Shady OaksVoted “Best New Campground” in 2025 Camp New York Awards

Plattsburgh, NY (March 5, 2026) – Shady Oaks Camping Resort is announcing its 2026 calendar of themed rallies and community campouts, building on a year of growth that included being voted “Best New Campground” in the 2025 Camp New York Awards.

The campground will open for the 2026 camping season on May 1, with a series of special-event weekends planned throughout the spring, summer, and early fall. The schedule is designed to bring together campers, families, outdoor enthusiasts, and the broader community. Planned events include themed rallies and campouts, live entertainment weekends, and gatherings that celebrate the spirit of the North Country while encouraging visitors to explore the Adirondacks, Lake Champlain, and surrounding communities.

Owner Jon Thatcher, a Ticonderoga native, returned to the North Country in 2024 with a vision: to reinvest in the region, restore a long-standing campground property, and create a welcoming destination for both local families and travelers returning to — or discovering — the area for the first time. 

“Coming back home to the North Country and having the opportunity to invest in this property has been incredibly meaningful,” said Thatcher. “Our goal at Shady Oaks is to build community and introduce more people to the Adirondacks and the North Country. When visitors stay with us, they often spend time exploring local restaurants, small businesses, and attractions throughout the region, which is something we’re really excited to support.”

Since August 2024, the property has been steadily revitalized, transitioning from its former identity as Shady Oaks RV Park into a renewed camping destination. Improvements so far include connection to public water, electrical upgrades, renovated bathrooms and Camp Store facilities, and the introduction of Buckminster, a distinctive glamping tent rental. The work is ongoing, with additional improvements and investments planned in the seasons ahead.

The campground’s recognition as “Best New Campground” in the 2025 Camp New York Awards reflects the progress made so far and the encouragement Shady Oaks has received from guests and the local community.

With outdoor recreation continuing to play an important role in regional tourism, Shady Oaks’ 2026 event schedule is designed to encourage weekend stays, support shoulder-season travel, and help bring new visitors to the Plattsburgh area.

The full 2026 event schedule can be found at www.shadyoakscamping.com/events, with additional events expected to be added throughout the spring.

The rally and campout schedule includes:

For more information about upcoming events, reservations, partnerships, or media inquiries, please contact:

Jon Thatcher
Owner and Operator
Shady Oaks Camping Resort
(518) 562-0561
jon@shadyoakscamping.com
www.shadyoakscamping.com

About Shady Oaks Camping Resort
Located in Plattsburgh, NY, Shady Oaks Camping Resort offers tent and RV campsites, seasonal accommodations, and unique glamping experiences for travelers seeking outdoor adventure and small-town charm. Since reopening under new ownership in 2024, the campground has focused on thoughtful improvements, community partnerships, and programming that supports both guest experience and the regional tourism economy.

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