Beaver Dam – J&J’s Getaway Campground & RV Park, 87 Horton Road, is run by Jessie Callahan and Jason Dusenberry.
The couple moved to the area from Florida and never planned to open a campground. However, during 14 trips to western North Carolina, they were only looking for flat land to potentially build a couple of AirBnB rentals.
However, they were shown the campground property by a former neighbor, and when Callahan saw the view and beauty of the land, she knew it was meant to be something special.
The campground has turned into a hub for vintage campers. Callahan fell in love with this concept on a solo trip to El Cosmico in Marfa, Texas. She instantly pictured a mountain version with a stunning landscape and quirky vintage campers.
Each camper and each owner have their own unique stories, and many of the campers have been within the same families for generations. When asked why they have focused on vintage campers, “The people are gems and have the best energy” Callahan said, “it really comes down to the people.”
Callahan is the one who does the majority of the organizing and planning of the events at the campground, while Dusenberry oversees the maintenance of the property and the two vintage camper rentals on-site. He also works at Hanging Dog General Store.
“We’re the perfect yin and yang,” Callahan said.
Even as a couple who spends the majority of their time together, they love this community they’ve created and describe themselves as the “perfect team.”
The campground is open year-round and even has some long-term guests, while their events include live music, food trucks and vintage campers are ongoing from April through October. Most of these events are open to the public.
The campground is finishing its fourth season and has begun to plan next year’s events, which will feature four main vintage camper events in April, June, July and October. Callahan’s favorite event is the Thankful 10 Rally, which will be held for the third year in June of 2025.
They choose a theme and a local charity or group to donate funds for this event. In 2023, they donated to the Honor Guard, and this year they donated money to Murphy Elementary School.
Saturday is the Halloween Vintage Camper Open House, a free event, which will be the grand finale of the 2024 season. The owners welcome all to come to celebrate, in costume, at J&J’s.
From 1-4 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to explore the unique vintage campers and classic cars attending the event. From 5-8 p.m., there will be live music by Rocket, delicious food from Pop’s Big Cheese Wagon, plus costume and camper awards.
Details: Visit jandjsgetaway.com.