The Campground Marketplace was born from a dream by founder, Harold Goehring, to live a life of adventure—meeting new people, traveling, and most of all, spending time outdoors! His dream came to fruition in 1970 when Harold sold a KOA campground. That one property brought in five interested buyers, which led to additional sales, and so on.
Today, The Campground Marketplace is going strong with 50 years in business and over 500 campgrounds sold.
Marketing Consultant/Founder
harold@campgroundsnow.com
Leaving Minnesota, heading for San Francisco, CA.
After growing up in Minnesota and spending four years in San Francisco in the Naval Air, Harold continued his love for flying by enrolling at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Institute in Daytona Beach, FL to train for his commercial, instrument and instructor rating. His love for flying and adventure continued as a flight instructor at Ember Riddle. Another flying job finally brought him to Grand Rapids, MI where he eventually went to work for a local real estate company selling commercial and industrial properties. With that knowledge, he started his own Commercial company selling Commercial and industrial business, along with acquisitions and mergers.
When interest rates hit 22 percent, Harold needed to move in a different direction with his young family. He has a long list of things that he loves, including aviation, new technology, traveling, meeting people, the challenge in closing a deal, helping people look for their dream, loving the outdoors feeling and seeing nature at its finest. So, he started a company called Resorts International NA, now as The Campground Marketplace he continues to bring the campgrounds to buyers through aerial and ground photography and interviews with each seller. Harold brings the dream to buyers across the globe—day or night, rain or shine.
Marketing Consultant/Owner
melissa@thecampgroundmarketplace.com
Melissa was raised with an itch for the great outdoors thanks to the influence of her father, Harold. Camping, hiking, flying, traveling and photography all remind her of the happiest times she grew to love, and she has brought that excitement and passion into the family business. Her journey started in 2004, working alongside Harold to learn the campground business and getting to know the industry. Over the past few years, she has committed much more time and energy into building and growing The Campground Marketplace to reach new heights. She has expanded the business to include new features, including easy-access information for buyers, a clearer and more efficient roadmap for sellers, and new technologies to provide online users virtual tours and more. And this is just the beginning! Melissa plans to grow this business to its full potential. She will continue to improve the process for buyers and sellers, streamline ease of use and the flow of information, and expand her passion for the outdoors to become an everyday staple. She's proud to see how far her father has come since selling his first KOA in the ’70s and plans to carry on his legacy and vision.
Seller Outreach Coordinator
It's my pleasure to introduce Lisa to the team at Campground Marketing Professionals (CGMP).
My husband and I have been proud owners of our campground in Pennsylvania for 7 years and counting, and we're entering our 8th season. As members of both the Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association (PCOA) and the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC), we understand the value of community and support in this industry.
We understand the challenges and the learning curve that come with purchasing a fixer-upper park. As someone with firsthand experience, I can relate to the emotional investment and hard work that goes into making a campground a success.
This is our first campground, and we've learned a lot in the last 7 years. During the purchase process, we were fortunate to have Harold Goehring as our marketing consultant, and his expertise was greatly appreciated. I have continued to stay in touch with him and I am thrilled to be on the team.
National Campground Marketing Consultant
michelle@thecampgroundmarketplace.com
It is our pleasure to introduce Michelle Pursell, a valuable addition to our team. With over 25 years of experience in both commercial and residential sales, Michelle possesses exceptional customer service skills that will leave a lasting impression on you. Working with Michelle is a true delight, and her friendly smile is just the icing on the cake. Michelle's expertise as a campground developer provides a unique and invaluable perspective to the industry. You can expect a wealth of knowledge, experience, and professionalism from Michelle, making her a top-notch asset to the team.
National Campground Marketing Consultant
sharon@thecampgroundmarketplace.com
Sharon was raised in Southern California 5 miles from the beach. Sharon’s love of camping started with her parents taking her and her family to visit National Parks across the nation. She passed on the love of the outdoors to her 2 children as they spent vacations camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. The legacy is now being passed on to her 2-year-old Grandson Owen who is also the light of her life.
Sharon received her degree in Business Management and went on to manage over 800 businesses nationwide, 6000 + employees, and over a billion dollars of sales. She was in the top 10 % of women earners in the U.S. She brings over 38 years of business and financial expertise to our team. Sharon also brings a joyous spirit and great customer service to those she works with at the Campground Marketplace. She is dedicated to helping everyone to succeed and realize their dreams while bringing a smile to their faces.
National Campground Marketing Consultant
sarah@thecampgroundmarketplace.com
With a strong background in the RV industry and a passion for the outdoors, Sarah brings extensive knowledge and a friendly, approachable style to every interaction. After earning her degree from Purdue University, she developed her career in marketing and event management, taking on roles that strengthened her expertise and built lasting relationships in the outdoor hospitality space.
She enjoys spending time visiting the national park she calls home and traveling to the southeast coast, often accompanied by her chihuahua. Known for her strategic mindset and creative approach, Sarah offers thoughtful perspectives and has a genuine desire to help everyone succeed. Her industry experience and marketing background make her a trusted part of The Campground Marketplace team.
