KOA, Care Camps Foundation Tour Dynamax Facility
Great camping experiences don’t happen by accident, Forest River said in a recent LinkedIn post. It is the result of an entire ecosystem working together that includes manufacturers, campground operators, industry partners, dealers, suppliers and nonprofit organizations, all contributing to the experiences and memories families make on the road.
That was the focus of a recent visit to Forest River’s Dynamax facility in Elkhart County, Indiana, where representatives from Kampground of America (KOA) and Care Camps Foundation joined the Dynamax team for a behind-the-scenes look at how Dynamax motorhomes are built. More than a facility tour, the visit also provided an opportunity to meet Forest River leaders, ask questions and strengthen the relationship between three industry leaders.
Hosted by Dynamax General Manager Brian Clemens and attended by Forest River President and CEO Doug Gaeddert, the visit welcomed KOA President and CEO Toby O’Rourke and members of her team, along with Care Camps Foundation Executive Director Gwynn Sullivan and Operations Manager Lexi Bickford.
Throughout the tour, guests experienced firsthand the craftsmanship, technology and teamwork involved in building a premium motorhome, Forest River said. From chassis preparation and assembly to cabinetry, custom paint, electrical systems and final quality inspections, the visit offered a deeper understanding of the Forest River manufacturing process that supports RV travel across North America.
The visit also highlighted the industry’s shared commitment to growing outdoor recreation and creating opportunities for families to experience the RV lifestyle. Through its longstanding partnership with Care Camps, Forest River said it helps support medically supervised camps that provide children with cancer and their families the opportunity to enjoy the healing power of the outdoors, community and camp experiences.
Members of the KOA and Forest River teams gathered during a recent visit for Dynamax Plant Tour. Photos courtesy of Forest River
“Tours like these help connect the dots across our industry,” said Doug Gaeddert. “Whether you’re building RVs, operating campgrounds or supporting families through organizations like Care Camps, we’re all working toward the same goal. It’s about helping people create memories that stay with them for a lifetime and rediscover the nostalgia and connection that come from time spent outdoors. These are the experiences that leave an imprint on people’s lives forever.”
The visit comes at a time when collaboration across the outdoor recreation industry is increasingly important. Under Toby O’Rourke’s leadership, KOA has become a leading voice in outdoor hospitality, camping research and consumer travel trends.
As president and CEO, O’Rourke has helped position KOA as more than a campground network, serving as an industry resource that provides valuable insights into camping participation, traveler behavior and the future of outdoor recreation. KOA operates more than 500 campgrounds across North America and publishes industry research that helps guide decision-making throughout the camping and RV sectors.
The visit also highlighted the longstanding relationship between Forest River and Care Camps Foundation, the nonprofit organization that funds medically supervised pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada, Forest River said. These camps provide children living with cancer and their families the opportunity to experience joy, friendship and healing through the outdoors at no cost to participating families.
(L to R) Gwynn Sullivan, executive director of Care Camps Foundation; Doug Gaeddert, president and CEO of Forest River; and Lexi Bickford, program director for the Care Camps Foundation.
Care Camps Foundation has long been supported by campground owners, RV manufacturers, dealers and industry partners who recognize the positive impact camping can have on families facing difficult circumstances. Through fundraising efforts and industry partnerships, the organization helps thousands of children experience the life-changing benefits of camp each year. Forest River said it remains proud to support that mission by making a donation with every unit it sells.
While the tour focused on the manufacturing process, the broader takeaway was clear, delivering exceptional outdoor experiences requires collaboration across every segment of the industry. The RV itself, the campground destination, the organizations that support travelers and the people behind them all play a role in making the adventure possible.
By bringing together leaders from manufacturing, outdoor hospitality and nonprofit advocacy, the visit to Dynamax served as a reminder that the RV lifestyle is built on far more than the product itself, Forest River said. It is built on partnerships, a shared purpose and a collective commitment to helping more people discover the value of travel, camping and time spent outdoors.