A hidden gem near Maysville, Missouri
By Mark Lane Submitted to Corner Post
Terri Karper had a vision. When she was a child, her family enjoyed camping. As an adult, she owned and operated a landscaping business in northern California. And in 2019 she sold the business to move closer to family in Missouri. As part of the transition, she bought a 100-acre property that included some campsites and related amenities. Little did she know what she was in for, but she had a vision. And she is a hardworking, determined lady.
Initial steps were renovations and upgrades to certain infrastructures. Terri also got to know people of the nearby town of Maysville, and they appreciated her sincere interest in being part of the community. Drawing on memories of what made camping such a wonderful memory for her, she prioritized friendliness, convenience, cleanliness and opportunities for guests to have fun — — easy to say, but difficult to make happen. Yet, she managed to make remarkable progress.
And then COVID became a global concern that threatened to close many businesses. Terri may have worried, but she never wavered. That focus on her vision paid off when people, tired of isolation, discovered camping was an enjoyable escape. Word spread about the great little campground near Maysville, and soon Pony Express RV Park became the place where a new generation of great memories would be made.
Thanks to Terri’s dream and labor, guests will find plenty of convenient camp spots, most with electric, water and sewer service available. In addition to RV and tent sites, a large cabin and a tiny home are now available for rent. There is a general store on-site in case certain items are needed (including firewood and propane), as well as restrooms with showers, and a coin-operated laundry, all of which are kept clean and orderly. And when your camp cook wants a break, tasty meals are served up in the on-site café.
Fun-loving, rest-seeking visitors will be glad to hear that fishing in two four-acre ponds, hiking and exploring are options without leaving the property. You’ll find an outdoor playground, an indoor rec room (with foosball, pinball and pool tables), and even a menagerie of farm and exotic animals to interact with. During many holidays and plenty of other dates, guests and area residents take part in organized activities (from cornhole games to cardboard boat races, from fishing to fireworks displays). The park is pet-friendly (including horses).
A new chapter has now begun. A local entrepreneur, who was a frequent guest at the campground, became a friend of Terri. He shared her vision, and she saw in him the energy and capability to take it further. After five years at the helm, Terri has handed over the reins to begin a well-earned retirement, but still visits often.
Pony Express RV Park
4469 MO Hwy 33, Maysville MO 64469
https://www.ponyexpressrvparkmissouri.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Pex2020/
