Improvement only happens when you’re adventurous. And we get it, exploration is nerve-wracking—especially if you’re one of the first to try something new. But with us you can adventure boldly and without fear, knowing we’re here to safeguard you, your campground, and your reputation. WHAT’S YOUR ADVENTURE THIS
Regional Directors
REGION 1, DIRECTOR
Venky Venkatesan
Midland RV Campground
Midland, TX
REGION 2
Ken Hinz
Traders Village
Grand Prairie, TX
REGION 3, PRESIDENT
Randall Dally
Rayburn RV Hideout
Brookeland, TX
REGION 4, SECRETARY
Susie Prater
The Vineyards of Fredericksburg RV Park
Fredericksburg, TX
REGION 5, PAST PRESIDENT
Cheryl McLaughlin
Hatch RV Park
Corpus Christi, TX
REGION 6, DIRECTOR
Charlie Bates
Parkview Riverside RV Park
Concan, TX
Directors At Large
DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Austin Faught
Bolivar Peninsula RV Park
Crystal Beach, TX
TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
Diana LeBlanc-Link
PPL
Houston, TX
LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANT
Ron Hinkle
Austin, TX
How to Save Your Staff Time During Busy Season
Written By: Sarah Dalton - Copywriter - FireFly
A friendly and knowledgeable staff is one of those make-or-break components that can turn first-time visitors into loyal campers. But that personal touch can be lost if your staff is bogged down by daily, time-consuming tasks. Efficient campground management software is the key to automating day-today responsibilities and giving your staff the time and energy they need to provide stellar customer service that guests crave.
Here are some key management software features to look for that will help your staff succeed during the busy season:
Self-Service Kiosk
As hard as you may try, you and your staff can’t be everywhere all the time. Installing a 24/7 self-serve tablet or computer can fill in those gaps of time where your staff may not be available to check-in guests or make reservations after office hours. Instead of waiting around for a staff member, guests can quickly make a reservation, check-in, make a payment, or check-out—all at their fingertips.
Interactive Reservation Map
While online reservations are essential in this day and age, giving potential guests a visual layout of your campground is just as important. When guests can view a map during the booking process, they’re less likely to make phone calls about the particulars of a certain site or request to change sites upon arrival. By giving guests the ability to see exactly what they’re booking, you save your staff time throughout the entire reservation process and stay.
Online Guest Portal
A guest portal automates simple tasks that can otherwise eat up your staff’s time. With a guest portal, campers can update credit card information, make payments, and review their reservation or payment history. Inevitably, while some campers prefer an online portal, other campers will always want a face-to-face or phone interaction. By giving campers the option to use either, you give your staff more time to spend with those individuals who do want an interpersonal experience.
Reservation Grid
Giving your staff a bird’s-eye view of your reservation calendar can help them quickly answer questions, make last-minute reservations, and anticipate crowded weekends. With an interactive reservation grid, your staff can easily view reservation details, locked sites, payment history, and other information they need to manage or tweak reservations as needed, without accidentally double-booking sites or providing inaccurate information to guests.
Email & SMS Messaging
Without an automated messaging system, your staff may find themselves chasing down guests for payments, charge notifications, reservation reminders, etc. With the right management software, your staff can maintain consistent communication and provide timely reminders via email or text with guests. From automated mass emails to custom individual texts, these tools make it quick and easy for you and your staff to keep guests in the loop.
While automation may feel like it could strip your campground of its personal touch, it’s actually the opposite. Automating repetitive management tasks gives your staff more time to be “human” with your guests—whether that be giving local recommendations, making small talk with a chatty family, or addressing guest concerns. The right management software ultimately helps your staff go above and beyond to create a lasting positive impression on your campers. ✪
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / CEO
Brian & Debra Schaeffer
TACO Office
Crowley, TX
Firefly Reservations is a comprehensive management software made by campground owners, for campground owners. To learn more, visit fireflyreservations.com.
Editor: Lisa Rhodes
Celebrating 22 years as the trusted leader in outdoor connectivity solutions
Ensuring Fair, Legal Background Checks at Your Park
Written By: Christine Taylor, TACO Legal Counsel
Conducting background checks on individuals can help inform businesses who need to make hiring and promotion decisions and ultimately help determine what individuals you allow at your park. However, businesses should be aware of the legal requirements to ensure that they are complying with both federal and state laws.
At the very onset of determining whether to background check or not, you should remember the cardinal rule — it must be the same for everyone. With employees, this means setting strict criteria for what roles get background checks (only the front desk department) and ensuring that all people within the designated roles (but every single person in that department) complete them.
With guests, it means everyone who is staying at your park for a certain length of time. When it comes to both guests and employees, businesses at a bare minimum must make sure that they, or the company they are using, are obtaining written consent from the individuals who are having their background checked.
What does this entail more specifically?
Relevant Federal Laws
Background checks may not be conducted solely because of someone’s race, national origin, color, sex, religion, disability, genetic information, or age. Conducting a background check solely because of someone’s disposition in the above categories may be considered discrimination and can have legal repercussions. This is why you must check everyone in the same category, as discussed above.
