The Camp has new offerings and entertainment

Wind blowing through the pine trees at The Camp/The Forest sets in motion a relaxing experience for anyone wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of a hectic life and enjoy a day, night or an extended period of fun.

Located approximately five miles from Wappapello Lake, 10 miles from Poplar Bluff and an easy drive from anywhere in Southeast Missouri, The Camp offers a family-friendly atmosphere with outdoor activities in a laid-back environment.

Scott Preslar and Dina Rhodes opened the Camp in 2017 on property purchased from the University of Missouri. The resort, located on more than 169 acres along Lake Wappapello’s southern border, offers a variety of overnight options including “spacious camp sites,” which may be rented by the night, month or year, said Lauren Lady, camp manager.

Preslar said, The Camp “is a just a few short turns from Poplar Bluff.” Traveling from Highway 60, turn onto Highway T then turn left at Highway KK. Watch for camper trailers along the way marking the route.

If you need “we will come and escort you,” Preslar said by calling 573-222-CAMP (2267).

New this year is a 25-passenger shuttle bus. Call The Camp for information.

Preslar promises you will finds “the friendliest staff on both sides of the Mississippi” at the fun camp.

If you like entertainment, check out The Camp’s scheduled performers. Logan Mize, an accomplished country singer/songwriter from Clearwater, Kansas, will appear Saturday, April 20.

In 2017, Mize’s latest album “Come Back Road” was released and debuted in the Top 20 Billboard Country Albums and reached No. 2 on the iTunes country charts. Propelled by the album’s popularity, “Ain’t Always Pretty,” eclipsed 30 million streams on Spotify in 2018.

If you like being up, close and personal with the entertainment, think about renting a cabana for a night. If you like to live on the wild side, take a ride on the high steaks mechanical bull Preslar installed this year.

Karaoke is available.

Featuring a pool, playground area where you are reminded to drive “like your kids are playing” an arcade, Lady explained. UTVs and golf carts are welcome.

There are 75 RV sites with buddy sites which includes water, electric, sewer and trash dumpster. Each site has a grill and fire pit.

A view of the rustic barn wedding chapel at The Forest. DAR/Barbara Ann Horton

A variety of 13 unique custom designed cabins are available. Included is one large two-story house along with rentable tent spots. The cabins include the big house, which will sleep 15-20 people, has WiFi, cable television, a large full kitchen and a green room. While the cabins are smoke free, the green room may be used by smokers.

Each site has a grill and fire pit.

Along with the big house there are one- and two-bedroom cabins with kitchenettes, as well as two-, three- and four-bedroom units with full kitchens.

An ADA-approved cabin featuring wheelchair assessable showers is available.

The cabins are decorated in a variety of styles ranging from rustic to shabby chic. They are some people’s idea of glamorous camping.

The Camp Store is located near the property’s entrance, as is the restaurant. The store sells supplies, food and other necessities similar to those of a convenience store. Firewood is available.

New this year is Wally’s Steak & Seafood Restaurant which will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

If you are planning a wedding, The Forest’s rustic venue is the answer whether you want to decorate or want to just show up and enjoy everything. The Forest Event Center is both heated and cooled. If you prefer an outdoor wedding, they have that covered too with an outdoor venue complete with lights and chandeliers hanging from the trees and benches mad from tree stumps.

One barn houses the wedding chapel and the other the reception area, as well as the bride’s room.

A groom’s quarters complete with pool table and activities to keep the men in the wedding party occupied is also new this year. The Camp offers a honeymoon cabin.

Why stress out the family. Rent cabins for the families of the bride and groom. Have your guests plan to stay, too.

The Camp staff also will help with family or class reunions.

“Rain or shine we’ve got you covered with our 10,000 square feet pavilion,” but bring your lawn chairs. Lady explained.

Special events include Fourth of July, Halloween and Christmas.

Active duty military and veterans receive discounts.

For additional information visit online at www.campthelake.com or call Call 573-222-CAMP (2267). Checkout The Camp’s Facebook page for upcoming events.