For many, a career in banking might represent stability and success. But for Ellie Giammattolo, it was a path that left her longing for more—more time with her family, more connection to the outdoors, and more opportunity to create something meaningful.
At Windmill Point Park & Campground in Fort Erie, Ontario, Ellie and her husband, Jerry, have built a thriving campground business that’s not only a haven for guests but also a cornerstone for their family.
Ellie’s journey into campground ownership wasn’t planned. “I didn’t grow up camping,” Ellie shared. “My parents are Filipino, and camping just wasn’t something we did. But when I married my husband, I got introduced to it through his family’s campground.”
While Jerry was actively involved in running the park, Ellie was busy pursuing a career in banking. “I loved my job, but I hated missing moments with my kids,” Ellie explained. “Jerry got to see them ride a bike for the first time or enjoy little milestones at the campground, and I didn’t want to miss that anymore.”
In 2010, Ellie took the plunge—leaving her full-time banking job to work part-time while helping at the campground. By 2014, when the couple purchased the park from Ellie’s father-in-law, they were fully committed to turning Windmill Point into a flourishing family business.
“We knew it would be a challenge,” Ellie admitted. “But it was also the best decision we ever made. Owning the campground gave us the flexibility to volunteer at our kids’ schools, go on field trips, and truly be present in their lives.”
What started as a way to create more family time soon grew into a shared mission: building a space where other families could do the same.
When Ellie and Jerry took over Windmill Point Park, the campground was still a work in progress. “My father-in-law ran it more as a hobby,” Ellie shared. “It was a small operation with just a handful of seasonal sites and limited amenities.”
The couple immediately began reinvesting in the property, guided by one simple question: What would make this a great place for families?
“We started small, adding features that we knew our kids and their friends would love,” Ellie said. “We put in a water park with just a few pieces at first, but over the years, it’s grown into something really special. It’s now one of the most popular parts of the park.”
But building a family-friendly destination wasn’t just about amenities. Ellie and Jerry created a culture of connection. “We involve our kids and even our staff in decisions,” Ellie explained. “Everyone has a stake in making the park the best it can be.”
Ellie believes that creating a successful campground starts with a love for what you do. “This is more than just a business for us—it’s a way of life,” she explained. “When you genuinely care about the experience you’re creating for your guests, it shows, and the success will follow.”
She also stresses the value of connecting with others in the industry. “Joining provincial and national associations has been a huge help for us,” Ellie said. “The networking, the access to vendors like CampLife, and the shared knowledge have made a big difference in how we run our park.”
Through these associations, Ellie first connected with CampLife’s President, Tyler Duffy. After several conversations, Tyler and his team helped Ellie and Jerry identify how CampLife’s tools could support their goal of creating a family-focused campground where guests create unforgettable memories—like diving to the depths of a man-made quarry.
One of the most unique features of Windmill Point Park is its 40-foot-deep quarry, which draws scuba diving enthusiasts from all over Southern Ontario and Western New York. “It’s calm, clear, and perfect for certifications,” Ellie shared. “We get groups every weekend during the season.”
Ellie uses CampLife’s Events + Activities feature to make scuba registration seamless. “Divers can fill out waivers and pay online before they arrive, so check-in is quick and easy,” she said. “It’s saved us so much time and helps us give our guests a better experience.”
CampLife’s tools also make fun, family-focused events easier to organize. “We love using the SMS Texting feature for scavenger hunts,” Ellie said. “We’ll send out a challenge to all the guests in the park—like asking them to bring in a picture of a specific sign—and it keeps everyone engaged and having fun.”
As Windmill Point Park continues to grow, Ellie and Jerry remain focused on their mission: creating a welcoming space where families can connect and make memories. That mission even inspired Ellie to take her first real camping adventure.
Not long ago, Ellie and her family embarked on a three-week RV trip through the U.S. “It was amazing, but also hilarious,” Ellie laughed. “While the kids were enjoying the trip, Jerry and I were busy taking pictures of everything—from campground layouts to garbage cans. We couldn’t turn off our ‘campground owners’ brain, but it was such a great learning experience.”
For Ellie, the rewards of campground ownership go far beyond financial success. “It’s about seeing families come together, laughing and enjoying themselves,” she said. “That’s what makes all the hard work worth it.”
At CampLife, we’re proud to support park owners like Ellie, who bring passion and creativity to the camping industry. If you’re ready to maximize your property and simplify your life, we’d love to help. Visit our website or reach out to learn how CampLife can support your vision for your campground. Together, we can create spaces where families connect, adventures unfold, and memories are made.
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