Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Shaeffer.
Hi Kristin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I never imagined I would one day own a campground, but looking back, it feels like every part of my life prepared me for it. I have spent years camping across the United States and Canada, building businesses, raising a family, and finding joy in people, gardening, nature, and creating meaningful spaces. Developing Honey Grove Campground in the rolling farmland of northwestern Missouri has become both a gift to the community and a deeply personal dream fulfilled.
My name is Kristin Shaeffer. I grew up in a large family where camping was simply part of life. Later, my husband Duncan and I raised our five children in Arizona, spending summers exploring the country together in our van. We pitched our tent in many different campgrounds from coast to coast. Duncan’s work as a professor gave our family the flexibility to travel, and those experiences shaped our work ethic, family bond, and gratitude for the United States of America. These meaningful family memories were made around campfires, picnic tables, and under open skies.
In September 2023, my brother, who had moved to Jameson, Missouri, called and asked a simple question: “Would you ever consider buying some land outside the village?” Within days, I was researching the area, praying, and crunching numbers. The moment I saw the old pasture, I could envision families gathering there. Three days later, I made an offer and began planning what would become Honey Grove Campground.
Transforming raw land into a welcoming destination was one of the most challenging and rewarding projects of my life. Throughout that first winter, roads were built, utilities installed, trees planted, and gathering spaces created. I relied heavily on prayer, hard work, creativity, and the courage to follow those quiet first impressions that kept guiding me forward. By April 1, 2024, Honey Grove Campground officially opened for business.
Since then, we have welcomed hundreds of campers, including families, hunters, historians, quilters, and travelers looking for peace and connection. We have hosted festivals, reunions, community gatherings, and even a beautiful celebration of life. Watching people make memories on land that was once an empty pasture has been incredibly meaningful to me.
Honey Grove Campground is more than a business. It is a place created with intention — a peaceful gathering space where people can slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy time with the people they love most.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it has not been a completely smooth road — but I think that is true of anything worthwhile. Building a campground from raw land has stretched me personally, professionally, and emotionally in ways I never anticipated.
Some of the challenges have included navigating village and community relationships, learning how to fairly negotiate construction projects, and finding the balance between compassion and confidence in management. As a woman entrepreneur entering land development and construction, I grew quickly in confidence, communication, and decision-making.
At the same time, the experience has also shown me the goodness of people. I am deeply grateful for the support of my family and friends, who encouraged me through long days and difficult decisions. I have also been blessed to work alongside many honest craftsmen, contractors, and workers whose skills and integrity helped bring Honey Grove Campground to life.
Most importantly, my faith has been an anchor throughout the process. There were many moments when I prayed for guidance, wisdom, and courage. I can honestly say that some of my greatest growth came through mistakes, setbacks, and learning experiences. Each challenge strengthened my abilities and deepened my appreciation for the opportunity to build something meaningful for others to enjoy.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My professional career has been centered around education and building community. Before developing Honey Grove Campground in the fall of 2023, my work included both public education and a variety of small entrepreneurial ventures. Over the years I taught piano, musical theater, and Kindermusik classes within my community while Duncan and I raised our family.
I earned a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in education from Arizona State University. I taught full-time both before and after raising my five children, and I continue to work as a reading specialist tutor, helping children become confident, lifelong learners.
Although my professional experiences may seem varied, they all share a common thread: helping people grow, connect, and create meaningful experiences. That same philosophy naturally carried over into developing Honey Grove Campground.
As the owner of Honey Grove, I am probably best known for hospitality and people skills. Guests frequently comment on the helpfulness of the staff, the cleanliness of the campground and restrooms, and the restful feelings they have during their stay. I have intentionally designed the campground to feel peaceful, family-oriented, and connected to nature. We preserve dark nighttime skies for exceptional stargazing, and one of our favorite gathering places is our historic red brick silo, where guests enjoy sing-alongs, movie nights, and community events.
What sets Honey Grove apart is that it was built not simply as a business, but as a place for family and loved ones to gather. After spending years camping across the United States and Canada with my family, I understand that the best campgrounds are beautiful, simple, and family friendly.
More than any professional accomplishment, however, I am most proud of my role as a mother. My children have grown into independent, adventurous, hardworking, and kind adults. Seeing them carry forward a love of nature, family, and meaningful living has been the greatest reward of all.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Instead of luck, I acknowledge a loving Father in Heaven who keeps His promises. Like the old adage, I pray as if everything depends on God and work as if everything depends on me.
Pricing:
- Tent site: $20/night
- RV site: $45/night
- Bunkhouse: $60/night
- Group site: $50/night
Contact Info:
- Website: https://honeygrovecampground.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeygrovecampground/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575683199253
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/honey-grove-campground-jameson?osq=Honey+Grove+Campground
