50-acre RV park planned in South Kalispell
A pair of Florida development companies are proposing a 330-space recreational-vehicle park on 50 acres at the south end of Kalispell. The park would be called Montana Basecamp.
The developers, Orlando, Florida-based Montana Basecamp Inc. and Basecamp Outpost LLC, are working to purchase the property at 3260 U.S. 93 South near the intersection with Ashley Meadows Road. According to documents submitted to the city, the sale is expected to close mid-July.
In a letter to city officials, the developers hope to capture high-end, physically fit clientele with a quality offering of amenities.
“We envision a large 50-acre lush paradise of camping positioned neatly toward the city core of Kalispell. Our location was decided on solely due to its proximity to downtown Kalispell and the Great Northern Bike Trail that connects Montana Basecamp to all that Kalispell has to offer,” the letter reads. “Biking and jogging is a key activity being used to promote Montana Basecamp. We hope to connect with all of the biking and jogging that happens in and around Kalispell.”
The developers also state it will be a family friendly facility.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy anything outside of healthy family vacationing,” the letter reads.
The proposed lot is currently undeveloped, with the Great Northern Historical bike trail running along the western and southern boundary, and a Montana Department of Transportation bike trail running along the northern boundary, which separates it from the U.S. 93 bypass. A line extending south from the southernmost roundabout would approximate the park’s eastern border, and it would extend south all the way to Ashley Meadows Road.
The developers have offered to add fencing and trees along the border to mask the development.
The tract of land has been planned for urban residential use, and to make this happen the developers need the city to change it to urban mixed-use zoning.
In documents submitted to Kalispell’s Planning Department, the developers contend that as the tourist economy booms hotel growth has kept pace, but the growth of upscale camping options for large RVs has not. The developers hope to fill that niche.
They also stated in the letter they would cater to a higher price point than other area RV parks.
“This higher price structure will attract clients of good standing wanting exceptional treatment and accommodations,” the developers stated.
The project would be split into five phases, developing the park from east to west in north-south strips.
The RV park will include 18.2 acres of open common area. About 7.6 acres will be internal roads and streets and the final 24.5 acres will be RV spaces.
The project will be a subject of discussion at a Planning Board work session at City Hall today at 7 p.m. It will likely be on the agenda for the next Planning Board meeting when the board will vote on the project.
Reporter Peregrine Frissell can be reached at (406) 758-4438 or pfrissell@dailyinterlake.com