"The Riverbend Caravan Park was first established in 1974 by Keith and Ray Grimshaw and was commonly known as Grimshaw's Tourist Camp, based on the concept of the Butlin Holiday camps, fashionable at the time in the United Kingdom.
Keith Grimshaw purchased equipment such as a lighting plant, hot water service, tents, bedding and catering equipment from the clearance sale of the nearby Loveday Internment Camp and thus accommodation was set up.
The first booking was for 30 students from Oakbank Area School in September 1947.
The park boasted a shower block with three showers for the gents and three for the ladies and quite often if you looked up you would find a possum watching you shower.
A kitchen was constructed, which was run from a generator, and a large marquee served as a dining room.
Later cabins were built of Murray pine, sawn in half. The dining room was of the same construction as well as a common room, later called the shearers' quarters, which apparently also served as a chook pen.
The early 1950s were a period of high river flow, resulting in the park being out of use on several occasions in the November to January period.
The 1956 flood saw the highest point in the park as 1.4m (4'6') under water from June and then finally receding in February 1957. The park was operated by Ray Grimshaw and his mother Rosina Grimshaw until 1983 and they lived and operated from the old steamer Decoy, which was moored in an inlet of the park.
There are still many campers holidaying at the Riverbend Caravan Park today that camped as children in the days of the Grimshaw's and remember walking the plank from bank to boat to pay their money and climbing to the top of the water tower to get drinking water.
Mr Grimshaw sold the business to the Archibald and McKenna families and in 1989 the park was sold again to Peter and Louise Headlam.
They introduced some cabins and after being flooded a few times in the early 90s had a levy bank installed across the back of the park.
They also had the existing four bedroom large transportable house brought in and put in place, above the 1956 flood level.
The park was then sold to Wolfgang and Julie Wagnitz who developed and operated the park for five years, with the help from Julie's mother Lorraine. Many improvements were made and the park won the Riverland Tourism Association award for the best privately owned caravan park in 2003.
The present owners Klaus and Mary Wagnitz purchased the park in September 2003 and have continued to improve and expand the Riverbend Caravan Park to its present high standard."
"The Riverbend Caravan Park has it all. Located right on the riverbank, adjacent to the heritage-listed Paringa Bridge on the Sturt Highway in Renmark, waterfront property simply doesn't get any better.
Cabins and caravans are positioned to gain the absolute most from the park's location poised right next to the river.
The river itself becomes a playground for swimming and boating with plenty of magnificent river red gum trees for shade.
Owners Klaus and Mary Wagnitz are justifiably proud of the Riverbend Caravan Park.
The park is always clean and tidy and has 50 powered sites and several unpowered sites for caravans and campers.
In addition they have purchased four new 6 berth cabins with queen size beds and 2 x 6 berth with double beds and an eco friendly design making 21 cabins in total.
Ten of the cabins are situated right on the waterfront with large shady awnings attached and paved patio effect.
Five of the existing cabins have been upgraded with new modern kitchens and cupboards.
All cabins have a reverse cycle air conditioners and new outdoor table and chair settings.
Recently a large jumping pillow was installed for guests' enjoyment.
Mr Wagnitz said "The pillow has been a huge success."
"It is popular with children and adults alike."
Mr and Mrs Wagnitz pride themselves on constant improvement to the Riverbend Caravan Park.
"Most of our business is repeat customers," said Mrs Wagnitz. "The Riverbend Caravan Park is just such a fabulous spot for a holiday."
Visitors enjoy the flora, fauna and rose gardens amongst the shady, grassed settings with koalas, possums and birds.
Canoe/waterski down the river or simply walk/drive to the scenic lookouts, restaurants, galleries, local wineries, fishing, eco and river cruises, golf courses or simply pull up a comfy deck chair and watch the river glide by.
There are all types of caravan parks but for one of the absolute best holiday experiences visit the Riverbend Caravan Park in Renmark.
You will not be disappointed."
