RV

The National Park Service (NPS) has created a National Campground Office. This new program will be responsible for boosting visitor experiences across NPS’s more than 1,400 campgrounds by improving coordination and facilitating technical assistance to parks and regions on campground-related issues and services. "This initiative is great news for RV travelers and everyone who enjoys camping in our National Parks," said Phil Ingrassia, president of the National RV Dealers Association and past ORR chair. "The formation of a National Campground Office is a proactive step to enhance the visitor experience at NPS campgrounds across the country." NPS also released "Tools for Managing the Campgrounds in [...]

The Federal Trade Commission announced a newly updated rule that strengthens the data security safeguards that financial institutions are required to put in place to protect their customers’ financial information. In recent years, widespread data breaches and cyberattacks have resulted in significant harms to consumers, including monetary loss, identity theft, and other forms of financial distress. The FTC’s updated Safeguards Rule requires non-banking financial institutions, such as mortgage brokers, motor vehicle dealers, and payday lenders, to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive security system to keep their customers’ information safe. “Financial institutions and other entities that collect sensitive consumer data [...]

The board of directors of the RV/MH Heritage Foundation (Foundation) has announced the names of those who will be inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame (Hall) as members of the Class of 2022. Foundation President Darryl Searer said, “Congratulations to the ten new honorees. All of them have had or are having outstanding careers and are richly deserving of this high honor. The Hall of Fame could not be more excited to celebrate these ten phenomenal people along with their family, friends, and industry colleagues.” The 2022 RV inductee class includes: Mark "Mick" Ferkey, Greeneway, Inc. Don Gunden, Forest [...]

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced year-round camping reservations are now available at more than 20 state parks and forests. Temperatures may be dropping, but that doesn’t mean the end of camping for anyone looking for a winter adventure. With 100% reservable campsites, visitors can plan ahead and have peace of mind before hitting the road knowing that a site is waiting for them. Campers will no longer find campsite self-registration envelopes at state properties. Instead, make your reservations using the DNR’s online camping reservation webpage or by calling 1-888-WIPARK. Reservation service agents can assist by phone or online chat [...]

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg announced new initiatives that will increase access, support jobs, and enhance the transportation experience on public lands across the country. At an event in Washington, D.C., the two Secretaries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will strengthen the Departments’ coordination regarding infrastructure investments and the deployment of innovative technologies at National Park Service-managed sites. The MOU outlines priority initiatives – including innovative technology pilots, shared mobility integration, the electrification of major transit fleets, and additional electric vehicle charging stations – which will guide the Departments’ efforts to build world-class transportation systems [...]

Since the onset of the pandemic, the outdoor industry has been able find the so-called silver linings in what has been an unprecedented situation. Positive outlooks and creative innovations allowed companies and organizations to pivot around obstacles and keep things moving forward, welcoming more and more new people into the outdoors. While supply chain issues are still present, the industry has met this challenge head on and been credited for helping keep sectors of the economy afloat. As the journey continues, it’s evident the outdoor industry isn’t immune to the workforce shortage being experienced across the nation. For many reasons, [...]

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that Steven Schmelzer is the department’s new Parks Director. He started his new role July 19. Managed by the DNR, the Wisconsin State Park system boasts 49 state parks, more than 500 boat launches, 15 state forests, 44 state biking trails, over 5,000 campsites, plus thousands of acres for adventures. The DNR has logged more than 9.6 million visits to the 49 state parks so far this year – an 18% increase over last year and a 36% increase over 2019. As more people connect with the Wisconsin’s great outdoors more [...]

A Senate companion bill to H.R. 3552 – The Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act – was introduced last month by U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Angus King (I-ME). Earlier this year, U.S. Representatives Jackie Walorski (R-IN) and Dina Titus (D-NV) introduced legislation to fix a provision in the tax code so all types of RVs, including travel trailers, are treated equally. The bill has the strong support of RVDA and RVIA “These made-in-America products will play a vital role in our economic recovery, but one provision in the tax code is putting certain RVs at a disadvantage. [...]

A new competitor in northern Indiana’s vast recreational vehicle industry has announced plans to invest $4 million to grow operations in the Elkhart County town of Bristol and add 150 jobs by the end of 2023. Ember Recreational Vehicles Inc., a startup RV manufacturer, is entering the marketplace with lightweight travel trailers for off-road and off-grid capabilities. The company says it is building an 88,000 square foot plant, an upgrade from its current 18,000 square foot facility in Bristol. Ember expects to complete the construction project next month. Read more in the Inside Indiana Business.

For the very first time, the outdoor recreation industry is united by a single comprehensive directory. The new Outdoor Business Directory exists to connect outdoor recreation-related businesses, manufacturers, organizations, agencies, and entities who make up the outdoor recreation industry in Wisconsin. Highlighting Wisconsin’s large and diverse outdoor industry, the directory aims to strengthen the network by facilitating relationships between industry leaders and organizations. Please help us grow the Outdoor Business Directory. Search the directory and review your listing. Submit a request to add your business or organization or to update information in the listing.