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It’s no secret that this year, the rain and snowfall have made a massive impact on the state of California and the outdoor hospitality industry. Many of CalOHA’s member parks have struggled to recuperate from the flooding caused by the inclement weather, and Kings River RV Resort is among them. We spoke with Arthur and Carrie Garland, general managers of Kings River, for an insight into the flood that
changed their season.
On March 10th, Kings River Resort flooded fast and furiously with little warning. As soon as the flood waters broke, the back end of the park was under water within several minutes. Within hours, the waters had worked their way up and took over the entire park.
During the flooding crisis, the camaraderie, teamwork, encouragement, and selflessness of Kings River staff, extended stay guests, and camping guests was unbelievable. Together, they worked through the night getting people and rigs out safely as well as making sure families were placed elsewhere for housing.
The flood waters covered most of the 26-acre resort for nearly five months; far longer than anyone had hoped. However, Cal Fire, along with many inmates from California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation’s Conservation (Fire) Camp Program, worked tirelessly to build a muscle wall and fill/distribute thousands of sandbags. Their efforts, along with 15 pumps, allowed for the front of the resort to remain dry. Thanks to their help, the office, clubhouse, gym, and mailroom remained functional and allowed for several extended stay guests to safely remain onsite for the duration of the flood.
In 2022, owners John Grant and Travis Northcote decided to add several new amenities, including a swimming pool, two large spas, propane fire pits, a pickle ball court, basketball court, playground, and an outdoor movie screen. Thankfully, none of these were affected by the flooding, and the Kings River staff are excited to be able to get back to work and offer these experiences to their campers.
In many aspects, it has been a long, rough season for Kings River, but they have prevailed! While the flood hit them hard, it certainly did not destroy them. Kings River Resort is excited to announce that as of August 1st, the resort is now dry, clean up is underway, and the resort is partially reopened. They plan to fully reopen September 1st, 2023.
Thank you to Arthur and Carrie Garland for their extensive insight to the devastating flood and exciting reopening of Kings River Resort
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