Outdoor Recreation Helps Drive U.S. Economy
The outdoor recreation industry is growing faster than the U.S. economy as a whole, according to a federal report.
Data released in September 2019 by the Bureau of Economic Analysis revealed that outdoor recreation makes up 2.2 percent of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), generates $778 billion in gross output, and supports 5.2 million jobs. The bureau is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Other report highlights:
*The five largest conventional outdoor activities, in terms of economic output, are boating/fishing; RVing; motorcycling/ATVing; hunting/shooting/trapping; and equestrian sports.
*The top five states where outdoor recreation accounts for the largest percentage of the state’s total GDP are Hawaii, Montana, Maine, Vermont, and Wyoming.
*The top five states where outdoor recreation accounts for the largest percentage of the total U.S. GDP are California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Texas.
Opus Debuts Hybrid Trailer
The OP 15’ from Opus Camper is designed for off-road adventures. Features include a pop-up roof; an extendable rear; and an outdoor, slide-out stainless-steel kitchen.
Opus Camper has launched its OP 15’, which the company’s website describes as “an off-roading, hybrid caravan built with tough luxury in mind.” An articulating hitch at the end of the galvanized steel chassis is designed to handle rough roads. The RV has a pop-up roof and an extendable rear to enlarge the interior. The OP 15’ collapses to a length of 15 feet.
Other features include a bamboo interior; an outdoor, slide-out stainless-steel kitchen; a Dometic CFX75 refrigerator/freezer; three AGM batteries linked to a 300-watt solar system; on-demand hot water; an interior heater; and a built-in air conditioner.
For more information, visit www.opuscamper.us or call (925) 215-7315.
New Winnebago Camper Van
A pop-top sleeping area is a highlight of the Solis, a new Type B motorhome from Winnebago. The rooftop extension, combined with a Murphy bed on the lower level, makes it possible for the 19-foot-6-inch-long Solis to sleep up to four people. The roof raises on hinges and gas springs, allowing owners to store their outdoor gear below and to sleep above.
The Solis is Winnebago’s new Type B motorhome. Interior features include dedicated workspaces, zipped window coverings, and a Truma Combi eco heating system.
Features of the interior include dedicated workspaces and zipped window coverings that block light and provide a thermal break between the glass and the van interior. For beach goers, a rear annex curtain provides a semiprivate space outside to wash off sand and clean up. A rod can be installed in the rear to hang gear that needs to dry.
For those who go RVing in cold weather, the van has automotive-grade insulation in the floor, walls, and roof, and it is equipped with a Truma Combi eco heating system. All waterlines, water connections, and the fresh-water tank are inside the RV’s heated area.
For more information, visit www.winnebagoind.com or call (641) 585-3535.
Lance Camper Introduces New Models, Décor, Logo
Lance Camper Manufacturing Corp. has introduced two new travel trailer models, the 2075 and the 2445. Also, the company now offers a new “driftwood” interior décor (gray cabinets) on certain travel trailer and truck camper models. In addition, Lance has launched a new brand logo, which appears with its 2020 models.
The 2075 travel trailer features a rear U-shaped dinette, a “Stargazer” front window, and an exterior kitchen that slides out from the rear of the trailer. The 2445 is a single-slideout model featuring double-sized bunks, garage storage, a residential-size bathroom, and a walk-in closet.
Both new models include the iN-Command System by ASA Electronics; a dedicated storage compartment for portable generators; and a portable Bluetooth speaker. New options include a lithium battery package, a 1,500-watt inverter, and a “Mountain Scene” graphic.
For more information, visit www.lancecamper.com or call (661) 941-9255.
U.S. Disburses Recreation And Conservation Grants
The U.S. Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has awarded grants totaling $170,623,713 to all 50 states, five U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia for state-identified outdoor recreation and conservation projects, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced in September 2019. LWCF funds are nontaxpayer dollars derived from offshore oil and gas leasing revenues, and are awarded through federal matching grants administered by the National Park Service.
The LWCF was established by Congress in 1964 to ensure public access to outdoor recreation resources for present and future generations, and to provide money to federal, state, and local governments to purchase land, water, and wetlands. The funds also enable state and local governments to improve parks and other recreation areas by rehabilitating and upgrading existing parks, creating new parks in places that have none, and developing and expanding trail systems to link communities and create recreation opportunities.
Since the inception of the LWCF, more than $4.4 billion has been awarded to state and local governments to fund more than 43,000 projects.
For more information, visit www.nps.gov/lwcf.
RV Resort Opens Near Myrtle Beach
Carolina Pines RV Resort held its grand opening in October 2019.
Carolina Pines, a Signature Sun RV Resort near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, held its grand opening in October 2019. The resort features sites with full RV hookups, as well as stand-alone cottages. Both offer access to resort amenities, including a waterpark, mini-golf, and dining.
Guests also have access to Carolina Pines Beach Club near North Myrtle Beach. The private club includes a pool, a hot tub, private bathrooms, and beach access. Carolina Pines RV Resort offers a free shuttle that takes guests to and from the club.
For more information about Carolina Pines RV Resort, visit sunrvresorts.com/carolina-pines/.