Discovering Laurel Ridge
By Sandy Balayan
October 2025
What is behind that sign and driveway on Otis-Tolland Road on the border of Blandford and Otis? After twenty-one years of living in Otis, my curiosity got the better of me and I drove through the wooden gates and straight to the office of Laurel Ridge Camping Area. I was greeted by Manager Karen Markure, a camper for ten years and now employed as the Manager for the last two years, and Vice President of the Board Sandy Meacham who has spent her summers at Laurel Ridge for thirty-five years. Originally from Chester right down the road, Sandy now winters in South Carolina and pines for her home away from home all year till she can get right back to Laurel Ridge. “I was looking ahead to retirement and loved this campground, bought it and the rest is history. It was a great investment and I am very happy here,” says Sandy.
Sign welcomes all to the camp area. Photo: Sandy Balayan
You might be wondering why she is so happy. Well, let me take you on a tour by words, similar to my golf cart foray into the hinterlands of Laurel Ridge. It is much bigger than I expected and incredibly well maintained. There are 100 shareholders who own their sites and most leave their RV on their sites although there are several rolling RVs. There are 60 or so seasonal sites that are rented, and approximately 14 sites for walk-ins, weekenders or short stints. From May 1st through mid October, Laurel Ridge bustles with activities and people, ages 30 to 90. Memorial Day, July 4th, Fireworks night and Labor Day are especially busy. The roughly 100 acres is accessible by several roads that circle and wind through the property. On the individual sites, you see some fantastic gardening, great decks attached to trailers, funny signs, boats on trailers, and some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met.
I was invited to tour a fairly new, state-of-the-art trailer home and was blown away by the screened porch and how the kitchen was designed. There was storage in everything, hidden away and convenient. It was so much roomier than I expected. There is a beautiful 30’ x 60’ pool, basketball, volleyball, playground, gameroom, snack bar, screened-in activity pavilion with so many activities I could not keep straight. Pancake breakfasts, ceramics, potluck dinners, bake sales, paint and sips, horseshoe tournaments, tie-die, wagon rides, kids’ bike safety courses, crafts, taco night, pool parties, corn hole and more! Because the campers will not be together on holidays from October to May, they celebrate Thanksgiving in July, as well as Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Halloween is also a big celebration. There is golf cart and bike decorating with parades, as those are the vehicles of choice within the grounds, and ice cream socials, a particular favorite of all. There is hardly a day that goes by that something is not going on.
Cabin rules are simple, just relax and make memories. Photo: Sandy Balayan
When speaking to residents, the overwhelming answer to my question of what it was like to live here for the summer was the same, amazing. “We sit by a fire at night. We enjoy nature together and gather our own family and our Laurel Ridge ‘family.’” Whether relaxing at the pool or socializing at an activity, there is never a chance to be lonely, and if you want your peace, you just head to your own campsite and close the door,” said one resident.
The camp ground runs smoothly with a well thought-out set of rules and regulations that are followed and enforced. Karen is sure to uphold the rules and keep the camp a vital and enjoyable place for all. I’m sure former owners Harry and Lorraine Ide would approve of the success the camp ground continues to enjoy.
It is wistfulness that the season comes to a close and the winterizing begins. Pipes get filled with antifreeze, electricity and water is cut to the sites, and the decks are cleared. Covers are put on and goodbyes are said. The residents return to warmer parts for the winter months, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and the Carolinas begin to see the influx of the northern snow birds. As her eleventh summer comes to a close, Seymour, CT resident Jeanann McLain muses on the lifelong friendships she has formed and how she loves the summer at the camp ground. “It is a family affair, as my grandchildren love being here as much as I do. It’s quiet and friendly and I enjoy the social aspect and friendships I have made. Everybody is friendly and helpful. I so look forward to my summers here.” I can see why. The smell of firepits, the walking trails, the activities. Laurel Ridge is a perfect summer hideaway, a panacea of peaceful days and evenings filled with friendship and relaxation. See you all next summer!
