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In this episode of WCM’s Park Update, Woodall’s Campground Magazine chats with campground industry icon Jim Rogers, the former CEO and president of Kampgrounds of America Inc., about how the industry can build better foundations to attract, retain and grow leaders.

Rogers is set to speak even more on this topic during sessions at the upcoming Campground Solutions Summit from April 1-4 in Reno, Nev.

WCM’s Park Update is hosted by Ben Quiggle, editor of Woodall’s Campground Magazine, and Mike Gast, former vice president of communications at Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA).

Woodall’s Campground Magazine is a sister publication of RVBusiness.

The post Former KOA Exec Jim Rogers Talks ‘Building Leadership’ first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ELKHART, Ind. – Forest River Inc. today announced that co-CEO David Wright will be retiring in April. Wright had led the Bus & Van division with dedication and leadership for 22 years, building it into the country’s leading manufacturer of buses and vans for both the private and public sectors, before assuming the role of co-CEO with Doug Gaeddert.

Wright’s decision to retire is deeply personal, following the recent passing of his longtime friend, mentor and Forest River founder, Pete Liegl. Having executed the near-term transitional strategy, he determined the timing is right to step away from the day-to-day responsibilities.

“It has been the greatest honor of my career to be part of this incredible company and to work alongside the most talented and selfless team in the industry,” said Wright. “Forest River’s leadership remains exceptionally strong, with a deep bench of individuals who are more than qualified to continue driving our success. The foundation we’ve built ensures that Forest River’s legacy will only grow stronger.”

Wright’s departure marks the next evolution for Forest River’s senior management team since the passing of Pete Liegl in November 2024. Updates include the following:

Co-CEO Doug Gaeddert, who previously led the recreational vehicle division for 25+ years, assumes the role of sole CEO.

Darrel Ritchie, who started with Forest River in 2002, continues in his role as Chief Financial Officer.

Douglas A. Wright, previously the General Manager, Bus & Van, moves to the role of Group General Manager, reporting to Doug Gaeddert. Doug brings experience, operational expertise and a tremendous familiarity with all aspects of the organization.

“I’m sad to see my good friend and uniquely gifted colleague David Wright retire, but I certainly understand and respect his decision,” said Doug Gaeddert. “Working alongside Pete together like we did for all those years, and accomplishing so much in that time has been an

incredible experience. I’m grateful for what David built, including the strong management team that he leaves in place.”

Forest River extends its deepest gratitude to David for his years of dedicated service and contributions to the company’s success. While he will be greatly missed on a daily basis, his impact on Forest River’s culture and operations will endure for years to come.

The post Forest River Co-CEO Wright to Retire; Gaeddert Sole CEO first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

BILLINGS, Mont. – Kampgrounds of America, Inc. is pleased to welcome Phillip and Liz Mazur as the new owners of the Twin Falls/Jerome KOA Holiday. Bringing a strong passion for outdoor hospitality, and a love for hosting and creating community, the Mazurs are dedicated to maintaining the campground’s welcoming atmosphere while enhancing camper experiences.

The Twin Falls/Jerome KOA Holiday is ideally located in Southern Idaho’s beautiful Magic Valley and has long been a favorite destination for road trippers and outdoor enthusiasts. Tucked away for a quiet retreat, with convenient access to Interstate 84, this campground is perfect for an overnight stay or an extended getaway. Campers can relax and recharge before heading to nearby attractions such as Shoshone Falls, the Snake River Canyon, and the iconic Perrine Bridge. The campground also provides easy access to world-renowned destinations like Yellowstone National Park and Craters of the Moon National Monument.

“Liz and I are happy to join the KOA family and welcome guests to experience all that the Magic Valley has to offer,” said campground owner Phillip Mazur. “We’re committed to providing campers with unforgettable experiences, whether they’re stopping for the night or settling in for an extended stay. From discovering Southern Idaho’s attractions to relaxing with our top-notch amenities, we take pride in upholding the Twin Falls/Jerome KOA Holiday tradition of outstanding hospitality.”

