In the wake of Hurricane Helene, communities across the Carolinas and surrounding regions have been deeply impacted, especially those in the mountains and western parts of the state. But in true Outdoor Hospitality Industry spirit, RV parks and campgrounds have risen to the occasion, mobilizing resources and rallying support to help both their neighbors and fellow park owners recover from the devastation. The stories of generosity and resilience that have emerged are a testament to the heart of this powerful community.
Dean Garritson, owner of Green River Log Cabins and a pilot based in Spartanburg, SC, has been tirelessly flying supplies to flood-stricken areas, including delivering solar-powered water filtration systems to places in dire need of clean water. Dean described his efforts:
“I flew to Jacksonville and picked up solar-powered water filtration systems… They now have the capacity to make 1,500 gallons of fresh water.” Dean’s dedication reflects the spirit of the entire Outdoor Hospitality Industry—doing whatever it takes to help in times of crisis.
Black Folks Camp Too joined partners Spacious Skies Campgrounds to assess damages and deliver items to their properties in Western North Carolina. The Spacious Skies parks located in Gaffney, SC, Marion, NC, and Spruce Pine, NC, were hit all hard by Hurricane Helene, especially the Bear Den location in Western North Carolina. The park team’s took quick action, from ensuring guest safety to clearing roads and rebuilding bridges. The community can support their recovery by booking stays at their locations, helping them regain their financial footing. This is truly the Unity Blaze (the campfire in Black Folks Camp Too’s logo) way, inviting people to come together in a time of need and showing that everyone is welcome around the campfire.
Lakewood Camping Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC, has long been a part of the coastal community, and they know firsthand the devastation hurricanes can bring. Moved by the destruction of parks and communities in Western North Carolina, they launched a Hurricane Helene Relief Drive, collecting essential items to help their neighbors in the mountains. They are continuing their efforts with a unique event, the “Chicken Bog-Off for a Cause,” encouraging guests to bring donations in exchange for a meal.
Additionally, Lakewood has partnered with the Carolinas Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (CARVC) and the OHI Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund to support fellow campground owners who face the long road to recovery. Many of these campgrounds are family-owned and vital to their local economies, and monetary donations through the OHI Foundation can help them rebuild.
At Treasure Beach RV Park and Campground in Selbyville, DE, the response to Hurricane Helene has been overwhelming. In collaboration with local trucking companies and volunteers, the park has organized a large-scale donation drive, filling trailers with supplies, including 38,000 pounds of water, bound for the affected areas in Western North Carolina. “I’m getting tons of phone calls, my phone’s burning up,” said General Manager Kenny Stevens. However, Stevens wasn’t surprised by the community’s response. “I feel like in Sussex County this is what we do,” Stevens said. “We take care of our own people and anybody we can help, that’s what we do.” The drive will continue depending on the needs in the South.
How Can You Help?
While some parks, like Jellystone Park – Cohchran, GA and Turkey Creek Campground, have opened their parks to guests and evacuees, others are still recovering or may never reopen. The road to recovery is long, but there are many ways you can make a difference:
- Donate Supplies: Items such as hygiene products, blankets, cleaning supplies, and non-perishable food are urgently needed. Many campgrounds, like Lakewood Camping Resort, Treasure Beach RV Park and Campground, and Lake Ridge RV Resort are collecting these supplies to distribute to affected areas.
- Support the OHI Foundation: Monetary donations to the OHI Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund go directly to helping parks recover from the hurricane. You can earmark your donation for campgrounds in the Carolinas by using the code “CARVC” on the donation page. Click here to donate.
- Book a Stay: Supporting campgrounds by booking a stay is another way to help them recover from the financial impact of the storm. Many parks, like Spacious Skies, are offering special discounts for those looking to help.
