To view "Campground Reviews" by State - Click the links below.
(this portion of the blog is always under construction)
(this portion of the blog is always under construction)
ALABAMA
Escapee's Rainbow Plantation, Summerdale, AL. - RATING - 3.5/5
WIFI - Yes, very slow especially early morning and during the early evening.
ATT - Yes 3 bars - 4 bars with WeBoost
VERIZON - Yes 2 bars - 3 bars with WeBoost
COST - $33.00 nightly (Non-escapee's members) but Good Sam was honored
DISCOUNTS - Escapees membership and Good Sams, there may be more but if there is I don't know about them.
SERVICES - Full Hook ups
REVIEW - I will probably catch flak for posting my thoughts on this park but here goes anyway. First and foremost there are no pads for your RV at this park. Rather there are grass lots that you back into next to the power pedestal, water and sewer. Why is this bad? Well truthfully when I pay for a spot to park I want the RV on a concrete, paved or gravel pad. This is grass and sand. Lots of sand. It rained very hard the day we arrived and wet sand was every where inside and outside. $33 a night after the Good Sam discount for grass and sand. Meh, I don't think it was worth it, just my opinion.
Shopping is 30 minutes from the park if you need to make a grocery run and you're sort of in the middle of nowhere. Truthfully there is nothing wrong with the park except there are no paved pads. Also, if you have a tall RV make sure you have someone spot you into your site because some of the live oaks have low hanging limbs.
If you are over wintering or seeking long term residency this park would probably work for you.
We were in site # 71
ARKANSAS
Carter Cove Corps of Engineers Campground - Ola, Arkansas - RATING - 4.5/5
WIFI - No
ATT - Yes 2 bars - 4 bars with WeBoost
VERIZON - Yes 3 bars - 5 bars with WeBoost
COST - $18 Nightly $9 with Access Pass
DISCOUNTS - Access Pass
SERVICES - Water available with some at sites, 30 Amp power, Accessible Flush Toilets, Beach Access, Boat Ramp, Boating, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Fish Cleaning Stations, Fishing, Flush Toilets, Picnic Shelters, Playground, Showers, Swimming, Water Spigot
REVIEW - This is a very nice park. There are two camping loops. Loop 2 has just been improved with new paved roads, mostly level newly paved sites, covered picnic table, and water on site. Loop 1 has yet to be improved. The sites are gravel and many are not level, short and some are washed out badly. .
Loop 2 sites are very large abd spread out. However, the entrance road is fairly narrow and entry into your site can be challenging with an RV or Coach approaching 40' long. I had little difficulty putting our 40' coach into the site but be mindful of trees that are near the road while backing into your site.
For those of you who enjoy happy hour, this is a DRY county so prepare accordingly. Nearest shopping is 35 minutes away. No beer or wine sold in grocery stores including Wallmart in Rusellville.
There are 34 RV sites in the park and our site was site #29
WIFI - No
ATT - Yes 1 bar, No improvement with Weboost
VERIZON - Yes, 3 bars, 4 bars and fast with Weboost
COST - $34 + tax Nightly - $18.34 with Access Pass
DISCOUNTS - Access Pass
SERVICES - Paved roads, paved sites, FHU's, 20/30/50 AMP, Picnic table, Fire pit, Lantern hanger, boat launch, fishing docks, fishing, boating, boat rental, bike rental, marina, Nice visitors center, trash bins and recycling bins. seasonal swimming pool, laundry playgrounds and indoor pavilions for groups and reunions. The marina store sells food, bait and tackle. Warm-season, Lakeview evening barge tours of a swampy area at the lake's north end reveal alligators, owls, raccoons and other wildlife.
REVIEW - I would have given this park a 5/5 rating but the roads to the park are very narrow. The park itself is a gem, it is on an oxbow of the Mississippi River that was cut off from the main river 600 years ago. It is North Americas and Arkansas's largest natural lake at 20 miles long and a mile wide in place. The RV sites are very big, back in and pull through sites available. Though I didn't fish here I am told it is an exceptional fishing lake. It is the largest natural lake in Arkansas. There are 14 cabins and 122 campsites within the park.
Our campsite was a pull through #7
Lake Fort Smith State Park, Winslow, Arkansas - RATING - 4.6/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes 2 bars
VERIZON - No or very spotty
COST - $32 Nightly FHU's (low water pressure 20 psi)
DISCOUNTS - Senior Citizen and Disabled
SERVICES - FHU'S
REVIEW - Concrete pads, wonderful setting with fall views of the lake. There are only 30 campsites in this park so make reservations early. Within 30 miles of Fayetteville, Arkansas and the University of Arkansas Nearest grocery shopping is in Alma.
Rocky Branch C.O.E. Campground, Beaver Lake, Arkansas - RATING - 1.5/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Not used there
VERIZON - No
SERVICES - Water, 30amp, water pressure 18# and you need a 150' hose to fill your tank.
