TACO Legislative Liaison Randall Dally, and TACO Legislative Consultant Ron Hinkle led the webinar as they highlighted S.B. 1 and the effects it has on the campground industry. Recently, TACO helped pass important legislation for RV parks and campgrounds in the state. In short, NFPA 1194 is the state law used for RV park and campground construction and expansion. This eliminates a patchwork of confusing and sometimes unattainable local regulations. One new requirement is that parks have to have evacuation plans, which were an important issue after the Fourth of July floods in central Texas. Now that it’s part of state law to use NFPA 1194 in the operation of your RV park, TACO is creating critical tools and information for developing, approving and implementing these life-saving measures.
New Texas Texting Law Takes Effect, TACO Offers Advice
By Woodalls Campground Magazine
If you’re tired of unwanted sales pitches blowing up your phone, relief may finally be here. A new Texas law, Senate Bill 140, officially took effect on Sept. 1. It’s designed to stop telemarketing texts once and for all.
SB 140 expands the definition of “telephone solicitation” to include text messages. That means any message designed to persuade you to buy, rent or claim a product or service is now covered under the same rules as telemarketing calls.
Under the new law, businesses must:
• Register with the state before sending solicitations by text.
• Get clear, written consent from consumers.
• Provide an easy way to opt out.
• Observe “quiet hours” to avoid bothering Texans late at night or early in the morning.
Before SB 140, companies often argued that text messages
weren’t technically “calls,” allowing them to skirt the rules. This law closes that loophole and gives Texans new tools to fight back.
The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) sent out an email to its members on Monday (Oct. 6) highlighting the law and its partnership with TACO attorney Christine Taylor to help clarify how this impacts park owners in the Lone Star State.
“Needless to say, TACO has fielded many questions about what RV parks and campgrounds can and cannot do with this new law,” stated the email. “We enlisted the help of TACO attorney Christine Taylor to interpret the law and everything YOU need to know but ONLY if you’re a TACO member.”
Members can log in to www.TACOMembers.com, click on Documents under the Member Area, and select Texas Text Message Law Interpretation to learn more about how this law impacts their park. ✪
Embracing an Experience-Based Guest Services Philosophy
Let’s get one thing straight from the start: guest service is not a department. It’s not just the front-desk clerk’s or reservationist’s job. Guest hospitality is the business you’re in! Experience-Based Guest Services is a philosophy that should guide every decision you make, be ingrained in every department, position or anything you do.
This isn’t fluff. Guest hospitality is the foundation of your success. If you don’t embrace it—build your business around it— you’re going to fall behind, fast.
THE ERA OF THE EXPERIENCE
Camping has evolved over the years and been embraced by millions. RV ownership continues to grow, and despite what you may hear about industry slowdowns, parks across the country are still seeing strong demand. But here’s the twist: these campers aren’t just rolling in for a fire ring, a level site and hookups.
Today’s guest is younger, more diverse, tech-savvy, adventurous, and hungry for an authentic and enjoyable experience. Your park is being compared to boutique hotels and Instagram-worthy Airbnb stays. And if you think you’re just competing with the campground across town, think again—you’re up against a higher level of expectation itself.
WHAT IS EXPERIENCE-BASED GUEST HOSPITALITY?
Let’s break it down.
Experience-Based Guest Service isn’t about just being hospitable. It’s about being intentional. It’s about delivering a consistent, memorable, and positive guest experience at every single touchpoint. That means an experience of service begins before they even show up at your gate, and long after they’ve driven off your property.
Your guests aren’t just renting a site or cabin. They’re paying for how you make them feel while they are there. Did someone greet them warmly? Did the bathroom sparkle? Was their issue resolved quickly—and with a smile? Did they feel seen, heard, and treated with outstanding care, and not like just another reservation.
If you can’t answer YES to these questions, your campers are answering them for you - on Google, on Facebook, and in conversations with their friends and families.
FROM CHECK-IN TO CHECK-OUT: MOMENTS THAT MAKE OR BREAK YOU
Every single interaction a camper has with your park is a Moment of Truth. And let’s be honest, they’re far more likely to remember the bad moments than the good ones. That’s just human nature.
Think about the full arc of their stay. It starts before they even arrive—when they land on your website. Was it easy to navigate, or did they have to wrestle with a clunky booking engine? When they made their reservation, was it seamless, or did it leave them wondering if it even went through?
Then comes the guest’s arrival. Were they greeted with a warm welcome or a distracted, overworked employee at checkin? When they walked into the restroom for the first time, did it sparkle—or raise hygiene concerns they’ll never forget? And when they had a question or a problem, did someone respond with care and urgency, or did they get a sigh and a shrug?
