RAPID CITY, S.D. (Aug. 1, 2025) — Progressive Insurance® and American Park Network are teaming up to keep campers cool this summer with the launch of Thirst for Adventure — a new campaign designed to promote hydration, reward outdoor enthusiasts, and raise awareness about heat-related safety in parks nationwide.
Just in time for the height of camping season in South Dakota and across the Black Hills, the initiative kicks off August 1 and will continue through October. Campers at participating campgrounds will receive free lemonade-flavored electrolyte drink packets, specially formulated to help fight dehydration in hot, humid environments.
The campaign isn’t just about hydration — it also gives participants the chance to win big. Each packet includes a QR code and unique entry code, allowing campers to enter a daily drawing for free nights of camping. One lucky adventurer will win the grand prize: a full year of free camping.
“This program is all about celebrating the camping lifestyle, helping people stay hydrated in the summer heat, and making their outdoor experiences even more rewarding,” said Joel Saferstein, Chief Marketing Officer for American Park Network.
The campaign also serves as a timely reminder of the dangers posed by extreme heat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. saw nearly 120,000 heat-related emergency room visits during the 2023 warm season, with more than 2,300 deaths — the highest toll since 1979. Many of those incidents occurred on public lands and parks.
“As an insurance leader in the recreational space, protection and safety are very important to us,” said Eric Doubler, Progressive Recreational Lines Business Leader. “This partnership helps raise awareness while providing real, on-the-ground support for campers facing extreme summer temperatures.”
The Thirst for Adventure campaign also aligns with national sustainability efforts, encouraging campers to ditch single-use plastic bottles in favor of reusable options. Some state and national parks have already begun phasing out plastic bottle sales.
The campaign will be active at select RV events and participating campgrounds across the country, including many popular destinations in and around the Black Hills of South Dakota.
For more information and official rules, visit www.thirstforadventure.org or follow the campaign online using #ThirstForAdventure.
