Where summer comes out to play
Vidito Family Campground & Cottages has something for everyone
Lori Vidito always wanted to own a bed and breakfast.
Her husband Edward was a little less enthusiastic about the idea of taking strangers into their home.
“We had a lot of conversations about this,” Lori says with a laugh.
In 2008, they came up with the perfect compromise. Lori was driving through Middleton one day and saw a “for sale” sign on a family campground. The property had been established in the early 1960s by George White, who operated it as Whites Motels and Cottages. Residents of nearby Nictaux, Lori and Edward were operating a residential construction company at the time.
“Even though we lived in the community our whole lives I had never actually been on the property,” she recalls. “I did the research, put a business plan together, and went to the bank to borrow the money.”
Vidito Family Campground & Cottages came into being in July 2008 when Lori and Edward bought the campground. It came with numerous seasonal campers, many who were musically inclined. A few residents mentioned that a venue for jamming – and maybe even a bluegrass music festival – would be an excellent addition to the property. Edward went to work and built a stage, and now, on the third weekend of every September the campground is humming with the tunes of a bluegrass/country/ gospel music festival. The live music runs from late afternoon on Thursday to Saturday night.
“We opened it up to different genres, and it’s mostly local musicians from Annapolis County,” Lori explains. “All the ticket revenue goes to the musicians.”
Last year’s festival was cancelled because of the pandemic, but Lori is hopeful the tradition can be revived this year. Day passes and weekend passes that include rough camping are available.
“I’m really hoping it will happen this year,” she adds. “But it will depend on what restrictions are still in place.”
There is no shortage of activities throughout the summer at Vidito Campground. Paddlers can enjoy a leisurely adventure with scenic views along the meandering Annapolis River. The pet-friendly campground has an aboveground pool with a patio, as well as a playground for the young ones. Labour Day weekend is always a major celebration, with live music, chocolate bar bingo and fireworks.
The campground is popular with outdoor adventurists, ATV and Jeep clubs, and is also in demand for weddings, with an ideal outdoor setting overlooking the Annapolis River, and a wide range of overnight accommodations.
There are 16 private cabins – a mixture of open concept, one and two-bedrooms – with full kitchens, bathrooms, air conditioning and cable television.
There are also five motel room units. Camping options include sites with power and septic service, as well as rough camping.
This range of accommodation options makes Vidito Family Campground & Cottages an ideal venue for large groups, as well as multigenerational and extended families.
“Some family members may like camping, while others do not,” Lori says. “Sometimes the parents with the small kids will take the cabin, while the grandparents bring their camper.”