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TACO News Summer 2026

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Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality provides insurance for over 4,000 campgrounds, resorts, and other hospitality businesses nationwide. We proudly support members of the Texas Association of Campground Owners with insurance solutions designed to help their businesses stay protected and thrive.

TACO Officers & Directors

Regional Directors

REGION 1, DIRECTOR

Venky Venkatesan

Midland RV Campground

Midland, TX

REGION 2

Ken Hinz

Traders Village Grand Prairie, TX

REGION 3, PAST PRESIDENT

Randall Dally

Rayburn RV Hideout

Brookeland, TX

REGION 4, SECRETARY

Susie Prater

The Vineyards of Fredericksburg RV Park

Fredericksburg, TX

REGION 5

Terry Munoz

Lost River RV Park

Baytown, TX

REGION 6, PRESIDENT

Charlie Bates

Parkview Riverside RV Park

Concan, TX

Directors At Large

DIRECTOR AT LARGE

Austin Faught

Bolivar Peninsula RV Park

Crystal Beach, TX

DIRECTOR AT LARGE

Allison Holcomb

Lagoon Ranch RV Resort

Onalaska, TX

TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

Chris Hipple

Vice President

Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance

Customer Retention is a Key Competitive Advantage -

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know the economy — and by extension, the camping industry — has been living through some tough times. The post-COVID bump is in the rearview mirror, and businesses are discovering that long-term growth is not built solely on attracting new customers.

Instead, the most profitable and sustainable companies are going to be those that master repeat and referral business.

In broad strokes, current research shows that businesses — no matter the industry — focusing on repeat customers consistently outperform competitors that rely heavily on constant customer acquisition. Like anything else, print and digital advertising costs are rising, and consumers are becoming more selective.

Loyalty has become one of the most valuable assets a business can build. Ask yourself – what is your park or business doing to market to your current customers?

One of the most widely cited business statistics remains highly relevant today: acquiring a new customer costs between five and twentyfive times more than retaining an existing one, according to the Harvard Business Review. This single fact explains why repeat business matters so much.

Whether you’re a campground or a company that services a campground, constantly chasing new customers means spending enormous amounts on advertising, promotions and lead generation just to replace customers they failed to retain.

The financial impact of customer retention is significant. Studies continue to show that a 5% increase in customer retention can increase profits by 25% to 95%. Furthermore, customer loyalty tends to compound over time.

in both repeat and referral business, with current studies showing that 75% of customers are willing to spend more with brands that provide excellent customer experiences.

At AGS, we focus on enhancing the customer experience at the park itself. When we survey readers of guest guides, more than half indicate that the products and services recommended by the park in their check-in material either enhance or extend their stay.

This also helps provide a fast response to guests’ questions, which is especially important, with studies showing that 89% of customers are more likely to return after receiving quick support for an issue.

Do your employees have the answers your customers need? Are you empowering your staff to get those answers? If not, it will cost you business.

Ultimately, repeat and referral business represents the foundation of sustainable growth. New customer acquisition will always be important, but businesses that focus only on attracting new buyers often overlook their greatest opportunity: the customers they already have. Loyal customers spend more, buy more frequently, cost less to retain and bring in new business through referrals.

In an era where competition is more intense than ever and marketing costs continue to rise, parks and businesses that prioritize customer retention and referrals are positioning themselves for stronger profitability, greater resilience and long-term success.

The campgrounds and vendors that win in 2026 and beyond will not simply be the ones with the biggest advertising budgets. They will be the ones who build lasting relationships and turn customers into lifelong advocates.

LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANT

Ron Hinkle Austin, TX

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO

Brian & Debra Schaeffer

TACO Office Crowley, TX

According to recent retention studies, customers who make a second purchase are 45% more likely to make a third purchase, while customers who make a third purchase are 54% more likely to make a fourth. This happens because loyal customers tend to spend more over time while costing less to market to.

The customer experience plays a major role

is the general manager of AGS Guest Guides, a division of Texas Advertising, as well as the assistant executive director of the Texas Association of Campground Owners. You can email him with any questions or concerns at michael@texasadvertising.net or visit www.AGSPub.com.