When conducting a background check through a thirdparty agency, you must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA requires that background checks can be provided only where an employer has given clear notice to the employee (or prospective employee) that a background check will be conducted on their behalf. The notice, which must be on its own page, must be signed before requesting the background check and must let the job candidate know that it can be used in decisions concerning their employment and hiring.
The employer must also certify that the disclosure to the employee has been made and that the background check is not being used to violate any federal laws. After results are received and before taking any adverse action (i.e. not hiring the applicant) based on a background check, the employer must provide the employee with a copy of their background check, and a notice of their rights. Such notice of rights should be provided to the employer by the reporting agency.
When conducting background checks for non-employmentrelated individuals, it is integral to get written consent from the individual to perform the background check. When taking adverse action premised on the findings of the background check (i.e. not allowing them to stay at your campground), the business must provide some information to the consumer.
Specifically, if its credit report related, (1) notice of the adverse action ; (2) the numerical credit score in written format; (3) the name, number, and address of the reporting agency and a statement that the reporting agency did not make the adverse determination; (4) notice of the consumer’s right to obtain the credit report from the consumer agency which shall include the 60-day period under that section for obtaining such a copy and the applicant’s rights to dispute the findings.
If the adverse action is related to the criminal part of the background check, the business must once again give notice of the negative decision/adverse action, which must contain (1) the name and contact information of the background check company and (2) tell the prospective applicant about their rights to dispute any inaccurate information in the report.
But, state laws can impose additional requirements or thresholds regarding background checks.
Texas Specific Laws
Like other states, Texas focuses on the seven-year time frame, however with an added salary threshold. Texas prohibits a background check from displaying any criminal background information for a crime committed over seven years ago and for which the salary of the job is below $75,000 annually.
As a business owner, protecting your business is a constant battle and a background check is one of the weapons that you can utilize in your arsenal. Knowledge is always power, and knowing who is on your campground at any given time can help with your insurance, help protect your guests and employees, and ultimately help prevent unexpected incidents during operation.
The Towne Law Firm is fully equipped with industry experience and legal expertise to help business owners review and revise their policies to abide with State and Federal Law. Contact us today: info@townelaw.com. ✪
Editor’s note: This column was written by Christine Taylor, a Principal Partner at The Towne Law Firm, P.C. in the firm’s Albany, N.Y., office, who focuses her practice in the areas of Hospitality Law, Business Law, Labor and Employment Law, Real Estate Law, Trusts and Estate Law and Litigation. Originally printed in Woodall’s Magazine. TACO campground members can reach out to the TACO legal team including Christine through the TACO legal hotline on TACOMembers.com.
By: Larry Brownfield – Assistant Vice President -Franchise Development – KOA, Inc.
What started as the vision of former KOA CEO Jim Rogers to provide actionable data, not only for KOA, but to be freely shared with the outdoor hospitality community has turned into the benchmark and definitive word on the scope of the outdoor hospitality market in North America. Through these ten years of consumer research and insights, the KOA research team has observed and reported the transformation of camping and outdoor hospitality from what appeared to be a cottage industry to, an industry that contributes $35.7 billion to the US economy, according to RVIA’s economic impact study reporting on RV parks and campgrounds. These ten years have revealed substantial market growth. Campgrounds have welcomed more than 41 million first-time camping households since the first survey was conducted in 2014. This year’s version of the annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report explores how the outdoor travel landscape has changed, along with 2024 trends and more.
2024 Camping Intent and Travel Experiences
In the last ten years, leisure travel preferences have shifted significantly toward camping and outdoor experiences. The 2024 outlook is one of every three leisure trips for consumers includes camping, similarly optimistic as more travelers seek unique ways to explore the outdoors.
Some key findings for the 2024 outdoor travel season include:
• There is a noticeable shift in health and wellness travel choices, with 79% of travelers planning to incorporate an effort to “slow down.”
• Top travel goals for 2024 include slowing down and enjoying experiences (57%), travel experiences that allow campers to “recharge” (50%), having a variety of experiences (41%), checking off several items on a travel bucket list (37%) and making spontaneous plans (34%).
• Campers are strongly interested in natural attractions, and they indicated that their top travel experiences for 2024 include natural events (50%), food tourism (31%), visiting small towns (29%), and combining work and leisure travel (25%).
• More than half of campers report they are more likely to continue camping, a 15% increase over 2023.
“Through our decade of research, we’ve seen camping evolve from simply being considered an outdoor activity to becoming a formidable segment of the travel marketplace,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of KOA. “Despite all the changes over the last 10 years, one thing remains constant: even more people see the importance of connecting with nature. Heeding the call, outdoor hospitality offers countless ways for a broad range of travelers to have one-of-a-kind experiences with those who matter most.” [Ben Quiggle – Woodall Campground Magazine (WCM) 6/2024 p.15]
10 Years of Transformation
In the last decade, total camping households increased by 23%, and active camping households surged by 68%. Camper demographics have become younger and more diverse during that time, underscoring camping’s popularity among a wide range of individuals and solidifying its importance in the greater travel landscape. Before 2019, camping brought in more than 2 million new households annually, and since the COVID-19 pandemic,
that number has grown significantly, averaging 4.4 million new campers annually.
Key shifts and findings over the last decade include:
• Glamping emerged as a new camping experience, attracting 15.7 million entrants into outdoor hospitality in the past five years alone.
