by John Cal / The Bulletin Special Projects

“I’m an RVer myself,” said Celia Hung proudly, “and so I wanted to create an environment that was peaceful, fun for kids, and where people could feel like they were coming home.”

Celia, owner and developer of the Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort located a few miles outside of Sisters’ city limits, just adjacent to the Sisters Rodeo Grounds, bought the property in 2005 as a Kampgrounds of America (KOA) branch.

“We operated as a KOA for five years, but then became independent,” continued Celia. “After that it took 18 months of planning and permitting from 2007 to 2009, but then we started the extensive renovation.”

Today, the RV park has a total of 102 fully landscaped sites, each with a personal patio and full RV hookups, including water, sewer, and 50-30-20 electric capabilities. “We can accommodate all kinds of power, any vehicle,” said Celia. “We redesigned the whole park and created a brand new layout.”

Roads and parking spaces have been newly paved, and the landscaping design of the entire park was revamped. New walking paths and trails surrounding the park were created. Existing paths were cleaned and remodeled and new off-leash pet areas were installed — all while keeping many of the park’s mature, old growth trees.

“We also have a 9-hole mini golf course, heated pool, lighted spa, and an outdoor seating area with a shaded BBQ where people can BBQ,” added Celia.

The park also boasts a well equipped children’s playground that is being expanded this summer. The RV resort also offers visitors the option to rent one of three cabins that can accommodate 4-6 people or one of its three fully furnished cottages that house up to four.

“It’s not just for people who RV,” said Celia, who also upkeeps a fully stocked fishing pond on the property, teeming with Rainbow Trout. “It’s $10 a year to fish the pond, and it’s catch and release. … So, please don’t cook the fish,” laughed Celia. “When you keep and raise them so long, they begin to become your friends.”

This hospitality is shared by both fish and guests alike, and while the facilities of the park are so well equipped, it’s their excellent customer service that has really put them on the map.

“We have all kinds of customers,” said Tina Schultz, the park’s office manager. “We like to go the extra mile and escort all guests to their sites. … We also will deliver ice, firewood and fill and return propane tanks to your site. We’re here to serve our guests. If there’s something you need, we’re here to take care of it.”

But it’s not just their guests they look after. The RV park has also been a great part of the town at large. “Bend/Sisters RV has been the best neighbor to the rodeo,” commented Bonnie Malone, Publicity Chairperson to the Sisters Rodeo Board. “[Celia] has loaned us equipment to help with improvements and even sent staff over to help.”

A few years ago, Celia and the park helped to regress several acres of the neighboring rodeo grounds and donated use of her hydro-seeding machine as well as park staff to help operate it. “I’ve always loved being a supporter of the rodeo. They do so much and bring great excitement to the area. … There were also rodeo board members who helped me and gave me advice when I first came here, so I was happy to do it. It’s all of us helping each other.”

This attention to care and detail, both at their own facility and in the community, is also what has earned the Bend/Sisters RV park the rank of “Top Rated RV Park” in the U.S. for the last three years from Good Sam Club, the foremost and largest organization of recreational RV owners. “We maintained perfect scores in 2012, 2013 and 2014,” added Celia proudly, “and we’re the only perfect score in Central Oregon.”

The RV park has also recently been honored on the cover of “Trailer Life,” an RV magazine.

“We were really excited when they called to include us,” said Celia. “We are very proud to bring neighbors from far and near to visit Central Oregon and to show them how great the area is.”