TEXAS CAMPGROUNDS

Michael Moore

REVIEWS FILL SITES:

HOW CAMPGROUND OWNERS CAN TURN GUEST FEEDBACK INTO MORE BOOKINGS

Online reviews are no longer just a scorecard for a past stay. For today’s RVers, they often serve as the first impression, trust signal, and deciding factor between one campground over another. Before a guest calls, checks availability, or books, they have likely compared your park across several platforms, including Google, RV LIFE, Tripadvisor, Yelp, The Dyrt, Campendium, social media, and your own website. They are not only looking at star ratings. They are reading what guests say about your sites, staff, Wi-Fi, bathhouses, roads, pet areas, and overall hospitality. Just as important, they are watching how you respond. For campground and RV park owners, reviews are more than reputation management. They are marketing, operations, customer service, and guest research all in one.

Your Reputation Lives in More Than One Place

Many owners think Google reviews are the only important platform to monitor. Google matters, but it is only part of the picture. RV travelers often research across multiple sources. A guest may discover your park on Google, confirm details on RV LIFE, check photos on Tripadvisor, read candid comments on Yelp, and compare RV-specific information on The Dyrt or Campendium. Each platform contributes to the story guests tell themselves before they book. That means owners need one consistent review strategy with platform-specific execution. Claim or verify your profiles where possible, monitor major review channels, and understand where you can respond publicly. Even on platforms where public owner responses are limited, you can still influence perception by keeping listings accurate, adding strong photos, clarifying amenities, and using feedback to improve the guest experience.

A Reply Is Not Just for the Reviewer

When you respond to a review, you are speaking to three audience members: the reviewer, future guests, and your own team. A thoughtful reply can repair a relationship with a disappointed guest, reinforce loyalty with a happy guest, and show future shoppers that your park is professionally managed. It also helps your staff see what guests notice most.

A response says, “We are listening. We care. We pay attention.” That message matters whether the review is positive, negative, or mixed. A calm, specific reply can build trust even when the original review is critical. A defensive reply can damage confidence, even when the complaint seems unfair.

A Simple Review Response Framework

Owners do not need to start from scratch every time. Use a simple five-part framework:

Acknowledge the guest’s experience.

Affirm the feedback with thanks or an apology.

Address the specific point raised.

Act by explaining what was checked, changed, or followed up on.

Advance the relationship with a warm close, return invitation, or direct contact path. Avoid arguing, blaming, over-explaining, or offering incentives tied to changing a review. The best responses are specific, professional, & human.

What Strong Responses Look Like

For a great review, do more than say, “Thanks for staying with us.” Reinforce the strengths future guests care about.

If a guest praises spacious pull-through sites, easy check-in, spotless laundry, and helpful staff, a stronger response might be:

“Thank you for staying with us and for noticing the things our team works hardest on: easy arrivals, clean facilities, and helpful service when something unexpected comes up. We are glad our staff could connect you with an RV tech quickly and would love to welcome you back for another smooth stay.”

For a negative review, even when a review feels exaggerated or unfair, a calm and professional response still matters. Future guests are not only evaluating the complaint itself - but they are also evaluating how the park responds under pressure. A measured “we hear you” reply can demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and commitment to guest experience. In some cases, a thoughtful response may even make an overly emotional or aggressive review seem less credible to readers. The goal is not to win an argument; it is to de-escalate publicly, show ownership, and protect trust with the next guest reading it. If a guest says the sites felt tight, the bathhouse was messy at night, and the office seemed dismissive about late check-out, a strong response might be:

“Thank you for the honest feedback. I’m sorry your stay felt cramped and that the bathhouse and front-office experience did not meet the standard we want guests to have. We reviewed evening cleaning checks with our team and re-coached staff on how we explain late check-out options. Please contact us directly if you are open to sharing more.” This kind of reply addresses the concern without arguing. It also shows future guests that the park takes feedback seriously.

Mixed Reviews Require Judgment

Not every complaint is a service failure. Some feedback reflects personal preference.