Here’s the kicker: you can have a stunning property, wellmaintained sites, and a list of amenities a mile long—but if the final interaction your guest has is cold, careless, or dismissive, that is the memory they’ll take with them. That’s the one they’ll share.
In the hospitality industry, you are only as good as your last interaction—and only as strong as your weakest team member.
THE GUEST ISN’T ALWAYS RIGHT… BUT THEY’RE ALWAYS THE GUEST
Let’s have an honest moment. We’ve all had those guests who push boundaries, challenge your policies, and test your patience when you’re already running on fumes. And sure, snapping back or standing your ground might feel justified in the heat of the moment.
Experience-Based Guest Service means taking a breath, keeping your cool, and leading with empathy—even when it’s the last thing you feel like doing.
Because here’s what matters: the guest may not always be right, but they are always the guest. And how you treat them in that moment sets the tone for your brand, your reputation, and your future bookings.
It is not about being right. It is about doing the right thing. It’s a mindset. It’s a guest services philosophy. One that turns difficult moments into lasting impressions and teaches your team to lead with kindness and compassion, not defensiveness. When your campground is grounded in this kind of guest service culture, everyone wins!
BUILD THE CULTURE, BACK IT WITH SYSTEMS
Let’s be real: you can’t wish that your team is more hospitable. You can’t toss them a “Be nice!” post-it note and expect five-star reviews. You’ve got to build a culture that makes great service inevitable—and then support that culture with real systems.
It starts with leadership. You’ve got to teach your team what exceptional service actually looks like in your campground—not just vague ideas, but real examples. Then you train them to
deliver that service consistently, through repetition and handson experience. And when an employee falls short? That’s your chance to coach—not criticize. Reinforce, redirect, and yes, retrain. Because let’s face it: guest service is not a “one and done” skill.
These guest services skills will not stick unless you lead by example. Your team will model what they see. If you’re calm in chaos, solutions-focused, and guest-minded, they will be too. If you’re snappy, reactive, or disengaged, don’t expect magic from your entire team. Culture starts at the top.
You need systems, procedures and policies in place to keep the philosophy running smoothly.
This is what delivers consistency—and consistency is how you scale a great experience. Disney didn’t earn a global reputation just by winging it. Neither should you.
So don’t let your guest service philosophy live on a laminated sheet behind the front desk. It should live in every single person on your team—from the front desk staff member to the employee scrubbing the bathrooms, to the campsite escort taking campers to their site. Every role and every employee touches the guest experience. Every team member is in the business of hospitality. Period.
LOYALTY LIVES IN THE LAST MOMENT
Campers may not remember the full hookup or how well your sewer line drained (let’s hope not). What they do remember is how they felt when they left.
A sincere thank you. A quick, courteous resolution to a problem. A smile at the gate.
That’s where loyalty lives - in the final feeling a camper takes with them—and shares with others. Want to Embrace the Philosophy? Here’s Your To-Do List:
1. Write down your guest service philosophy. Get clear on what you stand for.
2. Audit every guest touchpoint. Where are you dropping the ball?
3. Train your staff. All of them. Repeatedly.
4. Create systems that support service. SOPs aren’t just for big resorts.
5. Make doing business with you easy. Online, in person, on the phone.
6. Follow up. Ask for feedback. Read reviews. Adjust accordingly.
7. Ask yourself: Would you stay at your park? And would you come back?
FINAL WORD: HOSPITALITY IS YOUR HOOKUP
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: your most important amenity is not your pool. It’s not your Wi-Fi. It’s how your guests feel while at your campground and when they leave your campground.
Experience-Based Guest Service isn’t a trend, it’s a necessity. If you get this part right, the rest of your business has a fighting chance. If you don’t? You’ll be running on empty, no matter how pretty your website or property looks.
So go ahead—be the park that stands out not just for your
sites and amenities but for your guest service and hospitality! The only thing more powerful than a full campground...is a full campground that can’t wait to come back. ✪
Want help defining your guest philosophy, building training systems, or identifying your weak links?
