Forbes Q&A With Rogers Marks KOA’s 50th Year

Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from a Forbes Magazine Q&A with KOA Chairman and CEO Jim Rogers. To view the entire article click here.

Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA) has been hosting campers since 1962, and in the five decades since, they think they’ve figured out what Americans are looking for in an outdoors experience. KOA is the world’s largest system of privately held campgrounds with 488 locations across the U.S. and Canada, with over 15 million camper visits per year.

FORBES: How did you get started with Kampgrounds of America?

ROGERS: I spent 26 years in the casino hotel business. I was with Harrah’s forever. I was the finance guy, I was the marketing guy and I ran Harrah’s Reno for nine years. My first job out of college was KOA and I was gone about 30 years and they called me 12 years ago and asked me to come back. Part of this whole process is to try to bring some of the sophistication of the casino business; The casino business is so cutting-edge and the camping industry is so “back of the woods,” so it’s really been a fun assignment to come back into KOA. It’s a great brand with a great reputation; a great business and to pull a few of the things I learned in the casino hotel business with Harrah’s to see if we could make a difference.

FORBES: Is there one nugget that you pulled out of Harrah’s that you’re applying at KOA?

ROGERS: We learned, and it seems so obvious, we learned the customer was what we called the “recognition driven gambler.” The same is true in most hospitality experiences. We really segmented the population in our casino and we found that our best customers or gamblers were those that we could recognize that we could know what their preferences were.

I think we were trying to bring that into camping as well especially on a system that has 500 locations. You are checking in with a 26-foot Winnebago with a Labrador and two kids and you are moving on to another location tomorrow night it would be nice if you could pull into that next location and we would know who you are and what your interests are.

Wisconsin Campground Plans Stir Local Debate

City plans for a campground in picturesque Bradley Park in Tomahawk, Wis., have some residents in uproar, and some on the defensive.

Talk of a campground in part of Bradley Park began in the last few years. Today, it has some residents of Tomahawk divided, WJFW-TV, Rhinelander, reported.

“It’s come to our attention that this parks committee is proposing a seven-acre, KOA-style campground,” says Bill Paulson, from Tomahawk.

“None of that’s been passed, approved. It’s just an idea,” says Don Nelson, chairman of the Tomahawk Parks and Recreation Department.

The idea upsets those who think the park’s majestic white and red pine trees are too valuable to the park to part with.

“When you start destroying part of the park, these campers are going to start scavenging firewood, cutting trees down; there’s going to be garbage,” says Paulson.

Nelson says they don’t intend to make it a clear cut campground and would minimize tree removal. He also says they won’t force the idea on the city.

“We’re not going to move ahead on something the majority of the townspeople don’t want,” says Nelson.

There’s also differing opinion, as to what exactly the city wants.

“The people of this city tell me one thing, and only one thing: leave this park alone,” says Ray Zindrick, from Tomahawk.

“We had lots of interest in creating a campground in Bradley Park,” says Nelson.

But there is one thing they agree on.

“It’s a cathedral, it’s a chapel, it’s an experience that’s humbling because you know you’re walking through something…. this is what Tomahawk used to be like,” says Zindrick.

“Yeah, this is a crown jewel for Tomahawk. How many communities would die to have a park like this?” sasy Nelson.

It’s clear everyone involved, regardless of how they feel about a campground, is passionate about the park. They just have different aspects of it they’re committed to.

KOA’s Free Camping Weekend Runs May 11-12

Campers from throughout North America are making their reservations for Kampgrounds of America’s 9th Annual “Come Kamp & Care With Us Weekend” event on May 11-12.

According to a press release, campers who stay as paying guests on May 11 will receive a free night of camping on Saturday at any of the 400-plus participating KOA campgrounds throughout the North American KOA system.

The event, which attracted more than 25,000 camping families in 2011, also serves as a fundraiser to support KOA Care Camps for children with cancer. KOA Care Camps is a network of 44 specialized summer campers throughout North America that provide a safe summer camping experience for children undergoing or recovering treatment for cancer.

“Come Kamp & Care With Us Weekend has become a mainstay in our efforts to support this very worthy charity,” said KOA CEO Jim Rogers. “It is so great that we have found a wonderful way to invite out campers to begin enjoying their summer camping season and also allow them to help us support camps for children with cancer.”

Last year, more than $500,000 was raised through camper donations by the KOA Care Camps Trust and distributed to the various KOA Care Camps. The funds are used to provide the summer camps to children with cancer at absolutely no charge to their families.

Participating KOAs are already planning fun events to make the weekend of May 11-12 special. For a complete list of participating KOAs, go to http://koa.com/come-camp-with-us/

 

Calif. County to Levy 10% Tax on Campgrounds

The Tuolumne County Supervisors in Sonora, Calif., will take up a proposal on Feb. 7 to expand the county’s 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) that is currently placed on hotels to include campgrounds, houseboats and RV parks.