Campgrounds have a significant economic and cultural impact on local communities. According to KOA’s annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report, the average camper spends $156 daily while camping. With 30% of campers saying they are interested in visiting small towns, and another 30% drawn to food tourism, campers are looking to experience the culture of local regions. The Twin Falls/Jerome KOA Holiday is excited to partner with a local tour company to offer guests a memorable experience exploring the sights in Magic Valley and beyond. 

KOA Holiday campgrounds are ideal base camps for exploring the area, or simply enjoying a fun-filled stay with plenty of activities. Whether for a longer getaway or an overnight stop, KOA Holiday campgrounds offer amenities and services that make every stay memorable. Each KOA Holiday offers full-service RV Sites with a KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full bathrooms.

Commented campground owner Liz Mazur, “After we purchased an RV a few years ago, we developed an instant affinity for KOA camping. We have stayed at many KOA campgrounds across the United States, and with each stay we grew more interested in owning our own campground. With our background in residential real estate and multifamily investing, we understood the concept of managing property for investment, and wanted to take our investment to the next level. We have a love for entertaining, hosting, and creating spaces where people can connect and make lasting memories. Owning a KOA campground allows us to combine these passions to create a welcoming environment with a trusted brand.”

The Twin Falls/Jerome KOA Holiday offers numerous amenities to make every stay enjoyable. Campers can cool off in the seasonal swimming pool, test their skills on the mini-golf course, or let their furry friends roam in the KampK9® dog park. Families can enjoy activities like a mining sluice, gaga ball, and ice cream socials. The campground’s store is conveniently stocked with groceries, beer, wine, RV supplies, and souvenirs. Undergoing renovations, the store will reopen in April with an expanded selection of snacks, coffee, souvenirs, and essentials.

The Twin Falls/Jerome KOA Holiday is one of more than 500 open-to-the-public KOA campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada. Other brands in the KOA Family of Campgrounds include KOA Journeys, convenient locations after a long day on the road that feature long Pull-thru RV Sites, and easy after-hours check-in. KOA Resorts offer an abundance of staff-led activities, on-site food dining, group meeting space, and more.

Located at 441 South Liberty Lane in Jerome, Idaho, the campground is open year-round. 

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit the campground’s website, or call 208-324-4169. Reservations are also available by going online or using the KOA App.

The post Idaho’s Twin Falls/Jerome KOA Holiday has New Owners first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

BILLINGS, Mont. – Kampgrounds of America, Inc. is pleased to welcome Phillip and Liz Mazur as the new owners of the Twin Falls/Jerome KOA Holiday. Bringing a strong passion for outdoor hospitality, and a love for hosting and creating community, the Mazurs are dedicated to maintaining the campground’s welcoming atmosphere while enhancing camper experiences.

The Twin Falls/Jerome KOA Holiday is ideally located in Southern Idaho’s beautiful Magic Valley and has long been a favorite destination for road trippers and outdoor enthusiasts. Tucked away for a quiet retreat, with convenient access to Interstate 84, this campground is perfect for an overnight stay or an extended getaway. Campers can relax and recharge before heading to nearby attractions such as Shoshone Falls, the Snake River Canyon, and the iconic Perrine Bridge. The campground also provides easy access to world-renowned destinations like Yellowstone National Park and Craters of the Moon National Monument.

“Liz and I are happy to join the KOA family and welcome guests to experience all that the Magic Valley has to offer,” said campground owner Phillip Mazur. “We’re committed to providing campers with unforgettable experiences, whether they’re stopping for the night or settling in for an extended stay. From discovering Southern Idaho’s attractions to relaxing with our top-notch amenities, we take pride in upholding the Twin Falls/Jerome KOA Holiday tradition of outstanding hospitality.”

Campgrounds have a significant economic and cultural impact on local communities. According to KOA’s annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report, the average camper spends $156 daily while camping. With 30% of campers saying they are interested in visiting small towns, and another 30% drawn to food tourism, campers are looking to experience the culture of local regions. The Twin Falls/Jerome KOA Holiday is excited to partner with a local tour company to offer guests a memorable experience exploring the sights in Magic Valley and beyond. 

