One of the best ways to learn is to go directly to the source, and ARVC’s re-imagined Takeaway Tours program is sure to provide attendees that opportunity.
The Takeaway Tours offered at the annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE)—the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds’ (ARVC) annual conference—are sure to be one of the most dynamic learning experiences available during the week. Attendees will learn directly from other park owners and gather insight on the day-to-day operations of two ARVC member-parks during a one-day tour.

(DENVER) One of the best ways to learn is to go directly to the source, and ARVC’s re-imagined Takeaway Tours program is sure to provide attendees that opportunity.

The Takeaway Tours offered at the annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE)—the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds’ (ARVC) annual conference—are sure to be one of the most dynamic learning experiences available during the week. Attendees will learn directly from other park owners and gather insight on the day-to-day operations of two ARVC member-parks during a one-day tour.

The Takeaway Tours are an updated version of the SPOT Tours offered in previous years at OHCE, promising an in-depth look at the operations and infrastructure, allowing attendees to interact with the park’s owners, operators and industry-respected guides. Attendees will encounter an abundance of lessons and real-life problem-solving strategies, providing new and improved best practices they can “takeaway” and use at their own parks. The Takeaway Tour will also be a great opportunity for the owners of the park to give advice to prospective park owners, especially providing insight about how to create the best business model and infrastructure for success.

The day will begin with a breakfast and behind-the-scenes tour of the Clayton Homes headquarters, giving attendees a chance to learn more about the revenue-driving benefits of Park Model RVs. Clayton Homes, headquartered in Maryville, Tenn., just outside Knoxville, is the largest builder of manufactured housing and modular homes in the US. Owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, Clayton Homes produces park models and tiny homes, perfect for glamping alternatives to bolster a campgrounds’ options.

ARVC member-parks Big Meadow Family Campground and Little Arrow Outdoor Resort are the featured parks on the tour. Both campgrounds are in Townsend, Tenn., located at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Big Meadow Family Campground, owned and operated by Malcolm, Barbara and Greg Johnson, was named an ARVC Park of the Year in 2013 and has been an ARVC member since 1997. Barbara Johnson has served on the TNARVC board since 2000 as the treasurer. Big Meadow features 72 full-hookup sites, all are concrete pads and patios. Every site at the park is full hookup including cable TV and WIFI, and includes a pavilion, propane on-site, laundry facilities, a dog park, a playground with splashpad, a mountain stream that is stocked bi-weekly with rainbow trout and offers RV storage as a major source of income.

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, owned by Carmen Simpher and Clayton, has been an ARVC member since 2017. The resort offers 76 full hookup sites, 20 tent and pop-up sites and additional alternative camping inventory including 15 Clayton Homes tiny homes, 22 cabins and eight glamping tents. The park also features a host of amenities, including a pool, cabana, clubhouse, 24/7 coffee lounge, food truck area, covered pavilion and community garden.

The Takeaway Tours are an Add-on Experience for OHCE, and will take place on Monday, Nov. 4. The tours include round-trip private-coach bus transport from the Knoxville Convention Center, breakfast and lunch, a review session with an industry-expert guide and will return in time for the OHCE Welcome Reception on Monday evening.

For more information or to register for OHCE and the Takeaway Tours, visit www.arvc.org/OHCE.