Making the Dollar: Astoria/Warrenton/Seaside KOA

Published 5:00 pm Wednesday, August 10, 2005

An interview with Gwyn Wathen, general manager of Astoria/Warrenton/Seaside KOA, 100 Ridge Road, Hammond.

The Astoria/Warrenton/Seaside KOA Campground is open all year, 24 hours a day. More than just a place for travelers to camp at the coast, this campground attracts locals as well to its forty acres of family fun.

What would you like people to know about your business?

“We are under new management.”

Tell us about yourself.

“I am from Charles Town, West Virginia. I have been with KOA since 1997. My college background is in commercial recreation and tourism. I am on the board of directors for Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce, and I am on the Lower Columbia Tourism Committee and the Hammond Marina Task Force.”

What does KOA offer to attract campers?

“We strive to offer the ultimate family camping experience with special events weekends. We have over 300 campsites and accommodate all types of camping.”

Where do the majority of campers come from?

“A lot of campers come from the Portland area, and we also have many from the Seattle area. This is also a destination for full-time travelers from all over the country.”

What facilities do you have to attract local families?

“We have an indoor pool and hot tub, play areas, miniature golf course, basketball court, bicycle rentals, a snack shack and kitchen where we serve an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. We have a group club house and game room and a covered stage where we feature live entertainment. All of this is open to the public. And we are only one mile from the beach.”

Tell us about your special events.

“We feature a different special event nearly every weekend, such as Hawaiian Luau Weekend, Kids Extravaganza, Cinco De Mayo party, a Father’s Day Classic Car and Truck Show, and this year we had a Goonies Weekend. One of our biggest events is coming Sept. 15, 16 and 17 when we host Blues by the Sea. Another favorite is Come Camp with Us Day in May. All campers stay a night for free.”

What can you tell us about your volume?

“Our busy season runs from Memorial Day to the end of September when we are full nearly every weekend.

What is the biggest challenge in operating a campground of this size?

“Hiring good staff and keeping up with the general maintenance.”

How many people are employed at this KOA?

“We have 45 to 50 people working here in the summer months, but only 5 in the winter.”

– Bob Duke