Hi there, I’m Jack Wendling—campground owner, outdoor enthusiast, dreamer, doer, and now, surprisingly enough, an author.
I’m 40 years old, living a grounded and fulfilling life with my amazing wife and our loyal dog, who has appointed himself “Campground Patrol.” If you’ve ever stayed with us, you’ve likely seen him trotting the trails like he owns the place. Spoiler: he does.
When I wrote this book, I had just passed my fifth year in the business. Five years might not seem like a long stretch to some, but in the world of outdoor hospitality—where weather, logistics, and wildcards rule the day—it feels like a lifetime. And let me tell you, I’ve seen it all: muddy roads that needed rebuilding, guests who turned into lifelong friends, mistakes that turned into lessons, and small wins that fueled bigger dreams.
The idea for this whole venture—my campground, this book, and everything in between—started right where it should’ve: on family land. Just a little stretch of acreage not far from the main interstate. I grew up out here, surrounded by fields and forest, and even as a kid, I felt the pull of this place. There was something sacred about it. Quiet, open, peaceful. I always believed it had more to offer than just space.
One evening, I was standing near the edge of the property, watching the sunset stretch over the treetops, and I had this vision: gravel pathways winding between trees, a fire ring under the stars, a family pitching a tent just far enough from the noise of everyday life. That’s where it all began.
At first, I kept it simple—just a few primitive sites, minimal amenities, and a whole lot of heart. I worked my regular job during the week and spent every spare hour clearing brush, laying gravel, setting firewood out, and building picnic tables with my own hands. My wife pitched in wherever she could, never doubting the vision even when I did. The early days were full of sweat equity and small miracles. I didn’t have a big budget or a fancy plan—just a love for the land and a deep belief that people needed a place to unplug, unwind, and reconnect.
And guess what? They came.
People started showing up—first in ones and twos, then in small groups, families, friends. They brought tents, campers, guitars, dogs, and stories. They left with campfire memories and dusty boots, promising to come back. That was the moment I knew this wasn’t just a project. It was a passion. It was a purpose.
Since those humble beginnings, I’ve upgraded our campground in more ways than I can count. We now offer a variety of amenities, each one shaped by guest feedback, personal trial and error, and a whole lot of learning on the fly. Solar lighting, firewood stations, compost toilets, site maps, Wi-Fi zones (yep, some folks still want a signal)—all of it came from real needs I saw over time.
Running a campground sounds idyllic, and in many ways, it is. I get to watch kids catch their first firefly. I see couples reconnect under star-filled skies. I’ve helped nervous first-timers pitch tents and watched them return the following year as seasoned campers. But let me be honest: it’s also been tough. The weather doesn’t care about your plans. Permits take longer than you’d like. Equipment breaks. People cancel. And running a business that blends hospitality, maintenance, landscaping, logistics, and crisis management? It can stretch you thin.
But here’s the thing—I wouldn’t change any of it.
Every challenge has made me better. Every conversation with a camper has made the experience richer. Every long night has made the morning coffee on the porch that much sweeter. I’ve learned to trust my gut, to listen more than I talk, and to build with intention.
This book is my way of sharing that journey—not just the highlights, but the how-to, the why, and the “don’t make the mistake I did.” If you’re dreaming of starting a campground or are just curious about what it takes, I wrote this for you. I want to offer the kind of honest, real-world advice I wish someone had handed me when I started. From choosing your layout to picking the right amenities, marketing on a shoestring, handling guests, and learning how to grow sustainably—it's all here.
I’m not a millionaire or a corporate CEO. I’m just a guy who believed in a simple idea and kept showing up for it. I’ve built something meaningful with my own hands, heart, and a lot of help from the people I love. And I’m proud of that.
Outside of campground life, you’ll find me tinkering with new site layouts, grilling up something on the open fire, or heading out for a quiet walk in the woods with my dog. I believe in hard work, fresh air, simple living, and the power of sharing stories. So if you’ve got a dream sitting in your back pocket, and you’re wondering if now’s the time to chase it—I hope my story nudges you closer to yes. There will be bumps. But there will also be beautiful, unexpected rewards.
"Start small, dream big, and don’t be afraid to build something that matters."
Always Best Regards,
Jack Wendling
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