Member Spotlight: Meet Preston & Samaki Mixon (and Bryson!)

If you’ve been to our recent club campouts, you’ve likely crossed paths with Preston and Samaki Mixon. As some of the youngest members of our RV family, they bring an incredible spark, a deep love for the outdoors, and a fantastic energy to the group.

We recently sat down with them for a quick chat to learn more about their camping roots, their favorite spots, and what it’s like raising a dedicated third-generation camper.

Finding a Community to Call Home

The Mixon family's introduction to the club is a testament to the power of searching for connection. Samaki’s mother, Cynthia Freeman, was looking online specifically for an African American RV club. When she found us, she knew it was the perfect fit.

Before making the jump to an RV, Preston and Samaki were dedicated tent campers. In fact, during their earlier trips, Samaki’s mom would be living it up in her RV while Preston and Samaki were roughing it in a tent in the very next campsite! Eventually, the convenience of the RV lifestyle won them over. Today, they love the freedom of packing up on a Friday after a busy work week and heading out to make new memories.

Balancing Busy Lives with Big RV Dreams

While many of our club members enjoy the flexible schedule of retirement, Preston and Samaki are still balancing full-time careers and family life. Samaki works for the City and County of San Francisco, handling testing coordination for local firefighters, police, and deputy sheriffs, while Preston works as a project supervisor for a construction company.

Because they are still in the workforce, long-distance treks require a bit of planning, but that hasn't stopped them from dreaming big. Currently, they are traveling in a trailer, but they have their sights set on a larger fifth-wheel or even a diesel pusher in the future. Their ultimate long-term goal? Making the trek to the National Rally once retirement finally rolls around.

Bryson: The 7-Year-Old Camping Veteran

The real star of the Mixon camping experience might just be their 7-year-old son, Bryson. Having been on the campground since he was just six months old, Bryson is a seasoned veteran.

As the youngest member of the club, Bryson is always full of energy. The second they hit a campsite, he’s on his scooter exploring. He loves the outdoors so much that he begs his parents to go camping every single weekend. When they are back home in the Bay Area, you can find him riding his dirt bike or playing with the neighborhood friends up and down the street.

Favorite Spots and the "Cruiser" Experience

When they aren't traveling with the club, the Mixons hit the road on their own at least twice a month. Some of their go-to local spots include Village West Marina & Resort in Stockton, where they love to relax by the river and watch the boats go by.

Their absolute favorite destination so far? Avila Beach. Though it’s a bit of a drive from San Francisco (about 4 to 5 hours) and a little pricier, they say the oceanfront views and the proximity to nearby rocket launches from the former Vandenberg AFB make it worth every penny.

When asked what their favorite part of being in the club is, Samaki and Preston didn't hesitate:

"When I tell people about our African American RV group, I tell them we just have a good time. It’s a party, it's activities, there's always an itinerary—you’re not just sitting around. At home, people might sleep in until 1:00 PM, but out here, everyone is up at 7:00 AM getting exercise and enjoying the day."

We are so glad to have Preston, Samaki, and Bryson in the club, bringing their vibrant energy to our community. Next time you see them at a campout, make sure to say hello!