Blue Haven Campground and Resort, a longstanding fixture in the community of Ellenburg, has been sold after being under the ownership of the Momot family for decades.
The campground, originally founded in 1962 and later purchased by John Momot’s uncle in the 1970s, has been a key part of the region’s summer vacation offerings. John Momot, who took ownership in 1997, expressed mixed emotions about the transition.
“I’m not sure what it’s going to feel like once we get to spring,” Momot said. “I’ve kind of settled in on the feeling that it feels like one of my daughters getting married; You just hope they have a good spouse to go forward with.”
Throughout the years, Blue Haven has maintained a loyal customer base, with many visitors returning year after year.
Momot emphasized the human connections he valued most, stating:
“Beyond just the job, people camp there for years, and you get to know them; there’s people I’ve known for 40 years. There’s some lifelong friendships that have developed through it.”
One of the key figures in the campground’s success has been Dave Bechard, the longtime general manager who started working there in 2001.
Bechard, who has built lasting relationships with families that have frequented the campground for generations, will remain with the business under its new ownership.
“John took a lot of pride in it, and he grew me into taking a lot of pride in it,” Bechard said. “It’ll definitely be a change.”
The sale of the campground was a decision rooted in finding the right buyers to maintain its values and operations.
The new owners, a group of businesspeople known as Neighbors of Blue Haven, are committed to continuing the campground’s operations while applying their expertise to further enhance its future.
“We received multiple offers for the campground, and our decision was guided by the buyer’s dedication to maintaining the campground’s current operations,” Momot explained to Press-Republican.
“Their extensive experience in managing properties across North America played a significant role in our selection process, and their proven track record assures us that they are well-equipped to uphold the campground’s legacy while bringing in their expertise to enhance its future.”
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality industry, Blue Haven’s transition highlights the importance of securing a buyer who aligns with the business’s values and long-standing community ties.
Maintaining these relationships and upholding the integrity of a campground’s operations can be key to ensuring a smooth transition and continued success.
The new owners have expressed gratitude for the strong foundation laid by the Momot family. As the sale marks the end of an era for the Momot family, John Momot expressed his pride in the campground’s success.