Reconnecting with My People: Black RVing at Melanated Campout and Coles Point
Melanated Campout isn’t just about Gen X'ers recapturing youthful exhuberance! It's more!
Last year, I discovered the good people of Melanatedcampout.com and the Coles Point Beach Party organized by ArnellMumford.com. This year, I experienced both— and I’m so glad I did.
Mark Tyler
Melanated Campout
I recently drove the motorhome to Cordele, GA, to clear my head and kick it with my newfound “camp cousins” at Melanated Campout. It was everything I expected—and much more.
The weekend’s theme, “I Love the 90s,” gave me a chance to enjoy my RV, rock my throwback gear, and connect with people who look like me in a culturally welcoming camping environment. That sense of connection is something I rarely experience. So, when I find it, I make the most of it.
I have always enjoyed the RV life, but too often, I felt a void. The people were nice and friendly, yet something was missing. On the vast majority of my trips, I found myself being one of the few Black campers in a sea of others. I found myself constantly asking, “Where are my people?” I have since learned that was an experience that many Black campers shared. Still, it puzzles me, because as a teen, I camped alongside hundreds of Black camping clubs and unless there's a cultural camping event, Black campers in commercial RV parks and resorts are few and far between.
When I pulled into Melanated Campout, it was like entering a new world. One that I had been seeking for years. I had reconnected with my tribe. The first person who greeted me was Arnell Mumford, volunteering to help park campers.
His friendly aura and welcoming smile set the tone. I knew I was going to have a good time—and I was right.
Founders Shunte’ McClellan, Jocelyn McCants, and Cayela Wimberly White created an event packed with everything many people had been missing: golf, fishing, a silent party, and even a water-gun battle, spread out over an entire weekend with blue team vs. orange team friendly competitive vibes. And as a proud member of the blue team, we smashed it, if I do say so myself.
The 90s trivia contest and Soul Train line, hosted by actor and comedian Rod Minger, got Friday started right. People seemed to shed their daily stresses and slip into “chill mode.” I know I did. One of the weekend’s signature moments was Dinner in Orange, where guests dressed in vibrant orange, decorated their tables, and celebrated culture and community with style. I enjoyed watching people set up their tables and seeing their creativity come to life.
Saturday was filled with activities that culminated in a 90s lip-sync battle and the signature silent party with people wearing their best 90s era gear. That's what I liked the most. It reminded me of all the good times I had in college and in the years following my 1994 graduation from Columbia Union College, which is now Washington Adventist University. I was never naive enough to think I could change the whole world, but I sincerely believed that if a bunch of positive people did what they could, where they could, we could all change our own corners of the universe – one block at a time. In the 90s it was cool to be an intellectual. Smart was "in" but you didn't have to be a square to be intelligent. That was the special energy that the 90s held, and I can say I found that vibe again, even if just for the weekend.
But Melanated Campout wasn’t just about Gen X'ers recapturing youthful exhuberance — it also created space for adult reflection and healing.
“We prioritized the men this year,” explained McClellan. Dejr Bostick, of Black Men Meditate, guided brothers through breathing exercises and conversations about mental health struggles. "It didn't take a lot of convincing," McClellan said. "He already had a lot of ideas."
Mark Tyler
Women found renewal in the Her Harmony Healing Hike. And entrepreneurs networked during Beyond the Table, a small business education session. I've always been the type who liked to go into the kitchen to see how the sausage is made, so I was dying to have a conversation with McClellan because I was so impressed by the whole weekend. She confirmed just what I suspected– they were intentional about everything.
"As long as you have some fun events, field day, meet and greet, the water gun battle – that’s easy. What becomes more intentional, is that you have some who are introverts, some who are struggling with mental health and not everyone is going to be able to just jump in and be able to adapt. So how do we accommodate such a diverse group of people?"
They planned events to meet the needs of various personality types and accommodated people with different levels of camping experience. Even though, they didn't know me personally, I felt that in some unique way, they had me in mind.
I met people from all over the country, each drawn to the camp-party-relax vibe. After the water-gun battle left me drenched but smiling, I overheard one young woman say, “This is so much fun, I don’t know what I’m going to do when I get home.” I totally understood.
If I had one regret, it’s that I didn’t have time to do everything—like the adult coloring session or kite flying. Still, the entire experience was unforgettable. I’ve already marked my calendar for “Homecoming ’26: The Campout Classic,” September 24–27, 2026.
Coles Point Beach Party
My Melanated Campout trip came on the heels of the Coles Point Beach Party during Labor Day weekend.
I arrived at Coles Point, set up my rig, and got ready to enjoy concerts, pool parties, and Go-Go bands. Highlights included a performance by the Gerald Veasley Band and the headliner's show was a tribute to Luther Vandross.
Go-Go Band (Left), Gerald Veasley Band ( Center) and Luther Vandross tribute bands performed at the Coles Point Beach Party.
Raymond Tyler
One of the things I love about RV life is the exchange of ideas about different setups. Some campers swear by awnings; others use screened rooms. Some swear by charcoal; others, propane. Personally, I prefer open-flame cooking because that’s how my father taught me before he passed. Those conversations—about why we camp the way we camp—often spark friendships, even if just for a brief moment in time.
The Coles Point Beach Party felt like a family reunion: multigenerational, filled with good people and good music. Some blasted Washington, D.C.’s iconic Go-Go, others pumped classic hip-hop or smooth R&B.
If Coles Point was the family reunion, Melanated Campout was the cousins asserting the fact that they are now officially grown and going off to party. Except, instead of one night, it lasted three great days.
Final Thoughts
Both experiences were amazing. So, if you’ve ever thought about trying the camping lifestyle but worried about being “the only one,” don’t stress. Black campers are out there. And communities like Melanatedcampout.com and ArnellMumford.com are great places to start your journey. The people are friendly, the vibe is welcoming, and I’m certain you’ll feel right at home.
Thanks for reading the whole story!
At Atlantic City Focus, we're committed to providing a platform where the diverse voices of our community can be heard, respected, and celebrated. As an independent online news platform, we rely on a unique mix of affordable advertising and the support of readers like you to continue delivering quality, community journalism that matters. Please support the businesses and organizations that support us by clicking on their ads. And by making a tax deductible donation today, you become a catalyst for change helping to amplify the authentic voices that might otherwise go unheard. And every contribution is greatly appreciated. Join us in making a difference—one uplifting story at a time!
GET UP WITH ATLANTIC CITY FOCUS and RAYMOND TYLER
STARTING MONAY, FEB 10th AT 8AM!
