Upscale RV resorts adds Smokies site
The Memphis-based company building a network of upscale RV resorts and outdoor destinations around the nation has now added the Smoky Mountains to its destinations.
RVC Outdoor Destinations announced Tuesday that River Plantation RV Park in Sevierville, Tenn., has completed renovations and been rebranded as River Plantation RV Resort. Bordered by the Little Pigeon River, the property is close to many of the attractions in and around the area, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood and Gatlinburg.
River Plantation includes 287 RV sites, eight cabins, and more than 200 storage sites. Recently completed renovations include a new Welcome Lodge, fitness center and new asphalt roads.
The partnership between River Plantation and RVC Outdoor Destinations is the first joint venture for RVC involving branding, and the first time RVC is operating a separately owned property. In addition to providing long-term management and branding, RVC (rvcoutdoors. com) is providing capital for improvements.
The contract is structured so that the better River Plantation performs, the better RVC does as well.
“RVC understands the industry,” Jimbo Conner, owner of River Plantation, said in a release. “They are striving to improve consistency and standards and we want to be a part of it. Also, they bring collaborative resources and a partnership that will allow River Plantation to grow and improve.’’
The addition expands to seven the number of RV resorts RVC operates in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina.
RVC approached Conner about 18 months ago, RVC president Andy Cates said.
“What RVC is doing resonates with him in a big way,” Cates said of Conner. “He always looked for a high-quality flag that didn’t exist. He wasn’t going KOA or Jellystone. We spent a lot of 2012 reviewing his operation and working with him and having him learn more about RVC.”
Cates describes RVC’s mission as a “movement,” in that the company is working to redefine the RV industry by stratifying it. He wants the RV campground brands to be as easily distinguishable for quality as hotel brands. RVC strives to be the Hilton of its industry.
“We are honored that Jimbo and River Plantation chose to be a part of this movement, and we have already enjoyed working together to improve and redefine the industry,” Cates said. “RVC continues to lead the outdoor hospitality industry in our niche of high quality outdoor destinations and we’re actively seeking properties that fit our model.”
RVC resorts offer RV sites, and also yurts, cabins and cottages.
“We had a good year,” Cates said of 2012. “We didn’t see anything that made us want to slow down.’’
Last spring, RVC acquired a bankowned RV campground in Colorado Springs, Colo., called Garden of the Gods Campground, and is nearly ready to open it under the company brand.
“We’re not high-fiving yet,” Cates said of the expansion. “There’s a long way to go. ... It takes a lot of time and an enormous amount of discipline and patience.’’