Let’s talk.
jcohen@campgroundconsultinggroup.com 800-897-8836 Ext 2 | 603-455-1884
www.campgroundconsultinggroup.com
By Jayne L. Cohen, CEO & Founder, Campground Consulting Group LLC
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WELCOME NEW CAMPGROUND MEMBERS
REGION 1
OASIS NORTH RV PARK
9181 E BLUEGRASS RD, GARDENDALE, TX 79758
REGION 2
BIG AL’S BAREFOOT BAY MARINA & RESORT
5244 FM 1520, PITTSBURG, TX 75686
LAVON LUXURY RV VILLAGE
10030 CR 483, LAVON, TX 75166
PECAN CREEK RV PARK
600 HCR 4235, HILLSBORO, TX 76645
TEXOMA TRAILS RV PARK & APARTMENTS
31168 US HWY 82, WHITESBORO, TX 76273
WILLOW RUN RV RESORT
12484 WILLOW SPRINGS RD, HASLET, TX 76052
REGION 3
HIDDEN PATH RV PARK
270 HIDDEN PATH ROAD, LOCKHART, TX 78644
TEXAS TRACE RV RETREAT
401 CR 2095, Liberty, TX 77575
REGION 3 CONT.
THE PARK AT 155 17750 HWY 155 S, FLINT, TX 75762
REGION 4
FREEDOM LIVES RANCH RV RESORT 9606 W Ranch Rd 1431, Buchanan Dam, TX 78609
RIO FRIO RV PARK & CAMPGROUND 158 Frio Falls, RIO FRIO, TX 78879
REGION 5
COMMUNITY RV RESORTS
4864 FM 2986, Gregory, TX 78359
HIGHLANDS RV PARK 311 BATTLEBELL RD, HIGHLANDS, TX 77562
REGION 6
EASY ACRES RV PARK 10625 LA VERNIA RD, ADKINS, TX 78101
TACO VENDOR MEMBERS
TACO announces that Suburban Propane is the Preferred Provider for propane, offering special pricing and benefits for TACO campground members. HIGHLIGHTED LISTINGS ARE TACO PREFERRED PROVIDERS
ACCOUNTING/BOOKKEEPING
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
CAMPGROUND ACCOUNTING
Donna & Chad Bordeaux
Providing full-spectrum planning services in business plans for RV parks, campgrounds and RV resorts
www rdbaconsulting com
CAMPGROUND EQUIPMENT
CHADWICK MANUFACTURING
Joe Hammer
704-752-9845
Specialists in saving taxes & growing campgrounds . Get proactive advice, avoid surprises, and achieve more than you dreamed!
www campgroundaccounting com
GIGI CONNECTS THE DOTS
Gigi Weck .
BLUE WATER DEVELOPMENT
Tony Nichols
815-684-5152
Heavy-duty campground and park equipment—picnic tables, grills, fire rings, bike racks built to last www chadwickmanufacturing .com
COMMERCIAL RECREATION SPECIALISTS
Nicole Barreau . .
512-368-6662
Simplifying your bookkeeping puzzle, one dot at a time, for RV parks and campgrounds both short and long term rentals Let’s Chat!
www gigiconnectsthedots com
BACKGROUND SCREENING
CAMP BACKGROUND CHECKS/DATA SOURCE CORP
DeeAnn Myers & Khali Benney .
. . 816-875-3699
Ensure a safe, welcoming camp or RV park with fast, reliable background checks
www campbackgroundchecks com
BANKING/FINANCIAL SERVICES
BUSINESS FINANCE DEPOT
Bruce Hurta
281-384-2595
Business Finance Depot offers SBA/USDA loans, retirement rollovers, park model financing, unsecured loans, and HELOC
www .BusinessFinanceDepot .com
THE BSC GROUP
Drew Sikula .
312-224-8965
Commercial mortgage brokers financing RV parks through banks, credit unions, lifecos, CMBS lenders, and private debt funds
www thebscgroup com
CABLE TV & SATELLITE SYSTEMS
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
ATWELL LLC
George Garay
CAMPGROUND CONSULTING
248-447-2000
Full-service consulting, engineering, and construction services firm We deliver a broad range of creative solutions to clients in the real estate and land development, power & energy, and oil & gas markets
www .atwell-group com
CAMPGROUND CONSULTING GROUP LLC
Jayne Cohen
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
MERSMANN CONSULTING GROUP
Amie Mersmann . . . . . . . . . . . . 979-703-4572
Provides strategic planning, design, feasibility studies, operational startup, marketing solutions, & marketing & operations startup
www mcg-hospitality com
MOORE’S CAMPGROUND CONSULTING
Joe Moore
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
877-896-8442
Create an unforgettable experience with aqua parks, floating cabanas, dock systems, splashpads, playgrounds, shelters and more!