A guest might write, “Too many kids biking around and not enough shade for our taste, but the Wi-Fi was strong and the dog park was nice.”

Before responding, ask whether the issue is a broken promise or a preference. Did the park misrepresent itself, or did the guest simply prefer a different environment?

A thoughtful reply can clarify expectations while reinforcing strengths:

“Thanks for sharing your perspective. Families do stay with us often, especially on weekends, and we understand that is not every traveler’s preferred atmosphere. We are glad the Wi-Fi and dog park worked well for you. Guests wanting more shade may prefer our back-in creek side section.”

This type of response helps future guests self-select the right experience.

Reviews Are Free Operational Intelligence

Reviews should not live only in your inbox. They should become part of your operating rhythm.

Every review contains clues about what is working, what is unclear, and what needs attention. The key is to look for patterns instead of reacting to one loud comment.

Tag reviews by themes, such as check-in, staff, bathhouse, Wi-Fi, roads, site spacing, noise, pet area, laundry, or value. Then separate fixable issues from preferences, track frequency and severity, assign follow-up, and close the loop.

If three guests mention the same friction point in 30 to 60 days, it deserves an operational review. Repeated comments about tight turns may call for better arrival instructions. Bathhouse complaints may point to a cleaning schedule issue. Positive comments about

helpful staff may reveal a strength worth highlighting in marketing.

Reviews are not just criticism. They are field research from the people using your park. Replying to guest feedback serves as a powerful, cost-free marketing asset for your park.

A 30-Day Review Management Plan

Review management does not have to be overwhelming. Start with a simple monthly plan.

In week one, claim and verify major profiles, including RV LIFE, Google, Tripadvisor, Yelp, The Dyrt, and relevant local directories.

In week two, create response templates for positive, negative, and mixed reviews, while making sure each reply is personalized.

In week three, begin tracking common themes across reviews.

In week four, close the loop by updating photos, improving listing descriptions, clarifying policies, coaching staff, and adjusting operations based on recurring feedback.

The goal is not perfection. The goal is consistency.

The Bottom Line

A campground’s online reputation is not built only by the reviews guests leave; it is built by how owners respond, what they learn, and what they improve.

Every review is a chance to thank the guest, inform the next traveler, and strengthen the operation. Managed well, reviews do not just describe the guest experience—they help shape the next one. ✪

TACO VENDOR MEMBERS

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

Campsite Accounting

Ty Meinhardt . . . . (435) 979-0530

To provide accounting/bookkeeping, payroll, tax, and consulting services

www.campsiteaccounting.com

GiGi Connects the Dots

Gigi Weck (512) 368-6662

Simplifying your bookkeeping puzzle, one dot at a time, for RV Parks & Campgrounds, short and long term rentals Let’s Chat! www.gigiconnectsthedots.com

BACKGROUND SCREENING

AmRent

Monique Ivy (877) 440-9134

Serving the rental industry, we provide consumer report services to help US clients select guests for their communities www.amrent.com

BANKING/FINANCIAL SERVICES

Business Finance Depot

Bruce Hurta . . . . (281) 384-2595

Business Finance Depot offers SBA/USDA loans, retirement rollovers, park model & business equipment financing, unsecured loans, and HELOCs

www.BusinessFinanceDepot.com

Cinchio Solutions

Mallory Mahoney (954) 665-7682

Cinchio is a hospitality technology partner built for the realities of running campgrounds, RV parks, and outdoor destinations www.cinchio.com

Cost Segregation Services LLC

Bonnie Kaake (866) 277-9121

Tax benefits available to RV Park owners and RE investors . Estimates and consulting at no cost for you and your tax pro www.CSSIservices.com/bonnie-kaake

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

CAMPGROUND CONSULTING

Campground Consulting Group, LLC.

