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The people.

That, Alan and Judi Jefferson say, is what got them hooked on camping. These days they’re regulars at campgrounds like Frontier Town and Tom’s Cove.

“Camping people are the friendliest people on earth,” Judi Jefferson said. “I may not know their names but they know us by our dog and the site we always camp.”

According to a report by The Dispatch, Berlin, Md., as plans for campgrounds at both the Bay Club and the former Pine Shore Golf course have surfaced in recent weeks, local residents have voiced numerous concerns over the projects. While they’re thinking about traffic impact and environmental damage, what many are not considering is why campgrounds like those at Castaways and Frontier Town are so popular.

According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), 2016 marks the eighth consecutive year of growth for the RV industry. The organization reports that nationwide the industry has an economic impact of $50 billion and contributes close to $6 billion in taxes. But just what draws people to motorhomes?

“It’s getting away from home and the same old routine,” Jefferson said, “and the camaraderie of the whole thing.”

In northern Worcester County, there are currently more than 1,600 campsites between the facilities at Assateague Island, Frontier Town, Castaways and Fort Whaley.

Frontier Town has already received approval for a 213-site expansion to its existing 580 sites and Fort Whaley is seeking approval for a 67-site expansion to go along with its 210 sites. In nearby Millsboro, the brand-new Resort at Massey’s Landing offers 286 RV sites. Castaways campground offers 394 sites off Route 611, while Assateague State Park has 312 sites and Assateague Island National Seashore offers 141.

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