15 More Campgrounds Flying KOA Flag For First Time This Spring

15 More Campgrounds Flying KOA Flag For First Time This Spring

For More Information, Contact:
Mike Gast
Vice President of Communications
Kampgrounds of America, Inc.
406-254-7409
mgast@koa.net

BILLINGS, MONTANA (March 6, 2009) - There will be 15 new campgrounds flying the KOA flag when campers begin enjoying Kampgrounds of America's more than 450 locations this spring.

The new parks stretch from California to North Carolina, and cover the gamut from convenient full-service overnight facilities to expansive campgrounds that are true destinations.

Becoming a KOA Was a Two-Decade Dream

Steve Albrecht has had his eye on Kampgrounds of America for the past 20 years. He was looking for a KOA Kampground to purchase two decades ago, when he found a non-KOA, jewel-of-a-park in the hills of Staunton, in western Virginia. There was an existing KOA Kampground just down the road, so he put his KOA dream aside as he and wife Linda worked to make Walnut Hills a top-notch Virginia destination.

Last year, that existing KOA left the Kampgrounds of America system, and Steve saw his chance.

"I'd been watching KOA for what seemed like forever," Albrecht said. "I was really disappointed that I couldn't make my park a KOA the first time around. When I found out that a franchise was available, I jumped on it."

The Albrechts have been deeply involved in the camping industry for decades. He's a former president of the Virginia Campground Owners Association, and currently serves on the board of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC).

As he wrapped up more than a week of intensive training at Kampgrounds of America University in Billings, Montana, Albrecht reflected on his decision to make his campground a KOA.

"I have never seen - on any level - the outpouring of support that I've seen from KOA," Albrecht said. "I decided to talk to KOA during last year's ARVC Convention, and after that, it was an easy decision to make."

The Albrecht's Staunton/Walnut Hills, Virginia KOA is located on an old southern plantation in the Shenandoah Valley. It's so "full service" that it actually has an on-site Massage Therapy and Wellness Center staffed with a registered nurse and licensed massage therapist.

Other campgrounds displaying the KOA yellow sign for the first time this spring are:

Acton/Los Angeles North, California KOA: This Soledad Canyon campground is surrounded by mountains and yet is just 10 minutes from Santa Clarita and no more than an hour from Universal Studios, Hollywood and the beach.

Statesville East/Winston-Salem, North Carolina KOA: Set on 30 acres of rural countryside, you're still close to Lowes Motor Speedway, Carowinds Amusement Park and Lake Norman. The kids will enjoy the Olympic-size swimming pool and jumping pillow.

Eagle River/Chain O'Lakes, Wisconsin KOA: As the name implies, you're in the middle of Wisconsin's Lake Country, with plenty of fishing and spectacular scenery.

Northampton/Springfield, Massachusetts KOA: This is a great base camp for a visit to the Springfield area, just 30 minutes from Six Flags and the Basketball Hall of Fame. You can even take a tour of the nearby Yankee Candle Company facility.

Madison/Shenandoah Hills, Virginia KOA: You'll be staying at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains at this new KOA. It's just a short drive to Shenandoah National Park, as well as several caverns. This campground also supplies campers with its own specialty bison meat.

Logan/Hocking Hills, Ohio KOA: You can mine for your own gemstones right at this KOA, which features its own 75-foot mining sluice. It's a great place to immerse yourself in the outdoors, with numerous trails, horseback riding, canoeing, rappelling and more just minutes from the campground.

Pasco/Tri-Cities, Washington KOA: Stay at the confluence of the Snake, Yakima and Columbia rivers. There are 10 local golf courses and history buffs can check out Sacajawea State Park and view the same sites as Lewis and Clark.

Camdenton/Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri KOA: You'll be at the top of Lake of the Ozarks, but still just minutes from downtown Camdenton. There's even a marina at the park, so bring your boat.

Manistique, Michigan KOA: On Lake Michigan's northern shore, this campground even has a remodeled 40-room inn with five Jacuzzi suites, a restaurant and indoor pool. The boardwalk is just two miles away, and it's a great place for lighthouse lovers.

Starbuck/Lyons Ferry Marina, Washington KOA: Here's another KOA stop on the Lewis and Clark Trail, but it was home to Native Americans for thousands of years before that. The campground and marina are located at historic Lyons Ferry Crossing. And don't miss the 200-foot waterfall on the Palouse River.

McCall/North Fork Payette River, Idaho KOA: This KOA is in a beautiful natural setting, and features a natural wood lodge that's perfect for rallies and family reunions. It's a great way to experience the true Idaho. You're likely to be sharing your site with the wandering deer.

Tulsa Northeast/Will Rogers Downs, Oklahoma KOA: Just 20 minutes from downtown Tulsa, this campground is about as handy as it gets for horse racing fans. It's just steps away from the popular "racino" at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs. There's Vegas-style electronic games and video poker, and the campground is a relaxing oasis, with 400 RV pads and a huge group meeting facility.

Durant/Choctaw, Oklahoma KOA: This brand new campground will be opening in the spring of 2009 and will eventually feature 150 extra-large, concrete, full-service pull through sites. There's a 100-seat meeting room with a full kitchen and plasma TV. The campground even has an hourly shuttle to the nearby Durant/Choctaw Casino.

Lava Hot Springs, Idaho KOA: This location is famous for it's nearby, world-acclaimed hot pools. There's the Portneuf River that flows right through the campground for fishing or floating, or take advantage of the Olympic complex, complete with diving platforms and water slides and even an indoor pool.

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