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RV Miles Podcast

News: Washington Shuts Down Campgrounds, Lippert/Patrick Merger Sparks Antitrust Concern, More

RV Miles Podcast

RV Miles Network

Society & Culture, Society & Culture:places & Travel, Places & Travel

4.81.3K Ratings

🗓️ 28 April 2026

⏱️ 13 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Jason covers a busy week in RV and camping news as Washington’s Department of Natural Resources will fully close four campgrounds for the 2026 season and reduce services elsewhere; California proposes three new state parks in the Central Valley; An update on the potential Lippert (LCI) and Patrick Industries merger includes a letter from Senator Mike Lee seeking details due to antitrust concerns; RV shipments fell in March, and more. 'Get free shipping on orders over $99 at Etrailer: https://www.etrailer.com/vehicle-finder.aspx?etam=p0001 ******************************Connect with RV Miles: RV Miles Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rvmilesShop the RV Miles Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/rvmilesRV Miles Mailing List: https://rvmiles.com/mailinglistMile Marker Membership: https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers Tickets for HOMECOMING go on sale for Mile Marker members on April 1st and for the general public on May 1st. Learn more at: https://RVMiles.com/homecoming 00:00 Intro00:28 Washington Campground Cuts01:41 California Park Expansion02:46 Alabama Gulf RV Resort03:47 Sponsor Etrailer04:33 Merger Antitrust Scrutiny08:28 RV Shipments Slide09:26 Airstream Parts Policy10:08 Airstream F1 Track Tow10:32 Grand Design Roof Upgrade11:18 Fantasy Raises Money12:09 Outro

Transcript

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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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