KOA Holiday campgrounds are ideal base camps for exploring the area, or simply enjoying a fun-filled stay with plenty of activities. Whether for a longer getaway or an overnight stop, KOA Holiday campgrounds offer amenities and services that make every stay memorable. Each KOA Holiday offers full-service RV Sites with a KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full bathrooms.

Commented campground owner Liz Mazur, “After we purchased an RV a few years ago, we developed an instant affinity for KOA camping. We have stayed at many KOA campgrounds across the United States, and with each stay we grew more interested in owning our own campground. With our background in residential real estate and multifamily investing, we understood the concept of managing property for investment, and wanted to take our investment to the next level. We have a love for entertaining, hosting, and creating spaces where people can connect and make lasting memories. Owning a KOA campground allows us to combine these passions to create a welcoming environment with a trusted brand.”

The Twin Falls/Jerome KOA Holiday offers numerous amenities to make every stay enjoyable. Campers can cool off in the seasonal swimming pool, test their skills on the mini-golf course, or let their furry friends roam in the KampK9® dog park. Families can enjoy activities like a mining sluice, gaga ball, and ice cream socials. The campground’s store is conveniently stocked with groceries, beer, wine, RV supplies, and souvenirs. Undergoing renovations, the store will reopen in April with an expanded selection of snacks, coffee, souvenirs, and essentials.

The Twin Falls/Jerome KOA Holiday is one of more than 500 open-to-the-public KOA campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada. Other brands in the KOA Family of Campgrounds include KOA Journeys, convenient locations after a long day on the road that feature long Pull-thru RV Sites, and easy after-hours check-in. KOA Resorts offer an abundance of staff-led activities, on-site food dining, group meeting space, and more.

Located at 441 South Liberty Lane in Jerome, Idaho, the campground is open year-round. 

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit the campground’s website, or call 208-324-4169. Reservations are also available by going online or using the KOA App.

The post Idaho’s Twin Falls/Jerome KOA Holiday has New Owners first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is an excerpt of a report by Ryleigh Nucilli for Outside magazine. Click here to read the full report.

Have you ever thought about quitting the rat race, becoming free from rent or a mortgage, and hitting the open road?

Whatever your answer to that question, a lot of people do. For years, Instagram has showcased beautifully aesthetic versions of a more simple life on the road with the hashtag #vanlife, which is populated with nearly 18 million posts. And the subreddit r/VanLife has almost 300,000 members who discuss the ins and outs of their experience and share pictures of their setups and views.

After spending some time talking to vanlifers and lurking in vanlife spaces on the internet, the most important thing I’ve learned about vanlife is that there is no single version of vanlife. The moniker, I think, refers more to a state of mind that corresponds with a way of being—a freedom ontology that can be achieved through life on four wheels. Remove the tethers that bind you to a specific place (and the costs associated with them) and experience a more real autonomy and the ability to wander. There is no monolith, only your unique experience.

In many ways, it’s not surprising that this mode of existence exploded in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic when lockdowns and remote work created competing senses of containment and openness. At the same time indoor experiences became less likely, a lot of work could be done from anywhere. For many, it became the right time to take to the road and experience the outdoors from a new, built-out, moveable home.

Philosophy and aesthetics aside, there are also more material considerations that drive some to consider vanlife. As Outside has reported on, the cost of living in mountain towns has steadily increased over the last several years, and American cities, broadly speaking, aren’t getting any cheaper.

Is #vanlife the answer?

Click here to read the full report.

The post How #Vanlife Compares to the General Cost of Living in US first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is an excerpt of a report by Ryleigh Nucilli for Outside magazine. Click here to read the full report.

Have you ever thought about quitting the rat race, becoming free from rent or a mortgage, and hitting the open road?

