Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA) congratulated Shay Gregorie, a seasoned KOA campground owner, on his acquisition of the Mitchell KOA Journey. Gregorie and his family are well-versed in the KOA family, also owning the award-winning Mount Pleasant/Charleston KOA Holiday in South Carolina. He brings his extensive experience to Mitchell KOA Journey, aiming to elevate the guest experience while strengthening connections with the local community, KOA said in a release.
Located just minutes from the iconic Corn Palace and the beauty of Lake Mitchell, the Mitchell KOA Journey has been a well-known stop for travelers exploring South Dakota. The campground is known for its welcoming atmosphere, convenient location near Interstate 90 and easy access to local attractions, making it a great stopover for families seeking adventure.
“Mitchell is a fantastic community with a lot of history and outdoor attractions that make it a great stop for campers,” said Gregorie, campground owner. “We see many opportunities to enhance the guest experience and contribute to the local economy by attracting more visitors to the area.”
Campgrounds have a significant economic and cultural impact on local communities. According to KOA’s annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report, the average camper spends $156 daily while camping. With 30% of campers saying they are interested in visiting small towns, and another 30% drawn to food tourism, campers are looking to experience the culture of local regions.
Conveniently located near the highways and byways of North America, KOA Journey campgrounds are the perfect stop after a long day on the road, the company 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 offer a hassle-free stay for travelers.
Guests at Mitchell KOA Journey can enjoy a range of on-site amenities, including a heated swimming pool, a dog park, a playground for children and a well-stocked camp store offering camping essentials and local souvenirs. The campground also features recreational facilities such as basketball courts, a community fire pit and walking trails.
Leading the day-to-day operations at Mitchell KOA Journey are General Managers Patricia and Brian Garvis, experienced hospitality professionals with a strong background in guest services, campground operations and customer experience innovation. Together, they aim to make the Mitchell KOA Journey a valued camping destination with enhanced amenities, upgraded technology and a guest-first approach to service. A key focus will be expanding pet-friendly offerings, including the addition of KOA Paw Pen Sites at select RV sites, ensuring a comfortable stay for travelers with furry companions.
The Mitchell 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 food dining, group meeting space, and more.
Located at 41255 South Dakota Highway 38, in Mitchell, South Dakota, the Mitchell KOA Journey is open from May 1 to Nov. 2.
For more information, visit the campground’s website, or call 605-996-1131. Reservations are also available by going online or using the KOA App.