• Since 2014, there has been a 98% increase in households that camp three or more times annually.
• Close to half of campers in the last two years are under 35 compared to just 30% of total campers in 2014.
• Shift in ethnic diversity: 39% of campers are not Caucasian versus 23% ten years ago.
Outdoor hospitality has become an important and distinct category in the travel industry over the last decade. While some things have changed, the core element remains the same. I think KOA’s mission statement best describes it: “Connecting people to the outdoors and each other”.
• The human element is a significant factor in the outdoor hospitality experience, with 87% of leisure travelers agreeing that outdoor hospitality must incorporate human interaction.
• Travelers define outdoor hospitality as most of the time being spent outdoors (50%), the presence of camping amenities such as fire pits and outdoor seating areas (48%), and accommodations that reflect traditional camping amenities such as tents or RVs are present (43%).
• Though it was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2016, glamping was not a household word in 2014 and in 2017, a survey found that only three out of 10 campers were aware of the word. The past few years have shown a boom in the trend, yet there still needs to be some clarification on its application both from the campground and guest perspective. That said, 34% of new guests and 36% of people are interested in trying glamping, according to the 2024 report. (Note: “glamping” questions were added to the research in 2017.)
In an interview with Woodall’s Campground Magazine, Toby O’Rourke said, “The best part about consistent investment in research is that you can see year-over-year growth and trends. We understand what’s truly a trend or what’s a blip, and we’ve been able to chart that massive growth of our business over these past 10 years. I think it is quite substantial when you step back and look at the numbers. The pandemic fueled a lot of growth, but because we were doing this research clear back to 2014, we know we were having year-over-year growth consistently even heading into the pandemic. So, it has been validating, I guess in some sense to just how popular outdoor hospitality and camping is and having 10 years’ worth of data to stand behind it.” [Ben Quiggle –Woodall Campground Magazine (WCM) 6/2024 p.15]
Something New
The KOA Research team will release nine supplemental reports, providing in-depth analysis on topics including glamping, modernization, the camper profile, and more. To view the full 2024 Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report, visit https://koa.com/ north-american-camping-report/. Additional supplemental reports will be released in the coming weeks, exploring several topics more in-depth, and will be available at KOAPressroom.com. ✪
TACO Webinar Gives Parks Certified Pool Operator Training
The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) hosted a two-day webinar last week that provided training for Certified Pool Operators (CPOs), according to a press release.
The Certified Pool Operator (CPO) class taught by Terry Munoz was held May 21-22 with 10 hours of instruction, plus a test at the end that enabled participants to obtain their certifications.
Twenty-two out of 23 park operators who took the class passed the exam for the 10-hour course, which spanned two days, not counting test time.
Kenna Lucas, who co-owns and operates El Campo Lost Lagoon RV Resort in El Campo, Texas, said having her employees take pool operator training online is efficient and enables her to save the travel expenses that would normally be required for such training.
“It was convenient and economical not having to arrange travel, and employees were able to spend more time at work during our busy season,” Lucas said, adding, “Being able to take the class at the resort allowed them to go immediately out to our facilities with the fresh knowledge and review what they learned.
We have a need for this class every couple of years, partly due to adding water features, and partly due to staff turnover.”
TACO members can sign up to attend the next TACO webinars at TACOMembers.com/education-shows. ✪
TACO members receive their pool certification.
NEW CAMPGROUND MEMBERS
REGION 2
ITASCA CREEK RV PARK 5768 FM 67 ITASCA, TX 76055
RECREATIONAL RESORT LIVING 686 W NORTH ST CAMPBELL, TX 75422
REGION 3
KNIGHTS OF THE RV LLC 10494 GLASS LANE PLANTERSVILLE, TX 77363
LLC
Lee Radley
atwell-group .com
POSTO PODS
Rochelle Schupbach
REGION 4
CAMP TAHUAYA 2603 TAHUAYA DR BELTON, TX 76513
CANYON OF THE EAGLES 16942 RANCH ROAD 2341 BURNET, TX 78611
EAGLE’S NEST VILLAGE RV PARK 2012 FISHER ST GOLDTHEWAITE, TX 76844
RIVER’S EDGE CAMPGROUND 1217 HIGHWAY 281 N JOHNSON CITY, TX 78636
POSTO Pods are bolt-together glamping kits designed for quick and easy construction! Durable, high-quality, all metal kits! www postohomes com
REGION 5
PORT ARTHUR RV RESORT
2950 W FM 365 PORT ARTHUR, TX 77640
With a passion for excellence & commitment to quality, specializing in bringing glamping visions to
www tenpointservciestx com
TACO VENDOR MEMBERS
ACCOUNTING/BOOKKEEPING
BOYKIN GROUP, LLC
Brittany Boykin
254-600-5560
We offer a wide range of bookkeeping, payroll, tax and other financial/business services.
www boykingroupllc com
CAMPGROUND REFUND
Jim Dixon
214-546-7886
Performing no-risk contingency fee, refund on utilities sales tax, and construction for RV campgrounds.
www campgroundrefund com
CAMP BACKGROUND CHECKS/DATA SOURCE CORP
DeeAnn Myers
877-577-3832
Your Trusted partner in camp safety, seamless screening solutions.
www campbackgroundchecks com
BANKING/FINANCE
BUSINESS FINANCE DEPOT/ HEALTH CLUB EXPERTS COM
Gary Raffensberger ....................... 954-494-5944
Leveraging national database and research, in preparing businesses for investment, financing, acquisition, development and expansion.
www sageoutdooradvisory com
CAMPGROUND EQUIPMENT
COMMERCIAL RECREATION SPECIALISTS
Nicole Barreau ............................
