BURNSIDE, KY – Derrick Sears is hoping his new RV resort will give the General Burnside Island Boat Ramp the attention it deserves by giving visitors a place to relax and recoup nearby after a day on Lake Cumberland.
The Pulaski native and his wife, Joyce, fulfilled a longtime dream by opening Campfire Cove RV Resort earlier this summer.
“I love the City of Burnside and grew up camping at the island. I worked at the marina when I was a teenager,” Sears said. “I wanted something close to a good boat ramp, and the island is the best on this end of the lake. I also want to see the Burnside area grow and be a part of that.”
Sears is the resort’s owner and manager, running the day-to-day operations.
The RV resort, located just under three miles from the Burnside boat ramp, offers 100 full-hookup RV sites. Each site is 30 x 75 feet and is equipped with water, electricity, and sewer services. It offers a secure gated entry. The resort also provides safe storage. Its 30- to 40-foot units are ideal for boats and other recreational equipment.
A custom-built playground gives visiting children a place to unwind and enjoy.
But that’s not all. A bath house, community pavilion, and dog run area will be added in the next few months. Free Wi-Fi is being added this week, Sears said.
Sears chose the location, one mile off US27, due to its proximity to the Burnside Island boat ramp and golf course, local and chain restaurants, and shopping.
“Burnside is the only town located on Lake Cumberland,” he added. “It is very easily accessible from I-75 for out-of-town recreation lovers who visit Lake Cumberland.”
The resort is a family-run operation, as Derrick’s parents, Darrell and Deborah Sears, are part owners in the project.
“We quickly realized we were over our heads in the maintenance, construction supervision and grounds side of things,” Sears said. “Dad and Mom stepped in and worked nonstop on this; it really is a family project.”
Burnside’s Tourist & Recreation Commission Executive Director Aimee Mills says she is looking forward to the lasting economic benefits and relationships that Campfire Cove RV Resort will bring to the region.
“As Burnside Tourism Director, I am incredibly proud to see Campfire Cove RV Resort become part of our community,” Mills said. “This investment is more than a new campground—it’s a commitment to the future of Burnside. Campfire Cove offers visitors another reason to experience the beauty of Lake Cumberland while supporting our local businesses, restaurants, attractions, and outdoor recreation.
Financing the business took some expertise and experience. Sears called SKED’s lending team to schedule a meeting to discuss the project, his goals, and potential obstacles.
“It’s really been a whirlwind of events since that first meeting,” Sears added. “SKED has been our greatest asset in this venture.”
He said it’s the SKED team’s customized work that makes the lending experience different from that of a traditional lender.
“SKED is a huge help in our community. They’re helping small business owners achieve their dreams and goals by offering more appealing lending and free technical assistance programs than banks do. You get a whole team to help support you, not just a loan from a bank that only provides money with no guidance. SKED is a game-changer for folks in the area it covers.”
Derrick Sears, Campfire Cove RV Resort owner and manager
SKED Lending Director Bob Burgess says the Sears’ RV resort project offers a lot of potential for growth and success.
“Derrick has high hopes for Campfire Cove and its future,” Burgess said. “We are glad to have partnered with the Sears to see this project happen.
“To learn more about Campfire Cove RV Resort, follow the business on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CampfireCove