SOCORRO, New Mexico (STPNS) -- In August 2004, Susan and Lon Strombeck were looking for a growth business opportunity in Catron County. They found it in Apache R.V. Park, located about nine miles north of Reserve.

?The price was right and we both love camping. We were eyeing the future and liked what we saw,? Susan said.

Sitting on 12 acres, the R.V. Park boasts 32 spaces, with 16 pull-throughs. Each space has full hook-ups.

?Our rates include electricity and water. If guests arrive after dark, they just follow posted directions and utilities are to be had,? said Susan.



Restroom and shower facilities are accessible anytime for guests. Propane and a dump station also are on site.

A clean and neat laundry room with heavy-duty washers and dryers are offered.

?We have community members use our facilities due to location and ease of use,? Susan said.

Ice, soft drinks and munchies are available, as well as a mail box. An exciting feature is the book exchange, allowing guests and community members to exchange paperbacks.

?This allows for new reading material and is a great way to expand your library,? Susan said.

Improvements the couple has made to the RV park since they purchased it include landscaping, a horseshoe pit and a fire pit for evening get-togethers.

Coming soon will be a gazebo for afternoon socials. They have other ideas that make them excited about the possibilities to come.

They count themselves fortunate to have as park managers Bruce and Joanie Wright, who have been serving in that capacity for about six years.

?The previous owners made us an offer we couldn?t refuse and have been here since,? said Bruce.

?Their personality and knowledge keep the guests coming back and Lon and I really appreciate them,? said Susan.

This past summer was good to them.

?We had one of our best summers. Even with the gas prices high, travelers continued to visit our RV park. I have noticed one tendency, though. More and more travelers are seeking the amenities they are accustomed and a higher percentage of hunters are bring their families. Both trends bode well for us and we are trying to accommodate their wishes,? said Susan.

Lon and Susan support the community through the Reserve Schools, 4H Club and the Catron County Fair.

?The community supports us and we appreciate them very much,? said Susan.

?A couple of years ago one summer we accommodated a sizeable fire crew for a period of weeks,? Bruce said. ?One day I was making my rounds in the golf cart along the fence line and I could feel all their eyes following me. I couldn?t put my finger on it just rightly, but I could feel something wrong. No sooner had I finished traveling one length of the fence when I looked behind and saw a brushfire. Apparently my golf cart had ignited the tinder dry grass. I sure felt foolish putting it out with the audience I had.? Bruce and Joanie have been married 24 years and at one time were full-time RV-ers. ?We could have settled anywhere, but we love this county and the people,? said Bruce.

The Apache RV Park has a Web site, which can be accessed for information and reservations, www.apachervpark.com. Or call 533-6166 for information.