I arrived at Oakleaf Family Campground on Sunday with my two boys, one 4 months old, the other 13 years, and it’s been such a beautiful, grounding experience since day one. As a first-time camper on my own with no other adult, I was definitely feeling anxious and unsure about what to expect. But that uncertainty has gradually been replaced with calm, confidence.
From the beginning, Kim stood out as someone genuinely dedicated to this campground. She’s not only warm and attentive but also incredibly knowledgeable. She’s taken the time to answer every question I’ve had (and I’ve had quite a few!), and she’s been a quiet but steady presence throughout our stay. Her care for the grounds and the people here is evident in everything she does.
The campground itself is truly beautiful, peaceful, clean, and well cared for, with a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere that’s helped me settle in. The other campers, many of whom seem to be regulars, did make me feel a little self-conscious at first. There were some curious glances that made me feel like the “new kid,” but after a few days, those walls began to come down. People have become friendlier and more open, and I do feel welcomed now.
One of the highlights of our stay has been the large two-bedroom, two-bath RV we rented. It’s incredibly clean, well-kept, and thoughtfully stocked, you don’t need to bring anything to cook with, which was a big relief. The full kitchen setup made meals easy and stress-free. A heads-up: the mattresses aren’t the most comfortable, so I’d recommend bringing a mattress topper if you’re staying more than a night or two. That said, having air conditioning inside was a huge plus during these warm summer nights.
My 13-year-old especially loves the pool and game room, they’ve both been great ways for him to unwind and meet other kids. The campground is also dog-friendly, which is something I really appreciate. It’s clear the staff here love animals and make space for them to be part of the fun.
What I appreciate most is how empowering this experience has been. What started as an intimidating trip has turned into something I’m really proud of. I’ve learned a lot, from Kim, from the environment, and from simply doing it, and I feel more confident than ever about camping again in the future.
We’re here until Sunday, and so far it’s been a really special time. I’ll be sure to update with our full experience & photos/videos once we wrap up our stay. For now, I just want to say thank you to Kim and everyone at Oakleaf for helping make our first solo camping trip feel not only manageable, but memorable.