Jayne Cohen (800) 897-8836

Practical industry experience and consulting for RV parks & campgrounds from planning to development to marketing to operations www.campgroundconsultinggroup.com

Campground Intelligence

Robert Bouse . . . . (512) 897-8122

Our system analyzes recent occupancy & pricing data, weather and events in the area, and recommends small measured adjustments Consistent, accurate pricing that improves over time www.campgroundintelligence.com

Mersmann Consulting Group

Amie Mersmann (979) 703-4572

Provides strategic planning, design, feasibility studies, marketing solutions, and operational startup www.mcg-hospitality.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

CAMPGROUND EQUIPMENT

Chadwick Manufacturing

Joe Hammer . . . . (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 . . . (877) 896-8442

Create an unforgettable experience with aqua parks, floating cabanas, dock systems, splashpads, playgrounds, shelters and more! www.crs4rec.com

Evergreen Grass Depot

Mark Paulson (805) 225-3387

We are a national supplier of high quality artificial grass products and installation accessories

www.evergreengrassdepot.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

Hunter Knepshield of Texas, Inc.

Shanna Hartsfield (800) 451-4138

We provide and install commercial park and playground equipment, shades, shelters and site amenities www.hkparkandplay.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 for you www.kangaroojumper.com

Kay Park and Recreation

Marilee Gray . . . (800) 553-2476

Picnic tables, benches, outdoor games, pedal boats, commercial kayaks, drinking fountains, trash rec, shade, bleachers www.kaypark.com

MarineSync Corp

Austin Bleier . . . (619) 269-7000

We provide wireless metering, control, and automation solutions for marinas & RV parks www.marinesync.com

RJ Thomas Manufacturing Company Inc

Adam Struck (712) 225-5115

Comprehensive, durable outdoor site furnishings: seating, picnic tables, grills, waste management, bike racks, and site accents www.pilotrock.com

RV Park Signs

Richard Yohan (404) 944-9988

RV Park Signs is the premier company providing quality signs and marketing for the RV Industry www.rvprksigns.com

ShadePro, LLC

Stephen Arnold (830) 221-8141

Over 20 yrs of experience in the industry, helping customer’s property stay shaded while allowing satellite & Wi-Fi connectivity www.shadepro.com

Texas Backyard Structures

Christian Williamson . . . (512) 989-9494

30 yrs creating premium outdoor experiences with custom pergolas, pavilions, shade & playgrounds—design and install www.texasbackyardstructures.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 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

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

CRR Hospitality

Lindsay Slater . . . (928) 554-7710

Our Mission: To provide unique and enjoyable places that offer luxury, value, and fulfillment www.crrhospitality.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 Faught (855) 515-1777

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

www.rvparkpm.com

WildPath Parks

Dennis George . . . (216) 703 -9188

Developing a portfolio of parks

Zion Call Management

Christian Thurgood (435) 216-1414

Zion provides affordable management support, including call answering, digital marketing, and reputation management www.zioncallmgmt.com

CONSTRUCTION

Flatspot Decking Services

Trenton Hensley . . . . (828) 999-4032

We offer modular, pre-engineered wood/composite decks for rapid, compliant, nationwide installation in commercial projects www.flatspotdeckingservices.com

Ivey Construction

Christian Lunsford (409) 502-1352

Ivey Construction is a family owned and operated metal building, pavilion and awning installer

www.facebook.com/Iveyconstruct/

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

With passion for excellence & commitment to quality, we bring visions to life with design, planning, & expert craftsmanship www.tenpointservciestx.com

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

CampMap

Simon Neal (302) 803-4183

We help campgrounds and RV parks improve marketing and guest experience with premium digital maps www.campmap.com

Martrek Digital

Amber Simpson . . . . (312) 620-5797

Digital marketing agency for campgrounds and RV parks specializing in websites, SEO, paid ads, email, marketing, & analytics exclusively for outdoor hospitality www.martrekdigital.com

OHI

David Basler (303) 681-0401

Outdoor Hospitality Industry national RV owners assocation www.ohi.org

TACO VENDOR MEMBERS

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

Big Fish Consulting

Josh Cecot (888) 556-5244

Our company works with parks to uncover, reverse and refund fee’s and charges on parks utility bills www.savewithbigfish.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

Peak Energy Technology LLC

Carol Weideman . . . (888) 613-7775

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

Rise Energy

Josh Allen . . . . (806) 955-7113

Lower energy bills, increase operational resilience & 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% Utility Supply Group

