The March 19, 2025, episode of MC Fireside Chats centered on business operations and management in the outdoor hospitality industry, featuring a diverse panel of recurring and special guests. Host Brian Searl was joined by Mike Harrison, Sandy Ellingson, and Ali Rasmussen, along with special guests Katie McLeod, General Manager of Quilly’s RV Parks, and John, Beth, and Ali Kieffer, owners of the Blue Ridge Dakota River KOA in Georgia. The discussion covered a wide range of topics, from technology and consumer trends to the evolving demographics of campers and the challenges faced by campground owners. The conversation began with Brian highlighting the importance of choosing the right online reservation system, emphasizing that campground owners should prioritize systems with open API access. He explained that APIs allow for seamless data integration, automation, and enhanced analytics, ultimately improving efficiency and decision-making. Sandy agreed, reinforcing that consumers want a streamlined experience without needing multiple tools, and that open APIs allow campgrounds to integrate the best features from different platforms. She pointed out that many reservation systems claim they are working on integrations but often fail to deliver them in a timely manner. With a robust API, owners can build their own integrations without relying on software developers. Shifting gears, the discussion turned to the decline in Canadian travelers visiting U.S. campgrounds. Ali Rasmussen noted a dramatic 70% drop in Canadian visitors at her properties, a trend that has forced her to rethink advertising and marketing strategies. While some campground owners, like Katie McLeod, reported an increase in Canadian guests at their Texas properties, others, particularly in Georgia and New England, have seen significant declines. Mike Harrison explained that he had noticed booking trends weakening as early as mid-2024 and attributed part of the decline to economic factors, including the weakening Canadian dollar and rising tariffs. Brian added that rhetoric around the “51st state” concept had also alienated Canadian travelers, leading many to cancel U.S. trips in protest. Sandy Ellingson questioned whether the decline was solely due to travel restrictions or if it was also tied to a broader shift in demographics, where older generations of campers are not being replaced by younger ones. This led to a larger discussion about the changing profile of campers. Sandy shared insights from ongoing industry research, which suggests that traditional camping demographics are shifting. She noted that many long-time campers are aging out of the industry, and younger generations are not adopting RVing and camping at the same rate. She referred to this shift as the “death of the camper and the rise of the traveler,” emphasizing that modern outdoor enthusiasts often view camping differently. Instead of seeing it as a long-term lifestyle choice, many younger travelers prefer shorter, more curated outdoor experiences. Brian agreed and pointed out that glamping, cabin rentals, and tent sites are potential entry points for this new demographic. Sandy announced that the research findings would soon be shared with the industry at upcoming conferences, with the goal of helping campground owners adapt to these changes. The conversation also touched on the challenges of encouraging curiosity and adaptability among campground owners. John and Beth Kieffer discussed their experience as KOA franchisees, emphasizing how KOA’s extensive data and support systems have helped them refine their operations and improve guest experiences. However, John noted that many long-time KOA owners are resistant to change and hesitant to upgrade their facilities, despite KOA’s recommendations. He explained that some owners blindly rely on past success rather than adapting to evolving guest expectations, which could lead to difficulties in the future. Beth added that financial constraints