The Hearts Behind CampCDA

Meet Shane and Maren Criddle

If you’ve ever driven past the shimmering waters and forested shoreline of Wolf Lodge Bay along the Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway, you might have noticed a little haven tucked into the woods: CampCDA. Behind the cabins, campsites, and trails is a story that’s as much about family, laughter, and community as it is about camping. It’s the story of Shane and Maren—a couple whose energy, humor, and love of the outdoors is shaping a place where families, neighbors, and even complete strangers feel at home.

From First Visit to Forever Home

Shane Criddle has called Coeur d’Alene home for about thirty years, though his journey began in Montana. He first visited after his parents moved here while he was in college. “Some friends took us out on the chain lakes—I’d never been boating before—and I thought, wow! I didn’t even know I loved it,” he says, grinning. “Coeur d’Alene had all these little surprises. It’s a smorgasbord of things I never expected.” The combination of sparkling water, quiet forests, and a slower pace of life hooked him immediately. By the end of that visit, Shane returned to college, packed his bags, and moved back to Coeur d’Alene—ready to make this place his own.

Building a Business—and a Bigger Dream

Professionally, Shane has done everything from IT and telecommunications to healthcare sales. When COVID-19 shook the healthcare industry, it prompted him to pivot once again, founding SymplSoft (symplsoft.io), a software company designed to help healthcare organizations make confident, informed decisions about capital equipment. The platform provides unified data, streamlined workflows, and cross-team visibility across every stage of the equipment lifecycle. Shane runs the company full-time, but even as he built this business, a second dream lingered in the back of his mind: owning a campground where families could unplug, explore, and make lasting memories together.

Eleven Years of “What If”

That dream almost came true eleven years ago. Shane had been ready to buy the local campground but backed out at the last minute. “For 11 years, I’ve driven through it every April before it opened and regretted that decision,” he admits. The property changed hands, fell into disrepair, and eventually went bankrupt. Then, out of the blue, a member of the creditor group reached out. Suddenly, the dream was within reach once more. For Shane, the timing wasn’t ideal—his software business demanded most of his attention—but he asked Maren, ‘How would you feel about running a campground?’” Shane recalls. “She almost instantly said, ‘I’m in.’ I couldn’t believe it was that easy.”

When the Right Moment Finally Arrives

Believe it or not, Shane and Maren go way back. Shane grew up friends with Maren’s older brothers, and their families shared Sunday dinners, church outings, and countless community moments. “The last time I saw her, she was 11,” Shane laughs. Fast forward a few decades: Shane, back in the dating world, reluctantly tried a dating app. Just as he was about to give up, a familiar face appeared. He explains, “I saw her eyes and thought, wait a second, I know her.” Despite the years and an eight-year age gap, their connection was immediate. After an hour of talking, Shane turned off his profile, thinking, if it’s not her, it’s nobody. Their shared history made the leap effortless, and a new chapter—both in love and, eventually, in business—had begun. They celebrated their one-year anniversary on February 8.

Closing Day and New Beginnings

Maren’s experience running operations for a large company proved invaluable. She handles day-to-day logistics, staffing, and guest services, while Shane focuses on marketing, outreach, and, as he calls it, the “fun stuff.” Together, they officially acquired CampCDA on December 19, 2025. Maren will moved full-time to Coeur d’Alene this June, right after her son graduated high school. The couple is remodeling the A-frame above the camp office into their home, creating a living space that’s both cozy and functional, making the camp truly a family operation.

Rustic Roots, Thoughtful Upgrades

The campground itself is a mix of rustic charm and thoughtful upgrades. Nineteen cabins, 45 RV sites with full or partial hookups, and plenty of tent spots welcome guests from near and far. Visitors can rent pontoon boats, wave runners, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and e-bikes, while a trail leads directly into the Panhandle Forest, offering easy access to hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting. The camp is a base for year-round adventures—from spring blooms, bird watching, and summer lakeside fun to fall hunting basecamps and winter skiing. Heating rods in the water pipes ensure that RV sites remain functional even in colder months, extending the camping season.

A Campground Built by and for Community

What really sets CampCDA apart, though, is Shane and Maren themselves. Shane is quick with a joke, calling Maren “a stick of dynamite… that packs a big punch,” while Maren shines when interacting with guests. “I love meeting people and seeing them enjoy the outdoors,” she says. “We’ve had visitors from Switzerland, Germany… and so many locals. But the best part? Watching people make memories here.”

Neighbors, Not Just Guests

Social media has added an unexpected layer to the campground experience. Shane admits he’s “never been a social media guy,” but their online presence has created a vibrant, interactive community. Families follow the camp’s videos, recognize Shane as the “campground guy,” and stop by to share their excitement. One 10-year-old insisted on meeting Shane in person after watching the videos; another little girl, Hazel, came running to show off her catfish catch. Shane laughs, “That sense of community—that’s been my favorite part. And we were shocked to learn that 85% of our campers are local. It’s our neighbors, and that’s even better.”

Dreaming Beyond the Campfire

Looking ahead, Shane and Maren have big plans. They hope to open a small country store and, eventually, a café—creating a full-service, family-friendly retreat where guests can find everything from camp essentials to fresh coffee and snacks. Their goal is simple: connect families with nature. “When you arrive, you feel like you’ve left the normal world,” Shane says. “It’s family time. People unplug, explore, and appreciate nature together. That’s what we want.”

A Blended Life in the Woods

Their blended family is a central part of the campground’s heartbeat. Shane has two grown daughters, while Maren has three boys. Her youngest is moving to the camp and can’t wait to fish, ride bikes, and enjoy the outdoors, while her oldest son has already settled locally as an apprentice plumber. “There’s a little something for everyone in our family to enjoy,” Shane says.

More Than a Destination

At its core, CampCDA is more than a destination—it’s a reflection of Shane and Maren: energetic, warm, and devoted to creating spaces where families and neighbors can connect. Shane may be the public face of the camp, but it’s a true family affair, filled with laughter, curiosity, and the joy of bringing people together. As Shane jokes, “Marrying me has made Maren’s life a vacation.” Thanks to their shared vision, it’s a vacation they’re now sharing with all of us!

So if you’re looking for a weekend getaway, an outdoor adventure, or simply a place to unplug with your family, spend some time at CampCDA—you might just discover for yourself why this little campground tucked into the trees has become a beloved local gem.

You can find out more about the camp by visiting campcda.net.