New KOA Owner Lengthens Season, Keeps Campers Happy:

Since he took over ownership of the Sioux City North KOA Kampground on Halloween last year, he has made sure his campers are enjoying the rental bikes, bison feeds on Friday nights and that the kids don't miss out on the soft serve ice cream.

"That's where it's all at, is with the kids," Queen commented as he waves to one of the young campers whizzing by on a bike.

Queen commutes to South Dakota once a week and stays for a few days at a time. Armed with a dependable staff that understands the value of teamwork, Queen says he couldn't do it without them.

The Camping Lifestyle
"It's a lifestyle. It's not so much a job or anything like that," Queen commented. After all, his management team, Jim and Janet Connelly live onsite in their RV.

"It's family, fun and flexible around here. There is a family atmosphere that develops here," Queen commented about the staff and the campers.

The KOA Kampground in North Sioux City draws a variety of campers. From full time RV dwellers, to locals enjoying the outdoors and travelers spanning the Midwest, Queen meets a variety of people on the grounds.

"In general the people that we see, besides the people that are local, we see the travelers. They're headed for the Black Hills. They pretty much have it mapped out," Queen explained.

The increasing fuels costs don't seem to have hindered the camp business according to Queen. "People are still camping as much as they were. Everything is saying that people are out there traveling as much, just not as far."

Queen Keeps Busy
Queen is also the owner of Camp A Way, a campground in Lincoln, NE. For Queen, campgrounds have become a family business. His son Chris runs the camp in Lincoln, while he and his wife, Jolene, take turns going between the KOA Kampground in North Sioux City and Camp A Way in Lincoln.

"During the summer you're always under the gun," Queen explained of the busy season. "Life is all about challenges. You have to extend yourself. If you stay where you're at, you're not going to go any further."

During the Friday night bison feeds, have a seat with Queen you may even learn a little more about how much the camp owner really does extend himself.

"Actually I've got another business," Queen explained. "A friend of mine actually raises bison. So we market bison. We sell Niobrara Valley Gold Bison."

Camp Has a lot to Offer
Since Queen took over ownership of the campground, he has extended the camping season to start earlier, and last later into the year. The facilities current season is April 1 to November 15.

He has also added a heater to the swimming pool so campers can enjoy it even when a summer breeze cools the air.

"You know, you're in South Dakota. You should have a heated pool," Queen commented of the ever changing Midwest weather.

The local camp offers its guests a variety of activities including miniature golf, bike rentals, swimming, movie nights, basketball, walking paths, sand volleyball and the chance to make new friends.

"You've got the camaraderie that takes place between the campers that you're not going to find at a hotel," Queen explained of the friendly atmosphere. "When was the last time you walked out of your hotel room and had a conversation with the guy next door? Never. There's no sense of community that takes place in a hotel setting."

Potential campers can book their visit by calling the campgrounds locally or booking their stay online at www siouxcitykoa.com. Additional savings is available by signing up for the KOA Value Card Rewards. Campers get a discount on their stay and earn points to later be redeemed for certificates that can be used at the campground.

***This article was originally published in the North Sioux City / Dakota Dunes Times.***