“This would not be an increase in the rate that the voters approved in 2010, but the expansion of the application of the TOT,” said Criag Pedro, county administrator. “The primary folks that would pay this are those that visit our community, and this is a great way that they can help offset some of the costs that we incur providing services to the visitors.”

The county estimates that the expanded TOT would bring in around $350,000 annually, mymotherlode.com reported.

The TOT was first approved in 1983. It was increased by voters in 2010 from 8% to 10%.

The new revenue could keep both Railtown 1897 State Historic Park and the Mother Lode Fairgrounds open. Railtown is one of 70 state parks set for closure on July 1st. The state is also cutting off subsidies to county fairs.

Railtown currently needs around $200,000 a year to maintain modified year round operation, and the Fairgrounds require an additional $125,000 a year.

The state would continue to operate Railtown as part of the plan, and the county would look to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding regarding various matters.

 

Woodall’s ’12 Campground Directory Released

Woodall’s Publications has released its 2012 Woodall’s North American Campground Directory. According to a press release, the 2012 directory contains information for more than 8,000 privately owned and 6,000 public parks across North America.

The directory features 310,003 changes and updates from the 2011 edition, including over 14,000 detailed listings of campgrounds, RV dealers and service centers and attractions, GPS coordinates, physical addresses and detailed campground information. It also features full-color state and provincial maps, at-a-glance charts showing parks that welcome big rigs, have internet access (including Wi-Fi), welcome pets, and parks and campgrounds that are considered “green-friendly,” based upon the criteria of the National Association of Campgrounds and RV Parks (ARVC) in conjunction with “Leave No Trace.”

Included in the 2012 edition is exclusive new editorial on “One Tank Trips,” which guides readers to amazing trips using only a tank of gas. Also new is the use of QR codes allowing RVers and campers to connect with the campgrounds, RV parks and resorts found in the directory. Located throughout the directory, these QR codes can be scanned by smart phones and will connect users to exclusive content.

Woodall’s also redesigned its Travel Section for 2012, and filled it with tons of tips and recommendations about each local cities and attractions within each specific state. Another added benefit to the directory are Camping World coupons, placed within its pages, which are good at any Camping World SuperCenter nationwide, providing savings to Woodall’s readers.

In conjunction with the release of the new 2012 directory, Woodall’s Publications is also releasing its list of top-rated privately owned RV parks and campgrounds in North America through its 5W/5W rating system. Of the 8,000 privately-owned parks listed in its 2012 North American Campground Directory, 363 parks earned the highest and most coveted designation in the Woodall’s rating system.

“Privately owned campgrounds and RV parks covet the 5W Woodall’s rating, valuing it as the industry’s long running standard and most respected rating system,” said Ann Emerson, vice president and publisher. “We are very proud of the 363 campgrounds that have achieved a 5W rating for 2012.”

Big Rigs Best Bets Campground Guide Available

Co-authors Ken and Ellie Hamill have released their 2012 Big Rigs Best Bets Campground Directory as well as the online version that offers the same content as the 482-page spiral bound book.

According to a press release, this user-friendly guide has over 1200 detailed park listings, 548 acceptable fuel stops and 252 restaurant tips, all of which have been personally visited by the Hamills.

“There is a constellation of RV parks out there and the jackpot question for the vast majority of RVers we serve is ‘Where am I going to park my rig and will I feel comfortable there?’ Our customer base is the 40-and-over crowd who seem to appreciate a reliable source that points them in the right direction and this is indicative of our continued success,” said Ken Hamill.

He added, “Our online version continues to gain acceptance in the market-place because it allows the RVers to link directly to the park websites along with the PilotflyingJ.com and GasBuddy.com links in the fuel stop section. In addition, we will be sending out more frequent e-mail updates to keep our online members current throughout the course of the year.

For more information visit www.big-rigs-rv.com or call 830-792-9170.

 

Upscale Park Models, Cottages Attract Campers

Frederic Lepitre and wife Chantal Theriault rented a condo when taking their first family vacation in Florida several years ago.

According to a report from the Fort Myers News-Press, it was comfortable, but not the ideal environment for the couple’s four active offspring, he said.

This week, the family from Quebec is ensconced in a 12-foot-by-33-foot park model trailer at the Naples/Marco KOA. It rents for $145 a night this time of year, and boasts a flat-screen TV, full kitchen, bunk beds — and separate master bedroom.

“Nobody wants to do primitive anymore,” said Ted Mangels, manager of the KOA off State Road 951, east of Marco Island.

