Select Camping World locations now accept bitcoin

A leading retailer of recreational vehicles (RVs) and outdoor recreation equipment is accepting several cryptocurrencies for purchases.

Camping World Holdings Inc. is partnering with BitPay to accept bitcoin (BTC), ethereum (ETH), and select other cryptocurrencies through a variety of digital wallets as payment for RV purchases. The service will initially launch at the retailer’s stores in Chicago and Kenosha, Wis., and be rolled out to all its locations that sell RVs and to its e-commerce platforms this summer.  

The retailer said the partnership with BitPay will allow it to maximize customer convenience and attract new shoppers without holding cryptocurrency on its balance sheet. 

“As the industry leader, we have a responsibility to adapt to new preferences and elevate the customer experience, whether through the products and services we offer, or in the ways we interact and transact with the customer,” said Marcus Lemonis, CEO and chairman of Camping World. “Accepting cryptocurrency is simply another part of our vision to make RVing easy in an increasingly digital world.”

Camping World is joining a growing and diverse group of retailers that accept bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, including Tesla and Newegg. 

In addition, the Flexa mobile wallet app converts a consumer's cryptocurrency to U.S. dollars in real time for payment to retailers including Barnes & Noble, Bed Bath & Beyond, Crate & Barrel, GameStop, Lowe’s, Nordstrom, Office Depot/OfficeMax, Petco, and Whole Foods Market.

In addition, Camping World has acquired the Nomad Reservations CampgroundBooking.com campground booking engine. Nomad Reservations provides multiple unique data points regarding a customer’s upcoming trip, enabling the retailer to engage in customized, relevant marketing communications before, during and after their trip. Nomad Reservations also offers a proprietary trip planning tool that allows customers to create a personalized travel experience, integrating multiple points of interest such as campgrounds and hiking trails.

Headquartered in Lincolnshire, Ill., Camping World operates over 175 locations in 38 states.