Don and Mayva Kottke
Owner/Operators,
Crow Wing Lake Campground

Don, Mayva and Kali

Here we go into our 41st season. Who would have ever thought it possible..? I never thought that life could be so good for so long. We have sure enjoyed the years.

This past fall we spent digging in the dirt again. I tell Don that all we do is dig it up, seed it down, water it and watch the grass grow and then turn right around and we end up digging it all up again. I would guess it is what they call progress. We redid a lot of the electrical boxes and put more 50 amp services in. As units get larger and larger, they demand more power too. So to keep u[, it was time to do some upgrading. Hopefully we have a warm spring and can get warm rain to make the grass grow again.

Some of the changes we have seen in the past 41 years:

The 1970s were a real learning experience for us all. Most campers just drove in, off the road. Very few made reservations. A 25-foot camper was huge in the '70s. Families pulled in - kids piled out, not to be seen again until it was time to leave - Dads got out a case of beer and a lawn chair . . . Don't want to go back to those days . . .

The 1980s were spent adding seasonal sites and taking down over 300 oak trees, which died because of the drought in the last years of the '80s. Don't want to go back and do that over again either.

The 1990s we spent up-grading electric, water, sewer lines and adding an irrigation system. We enlarged many sites, as the campers got bigger and bigger. Toward the end of the '90s, we noticed a definite change in the families. Way more togetherness, with parents doing lots more with their children. We added BankShot Basketball and more playground equipment.

The 2000s have probably brought the biggest changes of all, especially since 9/11. Families are much closer. Parents and children are doing everything together. Some good always comes from bad!! We keep enlarging sites as units now are often 45 feet long or more with the tow vehicle. Units now may have washer/dryers or fireplaces in them. So the need to keep up-grading utilities is always necessary. We add to the playground every chance we get and this year we have enlarged the pool deck and done some major updating to the pool equipment too.

Now we enter into the 2011 season and wonder what the next 10 years will be like. We are watching gas prices rise, will it affect us? Hopefully not, as we are close enough to the more populated areas that they can make it here on a tank of gas. Seems like each year there is something to deal with adn worry about. But each year turns out wonderful even with my worrying.

We have enjoyd our 41 years and the good Lord willing, we will enjoy many more.. We are very proud of our park and hope you enjoy your stay.

Be sure and watch for the Green Highway signs that say "Crow Wing Camp Road". Also, our sign and lights along our driveway.

"I just wanted to drop you a quick note adn say thanks again for a wonderful trip. My boys had such a great time and this was a camping first for my mom. She is now hooked too! See you next year!"
Julie

"Thank you for helping provide John and I with a wonderful location to have a little vacation. John has instructed me to tell you that he already misses his morning and evening fishing expeditions in the canoe to fish! If you ever need a recommendation on your website, just le us know. We will recommend you to anyone who is looking for a great place to camp. We both wish we could have stayed longer. You guys are great! Keep up the good work; you should be proud of what you have created in your little corner of the world."
Marcy

"We just returned yesterday from a terrific weekend at your campground. We had a beautiful site and a great time! It was also nice to go home with a clean dog! Your campground is so clean and there is so much to do... we simply did not have enough time to do everything."
Luke, Heather, Derek and Halle

See you soon!

Don and Mayva Kottke