About Outdoor Adventure Retreats

At Outdoor Adventure Retreats, we specialize in unparalleled access to the wonders of nature while providing exceptional accommodations and top-notch service. Our mission is to create unforgettable experiences that allow you to escape from daily life, explore breathtaking landscapes, and truly immerse yourself in adventure. Outdoor Adventure Retreats is Your Destination for Outdoor Recreation.

OUR STORY

Outdoor Adventure Retreats (OAR) was born from a shared passion for nature and a vision to create outdoor hospitality destinations where people can escape, explore and experience the great outdoors. Founders Andrew Garcia and Benjamin Cohen, both avid outdoor enthusiasts, recognized a need for accessible and immersive nature retreats that offer exceptional accommodations and service. In 2022, they turned this vision into reality by establishing OAR, aiming to provide unparalleled access to outdoor recreation across the Southeastern United States.

Starting with the acquisition of four unique campgrounds — Wilderness Cove Campground in North Carolina, Crescent Fish Camp in Florida, Wanee Lake Golf & RV Resort in Georgia, and Cotton Patch Landing in North Carolina — OAR has been dedicated to preserving and enhancing these natural havens. Each location offers a distinct experience, from serene lakeside fishing and adventurous hiking trails to beautiful golf courses and peaceful kayaking creeks, catering to both thrill-seekers and those seeking tranquility.

Our commitment extends beyond providing exceptional retreats; we believe that the best outdoor experiences are found not just in nature, but in the small towns and communities that surround them. Each OAR location offers a gateway to hidden gems, from local diners and historic main streets to fishing spots, hiking trails and golf courses. Whether you’re exploring the charming mountain towns of Western North Carolina, the rolling countryside of Georgia, or simply passing through the area, OAR is your home base for adventure.

As we continue to grow, our mission remains steadfast: to create unforgettable experiences that allow our guests to disconnect from the hustle of daily life and reconnect with the beauty of the natural world. We want to be Your Destination for Outdoor Recreation. We invite you to join us on this journey and discover the adventures that await at Outdoor Adventure Retreats.

OUR TEAM

Escape. Explore. Experience the thrill of Outdoor Adventure Retreats. Let us be your gateway to a world of natural wonders, thrilling experiences, and cherished memories. Book your adventure today and embark on a journey that will leave you refreshed, inspired, and longing for more.

Andrew Garcia

Co-Founder & CEO

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Andrew developed a profound love for the outdoors during his childhood spent exploring the lakes and rivers in the picturesque mountains of Northwest Georgia and Western North Carolina. This formative experience ignited his lifelong passion for nature and laid the foundation for his commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of outdoor recreational properties. Andrew’s hobbies include hiking, golfing, fishing, tennis, nature photography, and landscaping, all of which allow him to immerse himself in the natural environments he works diligently to enhance at Outdoor Adventure Retreats.

Ben Cohen

Co-Founder & COO

As a Florida-native, Ben has always been an outdoor adventure enthusiast with a passion for golfing, hiking, scuba diving and finding any excuse to hang near a body of water. Growing up this enthusiasm sparked a flame in Ben to start something of his own involving the great outdoors. Ben wants to use his profound dedication to conserving and elevating recreational landscapes to pave the way for all outdoor adventure seekers. Ben is extremely passionate about this space and making sure that each of Outdoor Adventure Retreats’ locations are an exciting and welcoming place for everyone.

Judy Himes

Regional Operations Manager

Jim Himes

Regional Project Manager

 

General Managers

Todd Johnson

Crescent Fish Camp | Crescent City, FL

I’m Todd, General Manager here at Crescent Fish Camp — but before I wore this hat, I was just a guest who fell in love with this little slice of heaven here on Lake Crescent. Raised on the banks of the St. Johns River, my childhood was spent fishing, hunting, and wakeboarding—sunup to sundown. Now, I’m fortunate enough to raise my three boys along these same waters, teaching them the river life I’ve always known and loved. When we aren’t on the water, you can find us out on the golf course, walking trails through the state parks, refuge areas, and springs, or out on the football/baseball fields.  

