There’s something about the open road—the freedom, the adventure, the memories waiting to be made. At Ketelsen RV, that feeling isn’t just something we sell, it’s something we’ve built our legacy on.
Where It All Began
Back in 1962, Johnny and Marge Ketelsen had a vision: create a place where families could find not just an RV, but a gateway to adventure. What started in Marion, Iowa, quickly became something much bigger, built on trust, hard work, and a commitment to serving customers the right way. More than half a century later, that same foundation still drives everything we do.
Growing With Our Community
As more families discovered the joy of RV travel, Ketelsen RV grew right alongside them. In 2005, the business expanded to a new location along Interstate 380 in Hiawatha, Iowa. This move allowed for a better customer experience with spacious, hard-surface sales and service lots, easy parking, and large indoor showrooms for sales, parts, and accessories. The service area was also greatly expanded, allowing the team to more efficiently care for customers’ RVs and keep them road-ready for every adventure.
A Legacy of Excellence
In 2010, the Ketelsen family was honored by RV Business Magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in RV History.” This recognition reflected decades of dedication to the industry and to their customers. At Ketelsen RV, excellence isn’t something we look back on, it’s something we continue to strive for every single day by providing high-quality RVs, parts, service, and accessories at the best possible value.
Expanding the Adventure
The journey continued to grow over the years as Ketelsen RV expanded its reach across Iowa. In 2017, a state-of-the-art facility opened in De Soto, bringing the same trusted service and attention to detail to Central and Western Iowa. In May of 2023, the Ketelsen family expanded into the Cedar Valley with the purchase of Paine’s RV, in April of 2024, a fourth location was added in DeWitt, formerly Kamper’s Korner, and in 2026, a fifth location was added in Goddard, KS. Each new location represents a continued commitment to helping more families get outside, explore, and create lasting memories.
More Than a Dealership
At Ketelsen RV, we’re more than just a place to buy an RV, we’re your partner in adventure. From the moment you step onto the lot, our knowledgeable and friendly team is there to guide you through the process, helping you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Whether you’re dreaming of traveling the country in a luxury motorhome or planning quick weekend getaways in a compact travel trailer, we’re here to make that vision a reality.
Your Adventure Starts Here
Today, Ketelsen RV stands as one of the Midwest’s most trusted and established RV dealerships, but our mission has never changed. We’re here to help families spend more time together, explore new places, and create miles of memories along the way. Conveniently located in Iowa and easily accessible for travelers near and far, Ketelsen RV invites you to visit and discover what makes us the premier RV dealer in the region. Your next adventure starts here.
