Shady Acres Campgrounds — Hotel in Upper Mount Bethel Township

Shady Acres we cannot believe what has taken place in the past two (2) weeks. You should be Ashamed! We were seasonal campers here for 15 years and it was perfect for our Special Needs son, not too big! Previously, it was a family-friendly campground that needed a few upgrades, but everyone knew each other, watched out for all the kids and got along. It was relaxing, kids went out and played, and there were activities. Oh, and 5 MPH and drive One Way was enforced. Now we are completely appalled! You only took over two (2) years ago and look how many campers have left and are leaving. Provoking a couple in their late 70’s, denying them access to their personal property because they peacefully told you they no longer wanted to camp next season. Perhaps, you got a kick out of calling the police on him and yelling at an 80-year old man while blood was oozing down his arm! Furthermore, giving us no reason for a non-renewal, later stating: “It was a business decision.” Not acceptable! Here are my reasons I would not recommend your campground: Your electric is Low and you deny it “saying we are the only ones having an issue.” Untrue! We had a professional trailer repairman in as suggested by an owner. You promised activities Friday – Sunday, while parents packed and unpacked. We were lucky to see one (1) activity per weekend! Then, you had private parties on weekends for select friends on our dime, changed your schedule on the five (5) of many places to find it. (i.e. Internal FB, External FB, Website, Whiteboard and Hard Copy). Or, had none at all. You were unaccepting of our Special Needs son from the very beginning… on several occasions, making him cry. No communication between campers and owners – They shun you w/in 3 feet of them for weeks and treat you like you have leprosy or the plague. We were always respectful! Double Standards for select people. No policing of Speed Limit. It’s a one way 5 MPH speed limit and people fly thru the campground going any way they want, either car, golf cart, or trailer in tow. A VERY DANGEROUS Situation! Many people are walking on eggshells afraid of who will be thrown out next. Started seeing our special needs son alienated from activities and sites he visited; including, by their own daughter. One owner scared us on our last day with his anger. Instead of eaves dropping on our exit, and storming out of a back room yelling, he should have met with us in our prior attempts. He is very unpredictable and needs Anger Management! Heard her yelling at a seasonal “I’m the owner of the campground” the woman was in tears on the owner’s golf cart. Golf carts are allowed but we were told “you have to have a Driver’s License.” This rule only applies to certain individuals of her choice. We saw underage family and friends driving golf carts and a motor vehicle. Apparently, the game room hours change due to lack of help. Another promise broken. No Customer Satisfaction or Interpersonal Skills at all -- It’s their way or the highway. Famous line from the owner “If you don’t like it leave.” Gets very old! Our 1st walk of the season in July, we were followed by her friend who asked: “do all campgrounds have this much drama?” We continued to be followed as we walked. This campground was a fun-filled family environment where we made many friends and has become a completely divided small community in the past two (2) years. If you start being shunned by these owners, leave and find another campground. She has successfully conquered and divided many of the old owner’s friendships made over many years. So Sad…. My advice would be to steer clear of this place. Many people just sit at their sites or in their trailers and don’t socialize any more due to all the conflict and lack of activities. She cannot nickel and dime everyone because no one is helping her run events this year as they did last...

Don't be fooled by positive reviews from family and friends. We were at this campground for 15 years, it was perfect for our Special Needs son and 2 other children not too big. It changed hands 2 years ago. Previously, it was a family-friendly campground that needed a few upgrades, but everyone knew each other, watched out for all the kids and got along. It was relaxing, kids went out and played, and there were activities. Oh, and 5 MPH and drive one way was enforced. The new owners came in with promises of an activity on Friday night, a few on Saturday and even an activity on Sunday while parents were packing to go home. Also promised were new upgrades and they welcomed any suggestions. Some upgrades were done but very little to no activities for adults or kids (suggestions went out the window). The new owners have NO Customer Service Skills or Interpersonal Skills at all; and I think one of them needs Anger Management. “If you don’t like it, you can leave” (many have heard too often). The seasonal campers are now splintered and divided and you don’t know who you can trust, the kids are bored. Oh, and no speed enforcement and drive in any direction you want; we see that all too often now. I’m glad we’re gone! I don’t want to be there when someone gets hurt or worse. Almost a dozen other campers around us felt the same and left as well. There is more I can say, but I want to keep it short. Many wish the old owner was back. We have many happy Memories at Shady Acres and many old friends from there. Some things you have to try for...

Just signed up for my third seasonal year and I’m very glad I found this place. I have no experience with the previous owners, only the new ownership. I’ve been camping for over 40 years all across this country (not always in campgrounds and never as a seasonal until just recently), and I’ve been to some great campgrounds and most of these places are fantastic, save a few. The owners here go above and beyond, however. This is a family owned and operated place and the owners (Jen & Bumper) can usually be found running the store where you check in (well stocked full of that stuff you forgot or just forgot you couldn’t live without), or you may find them busily setting up events and running them or delivering much needed firewood for those campfires. I cannot say enough good about them or how they run this place. The other seasonal people that are here are friendly and if you’re looking for a better group to hang out with, good luck. Other campers that come and go with their family’s I see having great times. Maybe a first time family trying something new or a group of friends (or family) always have fun that I see. Many repeat campers with kids, riding bikes, having great times in a safe environment. Did I mention the gameroom complete with pinball and the ice cream they sell? Love sneaking in there for a few...