Kamp Dels

CAN A BLACK PERSON LOOSE WHITE PRIVILEGE! The answer is YES!
This week I took the camper, my sister, and 2 each of our grandchildren and went camping.
This was the first outing in 2 and a half years since loosing my husband. I didn't know if I could do it without him, but I did. We went to one of our favorite places which is also one of the most expensive. It is Kamp Dels in Waterville, MN. I loved this place as soon as my husband found it...

Since he died I have felt a loss of lots of things but one thing that I didn't realize I have lost was the safety that his "white privilege " afforded me as his wife and best friend. There was a level of safety and an increase in my already courageous nature to go and do whatever I chose on adventures no matter the mix of cultures.
Of all the nights we spent at Kamp Dels, we have never been approached by anyone resembling "security "....until last night. We decided on a fire at 10pm last night and around 1010pm a guy shows up to "remind " us of the quiet time...he said it was 10pm.. I have been here several times. That time has been 11pm since I can remember. I immediately felt unsafe here in Waterville with 4 black children and 2 black women. The kids were afraid and no longer enjoyed their fire. I am saddened by this. I wasn't going to question him and make a scene with the kids present. We finished our fire just before 11pm.
It's hard enough loosing my best friend and husband, but thanks to this over reach by a zealous "security officer "...I fully understand that I have lost even more....this beloved campground where my husband and grand children made so many wonderful memories. I have several trips booked for the summer, but now I am not sure if will keep the reservations.....

We stayed at Kamp Dels over Memorial Day weekend and had such a wonderful experience! The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our stay, which made us feel very welcome. There were so many fun amenities and activities for families to enjoy. The playgrounds were a huge hit with the kids, and they also loved the mini golf, arcade, tram rides, and boat activities. The pool area was definitely one of the highlights — the kids had an absolute blast spending hours swimming and playing. The campground had a fun, family-friendly atmosphere and offered plenty to keep everyone entertained. Overall, Kamp Dels was a great place for a family getaway, and we made so many fun memories during our stay. We would definitely love to come back again!

This was our second time at Kamp Dels and we all had a blast! There is such a variety of things to do, plus the staff has pop up activities too! The campground was clean and staff were incredibly friendly and inviting. I definitely foresee going back!

Best campground we have ever been to. They have everything. Water park, snack bar, mini golf, parks, arcade and petting zoo. There was a concert one night we were there - Gen X Jukebox - SO FUN! All the staff were friendly. Bath houses were nice, spotless and even dry (you would think they would be wet and gross being by a pool). Camp spots were well spread out. Loved having the concrete pad. Grounds were well maintained. Park equipment was new and fun. They have little events every day that you can participate in. You can even order firewood to be delivered to your camp spot. Definitely recommend! We will be going back!

First time at Kamp Dels, and knowing what we know now we’ll be back with better insight on where to go.

Plus sides: there is a TON of stuff to do mainly free, but some are reasonably priced activities. They have daily activities for all ages. The morning announcements make me feel like I’m 12 years old again at summer camp. 🏕️ Facilities are descent, the bathrooms/showers but the main office are the best as you can shower without getting your stuff wet. The fact you can charge practically everything is nice (and terrible) because you don’t have to carry cash or card with you everywhere. The terrible part of that… before you know
It… BAM, $200 invoice (self inflicted).

The biggest negative of the campground: The roads are super narrow and confusing. If fine pulling our pop up and helped 3 other campers through tight spaces and backing into their lot (previous truck driver)… but for someone who isn’t well versed in trailering… I’m surprised there isn’t more “accidents”. The roads are also confusing are some are 1 ways… some are 2 ways but the road is the same width. So maybe some redesign of the traffic flow through the park would help? Can’t count how many times I went the wrong way on a one way, or thought it was one way but it was 2 way. The children running around made it so I didn’t want to be face down in the map so I just went where I thought it was supposed to go. 🤣

As the weekend approached, the lots/spaces are pretty close and packed in (pic of “day 2” shows 2 empty lots)… this makes your neighbors practically family (we had a good set of neighbors and a crappy set of neighbors. 50% is a failing grade. 😉).

It was nice to see the quiet hours are ACTUALLY enforced. It nice to party on the weekends… but it’s also nice to be able to sleep at 2am without drunk neighbors whooping it up until 5am. It was truly relaxing.