Camping World
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Recreational vehicles, retail, outdoor products |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Founder | David Garvin |
| Headquarters | Lincolnshire , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Marcus Lemonis (CEO) |
| Products | Recreational vehicles, RV parts and accessories, camping equipment, outdoor products |
| Revenue | $4.79 billion (2018) |
| Website | www |
Camping World Holdings, Inc. is a U.S.-based enterprise focused on recreational vehicles (RVs), including RV parts, maintenance services, and camping equipment. Headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois, the firm launched its initial public offering in October 2016, generating $251 million. By 2024, Camping World manages 202 locations and positions itself as the leading global distributor of RV parts and accessories. Its sales avenues encompass physical dealerships, telephone orders, and digital platforms.
The company’s offerings concentrate on recreational vehicles, related components, accessories, and outdoor products, catering to the expanding RV market segment. With $4.79 billion in revenue recorded in 2018, Camping World holds a prominent role within the retail and outdoor sectors. Its business strategy combines retail sales with comprehensive service provisions to foster customer loyalty and drive expansion.
Camping World has enhanced its brand presence through key sponsorships, such as securing naming rights for Camping World Stadium and serving as the presenting sponsor for the Professional Bull Riders Team Series. Its previous sponsorship portfolio includes partnerships with Major League Baseball’s League Championship Series, NASCAR’s Truck Series, and the NHRA Drag Racing Series, demonstrating a commitment to sports marketing as a means to increase market penetration and brand awareness.
History
Established in 1966 by David Garvin—whose family owned Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky—Camping World began as a modest retail outlet catering to campers at the park. Garvin expanded the enterprise by developing a thriving mail-order business that fueled long-term growth.
In 1997, Garvin sold the company to Affinity Group (currently known as Good Sam Enterprises), headquartered in Ventura, California. In 2005, Garvin initiated plans for a large-scale project near Franklin, Kentucky that would integrate retail operations, RV services, and campground amenities; however, this initiative was abandoned due to the economic downturn and the property was auctioned off in 2011.
Camping World’s public offering took place in October 2016, raising $251 million by issuing 11.4 million shares at $22 each. CEO Marcus Lemonis holds substantial ownership alongside Crestview Partners through his stakes in ML Acquisition and ML R.V. Group, maintaining considerable influence over company decisions.
Operations
Through its Freedom Roads brand, Camping World distributes RVs via approximately thirty-six independent dealerships. The company opened its own RV sales outlet near Indianapolis, Indiana (formerly Stout's RV) in 2007 and has since expanded its dealership network to over 200 locations nationwide.
Additionally, Camping World operates the online platform RVs.com and broadened its product range in 2017 by acquiring Gander Mountain—which encompasses Gander Outdoors and Overton's—as well as The House, a retailer specializing in outdoor equipment.
In December 2020, Camping World announced a collaboration with electric vehicle manufacturer Lordstown Motors to offer sales and service for the Lordstown Endurance pickup truck at its centers; however, this partnership ended by June 2021.
Sports Sponsorship
Camping World maintains a strong presence in sports sponsorships, particularly within college football and auto racing. In a 2020 Autoweek interview, CEO Marcus Lemonis emphasized the strategic importance of converting fans of racing into customers.
Since 2016, Camping World has held naming rights for Camping World Stadium located in Orlando, Florida, also sponsoring the stadium’s annual Camping World Kickoff college football event. From 2017 through 2019, the stadium’s bowl game carried the name Camping World Bowl.
In 2017, the company became the first-ever title sponsor of Major League Baseball’s League Championship Series, continuing this role until 2022. In 2023, it assumed inaugural title sponsorship of the Professional Bull Riders Team Series.
Auto Racing
Camping World's engagement in motorsports commenced in 2006 with sponsorship of NASCAR competitor John Andretti. By the following year, their support expanded to include the NASCAR Cup Series and the prestigious Indianapolis 500. The company also backed events such as the IndyCar Series' Grand Prix at The Glen and collaborated with the NASCAR team Kevin Harvick Incorporated. Throughout the years, Camping World has supported notable drivers including David Ragan and IndyCar champion Scott Dixon.
In 2008, Camping World assumed the role of title sponsor for the NASCAR Busch East and Autozone West Series, which were subsequently renamed as the Camping World Series East and West. This sponsorship lasted until 2010 when K&N Engineering took over.
The year 2009 marked Camping World's takeover as the primary sponsor for NASCAR's Truck Series, succeeding Sears’ Craftsman brand. This partnership was extended through 2022. After acquiring Gander Mountain in 2018, Camping World influenced NASCAR to rebrand the Truck Series as the Gander Outdoors Truck Series for a two-year period before it reverted to the Camping World Truck Series in 2021.
In October 2020, Camping World secured naming rights for the National Hot Rod Association's professional series, resulting in the NHRA being titled the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. This move followed CEO Lemonis’ expressed interest after NHRA lost its previous sponsorship.
Early in 2021, Lemonis initiated a sponsorship program providing financial support to unsponsored teams within the 2021 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, enhancing brand exposure while aiding drivers such as champion Sheldon Creed. This initiative was later expanded to other NASCAR divisions with backing from affiliated entities like Good Sam.
Prior to its June 2021 launch, Camping World became the title sponsor of the Superstar Racing Experience, branding it as the Camping World SRX Series—a partnership connected to Lemonis' charitable work with the Plating Change organization.