RVIA recognized the first anniversary of the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA).
The legislation provides funding for various services, including modernization and upgrades to campgrounds nationwide.
“This funding has come at a critical time as camping participation and RV production are at an all-time high,” RVIA Director of Government Affairs Chris Bornemann said. “GAOA is already having a positive impact on the RV and outdoor recreation industries with projects that have been completed, are underway and planned.”
Bornemann said the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service (NPS) committed to more than 150 campground-related projects in the first two years of the five-year program.
“This is a huge step forward to ensure RVers and park visitors have safe and enjoyable experiences for years to come,” Bornemann said.
The Forest Service and NPS identified more than a thousand vital infrastructure improvement projects RVers rely on, such as campgrounds, roads, bridges, visitor centers, parking lots, trails, water, and electrical systems. Nearly $80 million will be invested in Yosemite National Park to directly improve campgrounds and connecting roads. This project will improve access and the overall RV camper experience by improving sites, rehabilitating and replacing dilapidated roads, replacing an aged water and sewer collection system, making RV accessibility improvements and enhancing the amenities at many campsites.
Additionally, the Forest Service is investing tens of millions of dollars and tackling more than 100 campground related projects, including the Forest-Wide Campground Maintenance Project at Modoc National Forest, the Peak One Pine Cove Campground Modernization Project at White River National Forest and a survey and design project for five campgrounds in the highly visited Coconino National Forest.
All these projects will improve the RV camper and visitor experience, RVIA said, while producing additional economic activity for the local communities.
“The RV industry looks forward to continuing our work with the National Park Service, the Forest Service, and other public land agencies to create and maintain updated campgrounds and RV sites to respond to the unprecedented demand for camping and America’s renewed desire of experiencing the health and wellness benefits of getting outdoors,” Bornemann said.
