There’s nothing quite like the traditional camping experience: crackling logs, sharing stories, and of course, the sickly sweet smell of burning marshmallows and smoke that lingers for far too long.

David Diehl, the owner of Oakley Rentals, knows that. So he’s proposing a revamp of the Oakley Campground to help city officials improve the underutilized facility. The Oakley City Council met with Diehl on Wednesday to discuss the details of the plan, which includes onsite maintenance, additional tent sites and the possibility of cabins.

“We have a really good plan put together for how we’re going to proceed,” he assured the council. “Nothing we are doing as of right now … would be a permanent fixed thing.”

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Diehl proposes a revenue share agreement where he would manage the property and split the proceeds with the city. Oakley Campground earned about $3,500 in revenue last year. Diehl said he can guarantee the city will receive more this year, promising to pay at least double in the first year.

Oakley would no longer be responsible for maintaining and marketing the campground if city officials agree to the deal. Staff said it would be good for them to relinquish those duties as it could help increase usage and upkeep of the facility.

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Management staff would visit the site every day to clean up and check in on guests. There would also be a 24/7 emergency line they operate. Diehl said a campground house could be built for staff someday if all goes well.

The reservation system would be similar to what’s already in place such as online reservations and QR codes on site to book on the spot.

Oakley Campground is located in the Oakley City Recreation Complex northeast of the outdoor arena. It does not include the RV spots by the rodeo complex. The campground has 18 individual campsites as well as a pavilion, gathering area and restroom facilities.

It may be possible to add two or three tent and dry campsites. Diehl’s vision also includes building tiny cabins during the second year as an additional revenue source. He plans to pursue grant opportunities to help fund the construction.

A mockup of the cabins shows a loft bedroom with a small kitchen with a living and dining area and a porch. There are no water or sewer hookups at this time, so the first structure would be built without a bathroom. Infrastructure could be added later if demand calls for it.

The city would assume ownership of the cabins if the deal with Diehl expires. Officials could remove or sell them if they’re no longer wanted.

Visitors are expected to have access to paddleboard and kayak rentals, the local trail system and river, firewood sales and a community fire pit under the proposal.

Oakley Campground is typically open from spring to the end of October. Diehl, however, envisions it open year-round. He would continue maintenance operations in the winter including plowing.

Diehl affirmed everything is in the testing phase. He said he would have a better idea after the first year of management, at which point the agreement would be re-evaluated.

City officials seemed largely supportive of the proposal. Trees and a berm will be installed to address privacy concerns. Guests will also be screened if they’re staying longer than two weeks.

“I think it will be used more. I don’t think people know about it,” said City Councilor Joe Frazier.

Diehl planned to submit a formal proposal to be considered. It could be approved at the next meeting on April 24.