Julianne Long . . . . (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

Mike Sorensen (833) 563-6300

Get smart, revenue-grade utility metering accurately measure usage, automate data collection, and recover costs . www.wildenergyco.com

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

All Hazard Communications LLC

Shannon Smith (512) 787-6511

60 Years siren alerting for: flood, fire, tornado, lightning, hail, active shooter, hazardous spill www.allhazardcommunications.net

Local Area Warnings Systems

Trevor Davis . . . . (817) 572-1077

Fully automated and customizable flood, weather, and other hazard warnings systems www.localwarnings.net

Midland Radio Corporation

Bruce Jones . . . . (816) 241-8500

#1 manufacturer of Public Alert certified NOAA Weather Radios www.midlandusa.com

Camp Jellystone

FRANCHISE SERVICES

Steve Stafford (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 75+ Jellystone Park locations in the US & Canada www.jellystonefranchise.com

KOA - Kampgrounds of America, Inc.

Larry Brownfield (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

INSURANCE

ARK Assurance Group

John Hinsley . . . . (903) 509-2292

RV park insurance services

www.arkassurance.com

Centurion Solutions, LLC

Tiffany Paul (979) 571-5213

A SDVOSB and HUB certified business for disaster preparedness & risk mitigation

www.centurion-solutions.com/

Coverra Insurance Services

Crystal Erickson (608) 269-2127

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/lp/ind/taco-preferred-insurance-provider 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

Forrest Smith (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 (888) 366-7065

Laundry equipment sales, service and repair www.tituscommercial.com

MARKETING SERVICES

Anderson Brochure Dis. Service

Donald Bennett (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 (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

Campsync

Sean Moore (817) 518-8138

Campsync is an all-in-one marketing, AI, and guest communication platform built specifically for campgrounds and RV parks www.campsync.io

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

Lonestar Logos Management Company

John Brown-Latham . . . (512) 462-1310

Official highway signs shown to increase business by up to 20% Join thousands of businesses using the TxDOT LOGO Program www.lonestarlogos.com

RV LIFE

Dawn Watanabe (805) 290-0656

Reach 3M+ RVers on RV LIFE Trusted for trip planning, RV-safe GPS, reviews, and finding campgrounds like yours campgrounds.rvlife.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 (574) 266-7980

Monthly & daily news for camping industry owners, offering insights to improve operations and stay current www.woodallscm.com

ONLINE RESERVATION PROVIDER

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 www.getcamplife.com

Campspot

Tessa Bauman (616) 226-3135

The industry’s leading campground reservation and management software www.software.campsot.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

Parkn’Sleep

Brendan Couzens . . . . (860) 830 6472

Digital system monetizes unused RV sites with easy, compliant, contactless check-in Boosts revenue with no upfront fees, just commission en.parknsleep.com

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

Brian Schmitz (952) 905-9024

Boost efficiency at your resort or RV park Our software handles reservations, guest messaging, and daily automation www.resortforward.com

RMS - The Hospitality Cloud

Jamie McBride (858) 771-9917

Reservation systems, advertising/promotions, website services www.RMSNorthAmerica.com

RoverPass

Melisa Chang (737) 252-5625

All-in-one campground management software . Run reservations, dynamic pricing, POS, long-term stays, and more . https://software.roverpass.com

Staylist

Nic Gramstad . . . (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

Storable Newbook

Blake Burris . . . . (310) 855-3773

Powerful campground management & booking system www.newbook.cloud 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

Champion Park Models and Cabins

Gary Rice Jr (817) 402-0215

Manufacturer of park models and RVs www.championparkmodelscabins.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

Conestoga Wagon Co.

