Our Story
Jon Thatcher grew up in nearby Ticonderoga, NY, where his family has lived for generations. After working in education as a teacher and leadership for over 15 years, Jon decided to change careers and find a way back to the North Country. While on an extended road trip in an RV in early 2024, Jon fell in love with the RV culture and started looking for campgrounds for sale in the Adirondacks. Eventually, Jon found Shady Oaks and purchased the property in August 2024 with a determination to bring the property back to life and make the Adirondacks more accessible to visitors.
Shady Oaks History
Shady Oaks opened as Oak Knoll Campground in the late 1970s. Over time, the campground grew and was renamed Shady Oaks RV Park, which was the name of the park when Jon purchased it.
As a nod to the past, the campground will continue to be called Shady Oaks but with the aspiration of becoming a best in class camping resort in the next few years.
The current layout of the campground occupies approximately 13 acres of an approximately 44 acre parcel of land and includes infrastructure for 103 full hook-up campsites. Given the age of the campground, the lots are large and most are well shaded by the mature landscaping.
What's next
Because of the pandemic and other material challenges, the campground needed extensive renovations when Jon purchased it.
The work is currently underway to improve infrastructure, modernize amenities, and realize the full vision for Shady Oaks Camping Resort.
Before opening in May 2025, the campground will be connected to public water, the electric service for at least fifteen campsites will be upgraded to 50amp, the grounds of the park will receive a full clean-up, and the main building will be nearly fully renovated to include a renovated campstore, updated bathrooms, a larger laundry room, and a “Great Room” that will provide ample spaces for guests to gather and build community.
If you’re interested in following along and seeing pictures of the progress in real time, follow @ShadyOaksCamping on social media.