877-896-8442
Create an unforgettable experience with aqua parks, floating cabanas, dock systems, splashpads, playgrounds, shelters and more!
www crs4rec com
FARMTASTIC FUN
Jennifer Pixton ............................
888-798-0596
We provide low ropes courses, spiderwebs, Jumbo Jumper and playground equipment.
www farmtastic com
GRASSHOPPER COMPANY
Connie Estep
BUZZWORTHY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Stephanie Culver 682-551-4498
With two decades of expertise, we guide you with the most efficient practices to forge partnerships and transform challenges into opportunities.
www buzzworthypm com
CRR HOSPITALITY
Lindsay Slater 928-554-7710
Empowering success through trusted third-party management.
www crrhospitality com
FOCUSED ON MANAGEMENT
Pamela Wright 337-426-0938
Streamline your RV Park/RV Resort/Campground operations and/or hire staff that are qualified and ready to work.
www focusedonmgmt com
HORIZON OUTDOOR HOSPITALITY
Scott Foos
620-345-8621
Grasshopper true zero-turn radius riding rotary mowers & quick-converter attachment system for year-roud implements.
www grasshoppermower com
GREAT AMERICAN DIRECT
Kendall Lecker
303-529-9770
Full service management, financial management, and consulting for RV resorts, RV parks, and campgrounds, since 2004.
www horizonoutdoors com
IVEE GROUP
Scott Knepp
757-229-0567
Your glamping experts at factory direct pricing! Mattresses, wipe downs, mattress protection, futon frames & mattresses.
www greatamericandirect 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
KOOLER ICE, INC
Drew Mercer
248-447-2000
Full-service consulting, engineering, and construction services firm delivering a range of solutions to clients for real estate & development.
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
MATTHEWS CONSULTING GROUP
Wendy Matthews
903-372-7777
Site assessments, market analysis, market studies, park design, business plans,and feasability studies.
Professional campground assessment, providing consulting services from a thought, all the way through opening.
www moorescampgroundconsulting com
NADI GROUP
Uchenna Nnadi
844-669-6234
Urban design, land-use planning and landscape architecture that adds resilience, value, and the human experience to your project.
www .nadigroup com
OUTDOOR DESIGN GROUP, INC
Matt Corrion .............................. 303-993-4811
RV Park and campground land use planning, design, financial analysis, marketing, start-up and operations consulting. Also landscape design, irrigation planning & design and signage design.
www .odgdesign .com
800-858-3025
Kooler Ice offers 4 ice vending machine sizes that auto-bag the ice and dispense purified water.
www koolerice com
MYTCOAT
Clay Eppler
855-637-9616
MyTCoat is a proud family owned and operated American manufacturer of site amenities.
www mytcoat com
POLY FURNITURE USA
Levi Good
641-732-7429
Outdoor poly furniture built to last 10 years, with warranty and all 316 stainless steel hardware.
www polyfurnitureusa com
STEELSTOR RELOCATABLE
Kristin Hesse
512-535-7666
SteelStor Units provide additional income-generating streams while providing much needed storage for RV guests.
www steelstorrelocatable com
THE JUMP PAD
Steve Hawaii ..............................
865-387-5667
The Jump Pad is a flat jumping product with individual baffles that allow side by side jumping.
thejumppad .com
THE PLAYWELL GROUP
James Robertson ..........................
800-726-1816
The PlayWell Group has been providing commercial playground equipment and park products since 1987.
Elevate campground/RV profits with transparent payment processing, seamlessly integrated into your booking software for optimized efficiency.
www clearviewmc net
MCPS CREDIT CARDS
Deanne Bower
877-858-9010
We are one of the largest processors in the campground industry because we are where processing relationships are formed.
www mcpscreditcards com
ELECTRICAL SERVICES/SUPPLIES
B & B ELECTRICAL
Matt Linnell
888-391-3802
We are your One Stop Source for everything electrical for your RV Park.
bbelec com
VV TACO VENDOR MEMBERS
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
INTEGRITY ENERGY
Daniel Aultman ........................... 440-497-7492
One of the largest commercial energy brokers in the US serving over 30,000 commercial customers.
www integrityenergy com
LIVINGSTON ENERGY GROUP, A LYNKWELL CO
Kate Kruk ................................ 518-691-3119
Single-source solution for electric vehicle EV charging equipment hardware and software.
www solution .energy
PEAK ENERGY TECHNOLOGY LLC
Carol Weideman ...........................
