TACO 2025 Recap: Texas Campground Trends & Insights

Insights from the Texas Association of Campground Owners conference

WHO WAS THERE?

The event was well-attended by a wide range of RV park and campground stakeholders:

Park owners and operators
Brokers (including a strong
showing from North Star)
Suppliers and vendors
Lenders, legal advisors, and
marketing professionals
Booking and management
software companies
Tiny home and park model
dealers

The vendor hall was bustling, and the networking opportunities were unmatched. We made new connections, strengthened existing ones, and had rich conversations with owners we’ve known by name for years but had never met in person

From April 29–30, our full team at North Star Brokerage & Advisory had the pleasure of attending the 2025 TACO (Texas Association of Campground Owners) Conference in Conroe, Texas. It was an incredibly valuable and energizing experience, packed with insights, relationship-building, and ideas we’re excited to bring back to our clients and community.

KEY SESSION & TAKEAWAYS

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF PROPANE

Led by the Railroad Commission and Suburban Propane, this session covered the licensing, logistics, and ROI of having propane distribution on your property. If you’re considering it, there’s strong potential for additional revenue and guest convenience.

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLE (KOA, RVIA, TACO)

Tariffs: Ongoing uncertainty around tariffs is affecting construction costs and imports.
Millennial Growth: Younger RV travelers are the fastest-growing segment. The post-COVID boom has faded, but new demand is emerging from younger demographics.
Marketing is Critical: Parks without a strong Instagram or TikTok presence are invisible to modern travelers. A mobile-friendly website and instant-booking capabilities are no longer optional.
Profit Pressure: Many parks are either losing occupancy or revenue. Amenities, online presence, and guest experience are essential.
Guest Upselling: Use booking and check-in to increase per-guest revenue through
rentals, supplies, and activities.
Park Models vs. Tiny Homes: Know the legal differences, tenant rules, and income strategies

DIGITAL MARKETING IN 2025: AI-DRIVEN CHANGE

Mark Koep gave a forward-thinking presentation about how AI is transforming operations for park owners. Daily use of AI tools—even in small ways—can compound into major time and cost savings.

EIGHT THINGS YOU CAN DO IN AN AFTERNOON

Blake Burris of Newbook offered practical, lowcost ways to improve operations quickly, from signage upgrades to rethinking guest communications.

BUILDING OR EXPANDING YOUR PARK

A candid roundtable with Jane Cohen and Kelly Jones highlighted permitting, legislative barriers, and construction cost concerns for owners pursuing expansion or new development.

CAMPGROUND LAW 101

Christine Taylor offered a helpful refresh on the legal pressure points of park
operations, including compliance strategies and liability reduction.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

A dynamic panel discussed pressing
legislative and regulatory issues in Texas:

Insurance access and cost
TCEQ and water/sewer regulation
Property tax pressure
Renters’ rights and park responsibilities

TINY HOME EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHT

A standout feature was the outdoor tiny home showcase, including a particularly memorable Conestoga wagon model. It looked like an old frontier wagon, but inside it was fully equipped with a mini-split HVAC, stylish finishes, and cozy accommodations—perfect for a high-yield rental unit.