Dandy RV has reopened its dealership and parts store in Clanton, and recently broke ground on a nearby campground.

The campground for RVs and camper trailers should be open by April 1 and will have electrical hookups and other necessities. There is also a pond close by and plans to build a common pavilion area.

Company spokeswoman Jessica Cooley, daughter of owners Jim “Dandy” and Tammie Cooley, thinks the campground would be a prime spot for beachgoers.

“I thought it would be a great place for people going down to the beach, snowbirds headed to Florida for the winter,” said Cooley.

The campground will have spots for between 60-80 vehicles and trailers.

Cooley said locals could also enjoy the campground. The pavilion area could be rented out for family and class reunions and other get-togethers, she said.

“It could be a gathering spot for people in the Clanton and Montgomery area,” Cooley said.

Dandy RV left Clanton about a year and half ago. Cooley said her family tried to sell the land without much luck. She now believes that was a sign that they were meant to reopen the business here.

“We’re back, and we’re ready to service the RVs down there,” she said.

Dandy RV is located off Exit 208 on Interstate 65, on Corky Lane across from Shoney’s Restaurant.

The company started in Birmingham in 1956 and was recently named a Top 50 RV dealership in America by RV Business Magazine.