Jason Olson . . . . (307) 277-0525

Manufacturer of the Conestoga Wagon, Showerhouse and our New Cabin! www.conestogawagonco.com

TACO VENDOR MEMBERS

Green River Cabins and Cottages

Jeremy Hutchins (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 (801) 798-9026

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

Leland’s Modular

Dustin Sharp (817) 409-6513

Factory-built modular cabins and RVIA park models for campgrounds Durable, high-quality, and fast to install www.lelandscabins.com

Park Cottages

Kevin Kamin . . . (817) 821-9747

Park Model RV Manufacturer located in Fort Worth, Texas Numerous floor plans and ready to rent packages . www.parkcottages.com

PlainsCraft

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 that visitors will never forget www.plainscraft.net

Platinum Cottages

Penni Feil (903) 675-2525

Park model manufacturer www.platinumcottages.com

POOL & WATER STRUCTURES

Kraftsman Commercial Playgrounds & Water Parks

Jennifer Egan . . . . (800) 451-4869

Plan, design, and construct playgrounds, SplashParks, pool slides, shade, shelter, site amenities, and more throughtout Texas! www.kraftsmanplay.com

PRINTING AND PUBLISHING

AGS Guest Guides

Michael Moore (877) 518-1989

Guest guides, site maps and marketing www.agspub.com

PROPANE

Heart of Texas Propane

Bryan Rupp (325) 313-0884

Central Texas propane delivery & refills with service & integrity first We deliver unmatched quality and trust for all www.hotpropane.com

MWS Propane

Kelly Burns . . . . (903) 593-7343

We deliver reliable commercial propane service backed by friendly support and fast, dependable delivery in East Texas www.mwspropane@meritusgas.com

Nelson Propane Gas Inc

Scott Martin . . . . (800) 234-9052

Propane delivery and service company serving most of East Texas www.nelsonpropane.com

Star Tex Propane

Rhett Williams . . . (254) 366-3035

Reliable propane supplier for campgrounds and retail dispensers across Central Texas and beyond www.startexpropane.com

Suburban Propane LP

Ron Shaw . . . . . (830) 340-2977

With strong roots in Texas, Suburban Propane has been fueling the energy needs of residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural customers across 42 states www.suburbanpropane.com/taco/ REAL ESTATE

All Hands Real Estate

Ruben Garcia . . . . 626 675 1750

Marketing

Baehre Real Estate LLC

Russell Baehre (830) 896-5050

RV parks, real estate

www.rvparksforsale.com

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

Colliers International Manufactured Housing Group

Michael Nissley (561) 479-1588

Colliers’ MHRV 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/manufacturedhousing

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

Franklin Street

Tobias Cohen (512) 316-7866

Full service commercial real estate, insurance, and capital brokerage and advisory www.franklinst.com

Merkava Investments, LLC

Marshall Miles (210) 473-1681

RV park developments - building more than just a place to stay; we want to create a community www.merkavallc.com

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

We empower RV Park and Campground owners to achieve their ultimate ‘North Star’ goals with our expert analysis and experience in the Outdoor Hospitality industry 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

Alexis Threlkeld (214) 281-8132

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

RV DEALER, REPAIR & SERVICE

KZ-RV

Marlene Snyder . . . (260) 768-2039

Manufacturer of sportsman, connect, durango, sportster, Sienna, Sporttrek, Stratus RV’s www.kz-rv.com

Liberty Trail RV

Kerri Gibbs . . . (888) 508-7631

RV Dealer, RV Service, RV Parts, RV Mobile Service, RV Paint & Body www.libertytrailrv.com

PPL Motor Homes

Courtney C Hernandez . . (713) 988-5555

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

RecPro

Matt Pico . . . . (574) 848-0405

We are a developer and a distributor of RV furniture, appliances, lighting, hardware and much more www.recpro.com

Texas Recreational Vehicle Association

Gracie Thomas . . . (512) 840-9000

TRVA is dedicated to protecting & promoting the RV industry in Texas through legislation, education, and professional standards www.trva.org

Spin Copter

STORE GOODS

Melissa Pisor . . . . . (805) 440-3026

We provide premier LED toys in the sky Copters shoot up to 150 ft and descend slowly back to in a colorful array of light www.spin-copter.com

Wilcor International

Susan Corrigan . . . . (800) 346-2345

Camping goods - outdoor wholesale supplier www.wilcor.net

WATER TREATMENT

Anua

Bradley Hennig . . . . (254) 744-2796

American manufacturer of wastewater treatment, dispersal and reuse systems optimized for campground & RV Park applications www.anuainternational.com

