When your business lives and breathes the outdoors, weather is always part of the equation. But sometimes, that weather takes a destructive turn. Natural disasters can arrive swiftly and leave devastation in their wake. For places where guests come to experience nature, it can feel especially cruel when nature turns on you. But there is help, and there is hope.
What exactly is a natural disaster, though? A natural disaster is any major event caused by environmental forces that leads to loss of life, property, or livelihood. This includes wildfires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, winter storms, and droughts. For those in outdoor hospitality, even “lesser” disasters can cause long-term disruptions—washing out road access, damaging infrastructure, or forcing closures during peak season.
In 2025 alone, outdoor hospitality businesses across the U.S. have faced some incredible challenges. The Palisades Fire in Southern California burned over 23,000 acres in January, becoming one of the most destructive fires in the state’s history. In April, a severe weather system brought sustained rainfall and damaging winds to more than 10 states. And in May, a series of tornadoes swept through the Midwest and South, leaving a trail of destruction and uncertainty.
If your park or business has been impacted, or if you simply want to be prepared for whatever may come, here’s a guide to recovery that’s rooted in resilience, not fear.
After the initial shock has worn off, the first step toward recovery is knowing where to look for assistance.
Federal and State Disaster Assistance
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers individual and business-related assistance following federally declared disasters. If your region qualifies, you can apply for support through:
•The FEMA helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
•In-person visits to your local Disaster Recovery Center
FEMA can help with immediate needs like housing or cleanup, but for long-term recovery, the Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans to help repair damaged property or make up for lost income. Learn more or apply at the SBA Disaster Assistance Portal.
You should also check your state emergency management website, some state-level programs provide additional relief funds or grants, especially for small businesses and rural areas.
OHI Foundation Support for Outdoor Hospitality Businesses
If you’re a campground owner or operator, you don’t have to face recovery alone. The OHI Foundation provides financial assistance specifically for businesses and individuals in the
Outdoor Hospitality Industry.
Available support includes:
•Up to $1,000 in personal-use grants for individuals affected by disasters
•Up to $3,000 in grants for affected businesses
•Up to $1,000 in grants for those providing food, shelter, or essentials to disaster victims
Applications must be submitted within 60 days of the disaster. Apply here to get started.
After securing immediate needs and assistance, rebuilding your business is a layered, ongoing process, but one that’s possible with the right steps.
Document the Damage
Take photos and write down everything. From toppled fences to missing signage to damaged utility hookups, every detail matters when it comes time to file insurance claims or apply for grants and loans.
Talk to Your Guests and Staff
Honest communication can go a long way. Let guests know about your recovery timeline and offer refunds or rescheduling options. Keep staff updated on reopening plans and resources they might need.
Reassess and Rebuild with Resilience
If you’re replacing infrastructure, think long-term. Can you elevate utility pedestals in a flood-prone area? Reinforce structures to withstand high winds? Many owners find recovery to be a chance to rebuild smarter, not just to restore what was lost.
Use the Tools Available
Recovery doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. These resources offer checklists, planning tools, and technical help:
•USDA Disaster Resource Center: Assistance for rural and agricultural communities
•USDA Rural Development Disaster Toolkit (PDF): Federal programs and support for disaster resilience
•Department of Housing and Urban Development – Policy Development and Research: Designing for Natural Hazards Series Volumes 1 – 5
Disasters have a way of putting things in perspective. They remind us what matters most: people, community, and the strength to rebuild. Across the country, park owners, operators and outdoor hospitality professionals have shown incredible resilience in the face of hardship, leaning on each other and sharing resources.
As you navigate your own recovery journey or assist someone else’s, remember that your campground, RV park, or glamping business is a space where memories are made, where families connect, where people find joy in the outdoors.
Even when the landscape changes, that mission stays the same.
If your business has been impacted by a disaster, please don’t wait to reach out. Visit the OHI Foundation to see how OHI can help, and lean on your peers across the industry for support and encouragement.
