MCDOWELL CHAMBER OF COMM.

MEMBER MONDAY: MOUNTAIN STREAM RV PARK
mcdowellchamber.com

BY TINA M. WOLFE

BUILDING ON A LEGACY

DEEP ROOTS
What is it about a place that gives us a sense

In a providential turn of events, Jim, Tyler,

of belonging? Is it because we were born there?

and Austin who had been looking for land to

“One thing I’ve learned,” said Jim. “You’ve got
’
important.” Making sure campers have what they
need and want is important, he adds. “It’s all

Is it because we hold deep ancestral roots or

build and run a campground learned about the

about the experience. Camping has always been

even that its beauty and sense of simplicity

opportunity to purchase the Mountain Stream

a part of family life,

to have a good ice cream selection, that s

RV Park.

speaks to our nature?

“The boys had been looking to find

land to build a campground and none had

’

For Jim Gibson and his family, it s all of the

worked out,

above. Although born in Charlotte, Gibson can

be.

”

” said Jim. “This was just meant to

’

”

The whole crew take great pride in providing

generations. He along with his sons-in-law

The three worked closely with the owner, Gena

people of all ages the opportunity to step out of

Tyler Mace and Austin Brooks purchased the

Middleton, who had just lost her husband. A

their daily routine, experience the sounds of the

Mountain Stream RV Park in December 2019

month before even purchasing the campground

stream, the smell of the trees, and create

that is located on land his family bear hunted

they volunteered helping her with the day to

relational moments that have lasting impact.

generations ago.

day operations and even after the purchase she

The camp itself sits on 9 acres of flat land

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lived there while looking for a place down in

surrounded by forest and vibrant Buck s Creek.

Florida.

Shaped in a U formation, nearly every campsite

scribbling down names and drawing arrows to

“She is just a really sweet lady and was so
wonderful to work with,” Jim said. “She
wasn’t experienced in the day-to-day

gathering pavilion with big-screen TVs, a cozy

follow the evolution of what is today, a

operations so coming up and helping her also

new friends and sharing stories. There is a full

allowed me to learn about the campgrounds

bathhouse that is meticulously clean and stocked,

has creek-side frontage. A large covered

of regular trips to visit both his Gibson and
Westmoreland grandparents. As he detailed his

828.652.4240

places and the memories and bonding you create
are what s valuable.

trace his McDowell roots back three

During our interview, he fondly shared stories

family tree, I feebly attempted to keep up,

McDowell Family legacy.

and get to know her.

” He even made sure to

Tales of bear hunting, business building,

check up on her in her Florida home after the

community service, and even dairy farming

recent storm.

fireplace, and picnic tables allow for community
cookouts on special occasions or just for meeting

and each campsite offers full hook-ups, a firepit,
and a picnic table.

were shared with genuine respect and pride in

The Yurts are perfect for couples wanting a

the ethics, vigor, and enthusiasm with which his

There were very few changes made as the

romantic getaway in the mountains

family contributed to the life and growth of

Middletons had taken exceptionally good care

upscale tent camping or glamping! Each one has

McDowell County. His maternal grandfather,

of the campground and even added three Yurt

custom cut live edge wood counters in the baths

cabins. Putting a focus on family, Tyler and

and kitchens, a queen-size bed, a seating area,
and a full bath. The camp store also has

history in McDowell dates back even further to

—being young husbands and fathers
themselves—built anplayground located next

a Glenwood dairy farm from 1912. The Gibson-

to the dog park. They were able to open on

more. Sheila is happy to help guests plan an

Westmoreland line connects to the Gibbs of

May 7, 2020, from the COVID closure and

Sig Westmoreland, started Westmoreland

’

Funeral Home in 1932 and the Westmoreland s

McDowell Chamber of Commerce

” he said. “I have the best

memories of camping out in Tennessee and other

Pleasant Gardens through the marriage of Sig

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Austin

have been full ever since, Jim said.

“There are

Westmoreland and Delia Gibbs. Delia s

new people but there also many that have been

brother Bill owned the famed Lake Tahoma

coming here for years,

” he added.

brochures of area attractions, restaurants, and

outing for the day and share all the wonderful
amenities within a few miles.

Mountain Stream RV Park is known for its
cleanliness, welcoming atmosphere, and pristine

Steakhouse and introduced McDowell to the

“buffet” concept as well as Bear Supper that
drew 200 to 300 people according to Bill’s son

—Think

This family-fun, family-run campground has

setting. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a short drive

Jim running the day-to-day operations, while

up U.S. Hwy. 80, Linville Caverns, and the

Tyler manages Westmoreland Funeral Home

Orchard at Altapass are just a few of the

start of U.S. Hwy. 80 remain in the Gibbs

during the week and Austin works for Ben

treasures of our county close by.

family. Bill owned 1,500 acres of land between

Patton Land Surveying. Both pitch in on the

Montreat and the Parkway where he led bear

weekends to keep things running smoothly and

Pete Gibbs. Many of the homesteads along the

hunting expeditions with guaranteed success,
Gibson said.

“People would come from all over

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making sure it s clean and disinfected for

legacy of entrepreneurship and community

guests.

service.

to participate and he would serve it at the
restaurant.

”

With the purchase of the campground, Jim and
his family are able to continue his ancestral

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Jim s sister- and brother-in-law, Sheila and
Mike Kilpatrick work at the campground as

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Archived on McdowellHistory.com, the

well. Sheila s smiling face greets campers at

popularity and draw of the Lake Tahoma Steak

check-in and mans the onsite camp store filled

House and rock cabins that Bill built across the

with everything you forgot you needed! Mike

street drew locals, tourists, and young

is an incredibly talented furniture maker and

honeymooners to our mountains for decades.

handyman and brings his skill set to keep
things in good repair.

If you have family coming or want to get away yourself, give
Sheila a call at 828.724.9013 or visit their website at
mountainstreamrvpark.com.