Stagger Lee Music Park: a hidden tourist destination in Graham
The Stagger Lee Music and RV park sits on 100 acres of land on Vernon Williams Road at the edge of Appling County. What was once a major tobacco operation is now a destination for out-of-state campers.
The motor park can hold 100 RVs, and Stagger Lee is an AirBnB superhost with over 120 5-star reviews. His primary help comes in the form of his brother, Pastor Rodney Lee.
The park took root when the Lees were out of state on a painting job. Cousin Sue lived on the bus for 3 years, saving money to put up the first meter. He promised to build her a cabin, which sits near the entrance of the property. Many of the buildings were constructed with wood from the portable sawmill. “We try to keep it as rustic as possible.”
50 acres of the property are wetlands, and a houseboat called the Pond Tune sits in a corner of the water as a premier fishing spot. On the other side is a spot for canoeing and kayaking, where those from out of state can experience nature—but they’ll have to sign a waiver. “This is a swamp. What’s in the swamp belongs in the swamp.”
His cousin George comes from Pennsylvania with his wife to stay in the winter, working daylight until dark to repair and upgrade architecture and equipment. The George and Sherry Lee shop was established in 2021.
There are various tour buses on site, including a 1957 GMC Greyhound. He hopes to line the strip with tour busses and call it Music Row. His cousin Tommy gifted him an unroadworthy bus, and George used his mechanic experience from the Endless Mountain Bus Company to move it from West Virginia.
The modern Rogue model hauler is more high-tech, with a convertible patio for easy vehicle loading.
The curtain-covered pavilion is perfect for jam sessions with wood stoves for potluck dinners. Toward the back of the lot is a sizable stage for country and bluegrass festivals. The first festival had top-notch groups from Nashville, such as the Larkin sisters and the Jones Creek band.
Though flooding isn’t an issue due to clay pipes draining into the pond, Hurricane Helene took a hard toll on the property. “Everything that was insured is not hurt,” he says. “Everything that’s not insured…”
The land has recently become a haven for line workers on outages. Trees remain leaning over the laundry and the bunkhouse, which is usually rented to work crews. A persimmon tree was one casualty, causing concern for the deer and other wildlife that used it as a food source. The ticket booth was trashed, and the barn is in need of repairs.
The pump was rewired to make the Ma and Pa bathhouse usable for two weeks without power. A new pole was installed with help from Clint Bass to replace fallen lines. Still in operation, the Stagger Lee Music Park runs on its foundation of all-American ingenuity.
