Jones Pond - exploring the g(ay)reat outdoors	by Bryan Whitley-Grassi

Nestled deep in the Genesee River Valley, just a few miles south of Letchwork State Park, you’ll find the quiet little town of Angelica, with its nearby Jones Pond Campground & RV Park. While Buffalo is packed full of summer excitement and events, sometimes you just need to get out into the fresh countryside air and let it all hang out, literally, and Jones Pond is the perfect place for a weekend getaway from the city. This all-male, 21 & up, clothing-optional campground has lots to offer gay men in WNY.

Jones Pond offers guests 100 acres of campsites, trails, trees, and a pool complete with a barn-by-day, dance-club-by-night atmosphere. Current owners Steve Allen and Doug Bachman moved to WesternNew York in 2003, when they took over Jones Pond and began some much needed improvements around the property. I recently spoke with Doug and Steve:

Artvoice: What made you decide to purchase the campground?

Doug Bachman: We had owned a mobile home park in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which was a year-around business. After selling that business, we were attracted to Jones Pond because it is seasonal, allowing us to return to Florida from October to April.

AV: What about your recent renovations?

DB: Over the past four seasons, we have made significant capital improvements, including a 2,000-square foot party barn and large shower house with larger showers stalls and private dressing rooms. We have also added six sleeping cabins for those that don’t like to ‘camp.’”

AV: What’s new for this year?

DB: This year we are concentrating on multiple smaller projects to update infrastructure needs.

AV: How have your neighbors and the community treated you?

Steve Allen: There was a time when the neighborhood was unfriendly to the campground, but the previous owners did a lot to change those opinions. Today the local businesses welcome us and our campers.

DB: The seasonal campers have raised quite a bit of money for the volunteer fire department and other local charities, which has built good will. We also try to provide ongoing support to local fund drives in our operating budget.

AV: What is your favorite part of providing this unique service to your guests?

DB: Our favorite part of this business is meeting such wonderful guys. We are happy being in the country setting because the guys relax and leave their attitudes at the gate.

SA: Working in such a friendly environment has been very rewarding.

AV: What do you hope that your guests take away from the experience?

DB: We hope when they go back to their everyday lives, after camping, that they have met some new friends, enjoyed the pool, dancing and parties and leave refreshed.

SA: Of course, we want them to look forward to returning as soon as possible.

If you are only partially into giving up your nightlife for a weekend retreat, then you’re in luck because Jones Pond has themed weekends all season long and a DJ with dancing on the weekends. From fun with the Buffalo Bears to a trailer park drag show, to their rockin’ Fourth of July celebration, Jones Pond is the gay Jellystone Park of Western New York (but please be sure to keep an eye on your pic-a-nic basket).

Jones Pond is open from May 1 to October 1 this year and you can book your camp or RV site, cabin, or guest room online (jonespond.com) or by phone (585-567-8100). The atmosphere is fun, the setting is lush, and Steve and Doug’s friendly staff will make sure that you have a weekend that you won’t forget. So,jump in the car, drive out to Jones Pond, pitch your tent, and enjoy summer!