The Brightside: G & R Campground

HOUSTON, Del. – The oldest black-owned family campground and RV park in the U.S. is in Delaware. While it’s been around for nearly 30 years, its foundation and legacy live on to this day, making it a hidden gem on Delmarva.

While under new ownership as of last year, we’re told the goal remains the same; to give people an affordable and memorable experience that will last a lifetime.  “Just being able to serve so many people, thousands every single year in that regard is special to us,” says Yolanda Young, Co-owner of G & R campground.

Whether camping, glamping, reconnecting with nature, hosting a yoga retreat, listening to music, or just spending a day playing corn hole, G &  R Campground has helped families across the U.S. make lasting memories for almost three decades. “We’re excited every time we see new faces, new people that are new to camping that come and embrace the lifestyle and say hey we’re coming back every single year,” says Yolanda.

We’re told it’s the history of the campground that has made an iconic staple on Delmarva that Yolanda says, she’s more than happy to preserve. “So if you notice our name is the Gun and Rod Club and that’s because back then, that was the only place where African American soldiers were able to come back and have their own space.” Yolanda adds, “So we strive for G & R to be a place where everyone is accepted, not just for color, disability, or orientation, we are a place for everybody.”

If you’re somebody visiting the campground for the first time, beyond their history, owners Yolanda and her husband Leonard Young tell WMDT, that the campground amenities are expanding every year, giving families and campground goers an array of activities to do. “One of our biggest amenities and attractions here is our swimming pool,” says Leonard. “We also have a basketball court, and an open field with people who can do activities on, softball kickball, a lot of open field games like that.”

“We have a new playground, we have a new lawn game garden, and thankfully with the edge grant, we’re going to be able to do some things with our 10,000-foot activity hall to host more events,” says Yolanda. Some of those events include music festivals like June Jam, Delmarva Folk Festival, and the first black music fest.

Beyond that, the campgrounds host car shows, church retreats, comedy shows, corn hole tournaments weddings, and even family reunions. “It is a place where we’re not only able to connect with nature but also with other people, other families, other cultures,” says Yolanda.

Camp-goers alike can rent fully functional cabins, park their RV’s, put up their tent, chill out in the hammock park, bring their furry friends, make a campfire, and fully immerse themselves in nature. “Everybody has a different story and most of those stories involve G & R,” says Leonard. He adds, “Just kind of hearing those stories about, I’ll just call it customer loyalty that they’ve been coming and they’ve been watching G & R grow.”

We’re told it’s the growth of the campground and the community it serves that keeps it open every year. At the heart of this historical and unique place, are owners who say they’re dedicated to preserving this gem for generations to come. “Probably every day people are saying we’re so proud of you, we love what you’re doing, there are a lot of people that we have continued the legacy,” says Leonard. Yolanda adds, “We’re honed in and excited to do more with the community going forward.”

The campground also hosts free events for the community such as movie nights and arts and crafts. Their next big event is their Annual Seafood Festival on August 31st, and later in the fall, the 33rd Annual DelMarVa Folk Festival.

To learn more about the campground, and events, or to book your next getaway, visit their website.