The continuing saga of a North Carolina city government that’s trying to get Camping World to follow the law just got deeper. It looks like Marcus Lemonis has friends in high places: North Carolina lawmakers are now involved in a debate over whether a very large American flag can be flown on private property. A potential North Carolina state law to override local flag codes could free Lemonis and his money.
Greenville is ground zero for state law to override local flag codes
The issue started in Greenville, NC, where the city is suing RV dealer Camping World over the massive flag flying above its Evans Street location. The flag is nearly the size of a basketball court—about 3,200 square feet—and the city says it violates local code.
Greenville has been fining Camping World every day since January, and as of May 30, the dealership owes $21,700 in penalties.
State rules would change the game
Now, state leaders are trying to change the rules. During a committee meeting this week, lawmakers added new language to House Bill 926, also called the Regulatory Reform Act of 2025. The new section says that cities cannot stop property owners from flying U.S. or North Carolina flags, no matter the size of the flag or the height of the flagpole.
The proposed law would allow cities to take action only if there’s clear proof the flag or pole causes a health or safety risk. If the concern is about traffic, the Department of Transportation would decide whether action is needed.
Representative Allen Chesser, who represents Nash County, is leading the bill. None of the sponsors are from Pitt County, where Greenville is located.
The flag dispute began back in October, when Camping World first raised the flag. Greenville city officials have said they will keep fining the dealership as long as the flag stays up.
But if the new state law to override local flag codes bill passes, the state law would override city rules. That means all fines, lawsuits, and penalties related to the flag would be canceled.
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• Camping World CEO’s defiance leads to legal battle: Civil suit filed
• Camping World fines piling up for giant flag
• North Carolina panel slaps Lemonis over giant Camping World flag
• Council caves to Lemonis’ demands over Camping World flag display
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Money talks when it comes to supporting certain political parties.
Not going to be any different than allowing Private Enterprise access to Public Lands..
The only ones that are going too suffer is the General Public.
Who needs a 3200 sq. foot flag to advertise their business? Lemonis is probably paying out 10 times the fines amount to get the law changed.
This kind of political bribery will only stop when Lemonis runs out of money. So, stop buying stuff from Camping World.
Completely agree on the political bribery, across the board. I feel the same way about Walmart now that Christie Walton is paying for and supporting ANTIFA riots all across the country. Very strange that someone worth $19 billion is now, somehow, a fan of socialism. Untouchable.
Happy trails ✌️ 😎
Money can buy anything for one political party.
I don’t know if Mr. Camping World is trying to be patriotic or a smart A$$. But if he is trying to be patriotic I applaud him. Even though I would never buy a camper or a motorhome from Camping World. But again this is America not Mexico or another foreign country. I am upset with people who are waving the Mexican flag and are upset we are deporting the illegals. In America, like any other country, we have laws about immigration, and they are breaking the laws of our constitution!
Not a Fan of the “Boy” or his business reputation but I am a big Fan of our Flag and Freedom. I don’t see the problem with any Business flying a huge US Flag. Makes me feel good when I see his ,or any US Flag flying. My Family and I have spent our time “In Harms Way” for that Flag and what it represents. I feel extremely blessed and grateful my parents immigrated here (legally) and became Americans. His or any US Flag flying reminds me of that gratefulness.
I’m surprised the stockholders don’t try to stop Marcus Lemonis conduct and attitude with Camping World. Since he hurts Camping Worlds Attitude and reputation. Maybe we should all buy one share of Camping world stock and get a referendum to get rid of Marcus.
Thank you for the news, Russ and Tina! I guess even North Carolina has sleeze-ball politicians. Sad. Very sad. Have a great day and safe travels!