May 27th, 2025
And so it ends the third camping season at the AOK Campground, or should we say so it starts the 4th season at the AOK Campground. What a year, what a year, what a year… camping surely has not slowed down. From local campers to international campers to long-term campers to short-term campers: this season was marked by all of them and we were happy to welcome campers from far away, from nearby, and from across the globe.
Especially this year was different. Lena ended up moving to Illinois at the beginning of the year for six months, then came shortly back and ended up driving 22 hours up to Massachusetts where she is pursuing her doctorate about 40 min north of Boston. She finally gave up camping life, moved into an apartment and is now living the big city life. Nevertheless, every time she comes and visits, she’s getting back into camping mode and excited to sleep in her camper.
Lukas, while deciding to stay in town, achieved major accomplishments. In July of last year, him and Kelsea said the “Yes, I do” words and got married. In December, he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in computer science and as the cherry on top, landed the big prize and secured himself a full-time position as a software engineer for one of the biggest industrial railroad companies in the nation. Proud is an understatement and we are excited to see what the future brings to both Lena and Lukas.
But aside from Lena and Lukas, major accomplishments have also happened at the AOK Campground. Have we told you about our new reservation system which we implemented last year? One of the best things the AOK Campground implemented. As of the beginning of last year, campers can now finally book their own stays online. An easy and smooth process that not only saved us a lot of time but facilitated the whole reservation process for campers and us as well. Yes, we know we were a little behind on getting up to date with technology, but don’t you worry… we jumped on the online reservation system bandwagon. From group reservations to choosing your own sides to an implemented cancellation policy: you asked for it and we got it.
Have you heard about our new tiny cabin? Since the Western Covered Wagon was such a success we decided to convert our old office (the tiny little shed house at the entry of the campground) into a tiny cabin. And let me tell you what…this cabin… sure is popular on camper. Equipped to fit up to two people, the tiny cabin is equipped with everything you need for camping. With an average booking rate of 25 days a month Christine was busy prepping the cabin for new arrivals. Thanks to Marc who converted the old office into a newly cabin, campers can now book their stay in the unique tiny cabin here at the AOK Campground.
Aside from the tiny cabin and the implemented reservation system, the AOK Campground also experienced minor changes. Two new washing machines … the installment of new water pipes to ensure all our campus have access to water.
While, the camping season ended strong, the last year’s winter was marked by massive amounts of snow. And let me tell you the amount of snow we received was no fun. Knee-high snow was neither fun to shovel, nor fun to walk in. Dakota, our Saint Bernard loved it… we not so much. We gladly looked forward to the spring season.
And here we are: May 27, 2025: The start of our new season. We are excited to welcome returning campers and new campers and are excited to have you become a part of our fourth season at the AOK Campground.
We look forward to seeing you all this season
Marc and Christine
May 27th, 2024
Year three at the AOK Campground, and I can tell you: “The camping business has not slowed down!” Our camping season ended not only with a fully packed campground but also a major water leak that, luckily, has been repaired! The last camping year was so busy with our camping season that we realized it was time for a little upgrade. The phone has not stopped ringing with campers wanting to book their stay at the AOK Campground. Since all our reservations were manually taken throughout the past years, we knew it was time for an online reservation system. This would facilitate not only our work but also the reservation-making for our campers.
As of the beginning of this year, we are proud campground owners with an online reservation system. From a single-night stay to group reservations, lock site fees, confirmation numbers, cancellation policy, and wagon/cabin rental… You ask for it, and we have it!
The “Unique Style Western Wagon” that we implemented in 2021 was such a success last year, and the demand for cabins was constantly increasing that we decided to convert our old office into a fully equipped and insulated unique cabin. Similar to the Western Wagon, this cabin is equipped with AC/Heat, a microwave, a small kitchenette, a TV, and more. A stay in the cabin, similar to the Western Wagon can be booked online either via Airbnb or Campspot our online reservation system.
Other than these major changes, some minor changes have also occurred. Most of our campsites are now 50-amp sites. Since the campers are getting bigger and most require 50-amp service, we decided that this upgrade would accommodate more 50-amp campers, while simultaneously accommodating 30 amp campers. In addition, the pool has received a new liner, and all short-term campsites are equipped with new water lines and hydrants for easier access and better winterization. Lena moved to Champaign, IL, and is currently living the full-time RV life there at a campground until she moves to Massachusetts to pursue her PhD, and Lukas will be graduating in December with his degree and is ready to enter the Computer Science work world.
As always, we want to say thank you to all of our campers. Thank you for staying with us, for sharing your camping experiences with us, for the many bonfires we get to see, and for being valuable customers. We are ready for the 2024 camping season and look forward to seeing everyone again! No time to stop at the AOK Campground this year? No worries! We wish you safe travels and hope to see you in the future!
Let’s get this camping season started!