www crs4rec com
FARMTASTIC FUN
Jennifer Pixton
888-798-0596
We provide low ropes courses, spiderwebs, Jumbo Jumper and playground equipment
www farmtasticfun .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
INEX TECHNOLOGIES
Anna Illinskaya
865-671-1400
Inex Technologies is a global leader that designs, develops, manufactures, and delivers ALPR camera systems, ALPR software analytics, and prepackaged market specific solutions for security (parking, tolling, law enforcement, access control management)
www inextechnologies com
JOHN’S WELDING LLC
Barbara Kratche
608-372-2970
Fire Rings, Park Grills, Picnic Tables, Custom Benches, Firewood Vending Machines
www johnsweldingshop .com
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
MARINESYNC CORP
Austin Bleier
619-269-7000
We provide wireless metering, control, and automation solutions for marinas & RV parks .
www marinesync com
SAMSON SHOWER SYSTEMS LLC
Craig Steele
817-228-0619
Low-flow, high-pressure, all-metal fixed & handheld showerheads
www samsonshower com
SHADEPRO LLC
Tyler Arnold
830-221-8141
Over 20 yrs of experience in the industry, helping customers property stay shaded while allowing satellite & Wi-Fi connectivity
www shadepro com
STEELSTOR RELOCATABLE
Kristin Hesse
817-999-4108
Professional campground assessment, providing consultation services from a thought to opening www .moorescampgroundconsulting com
NADI GROUP
Uchenna Nnadi
BuzzWorthy Property Management optimizes RV parks with expert operations, marketing, and guest experience strategies
www buzzworthypm com
CRR HOSPITALITY
Lindsay Slater
928-554-7710
Our Mission: To provide unique and enjoyable places that offer luxury, value, and fulfillment www .crrhospitality com
EPIC RESOURCE MANAGEMENT LLC
Jessica Holcomb . . . . . . . . . . . . 832-464-5500
Full-service property management & investment solutions, with special focus on RV resorts/parks, multifamily & MFH www epicresourcemanagement com
HORIZON OUTDOOR HOSPITALITY
Scott Foos .
.
303-529-9770
Empowering outdoor hospitality businesses with expert management, accounting, and professional services 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
NEWPORT PACIFIC PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
Karri Seeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . 949-852-5575
Newport Pacific is a full-service, nationwide property management company with over 44 years of experience www newportpacific com
NORTHGATE RESORTS
Tessa McCrackin
616-249-8444
Industry-leading management & consulting, providing expert service in operations, marketing, revenue, construction & more
www .northgateresorts com
RV PARK MANAGEMENT LLC
Austin Faugh . . . . . . . . . . . . . 855-515-1777
RV Park Management provides owners with professional management services and systems designed to maximize RV park investments
www rvparkpm com
TEXAS BOUTIQUE REALTY LLC
Larry Frawley
713-899-7394
We manage RV parks, and we represent RV parks, both buyers and sellers, in the real estate market www .texasboutiquerealty com
CONSTRUCTION
FLATSPOT DECKING SERVICES
Trenton Hensley
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
844-669-6234
Urban design, land-use planning and landscape architecture that adds resilience, value, and the human experience to your project Discover how we create
www nadigroup com
RON D BEARD & ASSOCIATES
Ron Beard 512-219-7688
865-387-5667
The Jump Pad is a flat jumping product with individual baffles that allow side by side jumping
www thejumppad com
CAMPGROUND MANAGEMENT
ADVANCED OUTDOOR MANAGEMENT
Casey Rice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 509-505-6205
RV resort, RV park, campground management; third-party management consulting www advancedoutdoormgmt com
828-999-4032
Our modular decking units provide a beautiful, durable & functional area to meet your unique comfort needs www flatspotdeckingservices com
RELIABLE COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION INC
Erica Larson
817-467-0779
Commercial, industrial, self storage, warehouse & retail office construction, tilt wall experts & turnkey general contractor www reliablecommercial com
TEN POINT SERVICES
Barrett Keron
512-667-8133
More than just a commercial construction company—we are creators, innovators, and community builders With a passion for excellence and a commitment to quality, we specialize in bringing RV and glamping visions to life www .tenpointservciestx com
VV TACO VENDOR MEMBERS
MISSION GOLF CARS
CREDIT CARD SERVICES
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
DIGITAL MARKETING
MARTREK DIGITAL
Amber Simpson
319-795-1350
Tailored digital strategies from SEO-optimized content to engaging web design
www martrekdigital com
TILLERXR
Lizzy Bustamante
GOLF CARS
James Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210-545-7868
Here for all your golf car needs, with a total of 9 locations, and a dedicated staff ready to assist you with sales, rentals, leasing, and service
www missiongolfcars com
INSURANCE
ARK ASSURANCE GROUP
John Hinsley . . . . . . . . . . . . . 903-509-2298
RV park insurance services
www .arkassurance com
COVERRA INSURANCE SERVICES
Crystal Erickson
210-237-1812
Revolutionizing outdoor hospitality with TillerXR; Build immersive virtual tours to showcase campgrounds and boost reservations
www tillerxr com
ELECTRICAL SERVICES/SUPPLIES
B & B ELECTRICAL
Matt Linnell
888-391-3802
We are your one-stop source for everything electrical for your RV park
www bbelec .com
ELECTRICAL WORKS
Tristan Ciceri .
