Streamside RV Resorts & Campgrounds has entered into a strategic, long-term investment partnership with Chelly and Kevin Clayton involving four outdoor hospitality and tourism businesses in Townsend, Tennessee. The transaction includes Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, Little Arrow Base Camp RV Park, River Rat Tubing & Rafting and Burger Master. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The Claytons will remain significant investors in the businesses following the transaction, while longtime local operators Carmen Simpher and Jay Moore will continue leading the properties.
The addition of Little Arrow Outdoor Resort and Little Arrow Base Camp represents Streamside’s 38th and 39th properties.
The Nashville-based outdoor hospitality company now operates 39 properties containing more than 4,400 recreational vehicle and lodging sites across 17 states.
The partnership is structured to combine Streamside’s national operating resources and investment capabilities with the existing local management team’s experience and relationships in Townsend.
The companies said the arrangement is intended to preserve the culture and character of the businesses while providing additional capital, operating expertise and resources to support their long-term development.
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort offers accommodations near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while Little Arrow Base Camp provides an additional RV-focused hospitality option in the Townsend market.
River Rat Tubing & Rafting provides outdoor recreation experiences involving tubing and whitewater rafting, and Burger Master operates as a local dining destination.
Together, the businesses represent a mix of lodging, outdoor recreation and food service experiences serving visitors to Townsend and the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains region.
Streamside said it plans to maintain the identity of each business rather than applying a standardized operating model that could change the guest experience.
The company’s approach is based on keeping its properties locally oriented while supporting them with centralized resources, investment and operating capabilities.
Streamside intends to work with the existing employees and leadership teams that helped establish the businesses as destinations for families, outdoor travelers and repeat visitors.
The Claytons said the transaction will provide resources to expand the businesses while maintaining their commitment to guests, employees and the Townsend community.
The partnership also gives the Clayton family an opportunity to direct additional investment toward other regional businesses and initiatives.
Those interests include Company Distilling, Vee Hollow Mountain Bike Park and Salubrious Farms.
Chelly and Kevin Clayton will remain active in the area, maintain their home in Walland and continue supporting projects connected to the region’s outdoor lifestyle and community character.
Guests are expected to continue working with the same leadership and employees following the transaction.
The companies are also planning a special event for guests and the local community, with additional details expected to be announced in the coming months.
Founded in 2023, Streamside develops and operates RV resorts, campgrounds and outdoor hospitality properties across the United States.
Its portfolio includes destination resorts and SteadyStays properties serving guests seeking longer seasonal stays.
KEY QUOTES:
“We’ve been fortunate to build these businesses into destinations that families return to year after year.”
“As we looked to the future, we wanted a long-term partner who could help take them to the next level while sharing our commitment to our guests, our team members and the Townsend community. Streamside brings the experience, resources and visionary perspective to help continue building on what we’ve created together.”
Kevin Clayton
“We’re honored to welcome the Claytons’ premier properties into the Streamside portfolio. They have built something truly special in Townsend while investing in their people and the community.”
“Our role is to build on that strong foundation and support their outstanding teams with additional resources, expertise and sustained investment. We share their vision and are committed to preserving what makes these businesses so unique while helping them reach their full potential.”
John Cascarano, Founder and CEO of Streamside RV Resorts & Campgrounds
“This partnership gives us the opportunity to invest even more into the local businesses and projects we are incredibly passionate about.”
“We’re excited about what lies ahead for Little Arrow, River Rat and Burger Master, but also for Company Distilling, Vee Hollow Mountain Bike Park, Salubrious Farms and the community we love.”
Chelly Clayton