Marc, Christine, Lena and Lukas
May 27th, 2023
Wow! Can you believe that it has already been one year since we took over the AOK Campground & RV Park? When we say that this year was a crazy year with ups and downs, believe us.. It definitely was. Taking over the campground with no previous campground working experience was definitely a challenge, but we managed it. While taking over during camping peak season we decided to add some upgrades to the campground. First thing on our list was the renovation of the campground office. The shed house was just too small and definitely not made for tall people. So we decided to take the office, and move it up to the main house. The office is now way bigger and also is equipped with some souvenirs. During the winter we spent a lot of time making T-Shirts, Key Chains, Magnets, Koozies, Cutting Boards, etc. You ask for it, we have it!
The second thing that was on our list was the addition of a dog park. Christine took care of this project. Marc was a little shocked when he realized that the dog park is 5 times bigger than the pool. Nevertheless, our campers love it! But even more than the campers love it are the dogs!
In September we came across a company in Topeka that builds fully insulated and equipped Western Covered Wagons. Since we know that Saint Joseph is full of history, we wanted to bring a little history to the campground. As of September 2022 you can book your stay in the Western Covered Wagon Airbnb. The outside area including the fireplace, dining area, etc. was all built by us with the help of our lovely long term campers. If we have learned one thing here, we love our long term campers. We spent time together at the bonfire, had weekly cookouts and talked about our daily adventures.
If you check in our office, you probably will have noticed that we also added another member to our family. While our little Emmie is still the campground dog that loves to ride Golf Cart, she now has to share the office and her seat with Dakota our Saint Bernard. Dakota loves spending time in the office and loves to greet our campers.
Lastly, we also wanted to say thank you to our long-term campers and our short term campers. We look forward to making this summer a unique and wonderful experience again!
Best,
Marc, Christine, Lukas and Lena
May 27th, 2022
Hello everyone, Hallo ihr Lieben, Hola a todos, Bonjour a tous, and Hallo mijn lieverds!
After some busy stressful weeks at the AOK Campground and RV Park, we finally would like to introduce ourselves.
We, Marc and Christine, and our children Lena and Lukas, are a native German family, with international living and camping experience, who took the adventure to the next level and can proudly say that we are the new owners of the campground.
During the past 20 years we have lived in various countries including Germany, France, and the United States. After living 7 years in Mobile, Alabama we now reside at the AOK Campground in Saint Joseph, Missouri.
We look forward to welcoming everyone to the AOK Campground and RV Park. Our campground offers an incredible experience for everyone. From young to old and from a day pass to overnight stay to a long-term site.
We speak multiple languages including English, German, French, Spanish, and Dutch to simplify communication with everyone!
If you’re interested in reserving a campsite, tent site or if you’re trying to spend the day at the AOK Campground, you can give us a call at 816-324-4263 or send us an email to aokexit53@gmail.com
Please be patient with us, in case we have trouble understanding you on the phone, we are learning more and more every day 
Click here for the AOK Campground & RV Park Sightseeing Video
AOK Campground & RV Park is located just three miles north of St. Joseph, MO, conveniently located near the I-29 and Business Hwy 71 intersection. We offer year-round camping with 53 full hook up RV sites, big rig friendly, on 23 scenic acres. No need to disconnect, 40 of the sites are long pull thrus for easy overnight accommodations. All of our spacious sites have full hookups with water, electric, sewer, and wireless internet. We offer tent sites from conveniently located to primitive for an enjoyable experience. Amenities at the AOK include a swimming pool, restrooms with showers, laundry room, recreation areas, hiking trails, and a stocked private fishing lake for your enjoyment. Escape to the quiet of country living for your next outdoor adventure. Whether it’s camping, day picnic, or a reunion, this is the place to be. Family friendly, youth to senior citizens, guys fishing to girl’s night out. All are welcome. Nearby: antique shops, restaurants and stores of all kinds, and a multiplex theater are all within three miles of the campground.
Another Happy Camper
My Grandson & I stayed the evening of 6-20 at your campground en route home from a somewhat long road trip. I began the trip June 4 and spent a total of 17 nights on the road. In that time, I stayed at a number of campgrounds, to include 4 “resorts” booked by membership in Coast to Coast and 2 KOA campgrounds. Other than C to C, all were Good Sam sites or KOA. Your Campground was the cleanest of all; had the most room of any; and, your staff was the most efficient and courteous. Had we the time, both I and my grandson would have liked to stayed several more days simply to relax and enjoy the area.
You have the best of all the facilities at which I (we) stayed. Keep up the good work.
Best Regards, DAVE WALKER
We are pet friendly
There is ‘catch and release’ fishing in the AOK lake for guests. Coin-operated laundry services are available and off-season camper storage is available.
Motorcycles welcomed
Credit cards accepted.
We are open all year and have sites available. For assistance or reservations call 816-324-4263 or
send Email to aokexit53@gmail.com .
AOK Campground and RV Park 