$340,000 REED Fund Loan Allows New Owners to Purchase Yankton KOA

The Yankton, South Dakota, KOA Campground is under new ownership, partially thanks to a Rural Electric Economic Development (REED) Fund loan. Brittany Salonen-Geuther, and her husband, Cody, purchased the property in July 2025 and already have ideas for upgrades and renovations. 

“Since the KOA Campground first opened, there have been changes in modern recreation trends,” says Salonen-Geuther. “We want to add options like pickleball and other activities to attract people.”

The KOA Campground has been an asset to Yankton since 2011 and is part of the community’s sports and tourism economy. Here’s how Salonen-Geuther plans to continue its legacy in the region. 

The KOA Was Built to Attract Archery Tournaments 

Yankton is home to the National Field Archery Association (NFAA) and has promoted all archery disciplines since 1939. Competitors travel across the country for NFAA tournaments, with Yankton being a central location for the sport. The 2023 NFAA National Outdoor Target Championship, for example, brought 400 visitors to Yankton from all 50 states. 

While Yankton has multiple hotel options, the NFAA wanted to provide alternative accommodations for visitors who enjoy camping or traveling by RV. The organization (in partnership with other investors) turned a nearby property into a KOA Campground, making it the asset it is today. For the past 15 years, the KOA has helped house tournament attendees, along with tourists enjoying their visit to this picturesque town.  

“Because KOA has brand recognition, travelers know they are getting a consistent product and a safe campground with certain amenities,” says Salonen-Geuther.

Recently, the NFAA was ready to hand off ownership of the campground and agreed to sell it to the Salonen-Geuthers. Brittany has worked for the NFAA for 13 years and continues her employment while also taking on KOA ownership. 

The Salonen-Geuthers Will Use the Offseason to Make Improvements  

While the Yankton KOA Campground is in good condition, there’s plenty of work to be done now that the facility is closed for the summer season. Between the end of October and the start of May, the Salonen-Geuthers have plans to refresh the space and add to it. A few projects they have planned include:  

• Redoing the volleyball court and adding fresh sand 
• Adding a pickleball court
• Incorporating more kids' activities 
• Cleaning and updating the heated pool
• Adding landscaping around the big playground and jumping pillow

While the majority of the REED Fund loan was used to purchase the KOA, Salonen-Geuther set aside some funds to work on these projects. Most of the work falls on Brittany, Cody, and Brittany’s parents (who volunteer to help), and two employees who work at the KOA full-time. Salonen-Geuther hopes to hire additional staff next year.

“We want to learn how to run the business before we start hiring,” she says. “This way, we will have a clear understanding of our needs.” 

The KOA Supports the Greater Yankton Economy

The brand recognition of the KOA attracts travelers to it, and Salonen-Geuther understands that her role is to highlight everything there is to do in Yankton while visitors are here. She is quick to recommend the Mead Museum, Gavins Point Fish Hatchery, mini golf, and her favorite bike paths. When travelers book the KOA, they often visit the nearby sites, eat at local restaurants, and contribute to the service economy. 

“This is why it’s so important to have good people in the front office,” she says. “You are the tour guide in the community. We want people to have a good experience in Yankton, not just our park.”

Salonen-Geuther says it's beneficial that the KOA is within city limits. Visitors can easily get downtown instead of driving 10 to 15 minutes from other campsites.

“We want to share experiences and amenities in the area so visitors feel connected to Yankton as a whole,” she says. “This way they want to come back.”

Yankton is already in a strategic location to attract road trippers, snowbirds, and tourists. Its proximity to I-29 and US 81 makes it an ideal stopping point for visitors to Yellowstone National Park or the Black Hills National Forest. It also makes an easy weekend getaway for residents of South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota.  

REED Made Purchasing the KOA Easy

Salonen-Geuther says she and Cody had a positive experience applying for REED funding. She also worked with Elkhorn Valley Bank to fully finance the purchase.

“As a younger couple trying to purchase our first business, having assistance from the REED fund is huge,” she says. “It was a great resource that turned something that was too expensive into an affordable possibility.”

This is the goal of the REED Fund. The Salonen-Geuthers have lived in Yankton for most of their lives and want to see it flourish. They see the impact the KOA has on the community. As new business owners, they get to shape the future of Yankton and help attract new opportunities to the area.

“Supporting local entrepreneurs who invest in projects like this campground strengthens the heart of our communities,” says Stephanie Horst, General Manager of Bon Homme Yankton Electric. “The REED Fund is proud to help create places that bring people together, boost local tourism, and support rural vitality.”

Explore Other REED Fund Projects

The REED Fund supports a variety of projects to promote economic development and quality of life improvements in the communities it serves. Recently, it funded the purchase of Orchard Square Apartments in Yankton (expanding housing options) and helped two South Dakota communities increase their daycare offerings. While the REED Fund can’t take credit for the Sisseton Youth Baseball Association winning the state championship, a recent loan project helped it improve its facilities and bring the community together. 

Learn more about REED Fund loans and start the application process today. Your goals could have an economic impact that sends positive ripple effects through your community.