What recession? KOA reports best ever figures


Kampgrounds of America Sets Records during Fourth of July
Camping Leader Sees Best Camper Attendance in 48-year History

A record number of campers were hosted by Kampgrounds of America parks during the Fourth of July weekend.

The 475 campgrounds in the KOA system welcomed more than 20,500 camping families on Friday, July 2, making it the largest single registration day in the 48-year-old camping company’s history.

“Kampgrounds of America has been serving campers at our top-ranked campgrounds throughout North America since 1962,” said KOA’s CEO Jim Rogers. “After nearly five decades, we’re more popular than we’ve ever been.”

Last weekend’s registration record was 8 percent higher than that for Fourth of July weekend in 2009. Typically, the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend holidays are the highest check-in weekends of the year. With a record July Fourth Weekend in the books, the outlook for the rest of the summer looks bright. KOA’s advanced reservations for the 2010 summer season are already 11 percent ahead of the same time last year.

“We had a record summer in 2009, so it’s easy to see why we are very optimistic about not just this summer, but the camping and outdoor recreation sectors in general,” Rogers said. “More and more families are discovering that camping is a fun, affordable outdoor vacation option that they can enjoy close to home. With the largest campground network in North America, there is sure to be a KOA close to where our campers want to be.”

The July Fourth Weekend results were high despite depressed camper numbers along the Gulf Coast, due to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the recent Hurricane Alex.

Rogers said campers shouldn’t take camping’s popularity to mean that campgrounds are crowded.

“With more than 70,000 sites for recreational vehicles and tents, as well as all of the wonderful Kabin and new full-service Lodge accommodations we have available, we still have plenty of room, but advanced reservations are always recommended,” he said.

For more information on Kampgrounds of America, or to plan your next family camping trip, go to www.KOA.com.
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My family (wife and three kids, sometimes the dog) and I have been RV campers since 2007. We own a 2000 Trail-Lite B22 Bantam hybrid, our tow vehicle is a 2006 Trailblazer LT EXT (5.3 V8 with 3.73 Rear Axle Ratio), and our setup includes the Equalizer sway controller. Looking to upgrade the camper in the near future, but until then we get out 2-3 times a month in season.