Al Johnson receives Darrell Booth Lifetime Achievement Award

Al Johnson, Executive Vice President of Recreational Adventures Company, has recently been awarded the Darrell Booth Lifetime Achievement Award by Kampgrounds of America, Inc.

Johnson’s many years of experience in the campground industry have made him an important part of the camping legacy in the Black Hills. Here’s some information about his work with Recreational Adventures Company.

How did Recreational Adventures Company start?

Johnson: “It started out as a single property up by Mt. Rushmore 50 years ago, and now we’re 15 campgrounds in 13 states and a call center and the wax museum in Keystone. We’ve got a number of things under our umbrella now, but most of it is geared towards outdoor hospitality, families, tourism, those kinds of things.”

How has your family been involved in the outdoor recreation industry?

Johnson: “My grandfather had a tourist camp along the banks of the creek in Sturgis many, many years ago. I don’t even remember that, but I think it stimulated my dad to start the second private campground in the Black Hills. And so, I grew up on a campground. I’m a shareholder in this company, so I’m a part owner, but I’ve been involved in the campground business since I was 23 years old, and I’ve been with Recreational Adventures for 45 years now.

What’s kept you at Recreational Adventures for so many years?

Johnson: “Oh, what’s not to like about it? You get to meet people who are on vacation, they’re relaxed, having fun. It’s more outdoors than most jobs. It’s interesting, you get to travel around to the various properties and learn the tourism areas all over the country. It’s just it’s been fun. It’s been a great way to spend a career.”