. 352-460-0810
Electrical Works continues to set the standard for RV & MH parks, having completed over 7,800 RV & MH site projects at over 50 different properties
www electricalworksflorida com
INFINITY POWER PARTNERS LLC
Nick Altman
713-559-0558
Electricity and natural gas procurement management solutions, risk management service and marketing insight through the development of client-specific strategies
www infinitypowerpartners com
RISE ENERGY
Josh Allen
806-955-7113
Lower energy bills, increase operational resilience, and gain energy independence with tailored business solutions Includes energy brokerage, management and storage
www GetRiseEnergy com
TEXEN POWER COMPANY
Tom Stubblefield . .
281-989-7440
Agent for electric power/commercial electricity, saves you up to 35%
www texenpower com
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
WILD ENERGY INC
Emily Steinhauer
833-563-6300
Industry leader in utility sub-metering: we automatically capture and record energy usage by customer
www wildenergyco com
FRANCHISE SERVICES
CAMP JELLYSTONE
Steve Stafford
RV LIFE
Dawn Watanabe
805-290-0656
Reach 2 5M+ RVers on RV LIFE Trusted for trip planning, RVsafe GPS, reviews, and finding campgrounds like yours
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
WOODALL’S CAMPGROUND MAGAZINE
Ben Quiggle .
. 608-269-2127
Campground insurance: our team of experienced agents are prepared to guide you through your insurance options, securing the most appropriate campground insurance for your business www .coverrainsurance .com
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
OUTDOOR INSURANCE SERVICES
Frank Hursh
832-497-5312
Insurance for RV parks, campgrounds, resorts, cabins, RVs, and travel trailers
www outdoorinsuranceservices com
ROWLEY INSURANCE
Evan Rowley
512-454-6655
Texas-based experts in insuring RV parks and campgrounds for over 50 years
www rowleyinsurance com
LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT
BEST WASH INC
James West
. 281-441-2465
Commercial laundry equipment, sales & service, designs and more .
www bestwashinc com
CARDINAL LAUNDRY LEASING
Robert Hinojosa
210-272-9222
Commercial laundry leasing, revenue sharing, sales, service and parts
www cardinallaundryleasing com
COMMERCIAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY
John Francis
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
TITUS COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY
Robert Titus
Laundry equipment sales, service and repair
www .tituscommerical com
MARKETING SERVICES
ANDERSON BROCHURE DIS SERVICE
Donald Bennett
888-366-7065
585-615-7742
Professional and cost-effective distribution of brochures, directories, and camping guides at RV and other shows
www campwithandersons com
CAMPGROUND VIEWS, INC
Mark Koep
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
KOA - KAMPGROUNDS OF AMERICA INC
Larry Brownfield
574-266-7980
Monthly & daily news that provides owners with insights and information needed to improve their operations and stay current with the camping industry
www woodallscm com
ONLINE RESERVATION PROVIDER
BONFIRE
Will Boney .
847-616-9974
.
Bonfire makes reservations simple Our easy-to-use system helps campground owners save time & boost bookings!
www letsbonfire com
CAMPLIFE INC
Caleb Cook
877-783-2367
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
CAMPSPOT
Michelle Hollenbeck . . .
616-226-3135
The industry’s leading campground reservation and management software .
www campspot com
FIREFLY RESERVATIONS
Aiden Smith
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
NEWBOOK
Blake Burris .
310-855-3773
Powerful campground management & booking system
www newbook cloud
PARK SOFTWARE INC
Rylan Blower
585-967-4976
Manage your campground and accept online reservations with the world’s most easy-to-use software that’s always free for you
www parkwith us
RESNEXUS
Jake Hartline
385-218-2637
Management software for any business operating a reservation system for renting, leasing, or scheduling a campground
www resnexus .com
RESORTFORWARD
Mankato .
952-905-9024
We provide reservation management software specifically for the resort, campground and RV Park market We help owners manage reservations more efficiently, communicate with your guests more effectively, and automate many of your daily tasks
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
GOOD SAM
Siera Samaniego . . . . . . . .
