Most people would see nothing but sticks, unruly tree branches, overgrown brush and a pile of debris threatening to overtake a stand alone garage. Not Kathi Goddard. Looking over her newly purchased property, she breathed in the fresh ocean air the wind carried from across the road. The towering trees lining the lot were the perfect backdrop for her vision of a unique bed & breakfast that would be reminiscent of days spent at Summer Camp. The disarray the property was in? Not a problem for this local Sitkan.

 

Over the course of the last several years, Kathi has lovingly created a niche selling vintage items and hosting vintage markets. It was only natural for her love of all things vintage to manifest into something much bigger - a vintage glamping retreat. She started off by investing in two retro style travel trailers that fit the vision she had for the space. Next she rallied the troops! By enlisting the help of her husband Nick and son Lucas the space began to transform into the vision she saw all along. With their sleeves rolled up and their work boots donned, they worked tirelessly around the clock, clearing the property and transforming it into something unrecognizable. Any evidence of disarray disappeared in a series of bonfires.

 

Quick to give credit where credit is due, Kathi remarks, “I didn't do this all on my own, but I knew it was going to take a little sweat and equity to create what I wanted,” I’ve always wanted to own a bed and breakfast, I love people, and like to make them feel welcome. When I discovered the retro campers my mind was full of ideas of how to create a fun and whimsy theme. I wanted to offer something different to travelers who want to go off the beaten path and create fun memories with their loved ones.”

 

With the hard part done, trailers set up, utilities installed, privacy fences up, it was time for the finishing touches. For Kathi, the rest came easily. The name Camp Starlight is a nod to simpler times, something that resonates with her. Set on the far end of Halibut Point Road, Camp Starlight is the perfect spot to spend time stargazing. Kathi even lovingly named the trailers to honor her late mother Eleanor and her late aunt Stella.

 

The rest of the details Kathi thought of were intended for her guests to feel welcome and have every luxury of home. Comfortable beds, sleek stove tops, microwaves, coffee makers, internet, televisions, shampoo, slippers, robes, board games… not one detail overlooked. The outdoor amenities invite time spent in the open air with a propane fire pit, separate grills and outdoor bistro sets for each trailer, privacy fences and a floating bar. For an added touch of hospitality, Kathi determined to deliver freshly baked blueberry muffins made with Camp Starlight blueberries to her guests each morning.

 

Last summer was Camp Starlight’s first season open. The guest reviews that poured in reflect Kathi’s intention of creating the perfect glamping experience.

 

Camp Starlight is open seasonally from May through September. The retro-style glamping retreat that came to life with a little vision and elbow grease is a far cry from the pile of sticks and brush it started out as. Still nestled in towering trees the deer often visit and eagles soar overhead. Follow the stars… they’ll lead you there.