Community Highlights: Meet Courtney Cole of Camp Deer Trails

Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Cole

Courtney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started in 2020 when my husband and I were looking for lakefront property to enjoy as a family. A friend sent us the listing for an old run down Girl Scout Camp and in less than 24 hours we were on site making plans knowing this camp needed to be shared with the world. The brainstorming was running rampant but we knew keeping the history of the camp alive was important. Our dreams were put on hold when we found out there was another offer that was accepted. We decided to write a letter to the Girl Scouts telling them how important it was to us to share this special property with everyone and we would never develop it and keep the camp intact. We would always welcome the scouts here. And that’s how we became owners of Camp Deer Trails.
Our goal was to turn the camp into a wedding destination and went to work right away with renovating the lodge and 10 cabins. We wanted to keep the vintage and nostalgic feel of the camp alive while adding modern touches.
We were navigating all of this in the heart of Covid!
We knew running a full time campground and wedding venue was going to need all hands on deck. That’s when we recruited the people we trusted most, our parents. We also have four boys that help most of the time.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There were plenty of obstacles ahead. On a small scale we knew nothing about running a campground or wedding venue. We did a lot of research and learned from people in this field.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Camp Deer Trails ?
Our focus is staying family oriented where everyone is welcome.
We host not only weddings but family gatherings, sports camps, corporate retreats. Our goal is for everyone to feel like family when they stay with us.

Any big plans?
Our future plans are to bring in more activities for kids to enjoy. Along with more cabins and expanding our glamping options and bringing back the original canvas tents with the vintage feel.

Pricing:

• Cabins $80-$250 a night
• Campsites $23-$45 a night
• Weddings $4,500-$8,000

Contact Info:

• Website: https://CampDeerTrails.com
• Instagram: @campdeertrails
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/campdeertrails