Camp Connell, CA…I want to thank all those who have come into the store to welcome me. While I will try to remember all of your names, I may need a reminder (I’ve always been bad with remembering names).There is however one name that will not be forgotten, and that name is Bobby Abbott. In the history of Camp Connell, there is no one person that deserves more admiration, respect and our thanks! Bobby is the reason Camp Connell exists today. He has kept Camp Connell from being buried with snow over the years with his snowplow business, and has helped make us whole with his summertime business doing excavations. And more than anyone Bobby has always been there, for my parent’s, for my sister, and for myself; THANK YOU BOBBY ABBOTT! You are a great man! In honor of Bobby Abbott, all locals (address Camp Connell zip code of 95223) will receive a 10% discount till the end of April 2017 (does not apply to tobacco, alcohol, or gasoline) And one last note – Camp Connell now has Happy Hour from 4pm to 7pm everyday and we will have Johhny Arrow here for Live Music on Friday Night 3/24. See you there! Best Regards, Dan Tulipani

Since 1929 The Camp Connell General Store has been serving generation after generation of customers. New Owner Dan Tulipani and his family are excited to continue and expand on the rich fabric and traditions that have made the store an integral part of the community. With Dining, Wine, Beer, Gifts, Groceries & Gas they have everything you need to make your high country adventure a great one.

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 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”. Opened for business in 1929, 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. Occasionally, Circuit Court was convened in the building. Monte Wolfe, Art and Harry Schimke, the Whittles, Hunts, Tryons, Lombardis, and Airolas were frequent visitors.

While the popularity of the general store and café continued, the campground was closed in 1949 and the property was subdivided into lots selling for $600 each. The cabins remained as part of Camp Connell until the 1960’s, when the highway was realigned to accommodate the ski resort and village at Bear Valley, as well as the development of Big Trees Village. The old highway became the current two accesses to Camp Connell and the property has stayed much the same ever since.

Today the Camp Connell General Store is one of the oldest Chevron stations in California as well as the longest continuously operated retail business between Murphys and Markleeville. It is a popular stop for visitors and a cherished part of the local community.”