But such preconceived notions quickly fall apart when one visits Johnson Creek RV Resort in Ingram, TX . That explains why Johnson Creek RV Resort won the  “Small Park of the Year” Award from the Texas Association of Campgrounds last week for the second year in a row.

Johnson Creek RV Resort

In addition to offering 100-foot long pull through sites with free wireless Internet and cable television service, Johnson Creek offers a variety of elaborate facilities for weddings, rallies and other special events.

Built amid a former pecan orchard on a scenic bluff overlooking Johnson Creek, the 50-acre park has a house on site with formal dining rooms and kitchen facilities as well as an outdoor dining and reception area that is shaded by a massive oak tree.

While the parks serenity is a big draw it is perfectly situated just 10 minutes from Kerrville and only 30 minutes from Fredericksburg,

The park also has a Western-themed chapel that looks like it was built in the late 1800s, complete with wood floors and pews, which is frequently used for Sunday services as well as wedding ceremonies.

Johnson Creek RV Resort ChapelJohnson Creek RV Resort Chapel Interior

The park also has a Western-themed rally hall and saloon, which is used for weddings, rallies and other special events with large groups of people. The interior of the rally hall is lined with fake furnished storefronts, which make it appear if you have stepped back into the days of the Old West.

Johnson Creek RV Resort Rally Hall and Saloon

Park co-owner Lisa Cauthen says the Western-themed décor is very popular with her guests, particularly those who come from out of state and want to savor the look and feel of the Old West while visiting her Hill County resort.

Lisa Cauthen and her husband, Tom, started building Johnson Creek RV Resort in 2005. The Cauthens had previously spent more than 20 years running various businesses, including a scuba diving store, a health club and a mobile home park in Huntsville, Texas when Lisa started asking Tom about some of his fondest memories.

“He told me how much he loved camping with his uncle when he was growing up,” said Lisa, who had similarly fond memories of camping growing up with her own family.

But after visiting the Texas Hill Country, the Cauthens found the area too much to resist. So they sold their Huntsville businesses and built Johnson Creek RV Resort, which they opened in October 2005.

In addition to receiving the small Park of the Year award from the Texas Association of Campground Owners, Johnson Creek has also received two 5W ratings from the Woodall’s North American Campground Directory for having top quality RV and recreational facilities. The 5W rating, which Johnson Creek first received in 2006, is the highest rating given by the Woodall’s directory.

The Cauthens live and work at the RV resort with their daughter, Delanie, who helps with tours, works in the office, waitresses during catered dinners and helps out with game nights.

For more information on Johnson Creek RV Resort & Park, please contact Lisa Cauthen at (800) 933-6578 and visit www.johnsoncreekrvresort.com.

Johnson Creek RV Resort & Park is a member of the Texas Association of Campground Operators, which publishes and distributes the Texas RV Travel & Camping Guide each year in addition to organizing awards competitions for its affiliated parks using outside judges. For more information about the 2012 directory or for statistics involving the latest camping trends in Texas and New Mexico parks, please contact Brian Schaeffer at (817) 307-0129 or visit www.texascampgrounds.com and www.texascabinrentals.net.

Georgetown Motorhome

Component:

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,468

Summary:
 FOREST RIVER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 GEORGETOWN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES BUILT ON A FORD STRIPPED CHASSIS, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 15, 2010, THROUGH NOVEMBER 29, 2011. THE GEAR SHIFTER’S CABLE MAY BREAK AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL SELECTOR ARM ASSEMBLY MOUNTED ON THE STEERING COLUMN. IF THE CABLE BREAKS, THE TRANSMISSION GEAR INDICATOR IN THE GEAR DISPLAY IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL REMAIN IN THE FIRST GEAR POSITION REGARDLESS OF THE GEAR SELECTED.

Consequence:
 AN INCORRECT GEAR INDICATION IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INCREASES THE RISK THAT A VEHICLE IS LEFT IN GEAR, SUCH THAT THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL LEADING TO A CRASH OR INJURY TO A BYSTANDER.Remedy:
 FOREST RIVER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR ARM ASSEMBLY AND THE CABLE ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. FOREST RIVER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED A NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FOREST RIVER AT 1-574-295-8749.

Notes:
 CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

At least 11 Texas campgrounds and RV parks still had availability for the holiday weekend as of Friday.

“We sent out an email blast to over 350 of our affiliated campgrounds, RV parks and resorts in Texas and 11 responded right away to tell us they still had vacancies for Memorial Day weekend,” said Brian Schaeffer, executive director and CEO of the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO).