The campground setting, with its swimming pool, shuffleboard and bicycle rentals makes it easier for Lepitre’s children, ages 13 to 17, to play outside.

“We don’t want to pull an RV here all the way from Canada,” Lepitre said. “That’s a 27- to 28-hour drive. And, it’s really good to have a cabin with a full bathroom.”

Like Lepitre and family, more people are spending weekends holidays and vacations in campgrounds. And, because not all guests own RVs or care to rough it in a tent, many commercial campgrounds are responding by purchasing and installing cabins and cottages with all the comforts of home.

More than one-third of the nation’s privately owned campgrounds offer upscale rental accommodations, according to Bill Garpow, executive director of the Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association (RPTIA).

The trend includes independently owned campgrounds and some of the biggest chains in the country, including the Billings, Mont.-based Kampgrounds of America.

In south Lee County, the San Carlos RV Park stretching along Hurricane Bay has eight one- to three-bedroom manufactured homes available for rent. It used to have 19, “but we traded them out for big-rig sites,” said Carolyn Morrissette, who owns the park with her brother, Dave Kline. Those big rigs mainly are 40- to 45-foot-long motor homes that campers bring in for their stays.

For campgrounds in Florida, park model cabins are a win-win, according to Garpow: First, they attract snowbirds and vacationers during camping’s high season from December through mid-April.

And, when the weather gets hotter and more rainy, these cabins “extend the camping season into the summer, when Florida families go on weekend getaways,” said Garpow, a former Tampa resident who now lives in Georgia.

A growing number of seasonal Florida residents also are buying park model trailers to install on property they rent or purchase from an RV resort or campground.

Retail prices range from about $25,000 to $60,000, with an average in the mid-$40,000s, Garpow said.

A recreational park trailer with wheels is considered an RV if its area is less than 400 square feet. However, in Florida, bigger models are permissible in campgrounds if they are built to current hurricane wind codes, said Joe Follman, Ocala-based sales manager for Chariot Eagle Inc., a maker of park model homes.

Said Follman: “We’re seeing growth all over the state.”

 

Meadville KOA Receives 2011 President’s Award

Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA) has awarded the Meadville KOA Campground in Pennsylvania with the 2011 President’s Award, according to a press release. The award was presented Nov. 8 at KOA’s annual convention in Las Vegas.

The KOA President’s Award is awarded annually to campgrounds that receive high scores in customer service from their campers and also receive top scores in KOA’s annual quality review. KOA surveys hundreds of thousands of campers each year regarding their KOA camping experience.

“Our campers play a key role in helping us select the very best KOA campgrounds to receive these awards,” said KOA President Pat Hittmeier. “This year, as we celebrate KOA’s 50th birthday, these awards take on a special meaning. To be one of the very best in a longstanding, iconic company like KOA really is a unique honor that this special KOA campground can share with its campers.”

KOA was founded in 1962 on the banks of the Yellowstone River in Billings, Mont. To find out more about the Meadville KOA Campground, or any of the other 472 KOAs in the U.S. or Canada, visit www.koa.com.

 

 

campsmart.com Unites RV, Camping Industries

Website campsmart.com, co-founded by RV industry veterans Mark Lucas and Mark Smith along with outdoor enthusiast Brad Yoder, is “taking unprecedented steps to unite the entire camping and RVing industry in one location,” according to a press release.

The website went “live” during the first week of November. The company attended Leisure Systems Inc.’s Jellystone Parks Symposium last week, and exhibited at the National RV Trade Show and RVIA and ARVC Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo.

“We’ve been building the foundation of the site by inviting dealers, campgrounds, manufacturers, suppliers and associations to create a profile page and represent their brand to the world,” said Lucas, president of campsmart.com. “The site is free to join, free to use and free to enjoy, so that eliminates almost every reason not to participate. The basic premise is to incorporate the best parts of social networking, on both a wholesale and retail level, cater to those with a passion for camping, and give everyone an equal opportunity to showcase their brand.”

In the first quarter of 2012, the site will launch the first, all-inclusive, non-brand specific reservation system for campgrounds. The system will communicate real-time with major providers of campground management software. Lucas indicated they were expecting to close deals with at least two major providers during the ARVC show, and look to move forward with at least one more company yet this year.

For more information, or to create a personal profile or business page, visit www.campsmart.com or email info@campsmart.com.

 

44 Campgrounds Earn ‘A’ Grades in ARVC Poll

Forty-four campgrounds, RV parks and resorts earned all around “A” grades in the fourth annual consumer satisfaction survey of campgrounds, RV parks and resorts, according to a news release.

The top parks were announced Dec. 2 during the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds’ (ARVC) annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo, which took place at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort & Spa and Savannah International Trade and Convention Center.

