In 1972 a half dozen forward thinking campground owners felt that the interests of privately held parks in Texas would need representation well into the future – both from a marketing perspective and legislatively.
1972By 1974 the new organization designed and copied its first directory featuring less than 20 member parks. It was a plain black and white document but distribution began through member parks. Members visited the legislative process every two years and tried on a hit-and-miss to protect members’ rights at the capital.
In the early to mid-1990’s the association stepped into the 21st Century with a four-color full sized RV Travel & Camping Guide to Texas (link) that was distributed at approximately 200 member parks and TXDOT Information Centers (Points of Entry). The association also engaged the services of a legislative consultant to monitor all legislation that effects campgrounds and tourism in general.
1974 - Mid 90sTACO membership grew to over 400 parks and numerous marketing programs have been added that include coop distribution of member literature at RV shows throughout the state and across the country. Specific RV park friendly legislation is now on the books and the association puts out a Legal Handbook. The Camping Guide has grown to 140 pages and feature over 400 parks and many dealers plus tourist attractions.
2000sThe association is a prime driver of tourism related legislation and also instrumental in fighting legislation that is detrimental to its members. Holding a board seat in the Texas Travel Alliance (TTA) along with leadership other national camping associations, TACO offers its members cutting edge opportunities to Promote & Protect their businesses.
TACO produces a Spring conference that features educational classes and the largest industry tradeshow in the Southwest, as well as various educational webinars throughout the year. Money-saving and revenue-producing opportunities abound.
The TACOmembers.com website features vendor information and the TACO Legal Handbook on the password protected side along with legally vetted forms and case studies for best practices in operating a modern campground.
The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) represents over 400 private parks in Texas. Formed in 1972, the group has a significant consumer facing magazine, the most widely used website for Texas campgrounds, and a legislative presence in Austin.
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