Most of the parks that still have campsites, cabins or cottages available can be booked through TexasCampgrounds.com orTexasCabinRentals.net. But the association is also providing phone numbers and individual websites for these parks as well. They include:

• Austin Lone Star RV Resort, a Carefree RV Resort in Austin, (512) 444-6322 or  www.carefreervresorts.com
• Bay RV Park in San Leon, (713) 298-7088 or  www.bayrvpark.com
• Chimney Park RV Resort in Mission, (956) 585-5061 or  www.chimneyparkresort.com
• Fig Tree RV Resort in Harlingen, (956) 423-6699 or  www.figtreervresort.com
• Hill Country RV Resort & Cottage Rentals in New Braunfels: (830) 625-1919 or www.hillcountryrvresortnb.com
• Mockingbird Hill RV Park in Burleson, (817) 295-3011 or  www.mockingbirdrvpark.com
• Sandy Lake RV Resort, a Carefree RV Resort in Carrollton, (972) 242-6808 or  www.carefreervresorts.com
• Tejas Valley RV Park in San Antonio, (210) 679-7715 or  www.tejasvalleyrvpark.com
• Travelers World RV Resort, a Carefree RV Resort in San Antonio, (210) 532-8310 or www.carefreervresorts.com
• Treetops RV Resort, a Carefree RV Resort in Arlington, (800) 747-0787 or  www.carefreervresorts.com
• Valley Gateway RV Park in Edinburg, (956) 381-1883 or  www.valleygatewayrvpark.com

However, there is nothing ‘rough’ about traveling in the all new, 2012 Newmar Dutch Star, luxury, class A, motorhome. Another bright star in the 2012 Newmar lineup, the Dutch Star is their premier mid-line coach that embodies luxury yet gives buyers choices about where to spend that ‘leftover’ cash. While it makes for good headlines, fuel price increases seem to make little difference for RV buyers.North Trail RV Center in Ft. Myers, FL is currently celebrating another record breaking season for RV sales along with award-winning service.

Lee and Joyce Madrazo, of Greenville, South Carolina

While the Mountain Aire is one step up from the Dutch Star in the Newmar product line and is now produced along side the high end Essex and King Aire, the Dutch Star holds its own with many of the same features, and gives luxury buyers a choice in the middle.

According to Dave Garl, Regional Account Manager for Newmar Corp., “With the 2012 Dutch Star, it’s the best thing on the market out there. There is a lot of coach for the money here.”

Featuring an upgraded, exterior paint job,Newmar’s patented Comfort Drive system, residential sized appliances, state of the art electronics, Corian and porcelain finishes, custom hardwood cabinetry, and even a walk in closet with laundry room, the Dutch Star won’t disappoint.

So, whether buyers choose to spend their hard saved money on fuel or moonrocks…with the 2012 Dutch Star, they won’t have to sacrifice luxury.

With coast to coast locations, North Trail RV Center is South Florida’s largest RV dealer and the world’s largest Newmar dealer and has been for the last 8 consecutive years.

For more information, please visit http://www.northtrailrv.com or call 1-888-819-9973.

“Redwood RV has been growing since Day One. In the past six months alone, we’ve had to increase production four times to meet demand,” notes Tom Montague, General Manager. “We understand what the Baby Boomer market wants, and our robust sales reflect that.”

The first four months of the company’s existence, not a single unit was produced as the Redwood team gathered market intelligence. The result of this extensive research phase is a company philosophy of residential quality which sets Redwood apart from competitors.

“The Redwood RV story is about paying attention to our market and creating a product based on what the consumer wants,” state Tom Montague, General Manager. “Our consumer demands residential luxuries in a recreational vehicle. Redwood exceeds their expectations.”

At the time of this release, market demand had pushed Redwood production to 6 units a day with special runs of the new Blackwood product.

Redwood RV Production Team and 1000th Redwood brand RV

“The Redwood RV brand was started with a dedicated handful of people. We’re proud to say that the team we started with is still creating quality Redwood products,” notes Don Emahiser, President. “Our team’s customer insights and dedication have been integral in making Redwood successful.”

Vintage Travel Trailer on Display at RV/MH Hall of Fame

The Boots Ingram family has put up a $100,000 challenge grant for the purpose of lowering the Hall’s bank loan so each contribution by friends of Hall is actually double the amount contributed-a $100 gift, in effect, becomes a $200 gift.

Darryl Searer, president of the RV/MH Heritage Foundation, said, “The Ingrams continue to show their support for the Hall, and their generosity in making this challenge should inspire everyone concerned about the long-range health of our wonderful facility to pitch in and help.”

Gifts may be made by mail, in person at the Hall, by phone at 800-378-8694, or on the Hall web site: www.rvmhhalloffame.org. Since the foundation is 501c non-profit organization, all gifts are tax deductible.

