Camping World
Camping World is the largest American retailer of recreational vehicles (RVs), RV accessories, and camping supplies, with a history dating back to 1966.
Company facts
- Founded
- 1966
- Headquarters
- United States
- CEO
- Marcus Lemonis
About
The story of Camping World is a journey that began not in a boardroom, but on the open road, fueled by the passion of campers and outdoor enthusiasts. It all started in 1966, not as a sprawling enterprise, but as a humble small store nestled in Beech Bend Park, just outside of Bowling Green, Kentucky. The park's campground, which billed itself as the world's largest, had a community of campers with a growing need for a convenient place to purchase supplies. David Garvin, the son of the park's owner, recognized this opportunity. With a loan and an entrepreneurial spirit, he began selling RV parts and supplies right from the back of a pickup truck within the park's campground. This simple act of meeting a direct customer need laid the foundation for what would become a nationwide leader in the outdoor lifestyle market. The early days were marked by grassroots growth, with corporate offices housed in a nearby old farmhouse and a simple black-and-white catalog mailed to a customer list diligently collected from the store and campground. This direct-to-consumer approach, born out of necessity, proved to be a cornerstone of Camping World's success. The mail-order division thrived, propelling the company's expansion for years to come. The journey from a single-store operation to a publicly traded powerhouse has been marked by strategic growth and acquisitions. A significant turning point came in 1997 when Garvin sold the company to Affinity Group, which later became Good Sam Enterprises. This merger brought together two powerful brands in the RV community. Under new leadership, including the visionary guidance of Chairman and CEO Marcus Lemonis, Camping World embarked on an aggressive expansion. The company began opening more retail stores and service centers across the country, eventually expanding into new and used RV sales. The acquisition of Gander Mountain and Overton's in 2017 further broadened its portfolio, solidifying its position as a comprehensive retailer for all things outdoors. In October 2016, Camping World Holdings, Inc. became a publicly traded company, marking a new chapter in its remarkable evolution from a small Kentucky store to the largest retailer of RVs and outdoor gear in the United States.