Community Spotlight: Dave King & His Impact on Lake George RV Park and the Local Area
We recently spoke with Dave King, President and CEO of Lake George RV Park, a treasured destination known for its outstanding RV resort experience. Under Dave's leadership, the park has evolved into a premier vacation spot, blending his family’s legacy with a modern vision for the future.
Dave shared his journey of growing up alongside the business, his commitment to innovation, and how his passion for Lake George has driven the park’s continued success and impact on the community.
How Did You Get Involved With the Family Business?
I grew up in Schenectady but spent every summer and weekend during the camping season—from May through October—right here in Lake George. My parents, Vic and Jess King, founded Lake George RV Park the year after I was born, and we moved here full-time in 1966.
I like to say that the business and I are the same age; it’s been my life’s mission to grow this business into its second generation.
After graduating from Lake George High School, I attended Hobart College for undergrad and later earned my MBA from Clarkson. But around 1988, the park was at a turning point. We were in a growth spurt, and it became clear that my calling was with the family business rather than working as a consultant elsewhere.
From then on, it’s been about putting my blood, sweat, and tears into building one of the finest RV parks in the country—or even the world.
Bringing New Ideas to Fruition
The RV Park has evolved significantly since those early years, and it’s a source of pride for me to keep finding ways to elevate the experience. We’re always thinking ahead, constantly reinvesting, and working on our 10-year plan to make the park even more special.
One of my favorite projects is Charlie’s Bark Park, named after our beloved family dog. Built in 2014, it quickly became a focal point, recognized as one of the finest dog parks in the country.
Our team also opened Cascade Cove, an aquatic facility designed exclusively for RV park guests. We took the idea of a resort pool to another level with a beautiful spray pad that has 37 interactive water features, an enormous zero-entry heated pool, and what I believe is the largest hot tub in the Northeast, with seating for 38 people.
We went over the top with Cascade Cove, and it’s helping us bring back old guests while attracting new ones who want their expectations exceeded.
Lessons Learned and Ongoing Challenges
Looking back on the pandemic, I realize how fortunate we were. Suddenly, everyone focused on outdoor recreation, and the RV experience exploded in popularity.
People wanted to be outside, enjoying the experiences we’d spent five decades perfecting. We had even more demand than ever before.
Despite the challenges of rising operational costs, I’m committed to maintaining a high level of amenities and services.
Our goal is to provide what I like to call the "Disney Experience" of RV parks, ensuring every guest has an exceptional stay.
What Can Campers Expect in the Future?
We’re always looking to the future. Right now, we’re creating new cabins that are actually RVs designed to look like cabins, appealing to those who envision themselves in a cabin in the woods more than a traditional trailer.
We’re also doing big renovations on some of our buildings, including restroom upgrades, new decks, and enhancements at our café.
One exciting new addition will be Pinnacle Perch Play Park, a new playground near our pickleball courts. It’s just under half an acre, fully ADA accessible, with embankment slides and custom climbing structures that tie into the outdoor experience here.
We’re very family-focused, and this will be our fourth playground in the park.
How Do You Like to Stay Connected to the Community?
I’ve had the unique opportunity to volunteer my time with other organizations, especially in the winter months.
Since starting at the park in 1988, I’ve been heavily involved with the Lake George Rotary Club, where we run programs with the local school district, from scholarships to Christmas programs, as well as international projects like clean water initiatives.
One of my proudest accomplishments is my involvement with the Adirondack Theatre Festival. When my friends Martha Banta and Dave Turner founded the festival in 1994, they asked if I’d help establish a new professional theatre company in the region.
For the first two years, we produced shows right here at the RV park until we outgrew the space and moved to Glens Falls.
I’m thrilled to say we’re celebrating our 30th anniversary this year [2024]. It’s remarkable to see how far we’ve come, starting in an RV park and growing into a theatre company recognized around the globe.
In terms of business collaboration, I maintain strong relationships with local businesses and work closely with our Chamber of Commerce.
Bringing people to the region for extended stays is a shared goal, and we want them to have enhanced experiences both inside and outside the park. That’s what brings them back year after year.
What Would You Like Lake George to Do With the $10M Downtown Revitalization Grant?
As for the downtown revitalization grant, I have several ideas, including creating a state-of-the-art centralized dog park. Well-designed dog parks have become major attractions in tourist destinations nationwide, and Lake George could benefit from one too.
I also hope to see improvements in trolley and public transportation. With the grant, we could build more shelters like the one on Beach Road, protecting people from the elements while they wait for the trolleys.
Strategically placing these along the corridor could make a big difference.
Enjoy a Camping Trip at Lake George RV Park
We’d like to thank Dave King for taking the time to share his story! If you’re looking for a family-friendly campground for your next trip to Lake George, then you definitely want to check out Lake George RV Park.
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