For over 70 years, Pinewood Lodge Campground in Plymouth, Massachusetts, has provided more than just a place to camp. It’s a living piece of history, a family legacy that stretches back generations, and a beloved destination for guests who return year after year. Brian Saunders, the fifth-generation owner, carries the weight of that legacy with pride, but it’s the land itself that tells the story.

A Legacy That Runs Deep

Although Pinewood Lodge Campground has been in business for over seven decades, its story started long before that. Longtime visitors likely can’t imagine the park without the lush forest that surrounds it today, but it hasn’t always been that way.

Brian’s relatives, who came over on the Mayflower, actually cleared most of the trees where the park now sits. The wood was used to build ships for the British crown during colonial times. But after the trees were gone, they took advantage of the open land to create something the park still enjoys today.

“So this was a big prairie land where the animals could graze,” Brian recounted. “The natural river was here, and it ran along the right side of the lake. But they dug out the left side of the lake, so it’s sort of man-made, but that happened way back before us.”

For Brian, taking care of this piece of history is imperative. One of his biggest challenges now is maintaining the lake. “The state doesn’t let us do too much to battle back the weeds and the invasive lily pads,” Brian explained, “so that’s a must.”

“You’ve got to have a water feature, whether it’s a lake, pond, splash pad, whatever,” Brian admitted. “That’s a huge part of camping. So that’s our main focus over the next few years: how do we turn the clock back on that lake?”

While Brian and his crew work to restore the lake to its former glory, they’re also staying ahead by finding new ways to reach potential visitors and strengthen connections with the community.

Building on Tradition, Reaching New Audiences

For decades, word of mouth has been a powerful force for Pinewood Lodge, bringing families back year after year. “I have some seasonals that have been coming here for 48  years,” Brian shared. “When new people come here, they meet those returning seasonals and hear their stories. It creates a sense of community and shows that we’re doing something right.”

Brian and his team don’t rely solely on the campground’s long-standing reputation, though. They are always looking for new ways to connect with potential guests and get the word out about Pinewood Lodge.

“The most recent thing I’ve put some time into is advertising on social media,” Brian said. “I’ve finally grown it to a point where we’ve got almost 11,000 followers.”

With their growing social media presence, Brian and his team can stay connected with their long-time guests—even in the off season—and they can reach new campers who may have never heard of the park. By sharing events, showcasing the park’s natural beauty, and engaging directly with followers, Brian has created a valuable channel for marketing Pinewood Lodge to a broader audience. 

Beyond social media, Brian collaborates with local businesses to enhance the guest experience. 

“We are involved in several local partnerships,” Brian explained. “We partner with Edenville Railroad and the restaurants in town. They give me little coupons for my campers, ‘15% off if you come eat at the Depot.’ So I try to provide opportunities for our campers to get a feel for the area.”

This collaboration not only helps campers discover great local spots but also introduces new potential visitors to Pinewood Lodge through their partners. It’s a win-win: guests enjoy the area, and the park reaches a wider audience. 

But even with all these efforts to grow and connect, Brian’s vision for Pinewood Lodge remains deeply rooted in the land itself. 

Rooted in History, Built on Community

For Brian, Pinewood Lodge’s vast acreage represents endless possibilities, but what brings him the most fulfillment is providing a peaceful space for guests to escape and enjoy nature.

“I could do 100 different things with 200 acres,” Brian reflected, “but we’ve created a sanctuary where people can come here and step out of the hustle and bustle for a while.”

Brian’s focus is on preserving the natural beauty of Pinewood Lodge while continuing to offer a space where families can make lasting memories. Whether it’s restoring the lake, maintaining the forest, or expanding guest services, his goal is to ensure the park remains a retreat where visitors can connect with the great outdoors and with each other.

“It wouldn’t matter what I do for a job,” Brian shared. “I’d never get the gratification I get from seeing a little kid running around saying, ‘This place is amazing. Look at that playground. I’m having the best time.’ Those memories that I had as a kid, that I hold so dear, now I’m seeing the people I grew up with bring their little ones.”

For Brian and his team, Pinewood Lodge isn’t just a campground, it’s a legacy, a place where the land’s rich history and the future of camping come together. This blend of the past, present, and future is what keeps guests returning, season after season. 

At CampLife, we’re dedicated to helping parks like Pinewood Lodge stay focused on what matters most—building a strong community and creating memorable experiences for generations to come. 

If you’re looking for a reservation system that simplifies your operations and gives you more time to focus on your park, reach out! Together, we can help create a smooth, efficient process that keeps guests eager to plan their next stay at their favorite getaway.

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