888-613-7775
Recycle electricity and save 15-20 percent off of your electric bill with Peak Energy Savers. Save money and the environment.
www peakenergytech com
TEXEN POWER COMPANY
Tom Stubblefield
281-989-7440
Aggregator agent for electric power/commercial electricity, save 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
VUTILITY
Aidan Thain
206-495-2055
Vutility is the leading provider of turnkey, instant-installation wireless submetering solutions.
www vutility 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
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 Bronfield
800-548-7239
Franchise marketing providing onsite training & KOA U-Design support for technology and site upgrades to serve today’s public.
www ownkoa .com
MISSION GOLF CARS
GOLF CARS
James Cam ............................... 210-545-7868
Here for all your golf car needs. With a total of 9 locations, we have a dedicated staff ready to assist you with sales, rentals, leasing, and service.
www missiongolfcars com
INSURANCE
ARK ASSURANCE GROUP
John Hinsley .............................. 903-509-2292
Our experienced agents guide you through your 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
MARSHALL & STERLING CAMPGROUND INSURANCE
PROGRAM
Irene Jones
800-782-2926
Campground, RV Resort and Glamping Insurance solutions, specialists and resources to help your business succeed.
www marshallsterling com
OUTDOOR INSURANCE SERVICES
Frank Hursh
832-497-5312
Insurance for RV Parks, campgrounds, resorts, cabins, RVs, and travel trailers.
www outdoorinsuranceservices com
ROWLEY INSURANCE
Evan Rowley
RV park insurance.
www rowleyinsurance com
LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT
AADVANTAGE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS
Jerry Lewis
800-880-9397
800-880-2138
Installing all new smart washers/dryers with app, credit card or debit card so that guests can start machines and get a text when it’s finished. We service everything and pay commission to you.
www aadvantagelaundry com
ALLIANCE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS DISTRIBUTION
Kristen Thigpen
Coin-operated laundry equipment supplier.
www distribution alliancelaundry com
BEST WASH INC
James West
800-888-0074
281-441-2465
Commercial laundry equipment, sales & service, designs and more.
www bestwashinc 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
MARKETING SERVICES
ANDERSON’S 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
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
RV LIFE
Dawn Watanabe
805-290-0656
RV LIFE, a campground website & digital network of 50+ RV websites/blogs & forums, with an annual audience 60M+ visitors & 2M+ Rvers.
www rvlifenetwork com
RVSHARE LLC
Steve Manes
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
616-226-5500
The Industry’s leading campground reservation and management software.
www software campsot com
FIREFLY RESERVATIONS
Doug Kinney
656-347-3359
Focusing on simplicity, Firefly Reservations was built by campground owners, for campground owners. Now combined with Astra and Reserve America.
Management software for any business operating a reservation system for renting, leasing, or scheduling a campground.
www resnexus .com
ROVERPASS
Gabriel Gaaravit ........................... 737-252-5625
Manage, track, and optimize all your campground’s needs with RoverPass’ easy-to-use reservation management software.
www roverpass com
SKYWARE SYSTEMS
Jan Murza
877-759-9329
Cloud-based campground property management system includes an online booking engine and POS.
www skywarervsoftware com
PARK MODELS/GLAMPING ACCOMMODATIONS
ARCHED CABINS LLC
Gillian Cruey
832-930-2724
DIY Steel Arched Cabin Kits for glamping or luxury cabins. Built faster and last longer than conventional structures.
www archedcabinsllc com
ATHENS/CHAMPION PARK MODELS
Derek Fanning
Manufacturer of park models and RVs.
www athenspark com
AZURE PRINTED HOMES
Gene Eidelman
940-507-0926
424-298-2674
Azure is transforming outdoor hospitality by 3D printing with recycled materials - park models & tiny homes.
www azureprintedhomes com
CLAYTON PARK MODELS
Michael Burleson
800-465-7923
Bring a little adventure to your resort. Our luxury Park
Models are constructed by one of the most trusted names in home building.
www claytonparkmodels com
CONESTOGA WAGON CO
Jason Olson
307-277-0525
Manufacturer of the Conestoga Wagon, Showerhouse and our New Cabin!
www conestogawagonco com
EVOLVE LODGING, LLC
Randy Hendrickson
888-482-0234
RVShare is the world’s first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace in the US.
www rvshare com
ONLINE RESERVATION PROVIDER
BOOKOUTDOORS
Brian Nolan
818 523-4872
BookOutdoors connects leisure travelers with outdoor accommodations like yours in a seamless booking platform.
www bookoutdoors com
CAMPLIFE INC
Roguer Rosa
Listing continued to next column
877 783-2367
605-202-2048
Turnkey, site-built rental units, Park Models, full FF&E, construction and more.
www .evolvelodging com
FDOMES WOJCIKOWSCY SP .K
Joanna Reimann
Fdomes Glamping offers premium geodesic domes for remote retreats and enhancing campground experiences.
www .fdomes com
IRONTOWN MODULAR
Kam Valgardson ........................... 801-798-9026
Generational company providing high quality park models and cabins in European, rustic and traditional styles.
www .irontownmodular com
VV TACO VENDOR MEMBERS
LELAND’S COMMERCIAL CABINS
Amanda Lancaster
Cabins, portable buildings, RV covers.
www lelandscabins com
OUTSTANDING TENT
Charlie Boyne
817-409-6513
703-615-6012
Outstanding luxury lodges bring high returns; European products guarantee quality; worldwide success defines our expertise.
