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Date: 4/13/2022
WALES - Attracting people from near and far, Oak Haven Family Campground has a lot in store for the upcoming camping season.
From May 1 through Columbus Day weekend, the campground, located at 22 Main St. in Wales, will be open for visitors.
Oak Haven Family Campground is owned by Penny Jalbert. Her nephew Zachary Berry and wife Becky, assist Jalbert in operating the camp since her husband passed away.
Offering a variety of activities each weekend, Becky said, “We have everything down to a luau, glow night, Christmas in July, Father’s, and Mother’s Day [events],” along with bands playing on the holiday weekends.
Additional attractions include a pool, playground, basketball and volleyball courts, along with nearby Lake George, that campers can visit for kayaking, fishing or relaxing on the town beach, said Becky.
From opening day through the end of the school year, Becky said the weeks are quieter. Once summer vacation hits, she said the campground fills and weekly activities increase, such as flag football, baseball in the field and kids’ crafts.
With a 50-50 mix of locals and non-locals, Becky said the number of campers visiting Oak Haven differs every year. Over the past two years, she recalled a “sky high” number due to COVID-19. “When the pandemic hit, people came here to get out because campgrounds remained open,” said Becky.
She noted that a lot of their campers include those who are visiting the Brimfield Flea Market, which takes place in May, July and September.
“We get locals as well,” said Becky. “[The campground] is still far away in the woods that it makes you feel like you’re somewhere else.”
She continued, “I think people want to camp locally, especially now,” with the increase in gas prices. This has resulted in numerous seasonal campers.
Oak Haven Family Campground offers sites for tents, campers and trailers.
Becky described their campground as “old school mom and pop.”
“We try to call everyone back and find out how many kids they have, how big their unit is,” and so on. “We want to connect with our campers,” she said.
The campground is fully booked for the weekends of Memorial Day and Labor Day. As of press time, Becky said they only have a few spots left for Columbus Day. “We fill up quick,” she said. Those looking to book for a holiday weekend are encouraged to do so in the winter.
Aside from the holiday weekends, Becky said they are “pretty open and flexible” for the rest of the season.
To book a campsite, call 245-7148 or email camp@oakhavencampground.com. Interested campers are asked to leave a detailed message. A reservation request can also be made on their website at https://oakhavencampground.com/.
For 2022 rates and a complete list of activities, visit their website or Facebook page, Oak Haven Family Campground.