On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas Podcast, we sit down with Ben Hirsch, COO of Campers Inn, for a fascinating behind-the-scenes conversation about one of the fastest-growing family-owned companies in the RV industry.
This episode goes far beyond sales numbers and dealership locations. We talk about:
- The family story behind Campers Inn
- The evolution of their RV dealerships
- Why customer experience matters more than ever
- The future of Lazydays in Tampa
- And how the RV industry can continue serving families for generations to come
If you’ve ever bought an RV, shopped for one, or wondered what’s happening behind the scenes in the RV business right now, this episode offers a rare and thoughtful perspective.
To listen to our interview with Ben Hirsch please click on the media player above–or subscribe to the RV Atlas podcast wherever you get your favorite show!
The Campers Inn Origin Story: Four Pop-Up Campers and a Big Idea
One of the best moments in the episode is hearing about how Campers Inn got started.
Ben shared the family story about his grandparents visiting an RV dealership decades ago to shop for a tent camper. His grandfather—a machinist still wearing his work clothes—felt dismissed and judged by the dealership staff.
On the drive home, he made a bold statement:
“If that’s all it takes to be in the RV business, I think we can do it better.”
Soon after, the family purchased four folding campers and opened the very first Campers Inn location in Acton, Massachusetts.
That founding story still shapes the company culture today.
Campers Inn: A Third-Generation Family Business
Ben is part of the third generation working in the family business, alongside:
- His uncle Jeff
- His father David
- Several cousins
- Even his wife, who works in HR
But before joining Campers Inn full-time, Ben served in the military after graduating from West Point.
He spent eight years in the Army flying Black Hawk helicopters and leading troops—an experience that he says shaped his leadership style and ability to stay calm under pressure.
That long-term perspective and disciplined leadership style clearly influence the way Campers Inn approaches growth and customer experience.
From 6 Dealerships to More Than 50
When Ben joined the company in 2013, Campers Inn had six locations.
Today, the company has:
- More than 50 dealerships
- Locations in 22 states
- Multiple Airstream dealerships
- Motorhome-only locations
- Traditional towable dealerships
- Luxury-focused stores
- Entry-level focused stores
Despite the rapid growth, Campers Inn remains 100% family-owned.
Ben emphasized that the company intentionally avoided outside investment so they could continue growing at a pace that made sense for their culture and long-term goals.
Why Campers Inn Focuses on Different RV Segments
One of the most interesting parts of the conversation was hearing how Campers Inn structures its dealerships differently depending on the market.
Rather than trying to sell every possible RV brand at every location, they intentionally focus stores on specific customer segments:
- Entry-level RV buyers
- Mid-range “meat and potatoes” RVers
- Luxury buyers
Ben explained that this allows teams to become true specialists while also simplifying service and training.
It’s a strategy designed around improving the customer experience—not just maximizing inventory.
Why They Still Believe in Pop-Up Campers
Jeremy was especially excited to hear that Campers Inn still sells pop-up campers.
At a time when many manufacturers and dealers have moved away from entry-level RVs, Campers Inn continues carrying:
- Rockwood pop-ups
- Flagstaff pop-ups
- A-frame campers
- Hybrid travel trailers
Ben emphasized that these RVs still play an important role in introducing families to camping and RV life.
It was refreshing to hear about a major dealership group still committed to serving first-time RVers.
The Customer Experience Philosophy
Throughout the episode, one theme kept resurfacing: Campers Inn is trying to build long-term relationships, not just close sales.
Ben repeatedly emphasized:
- Training
- Customer experience
- Education
- Long-term ownership support
Every month, the company runs internal customer experience training sessions for employees across all locations.
The goal isn’t just to sell someone an RV—it’s to support them throughout their entire RV journey.
That includes:
- Seminars
- Education events
- Ownership rallies
- Service support
- Lifestyle guidance
Why Education Still Matters in RVing
One thing Jeremy especially appreciated was Campers Inn’s continued investment in seminars and in-person education.
Ben pointed out that many RV buyers still want:
- Face-to-face learning
- Hands-on demonstrations
- In-person ownership education
And that matters because RVing has a real learning curve: New RV owners need to be educated about all of the following and more…
- Hitching
- Dumping tanks
- Electrical systems
- Solar
- Off-grid capability
- Maintenance
The company believes helping customers feel confident ultimately creates happier RV owners.
The Lazydays Story
Of course, one of the biggest topics in the episode was Lazydays in Tampa.
Ben explained that Campers Inn saw the potential collapse of Lazydays as something that could have negatively impacted the entire RV industry.
Rather than simply viewing it as an acquisition opportunity, they viewed preserving Lazydays as important for:
- The RV community
- Industry competition
- Consumer choice
- The long-term health of RV retail
And perhaps most importantly:
Lazydays is simply an iconic part of RV culture.
Why Lazydays in Tampa Is So Special
For anyone who has never visited Lazydays in the Tampa area, Ben described it perfectly:
“It’s like an RV show all year long”
The property includes:
- More than 1,000 RVs on-site
- Hundreds of service bays
- A collision center
- A cabinet shop
- Massive parts and accessories store
- Crown Club amenities
- And a 300-site campground
Jeremy described it as one of the true bucket-list destinations in RV culture.
The Lazydays Campground Is Reopened
One of the biggest pieces of news in the episode:
The Lazydays campground is officially reopened.
That’s huge for RVers visiting:
- Tampa
- The Florida RV SuperShow
- Or the dealership itself
Ben also shared plans for:
- More ownership rallies
- Mobile service
- Expanded campground experiences
- And eventually reopening additional food options on-site
Ownership Rallies and Community Building
One of the most exciting things happening at Lazydays right now is the return of rallies and community events.
Ben explained that the company wants the campground to become a true ownership hub where RVers can:
- Attend rallies
- Meet fellow owners
- Learn new skills
- Get service support
- Explore upgrades
- And simply enjoy the RV lifestyle together
It’s a return to a more community-oriented style of RV ownership that many longtime RVers have missed.
A Long-Term Vision for the RV Industry
One of the most thoughtful parts of the interview was hearing Ben talk about the future of the RV industry.
Rather than focusing solely on quarterly growth, Campers Inn is thinking about:
- Generational sustainability
- Long-term customer relationships
- Healthy competition
- Industry stability
That long-term perspective feels increasingly rare—and it clearly shapes the way they approach business.
Final Thoughts
This episode offered a fascinating look behind the curtain at one of the most influential companies in today’s RV industry.
Whether you’re:
- Shopping for your first RV
- Looking to upgrade
- Curious about Lazydays
- Or simply interested in where the RV industry is headed
There’s a lot to take away from this conversation.
And perhaps the most encouraging thing is this:
Even as the RV industry grows and changes, there are still companies trying to build community, invest in education, and focus on the long-term ownership experience.
We’ll see you at the campground!