www outstandingtent com
PARK COTTAGES
Kevin Kamin
817-821-9747
Park Model RV Manufacturer located in Fort Worth TX. 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 for outdoor hospitality providers who seek to offer a one-of-a-kind overnight experience visitors will never forget.
www plainscraft net
PLATINUM COTTAGES
Penni Feil
Park model manufacturer.
www platinumcottages com
POSTO PODS
Rochelle Schupbac
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
RECREATIONAL RESORT LIVING, LLC
Rebecca Moore
469-340-6029
Tiny Homes and cabins -Simplicity - Sustainability - SerenityMinimalism without compromise.
www recreationalresortliving com
TEN POINT SERVICES
Kenny Reed
512-667-8133
With a passion for excellence & commitment to quality, specializing in bringing glamping visions to life by creative innovation, & building community.
www .tenpointservciestx com
POOL & WATER STRUCTURES
KRAFTSMAN COMMERCIAL PLAYGROUNDS & WATER PARKS
Lauren Quinn
............................. 281-353-9599
Plan, design, and construct playgrounds, SplashParks, pool slides, shade, shelter, site amenities, and more throughout Texas!
www .kraftsmanplay com
UNION AQUAPARKS
Sarah Stone
.............................. 407-353-4286
Union Aqua Parks offers unmatched quality in on-the-water inflatable playgrounds that are unique and versatile
www unionaquaparks com
PRINTING & PUBLISHING
AGS GUEST GUIDES
Michael Moore
Guest guides, site maps and marketing
www agspub com
SUBURBAN PROPANE, LP
PROPANE
Ken Watson
877-518-1989
CRD REALTY
Ryan Dooley
936-206-3184
We are Real estate brokers that focus on buyer and seller representation of RV Communities.
www crdrealty com
NAI OUTDOOR HOSPITALITY BROKERS
Jessie Pine
520-271-2304
Real estate professionals assisting clients with the purchase and sale of RV parks, campgrounds, and glamping retreats nationwide.
www naiohb com
PARK BROKERAGE AND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
John Sheedy
602-821-4666
Providing best pricing, customer service, and negotiating skills to buyers, sellers, and borrowers for RV parks
www parkbrokerage com
PARKS AND PLACES, INC
Mark Whitworth
616-301-0765
We only sell campgrounds, and RV parks and we have previous owner/operators on staff.
Texas Wastewater LLC provides solutions for all commercial septic needs.
www .texaswastewaterllc .com
WILLCO ENGINEERING, PLLC
Eric Williams
713-502-0650
Septic System Design Services and RV Park Development & Design Services.
www willcoengineering com
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
BIG RIG MEDIA LLC
Jeff Beyer
866-524-4744
Big Rig Media is the leading digital marketing & website development firm servicing the outdoor hospitality industry.
www bigrigmedia com
TXAD WEB DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN
Michael Moore
877-518-1989
Website design and hosting, ADA Compliance Services, Adwords and Online Marketing.
www txadweb com
WIRELESS INTERNET PROVIDER
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
972-489-9171
We design and install, as well as provide managed internet & WiFi service for RV parks nationwide.
www bluereefnet 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
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
TENGO INTERNET
Eric Stumberg ............................. 512 469-7660
Susan Corrigan
Camping goods - outdoor wholesale supplier.
www wilcor net WATER TREATMENT
IMPERIAL INDUSTRIES
Renee Menge
830-896-5050
COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURED HOUSING GROUP
Michael J. Nissley
561-479-1588
Real estate brokers focusing exclusively on manufactured housing and RV communities throughout the U.S. and Canada
– we list communities for sale and assist in acquisition.
www colliers com
800-346-2345
800-558-2945
Specialized in storage and handling equipment for bulk industrial materials and commercial waste for more than 42 years.
www imperialind .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 deltatreatment com
Industry leader in outdoor Wi-Fi and connectivity with over 22 years of experience.
www .tengointernet .com
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 . For complete TACO Vendor listings, visit TACOMembers.com/taco-suppliers
Building Trust,
Delivering Quality
• Design | Build
• Site Feasibility
• Permitting Process
• Turnkey Civil Construction
• Site Earthwork
• Site Utilities
• Public Infrastructure
• Roadway Improvements
• Drainage Detention Systems
• Concrete & Asphalt Repairs
• Site Retaining Walls
• Commercial Construction
• Amenities Building/Clubhouse
• Walking Trails/Seating Areas
• Dog Parks
• Playgrounds
• Site Fencing
• Landscaping Package
• Facility Entrance Signage
• 25% Discount on Constant Contact for new or existing accounts, plans start as low as $12/month
• Movie and Music licensing discounts this fall
• Special rates and benefits on bulk tank or dispensers. You could see substantial savings on your propane bill that would be enough to pay for your TACO Campground Membership! Pay your dues Now and get the the 10% Early Bird Discount! Contact Lisa Rhodes at 682-499-6355 or rhodes@texascampgrounds.com
If you haven’t added glamping to your rental options, you’re missing out on the most unique way to diversify your business. With PlainsCraft Covered Wagons as part of your strategy to draw in new guests, you’ll give them everything they want in a glamping getaway. No matter where you are in your planning phase, we’ll help you deliver something unexpected.
Ready to stand out from the crowd? Let’s talk.
