Courtesy Up North Publications

Jeff and Gail Snyder's passion for the outdoors attracted them to Kalkaska County, and their interest in camping brought them to purchase Kalkaska RV Park and Campground, 580 M-72 SE in November.
The southeast Michigan natives decided last year to pack up their belongings -- and their Siberian Husky -- and head north to explore a career in the camping industry.
"We are attracted to this area because of its recreational opportunities," Gail Snyder said. " I just think people don't realize that Kalkaska has a lot to offer."
This is a second career for both Jeff and Gail. Jeff, an engineer, and Gail, a college educator, researched the camping industry for a couple years and then visited campgrounds in Michigan and Ohio.
"We both like recreation, we both wanted to be self employed and we like the opportunities that we saw in the lodging and campground industry," Gail said.
When this one came up for sale and we came here, we fell in love with it and the community and decided to give it our best shot at a second career."
The couple is trying some new approaches with their recently purchased campground. They're marketing it to winter campers and to recreational enthusiasts exploring this part of the state. The Snyders hope their efforts yield an expanded and loyal customer base.
"It's been great," Gail said. "It's really exceeded our expectations with the business we've done in January and up to this date so far."
They also hope to increase the number of cabins and camp sites on the premises. There are currently 88 scenic campsites offering several amenities.
The grounds also host 20 acres of walking, hiking and biking trails and provide guests with a camp store, heated pool, a camper's lounge, pavilion, laundry and playground facilities.
Rates range from $21 for rustic daily camping to $290 weekly for camping cabins.
For reservations or more information call the campground at (231) 258-9863 or visit their Web site at the link below.

This will be an occasional feature. Those interested in being considered for this feature should supply a short story and a picture to the Kalkaska Chamber offices, attn: Business Story.

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