In a significant legal decision, a Virginia jury has mandated that the owner of Lazy Cove Campground at Smith Mountain Lake pay $750,000 in damages after finding that the owner engaged in racial discrimination.
The verdict, announced late last week, represents the largest fair housing jury award in the state’s history, according to the Virginia Attorney General’s Office.
Background
The incident began in April 2020 when two families—close friends—decided to lease adjacent lots at Lazy Cove Campground.
Angela Smith, who is white, and her husband, Damien Smith (who is Black), along with their 8-year-old son, occupied one camper. Their friends, Amanda and Mike Mills, occupied the neighboring lot.
Approximately a month into their stay, campground owner Regina Turner contacted Amanda Mills. She was unhappy upon learning of Damien Smith’s race. Turner reportedly stated, “You didn’t tell me that your friend’s husband is Black. Had I known, I wouldn’t have rented the lot to them.”
Subsequent actions
Subsequently, campground owner Turner worked to evict both families. She refused to renew their leases and imposed restrictions on selling their campers. These actions were not applied to other tenants in the campground. In August 2020, both families vacated the campground.
The Virginia Attorney General’s Office and the Virginia Fair Housing Board filed a civil lawsuit against Turner, citing violations of fair housing laws.
The jury deliberated for less than two hours before awarding $100,000 to each couple for their losses and emotional distress. An additional $550,000 in punitive damages was imposed to deter future discriminatory practices.
Reactions
Attorney General Jason Miyares lauded the jury’s decision, stating, “Housing discrimination—and discrimination of any kind—will not be tolerated in Virginia. We are pleased by the jury’s verdict, and I’m immensely proud of my Civil Rights Unit. The people of Franklin County have spoken: Smith Mountain Lake is for everyone.”
Damien Smith reflected on the ordeal, expressing a mix of relief and lingering anger, emphasizing that such discrimination should not occur in contemporary society.
Implications for the RV community
This case serves as a poignant reminder to the RV and camping community about the importance of inclusivity and adherence to fair housing laws.
Campground owners and operators are urged to ensure their policies and practices promote equality and prevent discrimination based on race or any other protected characteristic.
For RV enthusiasts, this verdict underscores the significance of supporting establishments that uphold these values, fostering a welcoming environment for everyone.
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I think there is a mis-statement …Mills is stated to be the owner..or at least that is how I read it.
You are right. It has been corrected. Have a great day, Sandi!
Paragraph 5 states “campground owner Regina Turner”; while Paragraph 6 says “campground owner Mills worked to evict.” I believe Paragraph 6 is in error. And Paragraph 7 does again say the lawsuit was against Turner.
$100K to each of the victims, $550K to the state. That kind of “balance” leaves me wondering if the state was motivated less by principle and more for profit. A bit more of the “punitive” could have gone to the two families if it weren’t the latter…..
Punitive damages go to the couples. Punitive Damages: Damages, in addition to compensatory damages, required to be paid by a defendant as punishment for particularly egregious conduct and as a deterrent to others.
I hear ya Diane. I just think the state kept a pretty big cut.
Could be wrong but pretty sure the State gets nothing as this was a Civil Rights case filed by the State on behalf of the couple. I’m curious though so may do some research.
I’d like to know if the campground actually paid (or was even able to pay). And are they even able to stay in business after that.
I feel bad for the campground owners.
It’s amazing that this racist garbage is still a thing in 2025. I hope the campground owner goes bust. Good grief.
I agree… it has to go. I think we are back on track though. Hiring people on merit is a great start (and not just race).
The last 4 years are a blatant example of politicians using minorities as pawns just to further their own position.
Sadly, there are still people out there who don’t believe the era of “Jim Crow” is long over… 😞
Thank you for the news, Gail! Pretty surprising that the campground owner wasn’t better informed regarding her obligations to customers. Seems as though the jury was similarly surprised as well as appalled. Have a great day and safe travels!