Dennis Patrick, owner of Patrick's Point River Camp, finds time to connect with God during morning and evening hours. He walks the trails with his dog most mornings during the week in an effort to stay physically active and meditate. "This is my favorite place," Dennis says while looking down the Cumberland River. "Just look at it" He decided four years ago to open the campground on his 212 acres of wooded land adjacent to Daniel Boone National Forest. He says he wants to offer others opportunities to enjoy the beauty and quiet that he has come to appreciate.
Dennis decided four years ago to open a campground on his 212 acres of wooded land adjacent to Daniel Boone National Forest. He says he didn’t go into the venture solely to make money, but he wants to offer others opportunities to enjoy the beauty and quiet that he has come to appreciate.
"We look forward to continuing on with the campground, maybe adding a few more RV sites and cabin facilities," Dennis says.
Mike Brewer, the coordinator of an annual gathering in the county for jeep enthusiasts, says he has checked out Patrick's Point River Camp, where campers can find numerous camp sites to pitch tents in the quiet setting. He thinks Patrick "has a good thing going."
The campground operator says his wife, Angelica, has played an essential role in fulfilling his goals. "If I didn't have her helping me run the place, I couldn't run it. She's actually better at it than I am. I just do the dirty work," Dennis says.
Dennis says Angelica helps with many things he can't do as well. "I can chop wood and lead them to a campsite" but it's Angelica who cleans the bathrooms and cabins, cooks the meals for campers who request the service and greets their guests with a friendly smile.
Most mornings Dennis starts his day by walking one of the many trails on his property with his 12-year-old dog, Sky. For the man who describes himself as very spiritual, the walks allow time to meditate and connect more deeply with the land he has come to value so much.
While Dennis wanted to make the property a vital part of his life, the move to the rural area wasn't easy for his wife. Originally from Costa Rica and having lived in other countries, it took her two to three years to adjust to her new home, Angelica says.
Now she feels at home on the land and loves its beauty. In winter, when leaves are off the trees, she enjoys looking out her kitchen window and watching wild animals as they range along the river.
Dennis mentions that some people have shown interest in potentially buying the campground, and he hasn't ruled out the possibility of selling and moving back to Costa Rica.
The campground operator acknowledges that at his age he is slowing down some, but says he is not yet ready to quit.
In fact, he says he is developing a 30-year plan for the property. "I'm just 72, I should make it," Dennis said with a laugh.
Dennis embraces his wife, Angelica Salas Howard, after an evening of laughs around the dinner table with friends. Dennis and Angelica work as a team to keep the campground fully operational. Dennis says he "couldn't do it without her."
Dennis and Angelica enjoy the togetherness of a meal shared with friends. He says he and Angelica appreciate the ability to host their friends in the place they love so much.
Dennis met Angelica when he was traveling in her native Costa Rica. He reflects on that time with his wife while looking at a picture from their younger days. They have been together for 23 years.
To Dennis Patrick, owner of Patrick's Point River Camp, running the campground is his families source of income. Dennis prepares campsites for his campers arriving in the coming days by mowing and clearing sticks on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024.
Dennis splits firewood and sells bundles of it for five dollars each. All the wood he sells is reclaimed from the land or purchased from the Mennonite community.
With Patrick's Point located along the Cumberland River, the owner offers kayak rides for guests who are interested. Dennis greets his campers in the morning before taking them up the river to the boat launch where they start their adventure. The campers then float back down the river to the campground.
Gary and Joanne Kirby discuss with Dennis places the couple could visit and eat breakfast before heading back to Pensacola. The couple says that this is their first time in this part of Kentucky, but that they travel each year for the changing colors of the leaves.
After dinner at the end of each day, Dennis self medicates with cannabis. He has his medical marijuana card, and smokes because he has been diagnosed with PTSD and Parkinson's disease.
Dennis often relaxes in his hammock when he gets a break. "I lay here and listen to the quiet, and when it rains I listen to it on the metal roof."