Whatever your answer to that question, a lot of people do. For years, Instagram has showcased beautifully aesthetic versions of a more simple life on the road with the hashtag #vanlife, which is populated with nearly 18 million posts. And the subreddit r/VanLife has almost 300,000 members who discuss the ins and outs of their experience and share pictures of their setups and views.

After spending some time talking to vanlifers and lurking in vanlife spaces on the internet, the most important thing I’ve learned about vanlife is that there is no single version of vanlife. The moniker, I think, refers more to a state of mind that corresponds with a way of being—a freedom ontology that can be achieved through life on four wheels. Remove the tethers that bind you to a specific place (and the costs associated with them) and experience a more real autonomy and the ability to wander. There is no monolith, only your unique experience.

In many ways, it’s not surprising that this mode of existence exploded in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic when lockdowns and remote work created competing senses of containment and openness. At the same time indoor experiences became less likely, a lot of work could be done from anywhere. For many, it became the right time to take to the road and experience the outdoors from a new, built-out, moveable home.

Philosophy and aesthetics aside, there are also more material considerations that drive some to consider vanlife. As Outside has reported on, the cost of living in mountain towns has steadily increased over the last several years, and American cities, broadly speaking, aren’t getting any cheaper.

Is #vanlife the answer?

Click here to read the full report.

The post How #Vanlife Compares to the General Cost of Living in US first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is an excerpt of a report by Gordon White for TruckCamperMagazine.com.

The all-new Alaskan 630 had a singular design focus; to fit inside the tailgate of standard short bed trucks. It hit that mark, and did so without losing the features and options of its larger stable mates. Shut the tailgate!

When we started Truck Camper Magazine in 2007, tailgates were dumb. They literally had zero function beyond containing whatever was in a truck bed. At that time, the nearly universal practice was to remove tailgates and put them in storage.

Today tailgates are a whole new ballgame. They’re often powered and feature USB outlets, rear view cameras, complex multi-position folding step systems, and Bluetooth stereo systems. Tailgates may not be smart, but they’re certainly not dumb anymore.

For this reason, truck camper manufacturers are increasingly catering to customers who want to keep their tailgates on while truck camping. After all, the ability to retain all of these features—plus the opportunity to lock the tailgate for camper security—has significant value.

The number one selling Alaskan Camper model has long been their 8 foot model. And one of the repeating sales points of the Alaskan 8 is the ability to shut the tailgate on a long bed 8-foot tailgate. Unfortunately, Alaskan’s short bed models did not offer this sought after feature. With every phone call to Alaskan HQ, the need for a short bed truck camper that allowed the tailgate to close became more clear.

With that goal in mind, the Alaskan team set out to design a new model that accommodated every feature and option their larger campers offered but in a short bed size. The result is the all-new Alaskan 630. It’s a full-blooded Alaskan Camper nose to tail with a floor plan that fits neatly inside the ‘shortest’ standard short beds. At long last, you can have your short bed Alaskan and shut the tailgate too.

To find out more about the new Alaskan 630, we talked to Nick Coursolle, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Alaskan Campers.

The post Alaskan Campers Launches 630 Short Bed Truck Camper first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

TROY, Mich. – Champion Homes, Inc. (NYSE: SKY) again shows its relentless commitment to product innovation and its dedication to developing critically needed solutions to the nationwide affordable housing shortage with the launch of its first national manufactured duplex series, according to a release. With this cutting-edge product, the Concord Duplex Series, Champion Homes is answering the nationwide call for high-quality affordable housing that can be built quickly, which will help builders and municipalities alleviate the demand for cost-effective homes.

“We’re thrilled to launch the Concord Duplex Series as a new product segment for Champion Homes that provides vital affordable housing units for individuals and families across the country,” said Champion Homes President and CEO Tim Larson. “Additionally, the Concord series provides community operators, builders and developers a faster, precision-built solution to scale their development projects and deliver timely results.”