COST - $24 Nightly (way to high for this dump) 15/30 AMP shower house, dump and trash bin are 1 mile away
DISCOUNTS - 1/2 price with "Access Pass", "America the Beautiful Senior Pass" and the "America the Beautiful Pass" provides free access into the park.
REVIEW - No water anywhere near the camping loops, The power pedestals are in deplorable condition, website says 50 amps and there is only 20 and 30 amps, no sewer. Old growth pine trees dead from the pine beetle infestation right next to many rv sites just waiting to fall in a storm. The sites hadn't been mowed in months, debris everywhere including garbage from previous campers. The campground hosts seemingly did very little because they had no support from the ranger staff. STAY AWAY FROM THIS HELL HOLE. Sites are not level and some are extremely hard to get into. NOTHING IS MAINTAINED.
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ALABAMA
Walmart Gadsden, Alabama - RATING - 4/5
WIFI - Yes, but weak
AT&T - Yes, four bars
VERIZON - Yes, three bars
COST - Free
DISCOUNTS - None
SERVICES - None
REVIEW - Typical Wallydocking experience. There is a roving security car. The lot is noisy until about 2 am. Manager indicated that we were to be on the NON truck entry side (on the lawn and garden side. You must park on the curb or in the first row next to the curb.
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ARIZONA
Homolovi State Park, Arizona - RATING - 3.5/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes, Three bars but very laggy
VERIZON - Yes, five bars and fast
COST - $30 Nightly, 20/30/50 AMPS, Water, Dump and trash on site
DISCOUNTS - None for out of staters
SERVICES - See Cost
REVIEW - Paved sites. You need to get close to the power pedestal and water. Very quiet, Site 20 is mostly level for shorter RV's, We needed to back up onto three 2X12's to get level with our 40' RV, Some pull thru's will accommodate 80' RV and toads/trailers. Winslow, AZ is just minutes away so make sure you ger your photo with the girl in the Flat Bed Ford.
Grand Canyon Camper Village - RATING - 2/5
WIFI - Yes but spotty and slow
AT&T - No, no bars
VERIZON - Yes, two bars but wavered in and out. Virtually useless, don't plan on working on line, its not going to happen.
COST - $55 nightly + tax
SERVICES - 20/30/50 Amps, Water, Sewer, pull in or back in sites, picnic tables, fire rings. restrooms, showers, laundry.
REVIEW - Save your money! Go somewhere else. Packed in like sardines (if you have a large coach), The sites were long enough to leave our tow dolly hooked up but VERY narrow. They make you place your BIG rig head in because of utility placement. Virtually a thinly graveled parking lot with a lot of bare spots. We had very fine dust throughout our site with almost no gravel. Had it rained it would have been one heck of a mess. Check in was easy as the attendant didn't really want to talk anyway. On the plus side there is a pizza joint, steak house, general store and Starbucks within very easy walking distance. My advice is stay away unless you are just planning an overnight stay. It is a really awful place, the restrooms were dirty and stinky. Everything is run down. Just sayin
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CALIFORNIA
Grand Canyon Camper Village - RATING - 2/5
WIFI - Yes but spotty and slow
AT&T - No, no bars
VERIZON - Yes, two bars but wavered in and out. Virtually useless, don't plan on working on line, its not going to happen.
COST - $55 nightly + tax
SERVICES - 20/30/50 Amps, Water, Sewer, pull in or back in sites, picnic tables, fire rings. restrooms, showers, laundry.
REVIEW - Save your money! Go somewhere else. Packed in like sardines (if you have a large coach), The sites were long enough to leave our tow dolly hooked up but VERY narrow. They make you place your BIG rig head in because of utility placement. Virtually a thinly graveled parking lot with a lot of bare spots. We had very fine dust throughout our site with almost no gravel. Had it rained it would have been one heck of a mess. Check in was easy as the attendant didn't really want to talk anyway. On the plus side there is a pizza joint, steak house, general store and Starbucks within very easy walking distance. My advice is stay away unless you are just planning an overnight stay. It is a really awful place, the restrooms were dirty and stinky. Everything is run down. Just sayin
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CALIFORNIA
WIFI - None
AT&T - Yes, two bars worked fine
VERIZON - Yes, three bars worked fine
COSTS - $25 Nightly $12.50 with all access pass
SERVICES - None, water available but not on site, dump station
Review - Not big rig friendly but it can be done. Spaces are long enough for a 40' RV but they are very hard to get into due to buried bollards, strategically placed rocks and telephone poles laid down to delineate each space AND the roads are narrow. Takes a lot of finesse and wiggling to get a big rig into place. Sites are wild and not mowed, due to the drought the grass is dry and gets into everything. Bathroom/showers are maintained nicely. Lots of mosquito's thanks to Lake Mendocino.
The park is run down AND signage sucks.
PLEASE NOTE - The road in and out of the park is one lane and hard to find a place for others to pass. . .
