Heavy Snows Delay Some Park Openings

Many government-owned campgrounds in eastern Washington and northern Idaho will be opening later than usual because of heavy snow and a cold spring, U.S. Forest Service officials say. “We can’t even get to some of the sites,” said Andy Boggs, recreation operations manager for the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Some sites may not be open by Memorial Day, the traditional start of the heavy camping season in the Pacific Northwest, and snowdrifts... Read more

ARVC Confab Addresses National Issues

A number of concerns were addressed Tuesday (April 29) during the opening session of the two-day National Issues Conference sponsored by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC). Several dozen campground owners and association leaders from across the U.S. attended the session, which was held at the Cherry Hill Park Conference Center in College Park, Md. Speakers included Bill Garpow, executive director of the Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association (RPTIA), and Matt Wald,... Read more

Federal Reserve Trims Key Interest Rate

The Federal Reserve has cut a key interest rate by a quarter-point, a smaller move than the aggressive easing it undertook earlier this year. The Associated Press reported that the Fed action, announced Wednesday (April 30) after a two-day regular meeting, pushed the federal funds rate down to 2%, its lowest level since late 2004. It marked the seventh consecutive rate cut by the central bank since it began easing credit conditions last September to combat the growing threat of a recession brought... Read more

Fuel Prices Altering Canadian Travel

The Hotel Association of Canada says Canadians’ travel intentions have “softened.” In a recent annual poll 70% of Canadians said they planned to take a domestic trip some time in 2008, down from 78% in last year’s survey, the association said. Major reasons for the decline included “financial concerns” and “higher gas/energy prices,” according to Oilweek Magazine. In 2006, just 3% of people cited the price of gas as a reason for traveling less, compared to 22%... Read more

RV Wholesale Deliveries Declined in March

In what is traditionally a strong wholesale month, all recreational vehicle categories showed double-digit declines for March signaling an 18.9% drop in year-over-year shipment totals. According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), overall March shipments fell to 30,100 units compared with 37,100 in the year prior. For the three months, deliveries fell 11.8% to 82,600 units from 93,600 in 2007. March travel trailer shipments dropped 15% to 15,900 units from 18,700 the previous year... Read more

Rowdy Aspects of Alaska Festival Debated

The 33-year-old Fourth of July festival in Girdwood, Alaska, will probably go on as scheduled this year, organizers say. But it’s likely to look and feel different from previous years as the town tries to tame an event that’s gotten too big for its tie-dyed britches, according to the Anchorage Daily News. “Our little baby’s become a monster,” said John Gallup, a member of the Girdwood Board of Supervisors. “People say there’s two Forest Fairs — the... Read more

Maryland Honors State Park Liaison

Faye Ordway of Worcester County, Md., recently received a Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for her 20 years of service as a campground liaison at Assateague State Park. “Maryland is proud to recognize the strong service and conservation ethic of Mrs. Faye Ordway,” said Gov. Martin O’Malley. “Her dedicated service to Assateague State Park has been vital to park operations, and she continues to be an outstanding example of the positive impacts that one person volunteering her time can make... Read more

Trailer Life Launches 2008 Publications

Trailer Life Publications has launched its 2008 Trailer Life Directory, 2008 RV Road Atlas and 2008 Campground Navigator. The Trailer Life RV Parks, Campground and Services Directory is the official directory of the Good Sam Club, the world’s largest RV owners’ organization with more than 1 million member families. “The Trailer Life Directory has become known as the RV parks and services ‘bible’ for active RVers; this year we are expanding technology resources and offering... Read more

B.C. Park Operator Welcomes Report

A British Columbia campground operator welcomes new recommendations to improve and support his industry. But Joseph Dubois is also wondering about the timing of the announcement as the industry faces several short- and long-term challenges, starting with high gas prices and the weather. “It is fantastic,” said Dubois, who owns and operates Summerland Campground and RV Park in Trout Creek, when commenting on the report released last week. Dubois also sits on the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association... Read more

Neighbors Fight Massachusetts Park Expansion

Abutters of the largest campground in Newton, Mass., say the facility has gotten large enough and they will head to court in an attempt to stop Whispering Pines Campground from expanding. This spring, town officials agreed to let the campground add another 38 sites. That would increase the total number of sites on the 27-acre campground to 117, according to the Eagle Tribune, North Andover, Mass. Campground owner Ron Pica of Sara Realty has been trying to get permission for the expansion since 2005,... Read more

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