(785) 748-4588
#1 TOP-RATED
& GLAMPING SOFTWARE
“Just when you think things can’t get any better, ResNexus rolls out a new feature that blows your mind! I recommend them to everyone who is looking for a new campground reservation system to operate their business as everything is included in one great platform.”
—Billie McNamara, Loon’s Haven Family Campground
North Haven Campground, Bonners Ferry, ID
North Haven Campground, Bonners Ferry, ID
Camp Fimfo New Braunfels, TX
Texas Election Analysis
Written By: Ron Hinkle –
TACO Legislative Consultant
The 89th Texas Legislature is anticipated to be one of the more discussed, analyzed, and watched sessions in Texas history. At present the Texas Legislature’s political party breakdown is, Senate- 19 Republicans, 12 Democrats; House –86 Republicans, 64 Democrats.
As result of a brusing primary election in the Republican primary there was a loss of 15 Republican incumbents and 1 Democrat incumbent in the primary election. The November general election will feature 90 races and many of those races will not be competitive.
The 89th Legislature will convene on January 14, 2025, with 32 freshmen in the Texas House. That kind of turnover has not been seen since 2013, when there were 41 freshmen.
RETIREMENTS
Charles “Doc”
Anderson
Craig Goldman
Abel Herrero
Jarvis Johnson
Julie Johnson
Kyle Kacal
Tracy King
Geanie Morrison
Andrew Murr
Victoria Neave Criado
Lina Ortega
Four Price
John Raney
Matt Schaefer
Carl Sherman
Ed Thompson
PRIMARY LOSSES
Steve Allison
Ernest Bailes
Travis Clardy
Jill Dutton
Jacey Jetton
Glenn Rogers
Hugh Shine
Reggie Smith
Kronda Thimesch
RUNOFF LOSSES
DeWayne Burns
Frederick Frazier
Justin Holland
Stephanie Klick
John Kuempel
Lynn Stucky
Shawn Thierry
The most talked about runoff race was with the curent Speaker of the House Dade Phelan. Phelan, like some Republican incumbets already mentioned, were a target of an avalanche, if not a tsunami of contributions from a variety of competing polical action-type organizations. For example, from January 1, 2023 through mid-May 2024, approximately $430 million was contributed directly to candidates or to political action committees to provide their own contributions. The amount of “dark money” may never really be known, but it was a large player in the election results.
Speaker Phelan won his run-off election by a scant 366 votes. Now that he has won his House seat, it is unclear if Speaker Phelan will have the support of all 84 Republicans to retain the Speakership. There are already two House members (Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress and Rep. Shelby Slawson, R-Stephenville) that have officially entered the race to replace Phelan. Political observers already understand that you don’t have to have all 84 Republican votes for a Republican speaker. In fact, practically every past House Speaker has been elected with a combination of Republican and Democrat legislators, as long at that number meets or exceeds the required majority vote of 76 from the 150-member Texas House. However, there are, at this writing, 46 Texas Republican incumbents and soon-to-be House members that have signed a pledge to only vote for a Speakeer candidate that promises not to appoint Democrats as House committee chairmman along with other demands of changes in the House rules that govern the operations and policies of the lower chamber.
As stated earlier, the general election is not expected to have too many, if any, upsets. There are to be 90 general election races and at this point, and depending on how, in part, the national economy goes, there will be few upsets.
Swing seats in the general election.
Fort Worth Star Telegram reporter Bud Kennedy initiated a discussion on X, formerly Twitter, between former Rep. Michelle Beckley and incumbent Rep. Ben Bumgarner over their upcoming general election fight, by publishing a chart showing swing seats in the Texas Legislature.
The chart shows the swing seats based on the 2020 Trump margins for each district. The problem with looking at just a Presidential election to determine the partisan strength of the district is multi-fold. Texas no longer has straight ticket voting, meaning those driven to the polls just to vote for the Presidential election can no longer punch a vote for all of the candidates down ballot for their presidential candidate’s party. Some voters come just to vote for President. And then there are the cross-over and independent voters who will vote for a candidate, not necessarily the party. Taking someone like Trump or Cruz, who have not only strong supporters, but also detractors within their own party, may give an inaccurate view of the performance of down ballot races. Campaign expert’s examination of partisan strength of districts based on multiple races over three cycles, show 15 possible swing seats, one of which doesn’t even have a general election challenge (Perez). The probable list of swing seats include HD 34 (Herrero), HD 37 (Rep. Janie Lopez), HD 41 (Guerra), HD 52 (Harris-Davilla), HD 63 (Bumgarner), HD 70 (Plesa), HD 74 (E. Morales), HD 80 (T. King), HD 108 (Meyer), HD 112 (Button), HD 118 (Lujan), HD 121 (Allison), HD 133 (DeAyala), HD 138 (Hull), and HD 144 (Perez).
NO DEMOCR ATIC CHAIRS
Alders • C. Bell • Cain
Cook • Cunningham • Curry
Dorazio • Fairly • Hayes
Hickland • Issac • Leo
Wilson • Oliverson • Paul
Scho eld • Shofner
Slawson • Smithee
Swanson • Troxclair
Vasut
Harrison • Holt
Some of these are more competitive than others and indeed some may flip this cycle, while others would require a competitive challenger and a huge infusion of cash. But these are all capable of flipping with the right circumstances.
