History of the Disabled Veterans Rest Camp

     The Disabled American Veterans of Chapter Two, Ramsey County, ran the camp through the 1930's and 40's.  It was originally known as the Disabled American Veterans Rest Camp.  After the ending of World War II, the DAV Chapter Two invited representation from the VFW and Legion districts of Ramsey county to be on the Board of Directors.  The board configuration of three representatives from each of the organizations existed for many years.  In 1948, the Board dropped the word American from the camp name. 

     In 1982, the Board of Directors dropped the word Disabled because it was mistakened to mean the camp was restricted to service-connected disabled veterans.  The camp still stands to serve veterans with service-connected disabilites, and gives preference to them, but it is open to all members of the Armed Forces who served honorably.

     In 1986, the main house was deemed beyond repair and was removed.  This left the original 12 cabins available for rental purposes, and a few RV sites were available. 

    To honor the origin of the camp and its original purpose, the Board changed the camp name back to the Disabled Veterans Rest Camp in 2004, still providing site preference to service-connected disabled veterans, but open to all Honorably discharged Armed Forces members and currently serving military members and their families.

     In 2007 and 2008, the camp expanded to allow for 127 RV sites, along with tent camping and recreational facilities, to include horseshoes, dock expansion, sand volleyball court, fish cleaning house, and a brand new, outdoor pavilion.  Additionally, new walking trails were created.  

    Camping seasons 2008 and 2009 were very busy seasons.  The camp welcomed over 14,000 registered veterans, military families, and their guests.  Numerous organizations had their picnics on site.  Veteran home and hospital outings were held at the camp, some including fishing days and boat rides, followed by picnics. 

     In 2009, the main projects for the year included the expansion of the cabin areas, along with the building of new duplex cabins (handicapped accessible), and new docks installed.  Additionally, the following were accomplished: a new playground, a new stretch of blacktop from the cabins to the canteen paved for better wheel chair accessibility, the office area parking lot completed, and renovation of the original cabins.  Several military organizations held their Bass Fishing Contests on Big Marine Lake, and annual events such as the American flag retirement ceremony, and the 4th of July veterans picnic were held.