Lodges and Teepees are being installed at Steckel Park campground

If you go the campground area, behind Steckel Park you’ll see something new.

It’s called the Ventura Ranch KOA and covers 70-acres above Santa Paula Creek.   KOA is now operating the facility and some major changes are underway.  They took over campground last Oct. from Far West Resorts and they’re going through major modifications and changes.  “We’re going from an RV park to a resort, which will have not only RVs and tenting but Teepees and lodges,” Kevin Donnelly, General Manager said.  “So you can come with your RV, your tent or your toothbrush.”    The first of the big lodges arrived this past weekend and more are on the way.  The Teepees will also soon be in place.

KOA stands for Kampgrounds of America and there are about 500 locations thruought the U.S.  A lot of people only look for KOA because they know the standards are high and the facilities are good.  They are also pet friendly and generally you’ll find swimming pools and other recreation activities. At Steckel Park they have things like arts and crafts, horseshoe tournaments and starting in a few weeks they’ll have a night program for children called “In search of big foot adventure walk.”

People search out KOA locations through their website KOA.com.  He said when you click on California Santa Paula is location number 36.  He noted that a lot of people who stay at the campground come from Santa Paula.  “They like the ambiance, the trees,” he added.  “We have people come from Ventura, Oxnard and son on.”  He said that when people come to a KOA facility they expect a certain level of quality.