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
www resortforward com
STAYLIST
Nic Gramstad
805-667-4391
Travel guide, website, mobile app, and social media marketing
www goodsam com
PASSPORT AMERICA
Tonya Reed . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-681-6810
The original and world’s-largest 50%-off discount camping card to save money on campsites .
www passportamerica com
865-205-0210
Staylist is a cloud-based reservation platform that allows outdoor businesses to curate and manage guests, units, and rates
www pro staylist com
PARK MODEL/GLAMPING ACCOMODATIONS
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
VV TACO VENDOR MEMBERS
AZURE PRINTED HOMES
Gene Eidelman
424-298-2674
Azure is transforming outdoor hospitality by 3D printed, sustainable park models . 2025 SXW Innovation Award Winner www azureprintedhomes com
CHAMPION PARK MODELS AND CABINS
Todd Dalton
Manufacturer of park models and RVs
www .championparkmodelscabins com
CLAYTON PARK MODELS
Michael Burleson . . . . .
817-402-0215
. 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
CONESTOGA WAGON CO
Jason Olson
307-277-0525
Manufacturer of the Conestoga Wagon, Showerhouse and our new Conestoga Cabin!
www .conestogawagonco .com
GREEN RIVER CABINS AND COTTAGES
Jeremy Hutchins
NELSON PROPANE GAS INC
Scott Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-234-9052
Propane delivery and service company serving most of East Texas .
www nelsonpropane com
SUBURBAN PROPANE LP
Ron Shaw
AGCHIMP LLC
Linda Luker
800-776-7263
For more than 95 years, Suburban Propane has fueled America’s propane needs with home & business delivery, installs & more
www suburbanpropane com
REAL ESTATE
BAEHRE REAL ESTATE LLC
Russell Baehre
RV parks, real estate
www rvparksforsale com
CAMPGROUND BROKERS OF AMERICA
Tim Dougan
864-457-2444
Green River builds energy-efficient, customizable park model RVs under 400 sq ft , delivered fully assembled, nationwide www greenriverlogcabins com
IRONTOWN MODULAR
Kam Valgardson
830-896-5050
540-247-6930
We connect buyers & sellers of RV parks through a professional & highly discrete sales process, delivering exceptional results
www campgroundbrokersofamerica com
COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURED HOUSING GROUP
Michael J Nissley
801-798-9026
Generational company providing high-quality park models and cabins in European, rustic and traditional styles
www irontownmodular com
LELAND’S MODULAR
Carol Stevens
Cabins, portable buildings, RV covers www lelandscabins com
PARK COTTAGES
Kevin Kamin .
817-409-6513
817-821-9747
Park model RV manufacturer located in Fort Worth, Texas
Numerous floor plans and ready-to-rent packages . www parkcottages com
PLAINSCRAFT COVERED WAGONS
Dennis Steinman
785-748-4588
Handmade in the heart of Kansas, PlainsCraft creates full-size luxury covered wagons, handmade in the heart of Kansas, for outdoor hospitality providers who seek to offer a one-of-akind overnight experience that visitors will never forget www plainscraft net
PLATINUM COTTAGES
Penni Feil
Park model manufacturer www platinumcottages com
POSTO PODS
Joe Sutow
903-675-2525
806-316-5232
POSTO Pods are bolt-together glamping kits designed for quick and easy construction! Durable, high-quality, all metal kits!
www .postohomes com
POOL & WATER STRUCTURES
KRAFTSMAN COMMERCIAL PLAYGROUNDS & WATER PARKS
Jennifer Egan
281-353-9599
Plan, design, and construct playgrounds, splash parks, pool slides, shade, shelter, site amenities, and more throughout Texas!
www .kraftsmanplay com
PRINTING AND PUBLISHING
AGS GUEST GUIDES
Michael Moore
Guest guides, site maps and marketing .
www agspub com
HEART OF TEXAS PROPANE
Bryan Rupp
STORE GOODS
770-334-9442
A leader in insect repellents and odor control products for use around the campground
www agchimp com
STORYTELLER PROMOTIONS LLC
Mike or Ruth Mallon
713-705-4400
Advertising specialties, branded apparel, gifts and awards
www storytellerpromotions com
SUNLAND SPECIALTIES
Brian Lerg
909-608-7740
Distributor of supplies for campground general stores: RV/ Electric, Camping, General Merch , swim & toys, candy www sunlandspecialties com
WILCOR INTERNATIONAL
Susan Corrigan
Camping goods - outdoor wholesale supplier
www wilcor net
ANUA
Bradley Hennig .