Champion Homes debuted the Concord Duplex Series at the NAHB International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas in February, where thousands of people toured the home. It was met with an overwhelmingly positive response for its cost-effectiveness and high-quality construction. Featured in the show’s “Must-See New Products & Services” session, the series was highlighted as one of the most innovative and pioneering products in the residential construction and development industry.

The Concord Duplex Series was created in response to landmark updates to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards allowing for multi-unit manufactured homes. Champion Homes’s duplex series allows developers to build higher density housing at a faster pace, helping to increase the national affordable housing supply. According to a 2024 report by the National Association of Home Builders, the U.S. has a shortage of approximately 1.5 million housing units.

Exemplifying Champion Homes’s dedication to making affordable housing more accessible across the country, the Concord Duplex Series is available now across the 48 contiguous states — Champion’s entire U.S. manufacturing footprint.

Manufactured homes like the models in the Concord Duplex Series are more cost-effective and faster to build than site-built alternatives, accelerating speed-to-occupancy for buyers and renters. They generate significantly less neighborhood noise, traffic and site waste than onsite construction, making them ideal for land-lease communities and urban infill contexts where residents already live in the area.

With offsite construction, homes are built in a climate-controlled environment that leverages a skilled, centralized workforce. These advantages enhance reliability and cost-effectiveness, allowing builders and municipalities to capitalize on economies of scale. Additionally, the Concord Duplex Series offers builders a shorter time-to-completion compared to site-built projects, reducing overhead capital charges and bolstering affordability. The series is an excellent fit for small-scale developers, real estate investors, and owners or developers of land-lease or build-to-rent communities.

Providing the affordability and convenience of duplexes in an efficient factory-built home package, the Concord Duplex Series features:

• A wide selection of floor plans ranging from 576-square-foot, one-bedroom, one-bathroom units to 960-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom units
• Thoughtfully designed layouts focusing on quality and cost-effectiveness for individuals, young families, retirees and people looking for multi-generational living options
• Desirable amenities residents will love, including open concept floor plans, en-suite bathrooms, contemporary décor, porches and private entrances
• Flexible configuration options to fit the specific needs of the building site, including different front- and side-entry arrangements

“The new Concord Duplex Series embodies Champion Homes’ uncompromising dedication to innovation in service of our customers,” Larson said. “As a cost-effective housing solution built on an efficient timeline, we expect that this exceptional manufactured duplex series will help increase housing supply for individuals and families looking for affordability, value and quality in a home of their own.”

About Champion Homes, Inc.

Champion Homes, Inc. (NYSE: SKY) is a leading producer of factory-built housing in North America and employs more than 9,000 people. With more than 70 years of homebuilding experience and 48 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and western Canada, Champion Homes is well positioned with an innovative portfolio of manufactured and modular homes, ADUs, park-models and modular buildings for the single-family, multi-family and hospitality sectors.

In addition to its core home building business, Champion Homes provides construction services to install and set-up factory-built homes, operates a factory-direct retail business with 72 retail locations across the United States and operates Star Fleet Trucking, providing transportation services to the manufactured housing and other industries from several dispatch locations across the United States.

The post Champion Homes Offering Manufactured Duplex Series first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

SACRAMENTO – Klissarov Design, an independent vehicle/concept design studio based in the French Riviera, presents “Venture RV,” a unique container based RV rental service. The concept is set in the year 2045, according to a release, when renewables will still only account for 50% of energy sources and global warming would have caused massive desertification, rising temperatures and severe droughts.

In that digital era of a fully integrated and automated world the concept targets the Generation Beta which would be longing for adventure and seeking authentic outdoor experiences! It would rely on an intricate worldwide freight network composed of “feeder vessels” and offer an RV fleet size ranging from a one 10ft container up to a combination of more than two 20ft containers.

At the center of the fully sustainable and off-grid capable rig is the container itself housing the living spaces. Assembled to it is a structural enclosure providing rigidity and helping attach accessories. The most important one being the modular all in one power units integrating the electric propulsion and the suspensions. Powerful air conditioners as well as energy storage in the form of hydrogen tanks converting energy from massive solar panels would also be attached.

