So in August of 2003 the MacFarlanes found what would be their new home in the small historic town of Port Orford, about 70 miles north of the California border. After the sale of their home and a couple investment properties in Redding, the deal was signed and they took over Camp Blanco RV Park on November 1st.

Located right on scenic Highway 101 at the north end of Port Orford, Camp Blanco is a 25-space park that was built and operated by a retired firefighter and his wife for 15 years. “They did a great job of picking the location and putting the park together, but were finally ready to retire ‘for real’. Jeff said. “It was getting hard for them to maintain and we were more than happy to step in and start a new era for the place.

” The MacFarlanes’ first goal was to completely “facelift” the entire property including brand new signs, cleanup and painting, and the need to adapt the park for today’s larger, taller, and wider RV’s. They also wanted to create a unique guest service program including walking and guiding guests into their sites rain or shine, hookup assistance, and a one-of-a-kind welcome gift. Angie makes welcome baskets with a thank you card, a coupon for their next visit, and homemade baked goods to enjoy during their stay. “We wanted to do something nobody else does and the guests just go crazy over the baskets.” Angie said. “I can’t count how many have said that they are full-timers and nobody has ever done something like this for them before. It’s just a small thing we wanted to do to be different and to make them really feel welcome.”

Camp Blanco is within walking distance to shopping and restaurants, and just a minute or two from the beach in either direction. Garrison lake is located behind the park a block or two and borders the beach. It is stocked regularly with trout and offers great fishing to visitors, often producing 5lb.+ catches.

The 25 full hookup spaces (over half of which are pull thrus) include free cable, water, sewer, and electric. Some spaces are 75’+ in length to accommodate up to 45’ coaches with tow vehicles as well. Other amenities include restrooms & showers, and a clubhouse complete with pool, air hockey, foosball and card tables, a TV, stereo, microwave and refrigerators.

 A fish cleaning station is also on site for anglers. The Office & store hosts a variety of RV parts and supplies, as well as ice cream, area literature, movie rentals, and free internet use for guests. Camp Blanco is also the only park in the area with FREE Wi-Fi for it’s visitors. Onsite propane sales keeps visitors’ tanks full, with free delivery right to their door. Spaces are available daily, weekly and monthly. Camp Blanco also offers on-site RV rentals for lodging and a unique cabin rental…a 30’ commercial fishing boat converted to a nightly sleeper cabin. The boat cabin comes complete with a bed, dresser, in-hull planked deck with table, chairs and a barbeque.

There are many interesting things to see and do in and around Port Orford as well. The town is the Oregon coast’s oldest established townsite, making it a history lover’s paradise. Just up the road you can tour the Cape Blanco Lighthouse, Oregon’s oldest continually operating lighthouse and the highest above the sea at 245’. The historic Hughes House, built in 1890 is also open for tours and a US Coastguard Lifeboat Station Museum attracts thousands yearly. Guests can walk to an antique motorcycle museum and a variety of restaurants, interesting shops & art galleries.

Whether you only have a day or two to stay, or plan to stay for a week or more, Port Orford’s Camp Blanco RV park is one destination where you can ‘anchor’ your RV to spend hours simply relaxing by the sea, shopping and exploring, or seeing many interesting sights and landmarks. Once you’re here you’ll see why travelers come back again and again. It is truly a unique “Paradise by the sea.” “After working for nearly 15 years in retail management and 5 as the vice president of a national corporation, this is really an American dream come true. It’s been a lot of work and I have to say that I couldn’t have done it without all the support and encouragement from Angie.” Jeff said. “We’re really blessed to be doing such a fun thing in such a great place.”