From left, Anthony, Dakota, Heidi and Carson Katsonis on the shore of Pearrygin Lake at Silverline Lakeside Resort.
By Julia Babkina
The Silverline Lakeside Resort opened its season under new ownership this year. Anthony and Heidi Katsonis take over the reins from Brett and Joey Ellington, who had purchased the resort in 2021.
The Katsonises, who have been investing in real estate for over 10 years, said they were looking to purchase an RV park, their first such venture.
“I’ve been interested owning a campground since I was a kid,” said Anthony Katsonis. “I had always liked RV parks and campgrounds. I thought they were really cool businesses and I’ve always loved camping and the outdoors. It’s a big part of our life and our kids, going camping.”
The Katsonises have visited over 20 national parks in an RV, including Hawaii and Virgin Islands, and plan to visit more. The Katsonises made a commitment to their two children, ages 6 and 8, to visit all 63 national parks in the U.S. before they graduate from high school.
“RVing is a great way to visit national parks. We’ve stayed in dozens of campgrounds and RV parks. It’s something we enjoy. If you’re going to run a business, it might as well be something that you like,” said Heidi Katsonis.
Familiar setting
The Katsonises come from six generations of family near Lake Tahoe, at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The landscape of the Methow Valley — Pearrygin Lake, rolling hills and trees — remind them of home, except they traded California poppies for arrowleafs. The town of Winthrop was an added bonus.
“We kind of fell in love with it,” said Anthony.
The Silverline has three fishing docks and poles if you forget yours. It is also on a hiking loop around the lake. The Katsonises are incorporating their experiences visiting RV parks to improve the amenities at Silverline.
“The Silverline was already a great park but there was some things that could be dolled up a little bit. It’s kind of what we’re looking to do is bringing it to the next level,” said Heidi.
That included building a play structure for children and adding glamping to their line of accommodations. The couple recently added a 16-foot Luna Bell tent that houses a real queen-sized bed, table and chairs, and can accommodate two adults and two children.
The site recently got a liquor license and now sells beer and wine in their general store. They have also added a ski boat to their line of rentals, unlimited mini-golf, and RV rental for people who like to stay in an RV but don’t like to traverse the passes in one. The couple also offers all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast on weekends for $5 until Labor Day.
Their plans include adding more glamping tents, adding A-Frame camping cabins and providing a snack bar on weekends. They plan to rent their two-bedroom apartment above the general store during the winter for short-term stays.
“We’re happy to be here and happy to be a part of this really cool area. We’re grateful for the opportunity to own a piece of it and hopefully provide really good camping experience for folks,” said Anthony.