WATER TREATMENT
561-479-1588
Colliers’ MH/RV division specializes in maximizing value for MH/RV park and campground owners across the U S and Canada with expert brokerage, valuation & financing solutions
www colliers .com
DORSEY-HENDERSON TEAM AT MARCUS & MILLICHAP
Skyler Henderson
817-932-6164
Dedication to prioritizing client needs underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional service in every transaction
www marcusmillichap com/dorsey-henderson-team
NAI OUTDOOR HOSPITALITY BROKERS
Jesse Pine 970-379-5551
Real estate professionals assisting clients with the purchase and sale of RV parks, campgrounds, and glamping retreats nationwide .
www naiohb com
NORTH STAR BROKERAGE & ADVISORY
Landan Dory 512-222-6826
Our mission is to guide RV & MH park owners and investors to achieve their goals with precision, expertise & dedication .
www nstarba com
TEXAS COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SERVICES-TEXAS CRES LLC
Doug Larson 713-824-3799
RV park & real estate specialists
www texascres com
YALE REALTY & CAPITAL ADVISORS
Dana Smith
303-323-5649
Real Estate Brokerage - specializing in 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
877-518-1989
www pplmotorhomes com
RV-DR COM
Derrel Allen 214-850-3818
PROPANE
325-313-0884
Where service & integrity are first: Propane delivery, installation & refills throughout Central Texas We provide distinctive quality & unmatched customer service as we gain the respect and trust of our customers, suppliers, and partners .
www hotpropane com
800-346-2345
254-744-2796
American manufacturer of wastewater treatment, dispersal and resuse systems optimized for campground & RV Park applications
www anuainternational com
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 infiltratorwater com
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
WEBSITE SERVICES/MOBILE APPS
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
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
BLUE REEF NETWORKS
Jim Henderson
214-587-1843
We provide managed internet, WI-FI and managed service for RV parks nationwide, including design & install www .bluereefnet .com
CASSELLS CONSULTING LLC
Colin Cassells . .
866-884-2294
Experience unrivaled outdoor Wi-Fi with a Texas-based provider . Founded by a former NASA engineer, connecting customers for over 25 years
www cassellsconsulting com
CHECKBOX SYSTEMS
Jim Ganley
866-345-9434
For over 22 years CheckBox has been a leading provider of reliable, affordable Wi-Fi solutions www .checkboxsystems net
SKYWEB NETWORKS
Uttsha Shrestha . . . . . . . . . . . . 855-759-9434
RV Repairs got you down? RV-DR COM mobile RV repair technicians come to you Get your problems solved so you can enjoy the great outdoors carefree
www RV-DR .com
TEXAS RECREATIONAL VEHICLE ASSOCIATION
Gracie Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-840-9000
TRVA Is a nonprofit trade association representing Texas RV dealers
www trva org
Leading Wi-Fi and camera service provider in the US, providing secure, reliable, and hassle-free service www skywebwifi com
TENGOINTERNET
Karen Wong . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-469-7660
Industry leader in outdoor Wi-Fi and connectivity with over 22 years of experience
www tengointernet com
TACO FALL LEGISLATIVE REPORT Legislative Update –Regular & Special Sessions
By Ron Hinkle
TACO Legislative Consultant
TACO passes NFPA 1194 in Special Session
Industry related issues passed in the regular session:
• Budget Bill included full funding for Tourism Marketing and Advertising to promote promote Texas to visitors. This included a significant advertising budget.
• Full funding of the Events Trust Fund/Major Events Reimbursement Fund
• Money for Film Incentives/Film Production in Texas
• Acceptance of Daylight Saving Time
Moving to Key Bills passed during Special Sessions
• Redistricting to include new congressional maps were approved. This is expected to give Republicans up to 5 additional seats in the U.S. House.
• Disaster Preparedness & Flooding – Senate Bill 1
~ Youth Camp Safety – Bans camps from operating in river floodplains and requires camps to develop and communicate emergency plans, train staff in evacuation procedures, install weather alert systems, notify families of potential flood risks.
~ TACO also achieved adding NFPA 1194 standards for RV Parks under SB 1. It ensures that parks are constructed/ expanded under a statewide reasonable set of standards as opposed to a patchwork of city and county requirements. It also requires parks to have applicable evacuation plans (which the association is working on in template format).
• Senate Bill 3 – Flood Warning Systems at local levels.
~ Directs state agencies to identify areas needing outdoor warning systems and sets up grant programs.
• Senate Bill 5 – Funding for Flood Infrastructure
~ This allocates $50M for sirens and rain gauges
~ Provides $24M to improve weather forecasting capabilities.
• Senate Bill 18 – Small-Scale Flood Control Projects
~ Allows local goverments to build/maintain erosion and flood control dams without state permitting if under 200 acre-feet.
• Senate Bill 8 – Restroom Policies
~ Requires public facilities to designate restrooms based on biological sex and is enforceable by both Attorney General’s office and private citizens.
