In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we unpack one of the toughest chapters in Matt’s journey. How a $250,000 glamping investment at Covered Bridge Campsite spiraled into delays, vendor issues, and a lost $5 million development deal.

Matt shares the full story of what it’s really like to bootstrap a campground: living on-site, hiring in a rural market, chasing capital, and learning the hard way how fast optimism can collide with reality.

This episode isn’t about failure. It’s about what happens next. For anyone building, buying, or developing in outdoor hospitality, it’s a candid look at the risks, lessons, and resilience behind every great property.

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In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we sit down with Gene Eidelman, co-founder of Azure Printed Homes, to explore how 3D-printed structures made from recycled plastics are changing the way we think about construction and outdoor hospitality. From rebuilding after California’s wildfires to creating sustainable glamping units that use millions of recycled water bottles, Azure is reshaping the future of eco-friendly accommodations.

We discuss Azure’s journey to the TIME 100 Best Inventions list, their expansion into new markets, and why the glamping industry has become one of their strongest partners.

Invest in Azure Printed Homes before the WeFunder campaign closes at midnight on October 27: https://wefunder.com/azure

In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we explore how Under Canvas may be shifting its strategy away from National Parks and what that means for glamping’s future. We also tackle one of the industry’s biggest guest experience gaps — park Wi-Fi and broadband challenges — with real-world solutions for operators. Finally, we wrap with branding insights from John Gibson at Secret Creek, on staying authentic while growing your outdoor business.

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In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we explore how federal actions, such as the government shutdown and new import tariffs, are reshaping the outdoor hospitality industry, from guest demand to operating costs. We also dig into the latest RV retail registration data, what it signals for 2026 planning, and how the work camping model is evolving as a staffing strategy.

If you manage or invest in outdoor hospitality, this episode offers practical insights to navigate volatility, plan smarter, and stay ahead of shifting market trends.

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In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we unpack Marriott Bonvoy’s two-layer strategy behind its new Outdoor Collection. First came the guest-facing brands, Postcard Cabins and Trailborn, positioned as the friendly consumer gateway into outdoor hospitality. Then, at the Lodging Conference, Marriott revealed the second layer: a curated network of prefab partners like elmntl, OOD House, Nokken, and others to supply scalable units for Bonvoy distribution.

We break down how this sequencing reveals Marriott’s true play—building not just a brand, but an ecosystem. Plus, what it means for independent operators competing in a space that’s rapidly being corporatized.

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In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, we dive into the difference between marketing and advertising—and why true marketing is about building lasting value, not just buying attention. Using Covered Bridge Campsite as a case study, we explore how giveaways, social media, and activities/programming create deeper guest connections and drive long-term success. Whether you manage a campground, RV park, or glamping resort, learn practical strategies to market smarter and elevate your guest experience.

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In this episode of Outdoor Hospitality Weekly, Alex and Matt break down a case study from Covered Bridge Campsite in Livingston Manor, NY, where a Zook Cabins A-Frame cabin is reshaping the park’s performance.

We dive into booking data, ADR, and occupancy to see how the A-Frame compares with traditional sites, and what those numbers reveal about the growing demand for unique lodging. Alongside the data, we discuss the broader transformation of Covered Bridge — from upgrading infrastructure to repositioning the park as a destination.

This episode offers practical insights for operators considering specialty lodging, exploring the financial impact, guest response, and long-term value of investing in units like the Zook A-Frame. If you’re looking to expand beyond standard RV or tent sites, this case study provides a clear picture of what’s possible.

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Episode Note: This conversation was prerecorded earlier this year, directly following the sale of BookOutdoors to Hipcamp.

Amir Harpaz of Harp Development joins us for a behind-the-scenes look at campground expansion, strategic development, and what’s really happening in the outdoor hospitality industry. Based in Fort Myers, Florida, Amir shares how he's growing parks across Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee, how he approaches infrastructure through his septic company Dunn Infrastructure, and why his role on the Florida/Alabama Campground Association board gives him a front-row seat to industry trends. We also dive into BookOutdoors’ sale to Hipcamp and what it signals for operators. If you want to hear from someone deeply connected and highly strategic in campground development, this episode is packed with great info.

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