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History
Originally, the 10 acres
of property was farmland, which was owned by various families (i.e. Hall, Rife,
Wilkie, Atwell, Neely, Walis, Richards and Hiltons),
From 1971 through 1972,
Janet Dailey purchased what is most of Woodland Camp, as we know it now.
The property was sold to Little Sioux Village, Inc. in 1972. Lots were
sold from anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000. Developers wanted a western theme
with a restaurant, country store and board walks. The existing store did
operate as a gas station and grocery store for several years. Ponies were
stabled at the far northwest corner of the campground. Children were
provided supervised horseback rides.

Many of the first owners
were members of an Aspen camping club from Omaha. The only block that had
full water and electricity at this time was block two. Early owners who
bought in blocks other than two were placed in the south end of block
nine. Temporary electricity was strung from the trees and one Iowa hydrant
served as a water source.
The clubhouse was built,
with volunteer help, in the early 70's. This area was the main gathering
point for early campers. A large pile of firewood was located in the
parking lot by the clubhouse. There were many social gatherings around the
large fires on the weekends.
Little Sioux Village, Inc.
sold the property to Westwood, Inc. in 1975. At that time, Woodland Camp
Association, Inc. was formed by Richard Cox. First National Bank of
Council Bluffs purchased the property in 1977. The bank hired a firm to
promote and sell lots in 1977. This group advertised Woodland Camp lots in
a 100-mile radius. Prospective buyers were given premium gifts for taking
a tour of Woodland and listening to a sales pitch. While waiting their
turn to take the tour, prospective buyers were invited to have pancakes,
sausage, hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks. The food was prepared in a large
circus tent in the green area on the west side of block 14. The major
portion of the lots in the campground were sold between 1976-79. Lots
started at $3,500 and went to $6,500.
Thousand Adventures, Inc.
(TAI) purchased the remaining lots from First National in the 1980's. This
group sold several lots, but not near the number First National did. TAI
owned several other properties and offered reciprocal camping to prospective
buyers.

Early in the 1990's, TAI
went bankrupt. All of their property went to Harrison County for back
taxes. In July of 1994, Tax Liquidators, Inc. sold all of their lots at
public auction, which was held on the property. The sale drew a large
crowd to Woodland and all the remaining lots were sold. Today, lots can be
purchased through private owners and courthouse tax sales.
Today there are
approximately 1,000 lots owned by about 470 members.
Woodland Campground itself
owns 19 lots. They are used primarily for Coast to Coast reciprocal use,
although some are rented for overnight, and long term stays.
The campground has seen
many changes over the years, but one thing has always been and remains: We
are all here for relaxing, recreation and to have a good time.
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