As for Key Bills that failed during Special Sessions
• Senate Bill 2 – Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Ban
• Senate Bill 13 – Property Tax Reform
• Senate Bill 10 – Confidential Police Records
• House Bill 15 – Hemp/THC Regulation
Following the Second Special Session, the Governor issued an executive order directing state agencies to enforce age restrictions (21+) on the sale of consumable hemp products, expand THC testing requirements to include THCA, and coordinate enforcement with local law enforcement to deter unlawful sales.
We expect a lot of change in both the House and Senate going into the 90th Legislative Session. Many elected officials have announced retirements, while many are seeking other higher offices. Many of these have already drawn multiple opponents for the upcoming election. ✪
Creative Campground Ideas to Attract More Campers and Boost Revenue
By Haley Dalian - CampSpot
Standing out in today’s outdoor hospitality industry means creating memorable experiences that draw guests in and keep them coming back. Whether you manage a rustic retreat, an RV park, or a glamping destination, fresh ideas can make all the difference in boosting both bookings and revenue.
TRANSFORM CAMPSITES INTO EXPERIENCES:
Campsites can be more than just a patch of ground. Start small with themed site names—pirates, westerns, or pop culture favorites—and add signage or decor to spark imagination. For those with a larger budget, invest in glamping upgrades such as yurts, domes, or treehouses. Pet-friendly amenities are another way to attract families traveling with four-legged companions.
ELEVATE AMENITIES AND UPGRADES:
Today’s campers expect more than a place to sleep—they’re seeking both nature and convenience. Simple upgrades like outdoor workstations with reliable Wi-Fi make your park attractive to remote workers who want to extend their stay.
Entertainment, such as live music or outdoor movies, creates memorable nights while rentals like kayaks, bikes, and golf carts make your property a true destination. Even no-cost upgrades, like clearing trails or setting up a yoga space, can enhance the guest experience.
CATER TO FAMILIES:
Camping is a family tradition, and adding kid-friendly features helps strengthen it. Consider building a natural playground, installing a splash pad, or offering seasonal craft stations. Scavenger hunts and inflatable play areas keep kids engaged and give parents reasons to choose your park over competitors.
BOOST REVENUE WITH ADD-ONS:
Add-ons provide both convenience for guests and increased revenue for operators. Firewood, ice, or pre-stocked coolers can be pre-purchased at booking, while rental add-ons like hammocks, kayaks, and bikes add value on site. In fact, operators using Campspot generated $40 million in add-on revenue in 2024—proof that these extras pay off.
CREATE MEMORABLE EVENTS:
Special events turn ordinary weekends into signature experiences. Think beyond holidays with fun “original holidays” like National Pizza Day or Christmas in July. Anniversary celebrations, shoulder-season festivals, or community partnerships with food trucks and musicians can help fill your calendar and boost off-peak bookings. For campgrounds with dark skies, stargazing programs and astronomy tours create unforgettable moments.
THE TAKEAWAY:
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to make your campground more appealing. Start with one or two new ideas each season, experiment, and grow from there. Creative touches—whether small upgrades, kid-friendly features, or special events—can attract new guests, keep current campers coming back, and increase your revenue year after year.
For more ideas check out www.software.campspot.com
WELCOME NEW VENDOR MEMBERS
CAMPGROUND BROKERS OF AMERICA
Tim Dougan • 540-247-6930
We connect buyers & sellers of RV parks through a professional & highly discrete sales process, delivering exceptional results. www.campgroundbrokersofamerica.com
JOHN’S WELDING LLC
Barbara Kratche • 608-372-2970
Fire Rings, Park Grills, Picnic Tables, Custom Benches, Firewood Vending Machines. www.johnsweldingshop.com
RESORTFORWARD
Mankato • 952-905-9024
We provide reservation management software specifically for the resort, campground and RV Park market. We help owners manage reservations more efficiently, communicate with your guests more effectively, and automate many of your daily tasks. www.resortforward.com
RON D BEARD & ASSOCIATES
Ron Beard • 512-219-7688
Providing full-spectrum planning services in business plans for RV parks, campgrounds and RV resorts. www.rdbaconsulting.com
TEXAS RECREATIONAL VEHICLE ASSOCIATION
Gracie Thomas • 512-840-9000
TRVA Is a nonprofit trade association representing Texas RV dealers. www.trva.org
WOODALL’S CAMPGROUND MAGAZINE
Ben Quiggl • 574-266-7980
Monthly & daily news that provides owners with insights and information needed to improve their operations and stay current with the camping industry. www.woodallscm.com
