Building a small RV park.

[Jim]

Crew worked on the road today, it's going to be a stunning entrance! And the Leaves are starting to change as well. Nature can be overwhelming sometimes!

 

[NWIP]

Looks spectacular and looking forward to visiting.

 

[MapNerd]

Can’t wait!

 

[Jabber Jaw]

The "existing" entrance in your 5th picture looks nice & impressive! Why not use it?
You're making great progress for sure!
And great "LOGO"!

 

[Jim]

The "existing" entrance in your 5th picture looks nice & impressive! Why not use it?

We call that the "Toad Gate" and it's pretty tight for comfortable RV usage. I'm afraid it would only be a matter of time before someone hit it and damaged their RV.

The new driveway, referred to as the "RV Entrance", is quite wide and works as the main entrance/exit for the RV's. Once the RV is in the "landing zone", you will key in the pass code for the main gate. Toads can be disconnected/connected in this area. Continuing on, the driver stays on the right-side driveway to enter the actual park area.

During your visit, you can continue to use the RV gate, although it requires that you enter the gate code each time. Or, you can use the Toad Gate (which opens automatically for exiting guests) and use the RV Entrance to reenter the park.

 

[Jim]

I was down at the road throwing grass seed around and no less than three fifth-wheels went by in a period of 10 minutes. No surprise really, as this is a long weekend and they're all headed for the campground three miles up the road. And I was thinking, what a missed opportunity. I should have had a big sign out here, advertising the coming of the Deer Springs RV Park.

I called a couple of sign companies and found a guy that would throw a quick 4' x 8' sign together for me. Total cost for both sides, $350.00 and I can pick it up at 4:30 today. I could not believe it!

Edit: Here is the sign that he made. I'm quite happy with it. lol, I was hooking it up to a temp support and a fellow drove by and then backed up to ask questions. I was surprised at how unprepared I was to promote my new site. Need to create some handouts and get an elevator speech made up.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

I like the way you think, @Jim! Let me predict that this will be a successful venture due to your engagement and critical thinking. Well done, sir; well done.

TJ

 

[Chargerman]

Looks terrific. I agree to the point regarding your future success with the park. Better start thinking about phase II. ?

 

[Neal]

@Jim, consider an area for overlow and boondockers? You may have X sites with hookups but you could cater to an even larger crowd such as an event (RVF?) if those of us with solar or those willing to use generator and stay at reduced rates. I'm thinking more on the lines of RV events though that an overflow area for boondocking would be cool as well. Just make sure it has good sun exposure wherever you choose if you want to cater to solar folks.

 

[Jim]

@Jim, consider an area for overlow and boondockers? You may have X sites with hookups but you could cater to an even larger crowd such as an event (RVF?) if those of us with solar or those willing to use generator and stay at reduced rates. I'm thinking more on the lines of RV events though that an overflow area for boondocking would be cool as well. Just make sure it has good sun exposure wherever you choose if you want to cater to solar folks.

A wonderful idea Neal. The property next door will someday be up for sale and it may be just what the Dr. ordered for an expansion of the RV area.

 

[MapNerd]

@Jim I assume you have someone putting together a website for you or will it all be through Facebook?

 

[shft22]

Just an observation on the wifi/cell coverage issue. I assume you have internet somewhere in the property, you can possibly extend that to the camp ground area and install multiple wifi access points. If the distance from the existing internet service to the campground is too far for a wire, they have line of sight transmitters that work relatively well. Providing wifi to the campground reduced the need for cell service somewhat.

 

[Jim]

...

Just an observation on the wifi/cell coverage issue. I assume you have internet somewhere in the property, you can possibly extend that to the camp ground area and install multiple wifi access points. If the distance from the existing internet service to the campground is too far for a wire, they have line of sight transmitters that work relatively well. Providing wifi to the campground reduced the need for cell service somewhat.

The only Internet available out here is satellite, and is very unreliable. But I'm still working through the FCC to try and motivate Verizon or AT&T to look at the best interests of our community.

From what I'm told, the problem lies at Governor Coopers doorstep. Governor Cooper could help our cause, but Verizon and AT&T are busy with their 5G expansion and don't want to dedicate assets to our small area. So while both companies are promising to expand service to us, they don't want to do it right now. And as both companies have better lobbyists than Deer Springs has, we don't stand much of a chance.

I did however find a company that has fiber in the area (Balsam West) and I have reached out to them. They will contact me on Monday, or so I'm told.

Fingers crossed.

 

[Jim]

@Jim I assume you have someone putting together a website for you or will it all be through Facebook?

I will develop a site when I get some time. I generally work on things like that when we're on a trip and I can't do anything physical on the project. We're headed for Bluewater Key in a few weeks and hopefully I'll get some time to work on it.

 

[Jim]

Some random pics as we cut through the top of the hill. This will be the driveway you will use as you exit Deer Springs RV Park.

 

[NWIP]

Progress, what more can you ask for. Good weather to continue?

 

[Neal]

@Jim reminds me of that show in Alaska where they are always building, clearing, doing something like this.

 

[Scruffyjon]

New to the site and new to RVing... but I love watching a "Dammit I'm gonna do it" attitude.

The reason I camp is to get away from wifi, cell, technology. Just make it clear it is not available but have a landline present. Most places I tent camp don't have coverage.

Will you have a store/general office that can provide assistance? Firewood? You mentioned trails, but what about hunting and fishing? Hiking? Mountain biking?

Not trying to be a downer, but those are things I would look for.

I wish you well with your venture and hopefully I will visit soon.

 

[Scruffyjon]

And your FB link is broken, and could not find you in a search.

 

[Jim]

Will you have a store/general office that can provide assistance? Firewood? You mentioned trails, but what about hunting and fishing? Hiking? Mountain biking?

There will be a campground host on duty and easily accessible. You are free to hike the property and if you are more adventurous, we are quite close to the Appalachian Trail. Up the road a few miles is access to the river and from what I hear, great fly fishing.

We will have a self-service, honor system store that will stock the most needed items (but not everything) and a free to use laundry facility. Firewood is also complementary.

I hope to see you next Spring!