Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Henriksen.
Hi Erika Henriksen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Oh, I just love telling this story because it really was one of those meant-to-be moments! I actually started out as a school teacher here in a small town in North Carolina. My husband was serving in the military, and like so many military families, we were always on the move. When we landed here in Central Texas, we parked our RV right here at Harker Heights RV Resort—and y’all, from the very first day, it just felt like home. The people and the atmosphere at Open Air really made me feel at home! There’s something really special about living in an RV community, especially one so close to Fort Hood. I was surrounded by other military spouses, families who understood the lifestyle—the deployments, the moves, the uncertainty—and we just leaned on each other. I wanted to be even more involved in making this community thrive.
I started work camping here on the side, helping out wherever I could in the front office. I just couldn’t get enough of the people and the energy of this place. When our wonderful community manager decided to retire, the opportunity opened up and I thought, “This is it. This is what I’m supposed to be doing.” I jumped in and I haven’t looked back since.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think anyone building something meaningful will tell you there are bumps along the way, and we’re no different. As a community, we are always learning from our residents. We listen, we adjust, and we do our very best to deliver a high-quality experience every single day. There have definitely been highs and lows—whether it’s navigating growth, adapting to what our residents need, or just the everyday challenges of running a community that people truly call home. I’m most proud of our tight-knit community that stays strong through all of it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As the Community Manager at Harker Heights, my focus is on making Open Air the best possible home — whether you’re staying short-term or putting down roots for a while. My specialty is people. I thrive on creating an environment where guests feel welcomed, valued, and truly at home from the moment they arrive.
What I’m most proud of is the genuine community connections that are formed here — the friendships that go beyond a stay and last long after guests hit the road again. There’s something really special about watching people arrive as strangers and leave as lifelong friends. What sets us apart is simple: we lead with community. It’s not just about providing a place to stay — it’s about creating a place where people belong. That’s the Open Air difference, and it’s what gets me excited to come to work every day.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Creating a place where adventure meets comfort and community. That’s the sweet spot right there!
I love seeing guests pull in, settle into their site, and truly make themselves at home while enjoying our resort-style amenities. There’s something so special about watching families gather around their campsites in the evening, RVers connecting with fellow travelers by the pool, kids running around having the time of their lives—it just fills my heart right up.
But what I’m especially proud of is the community we’ve built. Welcoming local veterans, active duty military members and their families, and fellow Texans who’ve made Open Air Harker Heights their gathering place—that means the world to us. Serving those who’ve served our country and being a hub for our local community brings us tremendous joy. It’s personal for all of us.
Pricing:
- Standard Sites $490
- Premium Sites $540
- Pull Through $550
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open-air-resorts.com/texas/harker-heights-rv-resort/
- Instagram: openair_harkerheights
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OpenAirHarkerHeights/