What started as a short RV stay with my family quickly turned into something much more. When the opportunity came to manage this waterfront resort and marina, I knew it was the perfect way to plant roots and give back to a place that already felt like home. Crescent Fish Camp isn’t just where I work—it’s where my heart is, and where I hope you’ll come make some memories of your own. 

Leigh Heard

Wanee Lake | Ashburn, GA

As an Alabama native who spent much of my childhood on the white sandy beaches of the Florida Panhandle, my love for the outdoors runs deep. Since 2020, I’ve embraced the RV life while working at campgrounds, allowing me to explore new places and stay connected to nature. My love for people and my big heart have made these experiences even more meaningful, as I’ve built connections with fellow travelers and outdoor enthusiasts along the way. Now, in my role as General Manager at Wanee Lake, I’m diving into the world of golf, learning a great deal while still being surrounded by the natural beauty I cherish. My journey reflects a genuine passion for outdoor living and a commitment to creating meaningful experiences. I look forward to meeting you at Wanee Lake and sharing in this adventure together.

Lauren Fowler

Wilderness Cove | Saluda, NC

Hey y’all! We’re Lauren and Nate – the new GMs of Wilderness Cove. Lauren is from low country SC, and Nate comes from Maine. We moved to WNC in spring of 2024, and saw the devastation of Hurricane Helene firsthand. Though we weren’t camp hosts at our campground, we raced into action doing supply runs and organizing cookouts during the blackout after the storm. We made sure everyone had food, propane, and gas for the shared generator.

Joining the Wilderness Cove team, we are aware of the responsibility of rebuilding this community. Hurricane Helene heavily impacted WNC, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help grow Wilderness Cove and the surrounding communities. Our vision for Wilderness Cove is to heal the land around us, and create core memories with all our guests.

Our interests include hiking, rockhounding, kayaking, tubing, fishing, and archery. We have a border collie named Nova that is always up for adventures. Be sure to stop by and get a hug from Nova – she loves them!

Josh Hauge

Cotton Patch Landing | Chocowinity, NC

Hi everyone! We’re Josh Hauge and Blair Baker, and we’re delighted to be here at Cotton Patch Landing! Josh is from Brielle, NJ, and will be serving as General Manager. Blair is from Boonsboro, MD, and is the chef at the Creekside Grill Food Bus on premises.

We love the great outdoors, where every day is an adventure. We enjoy motorsports, kayaking, fishing, boating, surfing, bicycling, hunting and snowboarding (and of course, Blair loves to cook!).

We met in Crested Butte, Colorado, while working for the ski resort there. Josh was a snowboard instructor and Blair worked in the restaurants around the mountain. While out snowboarding one day, we met by chance at Paradise Lift, and it was history in the making. We’re now engaged! We share a passion for hospitality and making sure every guest leaves with a smile. We’re excited to bring our skills, enthusiasm, ideas and talents to Cotton Patch Landing.

It’s so refreshing to find a family-oriented company that shares our values and love for nature. We appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle that’s all too common in modern-day life. Our goal is to keep building a strong community and preserve the unique tranquility that can only be found on Blounts Creek.

Sheryl Weierbach

Cedar Creek

Hi everyone! We’re Sheryl and Rick Weierbach, the General Managers at Cedar Creek. We’re originally from the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania, and while our house is in Ruskin, Florida, our real home is our 34’ Class A RV, which we share with our dogs—Zena, Copper, and Chico—and our little turtle, Tripod.

I’ve been an avid tent camper for nearly 40 years, and about six years ago, Rick and I began our full‑time RV journey. Since then, we’ve traveled across the country work‑camping in some incredible places, including a few years near Bryce Canyon in Utah and later at Lake Oconee in central Georgia. We eventually joined the wonderful team at Outdoor Adventure Retreats and spent time working at Cotton Patch Landing in Eastern North Carolina. Now, we’re excited to begin the next chapter at Cedar Creek.

Rick and I can’t wait to bring our ideas and energy to make Cedar Creek an ultimate feel‑good destination for camping, kayaking, and family fun. Our goal is simple: to help you create wonderful memories that last a lifetime.

Our interests include hiking, rockhounding, kayaking, tubing, fishing, and archery. We’re looking forward to meeting all of you and sharing new adventures together!