Kampgrounds of America (KOA) announced Charles Johnston as the new owner of the Salome KOA Journey in Arizona, bringing fresh leadership and local expertise to the desert campground along the U.S. Highway 60.
The acquisition highlights the continued growth of KOA’s network of Journey campgrounds, offering travelers convenient, amenity-rich stops across the region.
KOA confirmed the acquisition of the Salome KOA Journey by Charles Johnston, a longtime outdoor enthusiast and hospitality professional.
Johnston and his family plan to introduce updated experiences while preserving the campground’s connection to Arizona’s desert landscapes.
The Salome KOA Journey is situated in McMullen Valley, northwest of Phoenix, between Wickenburg and Quartzsite. The location provides direct access to desert public lands and more than 300 miles of ATV trails that traverse hills, washes, and historic gold mines.
A half-hour southwest, the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge offers additional recreational opportunities. Nearby Quartzsite hosts seasonal gem shows and attracts rockhounds, making the area a year-round destination for outdoor travelers.
“Driving through this area one night, the stars were incredible, and the scenery with the mountains looked like something out of a cartoon,” Johnston said in a press release. “I love this valley. You’re close enough to Gilbert if you need to commute, and Vegas isn’t far. It’s a special place, and we’re proud to help people experience it.”
According to KOA’s 2024 Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report, campers contributed $61 billion to local economies. The report notes the average camper spends $200 per day and that 27% of campers seek small-town experiences while another 27% are drawn to local food tourism.
KOA Journey campgrounds are designed for travelers seeking convenient stops. Long pull-thru RV sites, well-lit after-hours check-in, and a variety of RV supplies simplify stays for those on the road.
The Salome KOA Journey includes amenities such as a heated pool and hot tub, a game room, a clubhouse hosting reunions and community events, and a convenience store.
Guests also have access to laundry facilities and nearby dining options.
Plans include reopening a full-service breakfast kitchen and expanding ATV meet-ups.
Johnston described his connection to KOA as personal.
“As a kid, I remember traveling with my grandfather, who was a former Marine and a veteran of the Battle of Midway. We stayed at KOAs across the country, and they always felt different. They were cleaner, had more to do, and offered a true sense of community. That’s stuck with me all these years.”
The Salome KOA Journey joins more than 500 KOA campgrounds across the U.S. and Canada. The KOA Family of Campgrounds includes KOA Holidays, offering activity-rich base camps, and KOA Resorts, which feature staff-led activities, on-site dining, and meeting facilities.