Coming 2026: Permanent Vault Restrooms at Kona Hills
Building Comfort, the Kona Way
When we opened Kona Hills Campground, we promised to grow slowly and intentionally — focusing on projects that make camping here more comfortable without losing what makes it special.
In our first season, that meant keeping things simple: wide-open campsites, self-serve check-in, and yes — portable toilets. It wasn’t glamorous, but it worked. It allowed us to open our gates, welcome guests, and start building something real.
Now, as we look toward 2026, we’re excited to share our next big step: permanent vault restrooms are coming to Kona Hills!
What’s Changing
Initial planning and prep work began this fall, and we expect to have the new facilities ready for our 2026 season opener. There will be three restroom buildings, each with two individual vault toilets, placed in roughly the same areas as our 2025 setup for easy access.
While final design details are still in progress, each structure will reflect the rustic, natural style you’ve come to expect from Kona Hills — blending into the woods rather than standing out from them.
Vault toilets are no-flush, waterless restrooms designed for low-maintenance, environmentally conscious campgrounds. They’re a step up in comfort and privacy from portables, but still fit our commitment to keeping the camping experience grounded and true to its setting.
Community Support and Grant Funding Make this Possible
This project wouldn’t be possible without the incredible partnership and grant funding from People’s State Bank — our number one supporter from day one. They partnered with us to submit the Elevate Small Business Grant from FHL Bank Indianapolis. We were thrilled to find out we had been awarded $20,000 to help with the construction of our permanent vault bathrooms.
People’s State Bank has been behind us every step of the way, helping turn our ideas into reality and investing in projects that strengthen our local outdoor economy.
“People’s State Bank is proud to support Kona Hills as they continue to grow and invest in our region’s outdoor economy. We’ve seen firsthand the care and intentionality that goes into everything they do — from restoring the land to welcoming their first guests. Being part of their ribbon cutting and now helping fund their next phase of growth is exactly what community banking is all about.”
From the beginning, our goal has been to show that small, steady improvements — guided by the right partners — can make a lasting difference.
Looking Ahead
Permanent restrooms are just the beginning. As we continue to reinvest in the campground, we’re exploring future additions like showers, saunas, and other thoughtful amenities that add comfort without compromising our rustic feel.
These projects take time — and that’s okay. Growth at Kona Hills has always been about progress with purpose, and every improvement brings us one step closer to creating the best possible camping experience above Lake Superior.
Thank You
To our campers, neighbors, and supporters — thank you for believing in our vision and for helping us make Kona Hills better each year. And to People’s State Bank, thank you for putting your faith in small businesses like ours and investing in the future of this community.
We can’t wait to welcome you back in 2026 and show you what’s new.
Co-owner, Jeremy, inspecting the first casts of our vault tanks.
Rudy from Rudy Goupille & Son’s, showing off his handy work.
Our bathrooms will be modeled after the facilities at Trails End Campground in Copper Harbor.