The Endless Adventure of Being A Campground Owner

Owning a campground like Happy Acres is a bit like having a never-ending party to host—one where the guests don’t leave, and you’re always the life of the party. As a campground owner, I'm "ON" all the time, and my house has been wondering where I am for the past three weeks!

From the moment the sun peeks over the horizon, I’m on call. From leading our fearless employees to greeting our happy campers, everything needs to run smoothly. Lots of smiles and waves, answering calls and messages, and making reservations for people are all part of the daily grind. And of course, ensuring that campers are enjoying themselves is a top priority.

It’s a rewarding job, no doubt, but it’s also relentless. Imagine juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle with a smile, and you’ll get a pretty good idea of what my average day looks like.

Here’s a little secret: I love Happy Acres, but I also have other loves—like Pokagon State Park trails. Unfortunately, those trails have seen more of my absence than my footsteps this year. This week marked the first time I've had a chance to walk them, and it was a bittersweet reminder of the balance I strive for but rarely achieve.

Despite the hustle and bustle, there are moments that make it all worthwhile. Hearing the accolades from campers about how amazing the campground is, how well-maintained everything is—from the pool area to the beautiful flowers and landscaping—fills my heart with joy. It's the little touches, like personalized maps and paperwork, that enhance their experience and make them feel special. And when they do, I feel like my mission was accomplished. 

Helping campers out of tough situations or helping new campers learn the ropes is also very rewarding. Just the other day, I extended a camper's stay at no charge when their slide malfunctioned and found a mobile tech to fix it the same day. Their gratitude and relief were palpable. And then there are the unexpected joys, like being invited to a campfire by people we just met and enjoying homemade elephant ears over the flames. The smiles and unexpected joy on campers' faces remind me why I do what I do.

Being a campground owner means I get to create a haven for others to relax and enjoy, but ironically, finding my own time to relax is a rare luxury. I remain plugged in and ON to ensure our campers escape is perfect.

So, if you’re ever wondering why campground owners might look a little frazzled or why our neighbors at home are wondering if we moved out, this is why. We’re committed to making sure your experience is amazing, even if it means sacrificing a bit of our own downtime.

But don’t get me wrong—despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. The smiles on our campers' faces, the laughter around the campfires, and the joy of creating unforgettable memories make it all worthwhile. Every day brings new adventures and moments that remind me why I love what I do.

Here’s to finding those rare moments of peace, even if they’re few and far between. And to all my fellow campground owners out there: hang in there, take a deep breath, and maybe sneak away for a quick walk on your favorite trail when you can. You’ve earned it!

#CampHappyAcres #CampgroundLife #AlwaysOnCall #FindingBalance #LoveMyJob

Also in News