Pilgrim?s RV Park Offers New Space

Pilgrim’s Rest RV Park
Owners: Clarence and Esther Phillips
Address: 21225 Hickory Flatt Rd., Springdale 72764
Phone/Fax: (479) 789-7152 / (479) 789-7162
Hours: 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. daily
Startup date: April 18

Having people camping out in your backyard may not be what most people think of when they think of business ventures. But it makes Clarence and Esther Phillips, who are trading in their trash business of 21 years, a couple of happy campers.

The pair owns over 100 acres east of Springdale, directly in the path of War Eagle craft fair traffic. While hauling the trash for a craft fair, the couple heard people complaining that there wasn’t any place with utilities to park an RV in the War Eagle area.

Clarence Phillips then decided that he and Esther could share a portion of their property with those who have a need for it. “We decided to open up the country so other people could enjoy it, too,” Esther Phillips said.

Clarence’s idea has turned 22 acres and more than $100,000 into a respite for weary travelers, be they vacationers, retirees or people whose work keeps them on extended leave from home. At $225-250 a month with utilities included, travelers who own recreational vehicles can save big on temporary housing and commune with nature at the same time.

There are 37 spaces on seven acres of the camp area. Each space has connections for electricity, water and sewer. Though sites can be rented by the day, week or month, no permanent living quarters will be available for rent. The couple plans to install public restrooms before the end of the year, a walking trail next summer and a fishing pond within the next few years.

A temporary construction trailer is serving as the campground’s office while a permanent structure is being built. The only two employees are the owners themselves, since the RV park really just needs someone to take care of the property and someone to be in charge of the office.