Are Recreational Properties Still a Hedge Against Inflation in 2026?

With inflation still looming large over financial markets, many experienced investors are asking the same question in early 2026. Is it still possible to protect personal wealth while generating consistent returns? That is where alternative assets come into focus. One option growing in popularity is recreational property investment. These real assets offer both lifestyle alignment and steady cash flow, but do they still serve as reliable inflation hedges today?

We have been watching several economic signals shift over the past years. For long-term investors aiming to preserve value, real assets with practical use can still make a strong case. In the sections below, we will take a closer look at the inflation environment in 2026, review how recreational properties perform under pressure, and share a few core ideas to weigh before making a move.

Inflation in 2026: Current Climate and Investor Concerns

Inflation may have come down from its peaks earlier in the decade, but it has not disappeared. Supply chains have steadied and policy has tightened, yet core prices continue to put pressure on everyday purchases. For high-income investors, this erodes more than just spending power. It impacts the real value of both savings and the long-term performance of traditional equities and bonds.

This has pushed more focus toward tangible investments that tend to hold their value better. Investors are looking for assets that are tied to real use, not just market sentiment.

There are a few key reasons recreational properties remain important in these discussions:

• They are physical assets people pay to use year-round.

• They carry the ability to adjust pricing over time to keep up with inflation.

• They often operate in niche markets less connected to urban supply and demand cycles.

As portfolio stress builds around paper assets, investors continue returning to things they can see, improve, and quietly grow year after year.

Why Real Assets Hold Up: The Case for Cash-Flowing Property

Real assets like land, buildings, and operational resorts bring a degree of stability when markets get choppy. They are not immune to risk, but they serve a different role than stocks or even residential rentals. When a property generates reliable, recurring income from paying guests, cash flow becomes its own cushion.

That is especially true with income-producing outdoor properties. RV parks, hot springs resorts, and glamping sites have business models tied to daily or seasonal use. Their income does not depend on long-term leases or abstract valuations. These assets produce results based on function and experience. Our Real Freedom Fund invests in RV and glamping resorts near major national parks and other high-demand outdoor destinations, selected for their potential to generate consistent cash flow and capital appreciation.

Here are some points that strengthen their defensive profile:

• They often sit on owned land near natural demand drivers like national parks or wellness destinations.

• Versatile pricing models allow operators to adjust rates based on season or demand.

• Expenses can be managed more actively through systemized operations.

That combination gives investors a hard asset that reflects real economic conditions and adjusts as needed.

Recreation Meets Resilience: Performance Signals from Outdoor Hospitality

People do not stop traveling when inflation is up. They may shift how they travel or how often, but the draw of the outdoors has held strong. Demand for wellness, outdoor escapes, and remote work options has made outdoor hospitality more relevant than ever.

RV parks and resorts near nature preserves commonly remain booked even during economic slowdowns. Affordable getaways are still prioritized in most household budgets, and these properties attract a lifestyle-oriented guest who would rather drive a few hours for a meaningful experience than fly across the country.

Some features work in their favor:

• Locations connected to nature offer consistent draw from recreation, not only events.

• Amenities such as hot springs or wellness programming add value and improve retention.

• Flexible booking windows and diverse accommodation types reduce vacancy risks.

That operational flexibility allows these properties to adjust as consumer patterns shift. Within our portfolio, that focus translates into seven resorts with 335 RV pads, 32 lodging units, and 136 additional sites in development across major Western destinations.

What Long-Term Investors Must Watch For

Not all recreational assets are created equal. Some may offer strong short-term returns but face long-term exposure if fundamentals are weak. Investors focused on inflation protection need to treat these investments with care, strategy, and a long view.

To support real growth and predictable performance, it is important to watch for a few core factors:

• Location matters. Properties near national parks or high-traffic outdoor destinations perform more consistently.

• Operational systems are key. A property managed as a business, not a hobby, produces better cash flow and durability.

• Deal structure influences outcome. Long-term leases, scalable amenities, and onsite management all add stability.

Recreational real estate does not follow the same timeline as traditional commercial real estate. Because of its seasonality and consumer-driven nature, some quarters may outperform others. The key factor is the overall net performance over time.

Staying Grounded in Value: When Emotional Appeal Meets Strategic Planning

The appeal of a well-run outdoor resort is undeniable. Many people are drawn to the idea of investing in something that reflects their values or interests. The key is aligning that interest with operational logic.

For a property to perform for decades, it needs systems. Not just infrastructure, but management, guest experience planning, and financial tracking to make sure it remains a real business with consistent returns. That is where strategic planning becomes more important than aesthetics or trend-based appeal.

Often, less visible elements drive success, including:

• Asset planning that accounts for seasonal shifts in cash flow

• Tax strategies aligned with depreciation schedules and pass-through benefits

• Professional operations that create efficiency at scale

Recreational property investment is more than buying appealing land. It is about structuring a use-based asset for both short-term performance and long-term resiliency.

Built for the Long Haul: Why Recreational Assets Still Offer Real Protection

No investment sits outside of risk, but recreational properties continue to earn their place in many portfolios. They offer direct use, flexible pricing, and physical utility tied to basic human behaviors like travel and rest. This makes them more than just a financial instrument.

Their value is derived from the ability to produce income, adjust to changing conditions, and remain relevant if market conditions contract. When managed professionally, these properties can serve not only as an option for inflation protection but as a dependable path to passive income and wealth preservation.

For investors focused on lasting value, these options remain worth considering.

At Clear Summit Investments, we believe well-positioned real assets can provide stability and long-term value, even as economic conditions evolve. Accredited investors seeking reliable returns, tax benefits, and practical income opportunities will find that a thoughtfully managed recreational property investment combines direct demand with year-round utility in ways few asset classes can match. Let us discuss how these compelling opportunities could align with your capital allocation and long-term goals. Reach out to start the conversation.