New campground doing well in spite of economy

While RV companies have been hit hard by the recession, it seems that RVers are still getting out on the road and to the parks. And even a new park in northeast Indiana is having a good seasons, despite the faltering economy.

The Bluffton/Fort Wayne South KOA in Bluffton, Ind., about 25 miles south of Fort Wayne, opened to its customers this spring, and is having a pretty good year, so far, said owner Ann Marie Crismore, who owns and operates the park with her husband, Ryan.

The couple spent two years planning and constructing the park that will eventually have 124 sites, including five cabins, plus eight tent sites, when all is completed. Sites will be water and electric and full hookup, and the majority are pull-thru sites.

There’s also a fishing pond and in-ground pool and nearby is the Wabash Heritage Trail and Ouabache State park if hiking is something you enjoy. Little Turtle State Recreation is also nearby for fishing.

While the actual work has been ongoing for two years, emotionally the couple worked on the park for 10 years, Crismore said. So, there was no turning back this spring when things looked bleak.

However, guests to the park have come from near and far. “We’re getting RVers from all over, some who are staying near home to enjoy their RV and others who are traveling cross country,” she said.

Guests have come from Bluffton and all over Indiana, as well as Texas, California and Canada, Crismore said. “Last night, we had a tent camper come in from Montreal, Canada, and this morning we had a rig come in from California,” she said in late June.

For those who have not visited the Bluffton/Fort Wayne South KOA yet, pets are allowed for a small deposit, and an activity director on site is keeping kids busy. So far, they’ve had a scavenger hunt, charades and an ice cream social. More is planned for the summer, Crismore said.

“We’ve met a lot of wonderful people,” she added, saying she and her husband used to be RVers and now tell their friends to come to the park so they can sit at the fire with them.

Independence Day weekend is fast approaching; make your reservations now, if you haven’t already. Parks fill up quick for the long holiday weekends. Enjoy the sun, the fire pits and the weekend neighbors at the park you visit. Break out the hotdogs, its time to go camping!

Here are other new RV parks to enjoy around the country:

• The Bainbridge/Flint River KOA is just off of the Highway 84 and 27 Bypass in Bainbridge, Ga., and is open all year. Access to the Flint River and Lake Seminole is just across the street. The park offers RV and tent sites, as well as an 18-hole miniature golf and a community fire pit. There’s also Wi-Fi and a washer/dryer facility.
• Located in the Tucannon Valley, the Dayton/Pomeroy KOA is on the edge of the Wooten Wildlife area and Umatilla National Forest; this KOA has 70-foot pull-thru sites, as well as cabins and tent sites. It’s open from March 1-Nov. 30. Breakfast is served most weekends and ice cream socials and movies under the stars at the outdoor theater on weekends and holidays during the summer.
• The Salem KOA is just two miles south of Salem in the heart of the Willamette Valley, and only 100 yards from the Enchanted Forest Theme Park. Open from Feb. 15-Nov. 1, the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Hood are both within driving distance. RV sites and cabins are available. And there’s even a doggy play area. Wi-Fi is available and the swimming pool is open from May 15-Sept. 15.
• Shoreline RV Park, Eureka, Calif., is on the coast of California, 280 miles north of San Francisco is in the heart of northern California's coastal redwoods. Visitors can hike, bike and boat. The park offers 58 sites, a dog park, on-site security, Wi-Fi and is near a public boat launch, marina and beach.
• Deer Haven Campground is located in Lisbon, Conn., and has 78 sites, including 50 full hookup sites and five tent sites. Amenities in the park include hiking and biking trails, swimming in a pond, lake or the ocean, and planned recreation.