The Economic Sense Of A Campground In Lowell

It is my intention to put forth a strong economic case for putting a campground in Lowell when the KCYF (Kent County Youth Fair) moves to their new location.

The King building has restrooms and showers.


1. Minimal start-up investment will be required.
On our facebook page we have a photo album of many of the existing features on the property that would make it possible to "create" a campground with a minimal investment.

  • We have bathroom and shower facilities in the King building. 
  • We have graded roadways in and around the area. 
  • We have a building in which food can be prepared and served - which also has a restroom.
  • There is an existing boat launch on the Grand River.
  • There is an existing kayak launch and boat launch on the Flat River.
  • There is electricity running to many of the areas of the proposed campground.
  • Rustic campers camp on grass - we have that!
  • The horse barns could be easily converted to become sheltered campsites and offer the ability for people to camp with their horses.
  • There is a dump station available at the waste water treatment plant.
  • Our dog park is about 3 blocks from the campground.
  • Stoney Lake beach is 3 blocks away.
  • The skate park is 3 blocks away.
In order to offer camping to larger RVs it would be great to pour some concrete slabs and run electricity to them. This would not represent a huge expense and once they are poured and the wires run, there will be almost no upkeep.

Another piece that could be added would be the tree house camping options. They represent the most expensive option from an investment standpoint - but they could be added as the campground does business and grows.

2. LOWELL WOULD OFFER CAMPERS A LOT OF OPTIONS: It would be a campground on the confluence of two rivers with all the luxuries of home within two to five blocks - easy to reach walking, on a bike or the family car. Lowell has a wide variety of restaurants, we have beer, a butcher shop, three boutiques for ladies, and jewelry. We have a library, three antique stores, two places for furniture, a deluxe place for top shelf coffee and tasty treats to say nothing of the prettiest soft serve ice cream shop in Michigan.

My point is that there are not too many campgrounds that offer the opportunity to camp by a river and also have all the great things Lowell offers within a short hike, bike ride or car trip. Wake up in the morning and stroll a few blocks for a gourmet coffee and scone. Take a break from your activities with a micro-brew or two. Send the kids to the skate park or let them take the dogs to the park while you tuck in to a great lunch or dinner.

From my perspective at this point a campground represents a minimal investment since so much of the crucial infrastructure exists now. As far as a return on investment, I am confident that just about every Lowell business will feel a positive impact from campers just minutes from Main Street.

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