E-Z Treat

Madison Painter (703) 753-4770

Since the 1970’s the founders of E-Z Treat corp have been designing and manufacturing efficient and affordable onsite re-circulating sand filter, wastewater treatment systems www.eztreat.net

Infiltrator Water Technologies

Ryan Gerlich (800) 221-4436

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

WEBSITE SERVCES/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

Initium Creative

Braden Walker

(219) 230-6003

Boost RV park bookings with engaging, mobile-friendly websites designed to stand out online and simplify guest reservations www.initiumcreative.com/rv-parks-and-campgrounds WIRELESS INTERNET PROVIDER (WI-FI)

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/Ruckus

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

Reliable Wi-Fi solutions with a Texas provider Founded by a former NASA engineer, connecting customers for over 25 years www. ccassells@cassellsconsulting.com

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

Park Utility Pros

Scott Chronister (817) 518-2233

From fiber to sewer, we handle every trench in your park Simplify with all-in-one underground services & a single partner www.parkutilitypros.com

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

TengoInternet

Karen Wong (512) 469-7660

Industry leader in outdoor Wi-Fi and connectivity with over 24 years of experience www.tengointernet.com

MID-SEASON CHECKUP

6 AREAS EVERY CAMPGROUND SHOULD REVIEW BEFORE PEAK SEASON ENDS

As Texas RV resorts and campgrounds run at full steam during the busy summer months, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of checking in guests and keeping the grass mowed. But taking a quick break for a mid-season reality check can make a big difference in your final numbers before the kids go back to school.

Here are six quick areas to review now to keep your park running smoothly, keep your guests happy, and make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.

1. CHECK YOUR REAL-TIME OCCUPANCY

Don’t wait until October to look back at how your summer went. Take a close look at your calendar for the next few weeks. Are your premium pull-thrus or luxury glamping tents completely booked while your standard back-ins are sitting empty? If you notice slow weekdays or open slots, you can fix it today. Try running a quick mid-week special or adjust your minimum-stay rules to grab those last-minute weekend campers.

2.

LISTEN TO

WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING RIGHT NOW

Your guests are giving you a roadmap for success every single day. Whether it’s a quick chat at the camp store or a text message survey sent halfway through their stay, pay attention to the feedback you’re getting in real time. If three different campers mention that the Wi-Fi is weak in the back loop or the pool deck needs more chairs, you have the chance to fix it this week instead of letting it ruin the trip for next month’s visitors.

3. KEEP AN EYE ON ONLINE REVIEWS

Summer is peak season for Google, TripAdvisor, and social media reviews. Make it a habit to spend 15 minutes each morning reading and replying to them. Potential guests love to see how park owners handle feedback. A polite, helpful reply to a negative review shows great Texas hospitality and proves to future campers that you care about their experience, even when the park is packed.

4. CATCH MAINTENANCE ISSUES EARLY

The Texas summer heat can be brutal on your property. Your AC units, pool pumps, and electrical boxes are working overtime. Take a walkthrough of your maintenance logs this week. Catching a shaky pedestal or a leaky pipe right now prevents a costly emergency repair later, and saves you from having to shut down a site during a lucrative holiday weekend.

5. CHECK IN WITH YOUR CREW

By mid-summer, your staff is probably feeling the heat just as much as your park is. Keep team spirit up by checking in often with your front desk, housekeeping, and maintenance folks. When everyone is on the same page and communicating easily, whether through a quick morning huddle or a simple digital task app, fewer guest requests slip through the cracks.

6. LOOK FOR EASY EXTRA REVENUE

Take some time to think beyond just nightly site fees to help your bottom line. Check your camp store inventory, equipment rentals, and add-on options. If your golf carts or kayaks are constantly booked out, it might be time to add a few more or tweak your rates. Simple options like offering a late checkout for a small fee or bundling firewood and ice at check-in can add up to a big difference by the end of the month.