National Campground Marketing Consultant
kathleen@thecampgroundmarketplace.com
My career has centered around building relationships and leading organizations. I've served as Executive Director of a volunteer organization and in key positions handling donor relations, where I learned the importance of really listening to what people need. I was honored to receive the Moody on the Market 40 Under 40 award along the way.
I grew up along the shores of Lake Michigan surrounded by sand dunes and old oak forests, which gave me a lifelong appreciation for outdoor spaces. My family loves spending time at northern Michigan lakes, water skiing and sailing, and we enjoy exploring national parks together. At home, we're passionate gardeners growing our own fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
This personal connection to outdoor recreation, along with my relationship management background, helps me connect with clients interested in campground properties. I understand what makes these properties special both as investments and as places that create lasting memories for families.
National Campground Marketing Consultant
jennifer@thecampgroundmarketplace.com
Jennifer brings a dynamic blend of financial expertise, real estate experience, and a lifelong passion for the outdoors to her role as a consultant at The Campground Marketplace. A Michigan native, Jennifer grew up in a neighborhood full of kids, building forts, catching frogs, riding bikes and generally spending as much time outdoors as possible. She ran cross country in high school, continued running at Michigan State University for years after that.
Jennifer began her career as a CPA at BDO in Grand Rapids, Michigan, then worked for many years at Amway Corporation in accounting and finance management while raising four children. When her children were grown, Jennifer and her husband, who is an avid sailor, moved to Muskegon, Michigan, a community on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan. There, they can both indulge their love of the water, whether sailing, swimming, or taking long walks on the beach. Her professional background is complemented by hands-on experience renovating several homes in Muskegon, transforming them into sought-after short-term vacation rentals in a vibrant lakeshore community. Also a Realtor, Jennifer loves connecting clients with the property of their dreams and will work tirelessly to do so. She brings that same enthusiasm and determination to her role at The Campground Marketplace.
Financial Analyst
jill@thecampgroundmarketplace.com
Jill has served many years in the senior living arena, starting with sales at the local level and working into a national sales leader role, expanding into training and CRM support for the entire company. Before that, Jill was a turnaround consultant for several banks managing the turnarounds for companies that were in financial hardship. For the last three years, Jill has traveled and worked remotely in her RV. Additionally, Jill has worked with acquisitions and onboarding of campground/marina/motel properties. Jill has intimate knowledge of the challenges for the industry and due diligence needed to acquire and/or sell campground properties.
Business Operations Manager
kari@thecampgroundmarketplace.com
Kari Frederick’s love for camping began early, traveling in a motorhome with her stepfather Harold and building memories that sparked a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. Raised in a home rooted in real estate, she was naturally drawn to both adventure and property from a young age.
As a mom of six, Kari continued the tradition with her own family, spending weekends at a seasonal campsite filled with boating, fishing, and quality time. Today, she shares life with her husband Craig, their German Shepherd Bailey, and is a proud grandmother of eight.
Kari spent over two decades with CASA of Kent County, rising from volunteer to Program Manager, where she advocated for children in the court system.
Now, she brings that same heart and drive to helping sellers and buyers connect in the campground and RV park world—combining her love for people, property, and the camping lifestyle.
As part of The Campground Marketplace team, Kari plays a key role in guiding families, entrepreneurs, and investors through the buying and selling process with care, integrity, and insight. Whether you're passing the torch or chasing a dream, Kari is passionate about making the journey a smooth and meaningful one.
Database Manager, Digital Marketer & Virtual Administrative Assistant
Elmari is thrilled to be part of the campground marketplace, leveraging her impressive two decades of international business experience as an accomplished professional. As a South African-based expert, she has honed her skills in understanding buyer and seller preferences through data research and targeted email marketing campaigns. Elmari's exceptional attention to detail ensures that her clients in the outdoor hospitality industry receive top-notch service with up-to-date and accurate data.
Beyond her professional achievements, Elmari embodies a passion for life, living each day to the fullest and savoring every moment with her personal mission.
info@thecampgroundmarketplace.com
I am overjoyed to be apart of The Campground Marketplace team, as a passionate single mother and skilled online freelancer of over a decade, dedicated to securing a bright and stable future for my son. My experiences have instilled within me a profound admiration for the wide-ranging opportunities that my work provides, particularly when it comes to connecting with clients from around the world via engaging telephone conversations. As someone who relishes the great outdoors and the boundless beauty of nature, I view the world as a vast and thrilling playground, ripe with opportunities for lucrative partnerships and collaborations. The internet serves as my essential tool, allowing me to communicate with potential campground owners and unlocking new opportunities with ease. I believe that The Campground Marketplace offers the perfect blend of adventure and professionalism. I use the world as my campground and the internet as my smoke signal to seek out potential new business opportunities.
Web Developer - The Image Shoppe
Aaron has an extremely diverse and creative skillset focused on bringing The Campground Marketplace website to life. “I love a challenge and any task that lets me get lost in my work, and most importantly—I love the excitement and passion that revolves around marketing, media ideas and products.”