Minnesotans never need to travel outside state lines for a breath of fresh northwoods air. And in Maple Grove, we’re one step closer to it—it’s in our backyard. The Minneapolis Northwest KOA Campground, owned by Dan and Joyce Hou, stretches across 20 acres in the northwest corner of Maple Grove. With its majestic maple and oak foliage, it is a green haven providing the community with the opportunity to unwind outdoors.
People connect over camping. It’s where memories are made and bonds strengthened. At his campground, Dan Hou has seen clients forge friendships, especially those who stay longer term. Hou believes it’s a great place for family bonding around a campfire, too.
The Hous have been the owners of the site since 1984. They are campers at heart. More than 32 years ago, while camping in California, the couple learned of the campground franchising company, Kampgrounds of America (KOA). Hou still remembers the line from the KOA directory that struck him: “If you would like to have an American dream and own a small business, call this number.” That dream spoke to the couple.
They emigrated from Taiwan to the United States in 1970. Prior to living in Minnesota, they lived in Illinois and continue to travel in the campground’s off-season. What lured the Hous to the Minnesota campground originally was the promise of fishing and friendship. They fondly remember visiting friends in the Twin Cities area who took them fishing.
Guests visit the campsite from all over the country, as well as from international destinations including Canada, Germany, England and Japan. Many are loyal, repeat customers, returning season after season. Campers will stay one night, a week, two weeks or even multiple months. “When gas prices are high, we get more local people,” Hou says of the many Maple Grove residents who drop in for a night away.
With 150 camping sites, the KOA campground is open from April 1 through October 15. Guests have the option of camping in their recreational vehicle or pitching a tent. There are 20 sites for tent camping, with an average cost of $30 per night and 130 RV sites, costing $35–$40 per night. Additionally, there are two camping cabins, which are approximately $50 per night.
Whether you prefer to sleep in your RV or stretch out on the ground in a sleeping bag, you’ll find the campground’s atmosphere relaxed and secure, and the staff friendly and accommodating. Dan and Joyce Hou take great pride in their clean facility and how it is run. The campground is bolstered with all the essentials: water, bathrooms, electricity and hot showers. Campers also have a personal fire ring and picnic table at each site. The facility has a pool, a playground, a mini-golf course, a basketball court and free Wi-Fi for guests.
The Hous also offer additional socializing opportunities, engaging campers with holiday hayrides, ice cream socials and a Christmas-in-July celebration, the day when campers are encouraged to decorate their camper in Christmas fashion. This celebration even attracts Santa Claus, who mingles with campers for the day.
There are many ways to have fun at the KOA campground, making it a popular destination in town. Spots fill up quickly, especially in the summer months, but Hou says there is always space for walk-ins. So, even if it’s for only a night—a last-minute staycation—the fresh air with a sky full of stars will linger long after returning home.
