News: Washington Shuts Down Campgrounds, Lippert/Patrick Merger Sparks Antitrust Concern, More
RV Miles Podcast
RV Miles Network
4.8 • 1.3K Ratings
🗓️ 28 April 2026
⏱️ 13 minutes
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| 0:00.0 | We've got quite the mix of news this week. |
| 0:02.0 | State park campgrounds closing in one state, brand new parks opening and another, |
| 0:06.5 | and a new RV resort that might be one of the most unique in the country. |
| 0:10.2 | Plus, the potential merger that has the RV industry nervous is getting the attention of the federal government for antitrust concerns. |
| 0:18.3 | RV production continues to fall and more. I'm Jason Epperson. This is |
| 0:22.7 | RV Miles and it's time for the latest in RV and camping news. Welcome back, everybody. First up, |
| 0:29.5 | Washington State Campground closures are expanding as state officials confirm multiple |
| 0:34.3 | full shutdowns and reduced access across Department of Natural Resources |
| 0:38.9 | Recreation sites. The changes follow our previously reported concerns about potential closures |
| 0:44.2 | earlier this year. The DNR says four campgrounds will fully close for the 2026 season, |
| 0:49.8 | while several other campgrounds and recreation areas will see shorten seasons or reduced service. |
| 0:55.5 | These changes come after a $580,000 cut from the agency's maintenance fund during the 26 legislative session, |
| 1:03.5 | adding to what officials describe as longstanding staffing and funding shortages. |
| 1:08.0 | DNR officials say visitors should expect noticeable changes across the system. |
| 1:12.2 | Storm recovery may take longer. Trailhead bathrooms may not be stocked, and overall site |
| 1:16.9 | maintenance will be reduced. Trash collection and staffing levels will be impacted. |
| 1:21.0 | The agency currently operates with about 60 field staff statewide, roughly one employee for |
| 1:26.5 | every 50,000 acres, and 33,000 visitors. |
| 1:31.2 | State officials say earlier proposals could have led to even deeper cuts, and they plan to work |
| 1:35.8 | with lawmakers ahead of the 27 legislative session to find longer-term solutions. |
| 1:41.7 | Meanwhile, California is planning one of its largest state park expansions |
| 1:45.9 | in decades, with three new parks proposed across the Central Valley. The new state parks forward |
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