Searer said, “Time is limited since the Ingram challenge ends in August so I encourage anyone who can to make their gift early. While we wouldn’t turn away a large donation, in reality, no gift is too small because we would like to see industry members as well as those who enjoy the RV lifestyle participate in this fund raiser. We all benefit from the Hall which not only honors industry leaders, but also preserves our heritage and legacy through the Museum and Library.

To make a contribution by mail, send your gift by check or money order to:

Challenge
RV/MH Hall of Fame
21565 Executive Parkway
Elkhart, IN 46514.

Jay Flight Bungalow Park Model Travel Trailer

Eddie Bauer Edition Airstream Travel Trailer

Chad Lekander of Mahtowa, Minn., said he was researching possible business opportunities in North Dakota when he remembered his uncle’s idea to put an RV indoors.

Now Lekander has formed B&H Construction Companies with partner Louie Bonneville to construct an RV park about five miles south of Watford City.

The park will consist of 10 buildings to accommodate 240 RVs and will be managed by NETA Property Management of Fargo.

The goal is to provide a safer, more comfortable housing option for oil boom workers who are forced to live in campers because of the housing shortage, said Bill Triebwasser, president NETA Property Management.

“It’s basically care-free RV living,” said Triebwasser, whose company manages 500 apartment units in North Dakota and Minnesota.

The first 48 units will be available July 1, with another 48 opening every month after that, Triebwasser said.

The developers had to work out some safety issues before the health department approved the plans.

The buildings will have drywall partitions inside to prevent fire from spreading. Each building will house 24 campers with each building separated into eight bays.

Each camper will have water and sewer hookups, and the building will have adequate ventilation, Triebwasser said.

The park also will have laundry facilities and a common gathering room.

“We’re trying to provide a healthy, safe environment,” Triebwasser said.

The developers haven’t finalized the rental price, but say it’s going to be less expensive than an apartment in western North Dakota and comparable to outdoor RV parks in the area. Tenants would have to sign 12-month leases.

“We’re not trying to gouge,” Triebwasser said. “We’re trying to offer something that’s obtainable and make people a little more at ease about the living situation.”

When the buildings are no longer needed to house RVs, they would be ideally suited to be storage units, Triebwasser said.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact ndindoorrvpark@gmail.com or call NETA Property Management at (701) 293-7909.

Denny Quigley and family - Owners of Kozy Rest Kampground

But as the campground celebrates its 40th anniversary from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 19th, Quigley and his family will not only be celebrating their park’s longevity, but its transformation into a family friendly park that has become one of the most popular camping venues in western Pennsylvania.

“We treat everyone like family,” Denny Quigley said. “That’s what brings people back.”
Indeed, at a time when growing numbers of American businesses have cut back on face-to-face customer service, Kozy Rest stands apart.

Every overnight guest at Kozy Rest is escorted to their campsite and briefed on the park’s amenities and services. Park staff also visit with their guests periodically during their stay to make sure they have everything they need.

“It’s that personal touch that makes a difference,” Quigley said, adding that amenities alone do not guarantee repeat business.

“You can have a gorgeous park, but if you don’t treat your guests like a friend, it doesn’t make a difference,” he said.

Combining personal, high-quality customer service with improved amenities and activities can make a difference, however. And the Quigley family has done just that.

The Quigleys started by improving the campground’s landscaping and adding a campground store, complete with propane and ice. They later added rental cabins and a mini-golf course.

Even after joining the Jellystone Park chain in January of last year, the Quigleys continued to add more features to their park, including an inflatable bouncer, a mining sluice and a dog park.

The Quigley family’s efforts have generated national recognition, including:

• The “Park of the Year” Award from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, the most prestigious award available in the private campground industry.
• An “A” rating from GuestRated.com, a Murrieta, Calif.-based company that tracks online consumer ratings of campgrounds across the country. This is the forth year in a row that Kozy Rest has received an all around “A” rating from GuestRated.com.
• Four awards from Milford, Ohio-based Leisure Systems Inc., the company that franchises Jellystone Parks across the country. Kozy Rest received Leisure Systems’ Pinnacle Club award for scoring above 95 percent on their annual facilities inspection, as well as awards for Rookie of the Year, Recreational Programming and Outstanding Customer Service.

These awards have helped raise the profile of Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest, while paving the way for increased business from growing numbers of families from Pennsylvania and across the Northeast.

Quigley said the public is invited to attend the park’s open house on May 19th. Sandwiches will be served and there will be special appearances by Yogi Bear, Boo Boo and Cindy Bear. Activities are also planned throughout the weekend for those who plan to stay overnight. For more information on Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest, please visit the park’s website at www.pittsburghjellystone.com.