So how can camping be free?

For the 100th, we charged $125/person and additional fees for cars, trucks, and RV campers. We spent a lot of money on a 1-800 phone number, bulk mail marketing, posters, beer coasters, credit card processing, etc. etc. When it was all said and done, it was alarming to me how much we spent on promotion. Given that the whole idea is to raise just a few dollars for charity, we've decided to simplify things for the 105th. With only a few posters, we're relying on mainly this web site and word of mouth. Reservations are placed by email on this site. The funds raised with our all-you-can eat hot breakfast served daily will benefit the non-profit organizations who volunteer to cook, clean, and provide an awesome environment at the campground--yes, the campground was 100% staffed by volunteers in 2003 and will be again in 2008.

During the week of the 100th Anniversary Celebration, we learned a tough, but valuable lesson. With our $125/person camping fees, we were not an affordable camping option for those attending the Celebration for just a few days or the weekend. For the riders making the haul from several states away--those planning to camp 7 to 10 days--we were an affordable option. More than 75% of the people who stayed at Oak Grove Acres campground for the 100th Anniversary travelled more than 500 miles and stayed for more than 7 days. Essentially, we priced ourselves out of the largest segment of the market--those who planned to ride in from the Midwest and stay for the weekend. By dropping our camping fees entirely, we hope to be an attractive option for those riders just passing through for 1 day as well as those staying for 7 days.