The Kuper family numbers four during the winter. But come mid-April each year, the KOA “family” begins to arrive at the campground and the summer fun soon begins.

KOA (Kampgrounds of America) is the world’s largest network of privately-held campgrounds with almost 500 locations across North America.

Kristie Kuper’s parents, the Epps, purchased the local park on Spruce River Road in 1981. She and husband Michael and their two boys, Andy and Kelly, spent summers there. Eventually they took over management and finally ownership in 1999.

Kristie says KOA owners are like farmers – “we live the campground.” From April 15 to mid-October they are on site 24/7.

“Our park is our passion,” she says. “We have a large KOA family. We have made lasting friendships with camping families as well as with many other KOA owners.”

KOA offers every camping option. Accommodations include full-hookup RV sites, tent sites, deluxe tent sites, pet-friendly camping cabins, deluxe cabins and deluxe patio sites.

“Our family works together long hours and the reward is the happy faces, laughter and excitement we see in the returning families,” Kuper says. “And the benefit is winters off!”

The work is often about providing fun for campers, including quality family time at two heated saltwater pools, a splash pad, shuffleboard courts and horseshoe pits.

The family also arranges fundraising events for KOA Care Camps for children with cancer.

With a staff of 15, the Kupers enjoy providing themed weekends. The two most popular involve familiar holidays at unusual times.

“Christmas” on the August Civic Holiday sees tents, trailers and cabins lit up and kids enjoying a hayride with Santa. “Halloween” on the Labour Day weekend finds more site decorating, trick-or-treating and “if you dare, a night walk through our Mr. Halloween display,” says Kristie.

There are plans for more amenities, such as a soccer field and beach volleyball.

For golfers there is the 18-hole Birch Hill mini-golf and 300-yard Gator driving range, both open to the public.

This is the Kupers’ 38th season.

“KOA Camping never ends,” says Kristie. While the campers enjoy “living the dream,” it just gets “better ‘n’ better.”