In the late 1950’s Frank (Kim) and Grace Packard bought a parcel of undeveloped land on Lake Dean in Oakham. The Packards’ initial plan was to keep a plot of land for their family and subdivide and sell the remaining property as summer lake lots. In 1957 the idea for a campground came about after a suggestion from a friend. Kim and Grace decided to call the property Pine Acres due to the heavy covering of old pines on site.
With not much more than a chainsaw, they began to clear the land and built a rustic cabin that served as sleeping quarters as well as their store and office near the lake. This original building still stands on property and operates as “Uncle John’s Bait Shop”.
The campground opened for business on Labor Day 1960 with about a half dozen spots on the waterfront. The demand for more camp sites the following year required some expansion including more sites, picnic tables, and amenities including entertainment.
In 1967 Kim and Grace Packard constructed a lakefront A-frame home to permanently move their family to Pine Acres. That building now serves as the Main Office and Administration Building. The following years saw continued growth for the campground with added amenities and accommodations.
In 1989, Mr. and Mrs. Packard decided it was time to retire, and sold the business to their son Randy and daughter-in-law Denise. Randy and Denise, along with their three children, enhanced the property with new developments including a resort pool, kids’ splash area and glamping cabins, geared toward satisfying more of today’s camping families.
Pine Acres’ location in Central Massachusetts is considered a hidden gem and provides guests with the convenience of “being close to home but feeling a world away”.
Today the property is managed by the family’s third generation, who continue working to make the camping experience at Pine Acres outstanding and memorable for families of all kinds.
Over the years, Pine Acres has been awarded a five star rating by industry leaders and continues to cater to camping enthusiasts who enjoy the great outdoors at one of New England’s finest camping resorts.