Lake George RV Park in New York Celebrates 50 Years In 2016

When the late Vic King announced his idea for a travel trailer park with paved roads and full hookups at a Holiday Rambler rally in Hershey, Pa., in 1965, his idea was met with skepticism.

“People thought my father was a dreamer because it had never been done before,” said Dave King, Lake George RV Park’s President/CEO. “He had a Pontiac Bonneville station wagon that we’d take on family vacations with our Apache folding camper. After driving through campgrounds with dirt roads, the car would be covered in mud and dust. He valued the outdoor camping experience, he just enjoyed it more with a clean car.”

Vic King ignored the naysayers and with support from his wife, Jessica, broke ground on the “Lake George Travel Trailer Park” in 1966.

Fifty years later it continues to thrive, with each season seeing a greater demand for reservations – many are returning customers who book their stay well in advance of opening day on the first Friday in May.

The Lake George RV Park is an award-winning RV camping resort located in Lake George, N.Y., just north of Albany. The 120-plus acre resort offers 400 RV campsites and fully equipped vacation rentals in addition to 30 and 50 amp hookups, water, sanitary, cable TV, WiFi at each campsite, and an extensive list of on-site amenities.

Dave King said the key to Lake George RV Park’s success has been listening to guests’ suggestions and offering them something new each season.

“My father was known for making daily rounds in the park and guests looked forward to talking to him and sharing their stories. We continue that legacy today, listening to our guests and putting a premium on the camping experience,” he said, noting that location is another advantage. “The Lake George area is so unique and special – it’s at the core of everything we do.”

The park is known in the industry for its signature amenities, including on-site professional entertainment at French Mountain Playhouse, indoor heated pool, designated trolley service to area destinations, paved roadways throughout the park and a two-acre off-leash dog park, Charlie’s Bark Park, that opened in 2014. All amenities are included at no additional cost to the visitor.

Continuing in the tradition of adding something new each season, 2016 will see the conversion of three tennis courts to six pickleball courts. Pickleball is a cross between tennis and badminton that’s accessible and fun for all ages. “It allows for an 80-year-old to play against an 8-year-old,” King said.

Park guests will also notice 50th Anniversary banners, signage, and commemorative merchandise featuring the tagline “Remembering Vacations” – a nod to the park’s longtime visitors. “We’re now serving fifth and sixth generation families who made such outstanding memories here, they can’t help but want to pass that tradition on,” King said.

The Lake George RV Park continues to be family-owned and operated, with King and his sister Suzanne’s families involved in day-to-day management and stewardship of the resort. Meanwhile, their mother helps keep Vic King’s pioneering vision alive.

“She is a loving matriarch and continues to encourage us and support everything we do,” King said.

Those who have enjoyed the park for generations have nothing to worry about, King said he has no plans of ever selling the park.

“The trend in the industry is to go corporate. We are one of a declining number of family owned and operated resorts in the country and we will continue to be here through the years.”

RV camping and lodging reservations can be made either by phone, at 518-792-3775, or online at http://www.lakegeorgervpark.com.