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Gulfport Campground Returns To Beachfront

GULFPORT (WLOX) -- Gulf Haven Campground has undergone several facelifts over the past three decades. Before Hurricane Camille, the site was a small motel serving residents and visitors of the coast. It reopened as a beachfront RV park, but Katrina changed that too.

 "It has been a nightmare but we have been blessed with people trying to help us," said Owner Diane Henderson.

Henderson is the newest member of her family to take ownership of the park. She said after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the RV park, the property was utilized as FEMA trailer site. Something residents weren't too happy about.

"We did a survey in the area to make sure that the park would live up to what the people wanted," said Henderson.

Henderson said the people don't mind having the RV park on the beach-front as long as it is a compliment to the community. That's why she is leaving it up to the Graham family to help keep that vision a reality. 

"We're not going to hurt anybody. It's going to be great," said Manager Dena Graham.

Graham, and her husband Robbie have managed the park since 2004, and they said rebuilding has been the biggest challenge of all.

"It was one thing after another. We think we were getting a little it closer and then we had to back up and start over," said Manager Robbie Graham.

Even though the park is back open for business, leaders say they'll stay prepared for the wrath of mother nature.

Gulf Haven Campground is located at 500 Broad Avenue.

Management says the campground is already getting reservations for this year's Crusin' the Coast.

By Elise Roberts