Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA) welcomed Charles Johnston to the KOA Family of Campgrounds following his acquisition of the Salome KOA Journey. Longtime outdoor enthusiasts and hospitality professionals, Johnston and his family bring creativity, craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for Arizona’s desert landscapes to their latest venture, introducing a refreshed experience for travelers along US Highway 60, KOA said in a release.
Nestled in Arizona’s McMullen Valley, northwest of Phoenix, the Salome KOA Journey is framed by endless blue skies and mountain ranges. Located between Wickenburg and Quartzsite, the campground offers unbeatable access to nearby desert public lands, KOA said. ATV riders can head directly from the campground onto more than 300 miles of scenic desert trails, winding through hills, washes and historic gold mines. A half-hour southwest, the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge offers even more opportunities for exploration, while nearby Quartzsite is a rockhound’s paradise known for its vibrant winter gem shows.
“Driving through this area one night, the stars were incredible, and the scenery with the mountains looked like something out of a cartoon,” said Johnston. “I love this valley. You’re close enough to Gilbert if you need to commute, and Vegas isn’t far. It’s a special place, and we’re proud to help people experience it.”
Campgrounds like the Salome KOA Journey have a significant economic and cultural impact on local communities. According to KOA’s annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report, campers injected $61 billion into local economies in 2024, with the average camper spending $200 daily while camping. Campers are looking to experience the culture of local regions, with 27% of campers saying they are interested in visiting small towns, and another 27% drawn to food tourism.
Conveniently located near the highways and byways of North America, KOA Journey campgrounds are the perfect stop after a long day on the road, KOA said. With long pull-thru RV sites for quick and easy setup, well-lit after-hours check-in and a robust line of RV supplies, KOA Journey campgrounds promise a hassle-free stay for travelers.
The Salome KOA Journey features a range of guest amenities designed for relaxation and connection. Campers can enjoy the heated pool and hot tub, a friendly game of pool in Diamond Jim’s game room or unwind in the clubhouse, which hosts reunions, dances and the occasional karaoke night. The property also includes a convenience store, laundry facilities and easy access to a neighboring sandwich deli and restaurant. Future plans include bringing back a full-service breakfast kitchen, hosting morning rides and meet-ups for ATV enthusiasts, and creating a vibrant community hub for locals and travelers alike.
For Johnston, joining the KOA system holds personal meaning. “As a kid, I remember traveling with my grandfather, who was a former Marine and a veteran of the Battle of Midway. We stayed at KOAs across the country, and they always felt different. They were cleaner, had more to do, and offered a true sense of community. That’s stuck with me all these years.”
The Salome KOA Journey is one of more than 500 open-to-the-public KOA campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada. Other brands in the KOA Family of Campgrounds include KOA Holidays, designed as the ideal base camp for the great outdoors, offering plenty of activities and amenities for every type of camper. KOA Resorts provide an abundance of staff-led activities, on-site dining, group meeting space and more.
Located at 64812 Harcuvar Drive in Salome, Arizona, the Salome KOA Journey is open all year.
For more information, visit the campground’s website, or call 1-800-562-7857. Reservations are also available by going online or using the KOA App.
