Camp Connell, CA…Everyone likes a good story. Or at least so the story is told. And it depends on who is telling the story too! For the last almost 9 years, the story teller has also been the main guy of a General Store located in the Sierra Mountains of California. He refers to his celebrity as “the least amount of Celebrity anyone could have and still have celebrity “! Welcome in, says the owner and storyteller, Dan Tulipani.

The historic Ebbetts Pass corridor welcomes over 1.5 million visitors every year, and while not everyone stops into Camp Connell to enjoy an Italian Panini, an Italian Soda, an espresso or some beer, wine, groceries or snacks, Mr Tulipani still recreates his stories for those who take in the charm of this unique place!

Mr Tulipani loves to share stories about how the family has owned Camp Connell for over 50 years, the owners prior to the Tulipanis, and who he still knows or has stopped in to share their memories of a place that has been around since the 1920’s.

The History of the place dates back to 1929, when Prohibition was a big thing! In fact according to the legends surrounding Camp Connell there still exists a place under the store that was used as a speakeasy!
The beauty of storytelling, as Mr Tulipani will agree is making the past come alive! The place continues to be more than a store, Its a part of summer childhood memories, of trips to the mountains, the family cabin, camping & more as it’s been for almost 100 years!

Camp Connell General Store is located right on Highway 4, between Arnold and Bear Valley. Set on 1.48 acres, the massive beer garden has a large entertainment stage with summer crowds at some events reaching nearly 300 guests!

Winding its way through the property is the San Antonio Creek. A year round spring fed stream that can be enjoyed from the Beer Garden or a future Airstream Trailer Motel ( another one of Mr Tulipani’s stories on what his plans would be if he stuck around!)

After installing a Wood Fired Pizza oven, and retrofitting most of the property with new siding and adding a brand new electrical system, not all of Mr Tulipani’s stories are way off in the distance! The recent addition of a gorgeous pizza parlor, with a huge wood fired oven and custom log bar, adds a second prime business where Dan Tulipani says with a smile, “someone is going to be making a lot of dough here!”

Mr Tulipani loves to say “we are a General Store, but we’ll let you but specific stuff too!” A paraphrase from the Comedian Steven Wright.

The Camp Connell of today was largely influenced by the surging popularity of auto travel through the mountains inspired when Dr. D. Sargent of Angels Camp became the first to drive an automobile over Ebbetts Pass in 1908. Family camping was destined to become an extremely popular recreational activity so To meet those demands, Jack Connell began construction of a campground, cabins, general store and gas pumps in 1928. He and his wife named their endeavor “Camp Connell”.

The Camp Connell Resort was opened for business in 1929, and the general store and gas station have been in operation ever since.

The Connell’s continued to expand the store and added a café to serve the increasing number of visitors. By 1934 the Post Office was moved to the store and became “Camp Connell Station”. The store was a local gathering place where local residents and vacationers alike would come to share news and leave messages, much as it is today.

Mr Tulipani likes to say , “I’m going to have to lay the “F” word on you, this place is “Fabulous”!

$1,599,000
Retail:
4,300sqft
1.48acres
4036 Highway 4, Camp Connell, CA 95223

Property details
Price:
$1,599,000
Square Footage:
4,300 sq ft
Lot Size:
1.48 acres
Year Built:
1900
Type:
Commercial
Sub Type:
Retail
Listing Status:
For Sale
Listing Date:
04-29-2025
Listing #:
202500764
Street Address:
4036 Highway 4
County/Area:
Calaveras County
City:
Camp Connell
State:
CA
Zip Code:
95223
Stories:
2 Story
Sewer:
Septic Tank

Listed with Jessica Bowman
Premier Properties
(209) 559-1407
Jessica@premierproperties.com