There’s an old Boy Scout saying, Always Be Prepared. We here at Firefly Reservations think that this motto should be adopted by all campground owners. Even though we are still in the dead of winter, now is the perfect time to start the preparations for your first visitors of 2023. Mother Nature is fickle; it’s…

The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) is increasing its staff and expanding its legal, legislative, educational and marketing initiatives on behalf of park operators across the Lone Star State. “We are finding that park operators need our support more than ever, particularly when it comes to providing them with assistance with legal and legislative issues, online…

Starting February 1, 2023, a new application category will open for the Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant (TTIR) program through the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office. The TTIR Program provides one-time grants of up to $20,000 for the recovery of Texas businesses in the tourism, travel, and hospitality industry that were negatively impacted during…

The camping and hospitality industry remains strong with an expectation that more winter Texans will be returning to campgrounds this fall and winter than last year. The strength in the industry is reflected in the increase in TACO campground membership renewals and new memberships. TACO is just finishing its annual renewal campaign and campground membership…

What kind of insurance risks would your campground or RV park face in a fire, flood or other emergency situation? Chris Hipple, vice president of Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance, recently answered these and other questions during a webinar organized by the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO). Hipple’s presentation highlighted the importance of preparing written emergency response…

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism have announced the opening of applications, beginning July 6, 2022 for the Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program (TTIR). The TTIR program will support the Texas tourism, travel, and hospitality industry by making grant funds available to businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19.…

Twenty staff members from twenty-two campgrounds and RV parks in three states received their Certified Pool Operator certificates after completing an online course offered by the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO). “We may be the first campground association in the country to offer Certified Pool Operator training via Zoom,” said Brian Schaeffer, TACO’s executive director and…

If your park is wanting to put in electric charging stations, grant funds may be available to your park. Eligible project costs under this particular grant include, equipment, supplies and materials, construction, and subcontracted professional services. Be sure to check Appendix A for targeted clean transportation zone counties. A total of $12 million in grants…

The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) has just released its annual Vendor Guide, which is available for free in printed and digital formats for TACO members, according to a press release. “We publish a booklet for every TACO member that has all of our vendors in it,” said Brian Schaeffer, TACO’s executive director and CEO. “The…

The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) is now providing its members with periodic online educational seminars via Zoom, according to a press release. “We thought this would be a great way to share the experience of industry experts to help our members improve their management, operations and profitability without having to take extensive time away from…