WISCONSIN—Ron and Joyce Taber have been camp hosts at the Chippewa Campground on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest for 22 years now. It really wasn’t part of their lifelong plan, this whole camp host gig.

Originally farmers in the area, the Tabers wanted to take a vacation from the farm. They packed their truck and camper trailer and headed to the forest. It wasn’t as far away as they were originally thinking—only 15 miles from home—but they found solitude and comfort in the Northwoods at the Chippewa Recreation Area at Bass Loop camp site number 46. It was their first camping trip on the forest, and they loved it.

The Tabers became regulars at the campground and forestry tech Kathy Kasper got to know them. Her responsibilities include managing the campgrounds, and she invited them to consider becoming a camp host. The Tabers accepted and moved right into the role.

“Ron and Joyce make it possible to keep things running smoothly,” said Kasper. “Having full-time camp hosts makes a difference in keeping the peace and quiet.”

Hosts do a variety of odd jobs, including tracking reservations, checking visitors into their camping spots, answering questions, and making sure people know the rules and where they can hike, bike, boat, fish or relax. Chores include fixing potholes and cleaning and supplying the toilet and shower facilities.

“Anything that needed to be done, Ron would do it,” added Kasper. “His favorite, though, was riding the 1983 John Deere tractor.”

The Tabers enjoy the opportunity to meet so many people. They have had no serious issues or bad behavior by campers. “Campers are such nice people. Meeting people who are traveling from all over is fun,” said Ron.

Joyce added, “We have made friends with a lot of people. We’ve shared meals and enjoyed many people, especially with the ones that return year after year.”

Throughout the years, the Tabers have had many mascots. Their latest, a basset hound named Bailey, loves hanging out on their golf cart and expects to be taken along on all the rides.

This year as the camping season starting winding down and the Tabers made it known they planned to retire, campground hosts from the Chippewa and Mondeaux Recreation Area campgrounds came together to celebrate and recognize the Tabers for their 22 years of dedication.

Eight years ago, the Tabers said they might be ready to retire from their role as campground hosts. This year, while they say it is their last, they also said they just might consider coming back for one more summer. So maybe being a campground host at the Chippewa Campground for 22 years is just not enough.