More than 30,000 camping and RV enthusiasts participated in the online survey, which evaluated guest experiences at campgrounds, RV parks and resorts that are affiliated with ARVC.

“Consistently earning an overall ‘A’ grade from guests is difficult, and our 44 winners this year represent less than 2% of all of the nation’s campgrounds. But what is even more impressive is that 12 of this year’s winners have also received this award four years in a row,” said Bob MacKinnon, president and CEO of GuestRated.com, the Murrieta, Calif.-based company that conducted the online survey.

“Consumers should take the time to check out the ratings that are posted for each campground on www.GoCampingAmerica.com because that’s the quickest way to tell which parks are best meeting – and exceeding – guest expectations,” said Paul Bambei, ARVC president and CEO.

The 44 parks earning “A” grade this year include:

• Acres of Wildlife Campground in Steep Falls, Maine, a three-time winner.

• Anaheim Resort RV Park, Anaheim, Calif., a first-time winner.

• Ashland Resort, Northfork, W.Va., a two-time winner.

• At Rivers Edge RV Resort, Brookings, Ore., a first-time winner.

• Brookdale Family Campground, Meadville, Pa., a first-time winner.

• Buffalo Lake Camping Resort, Montello, Wis., a two-time winner.

• Buttonwood Campground, Mexico, Pa., a four-time winner.

• Camp A Way, Lincoln, Neb., a first-time winner.

• Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park, Nathrop, Colo., a three-time winner.

• Cherry Hill Park, College Park, Md., a three-time winner.

• Cross Creek Camping Resort, Delaware, Ohio, a first-time winner.

• D & W Lake Camping and RV Park, Champaign, Ill., a two-time winner.

• Dogwood Acres Campground, Newville, Pa., a four-time winner.

• Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort, Panama City, Fla., a first-time winner.

• Gettysburg Campground, Gettysburg, Pa., a three-time winner.

• Gold Country Campground Resort, Pine Grove, Calif., a first-time winner.

• Hidden Valley RV Park, Von Ormy, Texas, a first-time winner.

• High Plains Camping, Oakley, Kan., a four-time winner.

• Kalyumet Camping & Cabins, Lucinda, Pa., a first-time winner.

• Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort, Waymart, Pa., a three-time winner.

• Kozy Rest Kampground, Harrisville, Pa., a four-time winner.

• Lake George RV Park, Lake George, N.Y., a four-time winner.

• Las Vegas RV Resort, Las Vegas, Nev., a two-time winner.

• Magnolia RV Park & Campground, Kinards, S.C., a two-time winner.

• Meadowcliff Lodge & RV Resort, Coleville, Calif., a three-time winner.

• Mill Creek Ranch RV & Cottage Resort, Canton, Texas, a four-time winner.

• Misty River Cabins & RV Resort, Walland, Tenn., a four-time winner.

• Moose River Campground, Saint Johnsbury, Vt., a first-time winner.

• Mountain Vista Campground, East Stroudsburg, Pa., a three-time winner.

• Myrtle Beach Travel Park, Myrtle Beach, S.C., a first-time winner.

• Ocean Lakes Family Campground, Myrtle Beach, S.C., a four-time winner.

• Pecan Park Campground, San Marcos, Texas, a first-time winner.

• Pioneer Campground, Laporte, Pa., a four-time winner.

• Pismo Coast Village RV Resort, Pismo Beach, Calif., a two-time winner.

• Pontchartrain Landing, New Orleans, La., a three-time winner.

• Red Apple Campground, Kennebunkport, Maine, a three-time winner.

• Rose Point Park, New Castle, Pa., a first-time winner.

• South Haven Family Campground, South Haven, Mich., a four-time “A” grade winner.

• Sunny Brook RV Resort, South Haven, Mich., a four-time winner.

• The Springs at Borrego RV Resort and Golf Course, Borrego Springs, Calif., a two-time winner.

• The Vineyards Campground & Cabins, Grapevine, Texas, a four-time winner.

• West Canada Creek Campsites, Poland, N.Y., a three-time winner.

• Willow Tree Resort, Longs, S.C., a three-time winner.

• Yellowstone Holiday Campground, West Yellowstone, Mont., a first-time winner.

The GuestRated.com national online survey program was launched in 2008 in collaboration with ARVC.

Consumers are invited to submit their own reviews of private campgrounds and RV resorts they have recently visited by logging on to www.GoCampingAmerica.com and clicking on the “Review a Park” tab. Survey results will eventually be posted on the GoCampingAmerica website.

For more information about the online survey program, please contact Bob MacKinnon of www.GuestRated.com at (877) 707-7080 or Paul Bambei of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds at (303) 681-0401.

 

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