Camping World in Marion, originally Tom Johnson Camping Center, closed permanently on Monday.
Camping World announced Monday that the large recreational vehicle and camper dealership in McDowell County would be consolidated with other stores in Asheville, Statesville, Concord and Spartanburg, South Carolina. A sign on the front door notified customers about the closing.
Steve Fogle, senior vice president of Camping World, said about 50 employees work at the Marion location and will start working at other Camping World stores. He said there are some employees who are more mobile because they live in RVs.
As for the large dealership and property, it will become vacant. The Camping World property covers more than 100 acres.
Fogle said it will take time to move the RVs, campers and the dealership鈥檚 merchandise to other Camping World stores. There will not be a going out of business sale.
He said he didn鈥檛 know what the future of the property will be.
鈥淔or the time being, it will be vacant, and we will make a decision further down the road,鈥� Fogle said.
Fogle said the sprawling complex and campground was hit hard by Hurricane Helene and repairs are still being made. A convention of Airstream enthusiasts was scheduled to take place at the rally park, and the pavilion was upgraded to accommodate the group before Hurricane Helene hit in late September.
鈥淲e never had a chance for the Airstream people to come here and enjoy the amenities,鈥� he said.
Since then, the Marion location has worked to repair damage from the hurricane.
The corporate office in Chicago will make the decision about what to do with the property. At one time, there was a restaurant on the complex where people could eat breakfast and lunch while their RVs were being repaired.
Over the years, the rally park and pavilion have been the location for numerous events such as Relay for Life, car shows, fireworks shows and outdoor concerts. McDowell High School held its 2020 graduation there because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Music festival promoter Evans Media Source has held the McDowell County Country Music Roundup at Camping World, and the North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival took place there for many years.
For years, these events have drawn thousands of people to McDowell County.
Now all events are canceled.
鈥淯nfortunately, it is a decision that has been made,鈥� Fogle said. 鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 want nothing but the best for the people of Marion. As a company, we thank the city of Marion, the county for everything they have done to support us and we wish them nothing but the best for the future.鈥�
The business began with Tom Johnson. He decided to start a business of selling and repairing campers and recreational vehicles. His operation started with a few campers in the front yard at his home in the Pleasant Gardens community.
Over time, Johnson built a reputation with his camper and RV operation and expanded to be a large dealership, with more than 300 employees, according to a previous McDowell News article.
His business was sold to Camping World in 2014. Johnson died in October of last year.