In Freedom, New Hampshire, one of the region’s largest family-owned campgrounds is proving that independence can be a competitive advantage.
Danforth Bay RV & Camping Resort, a 600-site property, is investing in better Wi-Fi, event-driven loyalty, and amenities guests can enjoy rain or shine—all while keeping operations self-sufficient and community-centered.
In an exclusive interview with Modern Campground, Amanda Buswell, general manager of the resort, emphasized the focus on creating an inclusive, family-friendly environment that blends traditional values with modern amenities—from multiple swimming pools to vibrant seasonal events—making Danforth Bay a favored destination for campers seeking both community and nature.
A Family-Owned Resort with Deep Community Roots
Originally operating as Shawtown Campground, the 185-acre property was purchased by the Hoyt family in 2000 and reopened under its current name in 2001.
Over the past two decades, the resort has steadily evolved, reflecting both guest needs and the vision of its dedicated management team.
In 2006, the resort expanded with the addition of The Bluffs, a specialized section catering to campers ages 50 and older.
“It was designed with empty nesters in mind,” Buswell said. “We’ve added some additional sites and continued to enhance the amenities and services we offer across the park.”
Family ownership and a commitment to self-sufficiency distinguish Danforth Bay from many other properties in the region.
“We’re family-owned and operated, which is quite rare for a resort of our size,” Buswell explained.
Buswell noted that the resort is designed to be self-contained, with conveniences such as a fully stocked store, visiting food trucks, and a full schedule of seasonal activities that make it easy for guests to enjoy their entire stay without leaving the property.
The resort also offers a wide range of amenities, including four swimming pools, two beaches, and courts for tennis, pickleball, basketball, and volleyball.
Its location adjacent to Freedom Town Forest adds to its appeal, providing direct access to hiking and biking trails for nature enthusiasts.
Environmental responsibility also plays a significant role in how the resort operates. With a location right on the water, Danforth Bay has prioritized the health of its surrounding lakes.
“So, we put a lot of resources into making sure that we’re being a good neighbor and managing erosion and drainage issues, so that in the long term, we’re not impacting the lake in any negative way,” she told Modern Campground.
Among the most recent upgrades is the revitalization of the Madison sites, a project focused on both aesthetics and connectivity. The area now features upgraded landscaping, newly installed gardens, and significantly improved Wi-Fi infrastructure.
Navigating Challenges: Supply, Costs, and Connectivity
Buswell acknowledged that bringing such enhancements to life isn’t without challenges. Post-pandemic supply chain issues, rising costs, and planning uncertainties remain hurdles.
She explained that due to fluctuating costs, her team has to act quickly when securing quotes for upgrades and repairs. She added that this environment requires more thoughtful and proactive planning than in the past.
Beyond capital projects, the day-to-day operations at Danforth Bay require agility and foresight. She emphasized that technology is a key focus, particularly access to high-speed internet.
Because the resort is located in a rural area where such connectivity isn’t readily available, her team has had to find creative solutions to meet this growing demand by offering activities that guests can enjoy.
Weather has been a significant challenge during the current season, with 13 consecutive rainy weekends in New England.
Buswell also emphasized that a strong sense of community sets the resort apart, with roughly 400 of its 600 sites occupied by seasonal campers who stay for the entire summer.
Many guests return year after year, often reserving the same site, which she said fosters a “sense of ownership” and shared care for the property.
Looking to the future, the resort aims to expand its guest offerings even further. Plans include increasing fiber connectivity across the property and amenity improvements to enhance the guest experience.
Activities for Every Camper
The fall season at Danforth Bay also brings a lineup of unique community events. Among the highlights is Firefighter Weekend, scheduled for September 12–14, which celebrates first responders with events like a cornhole tournament, a crockpot cook-off, and a first responders parade.
Another popular event is the campground-wide Halloween celebration held over Columbus Day weekend.
Danforth Bay RV & Camping Resort’s approach aligns closely with the findings of the report “Boosting Camper Stays: Key Strategies to Revive Campground Reservations.”
The resort’s continued focus on enhancing amenities, such as upgraded Wi-Fi, improved site landscaping, and diverse recreational offerings, reflects the report’s emphasis on improving the overall guest experience to encourage longer and repeat stays.
Additionally, the resort’s robust calendar of events, from fall-themed festivities to the annual Firefighter Weekend, showcases the type of family- and community-oriented activities highlighted in the report as key to retaining visitors.
By creating an engaging, all-inclusive environment, Danforth Bay is actively implementing strategies that help sustain strong occupancy and foster camper loyalty.
For more information about Danforth Bay RV & Camping Resort, visit their website here.