In this edition of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Joe Duemig of App My Community (filling in for Brian Searl), the discussion focuses on the intersection of intentional experience design and modern park operations. The featured guest is John McMahon, the Operations Director at Camp Door County RV Resort & Campground, who shares the unique story of a brand-new facility entering its second season with a heavy focus on "experiential camping."
John McMahon explains that Camp Door County was born from a desire to offer more than just a place to park an RV. With 77 RV sites, 19 glamping cottages, and 25 primitive tent sites, the resort aims to attract "intentional guests." McMahon details how the park leverages its proximity to Lake Michigan and Green Bay to host specialized nature programs, such as mushroom foraging led by experts, stargazing events in coordination with local astronomers, and structured storytelling sessions where children share their outdoor discoveries with the community.
Casey Cochran from Campspot highlights the brilliance of this "identity-driven" approach. He notes that while many operators are currently nervous about shrinking booking windows, Camp Door County is successfully creating its own transient demand by leaning into the "dirt and soil" of its specific location. Cochran points out that rather than simply hoping guests show up, McMahon is giving them specific reasons to book well in advance through high-value events that resonate with their target demographic.
Zach Stoltenberg of LJA digs into the logistics of these events, asking about standout successes and marketing strategies. McMahon reveals that their Campgrass Music Festival is a major draw that sells out almost instantly. To promote these activities, he discusses a multi-layered marketing approach that includes leveraging state tourism boards, local radio, and strategic partnerships with outdoor brands like Swift Industries. He also mentions a "partner leverage" tactic where musicians and sponsors are contractually obligated to promote the events to their own followers.
The conversation shifts to pricing strategies, where John McMahon admits they have not yet turned on dynamic pricing because they prioritize the guest's ability to rebook specific favorite spots. Casey Cochran advises on the value of "occupancy prediction" tools, explaining how data can help operators understand when to raise rates based on pacing—even without a fully automated dynamic system. He emphasizes that understanding whether lowering prices actually drives "net new" reservations is a critical insight for the current season.
Joe Duemig explores the technical side of the guest experience, suggesting that parks can use rebooking incentives to secure future occupancy. He and Zach Stoltenberg discuss strategies like offering QR codes on-site for immediate rebooking or providing "first dibs" to past guests before the general booking window opens in January. Stoltenberg notes that these methods are excellent for driving loyalty without necessarily needing to slash rates.
John McMahon shares his philosophy on amenities, explaining why Camp Door County intentionally lacks traditional features like a swimming pool or a jump pillow. He argues that trying to "catch up" to the amenities of 15 other neighboring campgrounds offers no added value. Instead, he focuses on the uniqueness of the local beach and the mountain bike trails currently being built on-property by the same company responsible for the 2028 Olympic trails.
Casey Cochran draws a parallel between this park management style and the software world, stating that once you get a user (or guest) to experience a high-quality product, they tend to stay "forever." He admires the "SaaS mindset" applied to a physical campground—focusing on getting the guest through the door once, confident that the curated experience will handle the rest of the marketing via word-of-mouth.
As the show nears its end, Zach Stoltenberg introduces a new trend he’s encountered: red light therapy. He mentions that health and wellness trends are increasingly pairing with outdoor hospitality, suggesting that integrated wellness features like saunas with red light add-ons might be the "next big thing" for luxury glamping resorts looking to provide a circadian rhythm reset for their guests.
Joe Duemig wraps up the episode by humorously fulfilling the show's "AI requirement" in Brian Searl's absence. He suggests that McMahon could use AI to turn the children’s storytelling sessions into published books for families to take home, further extending the "experiential" value of the stay. The panel concludes by emphasizing that in a competitive market, a clear identity and a commitment to guest service are the most sustainable paths to success.
