About MARVAC

The Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC) is a division of the Michigan Manufactured Housing, RV and Campground Association (MMH & RVCA), which is a full-service, non-profit, state trade association, representing the manufactured housing, recreation vehicle and private campground industries in the state of Michigan. The MMH & RVCA offers a wide variety of services to aid you in the operation of your business and save you money as well. Services include legal counsel and legislative advocacy, and governmental relations, in-house public relations programs, liability insurance and a clearinghouse of information where members can obtain a wide variety of general and technical publications. The MMH & RVCA is comprised of two divisional organizations (MMHA and MARVAC), with each serving their specific industry’s needs. MMHA and MARVAC have separate boards of directors that represent their respective industries. An executive board, made up of three representatives from each of the two divisional boards, governs the association.

Through legislation, education, marketing and public awareness, MARVAC works to improve the business climate for its members and to encourage growth in the recreation vehicle and private campground industries while contributing to the quality of Michigan tourism.

The Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds is the only full-service, non-profit, state trade association that represents all segments of the recreation vehicle and private campground industries in Michigan. MARVAC’s members include RV manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, private campgrounds, financial/lending institutions, insurance companies and special service firms.

All members are encouraged to participate in MARVAC’s camper and RV shows and educational programs, as well as the association’s many other services. Whether you need insurance, legal counsel, an architect, engineer or some other related service firm, the association has the answer! Members seeking a particular service or specific advice need only contact the association office to have their questions answered. The staff serves as a referral service to help members locate the services they require. Versed in all segments of the industry, the staff can assist you in responding to technical questions or help you deal with the local and state government units. The professional staff is always as near as your phone. You can reach our staff Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (after hours, just leave a voice mail message) by calling 517.349.8881 or 800.422.6478.

Click here to download the MARVAC Membership Application

The association has ongoing public relations programs that continue to develop positive images of the RV and campground industries. MARVAC keeps consumers, government officials, trade publications and media sources throughout the state informed by releasing a steady flow of information about the vital contributions the RV and campground industries make to Michigan’s tourism economy. Our programs are dedicated to creating positive images about the industry; we remind sources how our industry creates a more vibrant Michigan by constantly improving our recreation resources.

One of the most important features of MARVAC is its ability to communicate information to its members quickly! MARVAC sends regular “Industry Insights” via e-mail to keep each member informed about legislation, changes in laws and government regulations, and current trends in the industry. The e-mail also lists activities and events which are important to manufacturers, dealers, campground owners and service companies.

Continuing education for members is a major priority of the association. Dealer, campground and service seminars have been highly successful at keeping our members informed. Through our seminars, members from all segments of the industry are kept up-to-date about new business procedures, legal and legislative issues, and governmental regulations that could affect their business and the industry. These seminars offer intense learning opportunities for members who are interested in sharpening their skills, and provides members with an opportunity to share information with industry experts.

MARVAC’s annual outing combines a full range of seminars and workshops with social activities. The event provides members with an opportunity to discuss common problems and exchange ideas with industry associates. This event serves as a culmination point for the year as the association’s officers are welcomed for the new term.

MARVAC’s camper & RV shows are among the most heavily attended shows in Michigan with shows in Novi (2), Battle Creek, Port Huron, Flint, and Traverse City. Over 50,000 campers and potential RV buyers attend MARVAC shows each year.

The Tim DeWitt HARVEST Education Foundation is a nonprofit education foundation created by the Michigan Manufactured Housing, Recreation Vehicle, and Campground Association in 1991.

The Tim DeWitt HARVEST Education Foundation establishes educational programs and opportunities for students who wish to make a career in the RV and campground or manufactured housing industry. In some cases, scholarships will be awarded to students even though their career goals may not lead them back to these industries. In cases like these, awards will be made to outstanding scholars or students with compelling needs.

What types of scholarships are available?
The Foundation will make financial aid available to students accepted to enroll or currently enrolled at any accredited university, college, or vocational school. The amount of the awards may vary based on individual needs and qualifications.

Applications for the 2025/2026 academic year will be available in February 2025.

September 19, 1941 gave birth to The Michigan Trailer Coach Dealer Association, Inc. It was the first state or regional association on record with continuous activity.

F.W. McKenny was the first director and was instrumental in the passage of the Michigan Trailer Coach Park Act in 1939. This is believed to be the first state wide legislation in the country regulating trailer parks. It was designed to replace all municipal laws and ordinances affecting parks. Other states used this as a model for similar legislation. In addition, McKenny was active in representing the Trailer Coach Dealers National Association during World War II. He moved his office to Washington, D.C. and in doing so took the Michigan Association office with him. In 1946 the association office was returned to Michigan and located in East Lansing. The name was then changed to the Michigan Trailer Coach Association.

In 1948, the members concerned with the operation of trailer parks formed a separate group, the Michigan Trailer Park Operators Association, Inc. This organization continued to represent the interests of the park owners until it again combined with the Michigan Mobile Home Association in 1966.

To read more about the extensive history, click here!