2025 Texas Legislative Session
In the midst of this highly anticipated legislative session, TACO is already poised to work on legislation that will have a direct impact on its members. The NFPA 1194 bill will be filed by mid-November and the TACO lobbyist is already working on the details with legislative staff.
While the legislative session doesn’t begin until January 2025, legislators are already underway in conducting a series of meetings via their respective committees. TACO is following various subject matters identified by legislative leadership. Those topics include property tax relief, the proper use of hotel/motel tax (ensuring how the tax is applied and to whom), housing affordability as it could impact rentals, municipal ETJ petition or election policy, securing TACO members from squatter’s claiming adverse possession of property, rising costs of insurance. ✪
Legal and Legislative program voted TACO’s #1
Benefit - Pay Membership Dues by Sept. 1st to get the Early Bird Discount
Written By: Steve Stafford - Camp Jellystone - Director of Franchise Sales
You’ve spent the offseason hiring and training your team and now the summer rush is finally here. So how do you retain your team members and just as importantly, drive them to want to return to your business next year when each day of the prime season feels like a one-day marathon to survive until tomorrow?
Overall success relies heavily on the dedication and hard work of each and every one of your team members. In order to create an environment where everyone on your team truly feels appreciated and motivated, you need to implement a few key strategies.
Firstly, it’s crucial that everyone (no matter what their title, level, or job responsibilities) consistently be respectful and positive in their interactions with one other. Things get busy but that’s not an excuse to not treat each other politely. Almost anyone who has worked in an organization will hear words of truth in David Cottrell’s assertion that “people quit people before they quit the company.” Don’t unintentionally force some of your employees to quit because of the actions (and inactions) of others on your team. Ensure that your organization’s communications and behaviors reflect that principle.
Second, try and “catch” your staff doing their jobs well and then immediately praise them for it. Rather than focusing on finding mistakes and areas of opportunity, aim for a 5:1 ratio of praise to criticism. Recognizing and celebrating your staff’s individual success will boost their morale, motivate the entire team, and drive more such behaviors. The difference between positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement on a hot day in the middle of the peak season when everyone is being pulled in lots of different directions can’t be overstated.
To reinforce such behaviors, I also recommend you institute an “Employee of the Week” program to specifically celebrate outstanding team members on a weekly basis. Since the camping season is so short, frequent recognitions can help maintain team motivation and morale. If you find that there are multiple outstanding performers in a week (a great “problem” to have), celebrate them all equally. There’s no rule that you can only have one Employee of the Week. On the other hand, also be comfortable with the concept of not having an “Employee of the Week” if no one stands out that week. Recognizing an underperformer can have the opposite impact and actually demoralize the team.
While an end-of-season staff appreciation party is a good idea, I recommend adding a mid-season celebration, perhaps after a holiday weekend like the 4th of July, because as we all know, our short seasons feel very “long” in the middle of the peak season and a little celebration and appreciation goes a long way to keeping morale high throughout the season. Never underestimate the power of some free pizza, ice cream, and time to relax and socialize with one another.
Finally, actively seek feedback from your staff to learn what works for them. They have valuable insights and ideas that can
truly improve your staff retention strategies. Afterall, they’re the target of your retention strategies. If they say something, listen and incorporate it into your plans. It can make a significant difference and happy staff members become your best recruiters for future employees. ✪
Steve Stafford, Director of Franchise Sales Camp Jellystone, LLC and former General Manager of North Texas Jellystone Camp Resort
Simpl if y with Firefly
Built By Campground Owners For Campground Owners
Welcome to the future of campground reservations software. Fire fly Reservations specializes in providing an all-in-one booking system designed to streamline y our RV parks and campground operations. Say goodbye to manual processes and hello to an eff icient, automated system that simplifies your life and enhances your guests' experience.
Our innovative reservations software puts your campground on au topilot, automating tasks like accepting online reservations, processing payments, and sending email reminders. Allow your guests to manage their bookings while you focus on providing un forgettable experiences.
What Firefly Provides
Online Reservations
Interactive Multiple Map s
Ongoing Reservations
Automated Guest Emails
Custom Email Templates
Automatic Recurring Payments
Add-Ons
Cash-Based Accounting
Point-of-Sale (POS)
Testimonial
Send Bulk Emails to Guests
Drag & Drop Reservation Grid
Guest Portal
SMS M essaging to Guests
Self-Service Kiosk
Custom Reservation Fees
Reserve America Integration
RV Parky Integration
Airbnb Integration
Plus more...
As one of this year’s award winners at the Texas Association of Campground meeting, we here at Lakeland RV Ranch depend heavily on our Firefly Reservation System. Having grown from 8 sites to over 85, Firefly has been instrumental in our accelerated development. During this growth period, three essential attributes from Firefly have been key to our success. Adaptability, Accuracy, Applicability.
In our ever-evolving industry we see a variety of customers. There are those that are technically savvy and a segment that still prefer hands-on assistance. With Firefly we can efficiently and effectively meet the needs of our entire customer base.
Everyone at Lakeland RV Ranch, from staff to our customer base, highly recommend the Firefly Reservation System and customer portal.
