Photo by Aprile DeAnna McKinnon
Living at Happy Camp
Happy Camp has always been one of the more popular camping destinations for Canyon Lakers and their guests. Now with the upgrades the Canyon Lake POA has recently installed there, it’s even more attractive for the occasional visit. For the little family of Sean and Kaitlyn Gardner and their two children, Happy Camp is a place they rarely leave.
The Gardners are the Happy Camp hosts and they have full-time residence at the camp.
Sean and Kaitlyn have loved raising their kids at Happy Camp. Their two children, Axel, age 12, and Adelyn, age 18 months, enjoy meeting the visiting children, playing on the playground and splashing in the lake. Adelyn was born while her parents lived at Happy Camp and the camp has been her first and only home.
Michael Petty, 4, plays at the new playground at Happy aCamp. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon
Sean and Kaitlyn are hired by the Canyon Lake POA to oversee the camp and to assist visitors with any questions or concerns about Happy Camp. They said they take great pride in making sure everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
They look at Happy Camp as their little community and feel right at home there. Recently, for Easter, they, along with a coworker, stuffed 1,000 Easter Eggs and hid them around the camp. They invited those staying there to find them and participate in games, get prizes and visit with the Easter Bunny who came to visit. The Gardeners took it upon themselves to put the event together for the kids and their families on Easter. It’s the kind of thing they do to make their guests feel at home when they’re there on holidays.
There have been many improvements and construction projects at Happy Camp over the last couple of years. A new state-of-the-art playground was installed, including an area for horseshoes and corn hole. Aging restrooms were completely remodeled last year and include showers. Shady picnic areas have been installed as have Wi-Fi, 50 amp service and full hook-up sites. And just last week, a new sign was installed over the stairs next to the camp office that reads, “Happy Camp” in a true ranch-style fashion.
Other amenities at Happy Camp include an RV dump station, lighted parking, roped off swim areas and a boat dock. Available for purchase at Happy Camp are gasoline, propane, ice and vending machine snacks.
With its lakefront picturesque location, friendly hosts, and the many amenities, Happy Camp is the perfect destination for Canyon Lakers looking for a fun-filled camping experience where they can get away from home without leaving the city.
Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon
Sean and Kaitlyn are always available to answer questions and help campers look over the campsites to make a selection. For those looking to reserve a space, they can go to Happy Camp and check out the campsites to see the full details of what is at each site.
Sean said that dogs are allowed at the campsites, but there are rules about having them that campers must adhere to. One rule is the dogs are not allowed to go in the lake. There is also a noise ordinance in place that can result in a $500 fine. There are other rules, too. Sean and Kaitlyn said they advise all campers to review the Happy Camp rules so that campers are not surprised by what they can’t do there.
Sean and Kaitlyn said they are adapting to the online reservation system that is now available. Sean advises that members go on to the Canyon Lake POA website to review the new guidelines, rules and regulations prior to booking a stay. Some reservations can be made six months in advance, however, that is not the case for some holidays.