Each rig is completely assembled on site after it would have been dispatched by the feeder vessels (smaller container ships)  allowing “Venture RV” to offer an unprecedented  container based RV rental experience, dispatched at an intercontinental scale!

The post Video: French Designers Debut Concept RV of the Future first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

COSTA MESA, Calif. – Overland Expo, the world’s premier event series for overland adventure travel, launched its first-ever Southern California event on March 15-16, delivering its most successful debut event to date, according to a press release. Overland Expo SoCal shattered past launch event records, with 19,000 attendees, 303 exhibitors, and 84 hands-on classes, demos, and activities drawing adventure enthusiasts from across the country.

“The turnout at Overland Expo SoCal far exceeded our expectations,” said Jessica Kirchner, Vice President of Consumer Events for Emerald. “With 70% of attendees reporting SoCal as their first Overland Expo, exhibitors were particularly excited about the opportunity to connect with a new overlanding audience, eager to learn and begin building out their vehicles for adventure. Across the board, exhibitors considered the event a tremendous success, with many already securing their spots for next year based on the incredible turnout, strong sales and high engagement.”

Some themes from exhibitor’s experiences include: 

• A new and engaged audience: Exhibitors noticed a different demographic compared to other Overland Expos, with more families, beginners, and new consumers eager to learn.
• High sales and product demand: Brands reported strong sales, some even selling out of inventory. Attendees were excited about new product launches, with some brands even taking preorders on-site.
• High energy and strong turnout: Exhibitors were impressed by the large crowd of 19,000 attendees, and were energized by the enthusiasm and engagement of attendees in the festival-like atmosphere.
• The location and timing: Southern California came through and delivered with its strong market potential. In addition to the ideal location, the timing was also beneficial as spring is a great opportunity to connect with consumers before peak adventure season.
• Valuable partnerships were forged: Exhibitors mentioned they found new partnership and brand collaboration opportunities that they hadn’t encountered at other events. The event provided a great platform for networking and brand exposure within the overlanding community.

Attendees traveled from across the country with strong representation from California, Arizona, Washington, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. The show floor featured industry-leading brands, hands-on education, and immersive experiences, offering something for both seasoned overlanders and newcomers.

Beyond the exhibitor booths, attendees had access to a variety of immersive activities and expert-led sessions. Overland Expo veteran Chris Bradley shared insider tips in How to Get the Most Out of Overland Expo, drawing from his experience attending every show. At the DIY Showcase and Creator Vehicle areas, the My Perfect Rig series gave attendees a firsthand look at incredible overland builds and gear setups. Food lovers gathered at the Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion, where Chef Corso led interactive cooking sessions like No More Deli Sandwiches, inspiring attendees to take their camp meals to the next level.

The weekend also included key networking and social events, such as the Women Who Wander Networking Event, which brought together female overlanders to share stories, tips, and inspiration. Subaru kept the energy high with puppy adoptions and an in-booth party, where attendees enjoyed refreshments and checked out Subaru’s latest adventure-ready vehicles.

Overland Expo SoCal will return to Costa Mesa on March 14-15, 2026, building on this year’s excitement and strong attendance. The 2026 floorplan will expand for overland companies and include new indoor pavilions showcasing product categories that the audience embraces, such as surf, paddle, hike/run, climb, bike, photography, and videography. This provides an opportunity for outdoor lifestyle brands to sell directly to passionate overland consumers.

Following the overwhelming success of Overland Expo SoCal, the event series looks ahead to its next stops.

Upcoming 2025 Overland Expo events:

• Overland Expo West – May 16-18, 2025 | Flagstaff, AZ
• Overland Expo PNW – June 27-29, 2025 | Redmond, OR
• Overland Expo Mountain West – August 22-24, 2025 | Loveland, CO
• Overland Expo East – October 3-5, 2025 | Arrington, VA

For more information, visit overlandexpo.com and join for the next event.

The post Overland Expo SoCal Makes History as Most Successful first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.