SETTING THE STAGE FOR LONG-TERM SUCCESS

A successful summer isn’t just about surviving the heat; it’s about making small, smart adjustments along the way and laying the groundwork for a smoother fall season and an even more profitable next year. By taking a few extra minutes to “check under the hood” of your operations today, you’re ensuring your park remains a favorite destination for Texas campers for generations to come.

TACO Collaborates with C.A.M.P. and RVIA

During the RV Industry Association’s RVs Move America Week in Washington D.C.

“We talked about how our associations are doing, but also, what we could do for management companies like Blue Water and how we can improve our shows by listening to Blue Water and Electrical Works,” noted Michael Moore, president of C.A.M.P., “We also dissected the development of parks catering to more long-term clientele and the benefits/challenges of that.”

In attendance were associations representing Texas, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York, Michigan, New Jersey, Arizona, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Rafael Correa, president & CFO of Blue Water and David Basler, chief strategy officer and SVP of Government Affairs for OHI, took part in the meeting, along with Heidi Doyle and Tristan Ciceri, of Electrical Works, who were the event’s Lunch Sponsor. RVIA was also a meeting sponsor.

“RVIA updated us on grounding monitor interrupter (GMI) developments,” Moore explained. “Between the states, OHI and Correa, we represented literally thousands of RV parks and campgrounds all over the country and across all brands.”

HOW YOUR NEXT GUEST ACTUALLY FINDS YOU

Here’s what a guest’s path to booking usually looks like now: a Reel catches their eye on a Tuesday night. They screenshot it. Two days later they Google the park’s name, read a few reviews, watch someone’s TikTok from the property, then land back on Instagram before they finally book.

Think of it like a campfire. Every piece of content is another log on it. The parks winning right now aren’t the ones with the biggest budgets — they’re the ones showing up consistently, across the channels that actually matter, in a way that compounds over time.

We talk with campground and RV park operators across the country, and the parks pulling ahead all share one thing: they treat marketing as a habit, not a campaign. It doesn’t take a big budget or a dedicated team, just consistency and a clear sense of what guests are actually buying.

If you only make time for a few changes this season, these six are a great place to start:

Lead with the experience, not the amenities.

A photo of a guest in an Adirondack chair watching a Texas Hill Country sunset, or enjoying themselves during an onsite event can do more for your booking inquiries than any discount post you may run. User Generated Content from your guests showing their fire pit gathering, a family cookout, the friends on the water - that’s what’s actually driving people to choose camping over a hotel right now, especially with younger travelers, for whom connection now rivals price as a top travel motivator.

fastest-growing demographic on social media, and they live on Facebook. Gen X families lean toward Facebook groups and events. If a park serves a range of generations, as most Texas parks do, it’s worth treating these as separate audiences and adapting content for each, rather than posting the same thing everywhere and hoping.

Advertise to capture demand, not create it.

Nobody scrolls Facebook and spontaneously decides to book a weekend away. Paid ads work best when someone’s already searching and a park shows up at the right moment which is why the highest-leverage spend is often search advertising for high-intent lookers, followed by retargeting people who’ve already visited the website or stayed before. Pro-tip: Don’t phone this in! Paid advertising works best for those dedicated to pulling the levers and staying reactive to the data.

Keep third-party listings current. Many first-time guests discover a park through a campground-specific marketplace listing before they ever find the website directly. A listing with outdated photos or a thin description is easy to scroll past. Keeping those details fresh is one of the highest-return, lowest-effort updates an operator can make.

Ask for the review while the experience is fresh.

Don’t skip your local area. Post about the wildflower trail two miles from your gate, and you’ll soon find your park starts showing up in searches that have nothing to do with camping…yet. Become the starting point for a guest’s whole trip, and that’s where loyalty really begins.

Know where your specific guests actually are.

TikTok gets the buzz, but boomers are the

Reviews remain one of the strongest trust signals in this business, and a simple poststay message, timed right after checkout, builds that volume steadily without much ongoing effort.

None of this requires a marketing department or a big budget. It requires a rhythm: two to three intentional posts a week beats five scattered ones, every time. Show real guests in real moments, keep listings and reviews current, and let the content compound into real bookings! ✪

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TACO News Summer 2026 by AGS/Texas Advertising - Issuu