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

This week's RV Miles podcast delivers a mix of critical developments across the RV and camping landscape. Washington State faces widespread campground closures due to a $580,000 funding cut, impacting maintenance, staffing, and visitor experience, while California moves forward with one of its largest state park expansions in decades, adding three new parks and 30,000 acres. Alabama’s Gulf State Park launches a new upscale RV resort on its former golf course, marking a unique state-run luxury camping model. Meanwhile, federal antitrust scrutiny intensifies over the potential merger between RV supply giants Lippert and Patrick Industries, with Senator Mike Lee demanding data on competitive effects, pricing risks, and supply chain vulnerabilities. The RV industry is already struggling, with March 2026 shipments down 13.9% year-over-year, driven by a sharp decline in towable RVs, while Airstream restricts aluminum part distribution—likely due to global shortages—raising repair access concerns. On a positive note, Grand Design standardizes its innovative composite roof system, and Fantasy RV Tours raises $200,000 for Make-A-Wish Georgia, doubling last year’s total. The episode closes with a reminder of the upcoming RV Miles Homecoming Rally in Amana, Iowa.