Happy campers: Couple share love for camping

VALLONIA - Jack and Deann Fleetwood own a house in Ellington, Fla., but they consider their home to be in Jackson County.

Former residents of Whiteland in central Indiana, the Fleetwoods have been campground hosts at Starve Hollow Lake in Vallonia for the last six years.

"Jack helps out on various projects, property and campers when they have issues," Starve Hollow Manager Brad Schneck said. "He helps us out with our firewood sales."

"Jack is a so-called major asset volunteer," Schneck added.

"I help the campers in any way I can," Jack said. "I also take care of the firewood. If any campers have problems, I help them."

"Sometimes, I even have to park the camper for them," he added.

State parks, campgrounds and recreation areas all have hosts on a monthly basis. The Fleetwoods stay every day.

"A lot of state parks do this, where they have dedicated campground such as ours," Schneck said. "Some do monthly campground hosting. I don't like doing that. I like to have one that blends the majority of the season."

The Fleetwoods come to the lake every year in May and leave after Fort Vallonia Days in October.

In 2003, the Fleetwoods became campground hosts when Jack spoke with Ron Cobb, a former manager at the lake.

"We were camping here once, and he said, ‘just come here next year and be my hosts.'"

Jack's father was raised in Jackson County.

"It was out by Maumee, where the old Boy Scout camp is. That was the original Fleetwood residence," he said.

The busiest times of the year at the lake are on Labor Day weekend, Independence Day weekend, Memorial Day weekend and the Fort Vallonia Days, Jack said.

"The park will be completely full," he said.

The Fleetwoods camped at the lake frequently before becoming hosts.

"We've just been coming here for a long time, since the '80s," Jack said.

"I think it's the nicest park in the state, to tell you the truth," Jack said. "It's the cleanest and best-kept. I've heard that from a lot of people, and a lot of campers too."

Handling the firewood is Jack's biggest priority.

"They go up to the gate over there," he said, pointing at the gatehouse. "I hand it out, and then if any campers have trouble with their camper, electricity or anything, then I go and help them figure it out."

Because of the number of people who come to the lake year-round, a campground host is necessary.

"It's good that they have a campground host, for that reason," Jack said. "It's busy. You're able to help people out. There are a lot of elderly people that come here that need help, and there are a lot of young people that come here and need help."

Even though the Fleetwoods live far away, they rarely leave the campground and are diligent in their duties.

"We stay here. We're here every day and every night. We're only required to be here on weekends and holidays. If we leave, we just go for a day, mostly," Jack said.

"We may go out once or twice, but not that often," Deann added.

Over time, campers have developed relationships with the Fleetwoods.

"We have a lot of people who come back, week after week or month after month," Schneck said. "They get to know us, and build relationships with the Fleetwoods. It's a great, friendly and warm atmosphere."