PLEASE, IF YOU GO TO THIS PARK WHEN YOU GET PAST THE CHECK IN OFFICE YOU WILL GO UP A HILL AND DOWN ANOTHER, WHEN YOU SEE THE DUMPSTERS ON YOUR RIGHT THAT IS YOUR TURN SWING WAY WIDE LEFT HERE OR YOU WON'T GET PAST THE DUMPSTERS. THE GARBAGE SERVICE HAS DEEMED IT NECESSARY TO PLACE THE CORNER DUMPSTER INTO YOUR TURN RADIUS. TREES ARE NOT TRIMMED, YOU WILL SCRAPE YOUR RV SIDES AND TOP ON THE LIMBS.
Shoreline RV Park - Eureka, California - RATING- 4.0/5
WIFI - Yes
AT&T - Yes, 4 bars
VERIZON - Yes, 4 Bars
COST - $42-$6 nightly for 30AMPs - $47-$55 Nightly for 50AMPS Club Discounts and weekly and monthly discounts apply
SERVICES - FHU's, cable, laundry, clean bathroom and showers. Dumpster on site
REVIEW - Long Pull through sites that can accommodate a 40' coach with a toad attached. Well Maintained, owner is proactive and cares what happens in the park. The staff is friendly. Sites are somewhat close to one another but otherwise a great private campground
Tule - Success Lake Campground - RATING - 4.5/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes, two to three bars and fairly fast
VERIZON - No, This is in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada
COST - $30 ($15 with all access pass)
SERVICES - 20/30/50 Amps., water (dump station on site)
REVIEW - Big, clean sites. Pull through's and back in sites all very large. The park hosts said that all of the sites would accommodate a 40' RV. We got into our site with a tow dolly and still could park our car in front of the RV. There are 103 sites and the day we arrived (weekend) only one non-electric site was available. Most sites do not have electric all have access to drinking water but bring a long hose at least 75' is needed and bring a "Y" valve for hooking up your water hose as you will share your water spigot with your neighbor.
The lake is pristine and fairly large and is nestled in the foot hills of the Sierra, Nevada Mountains. Sunsets here are magnificent. The county the park is in has been in a 5 year drought so the surrounding hills are brown and lifeless but Orange Groves and Grape production are irrigated and provide a glowing green contrast to the brown hills. Porterville is an easy 8 mile drive from the park and provide many opportunities for grocery shopping.
(Afternoon summer sun is brutal on the passenger side choose space wisely)
Our site #002
Tuttletown Recreation Area - Acorn Campground - 7200 Reynolds Ferry Road, Sonora CA 95370 Rating 4/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes, three bars
VERIZON - Yes, three bars
COSTS - $22 Nightly, $11 with all Access Pass
SERVICES - None, potable water available, generator run times are 8 AM until 10 PM, Check out 2pm, Dump station not currently working 6/9/18 in Acorn Campground Call for information
REVIEW - Remote, beautiful, pristine lake. Be selective about your site. We only had four feet to spare getting our 40' Newmar into our spot #069 in the Acorn Campground. There is no electric, no potable water or sewer on site. #69 afforded us a view of the lake albeit through the trees. Each site has a picnic bench and fire pit. Very clean park, no litter on our site. No lights so the stars are spectacular at nigh. 9 miles to Sonora, good grocery shopping and all around nice town to poke around in.
Site #069 - Acorn Campground
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DELAWARE
Walmart - Dover, Delaware - RATING - 3.5/5
WIFI - NO (not in the parking lot)
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
COSTS - Free
SERVICES - None
REVIEW - RV NOT overnight friendly. We looked on RV Parky and thought we saw it was RV Friendly. When I went in to check with management they said it wasn't allowed. However, they did make an exception for us (lucky us). This is a very noisy place.
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FLORIDA
COST - $23 daily for Military (active, retired, disabled), $26 Daily DOD (Dept. of Defense) or $27 daily for Military, $29 daily DOD depending on campsite.
DISCOUNTS - For longer stays
Blue Angel Park, Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida - RATING - 5/5
COST - $23 daily for Military (active, retired, disabled), $26 Daily DOD (Dept. of Defense) or $27 daily for Military, $29 daily DOD depending on campsite.
DISCOUNTS - For longer stays
WIFI - No
ATT - Yes, four bars, five bars with WeBoost
VERIZON - Yes, 3 bars, 4-5 bars with WeBoost
SERVICES - FHU's 20/30/50 AMP
DISCOUNTS - None
ACCESS TO MILITARY CAMPGROUNDS - First thing you need to know is that you must be active, retired, disabled military or you need a military sponsor to camp here.
1-877-NAVY BED to book our stay. Please note* If you are a disabled veteran you must be deemed on your awards letter to be "permanent and totally disabled" to qualify for staying in Military Campgrounds.
LENGTH OF STAY - You may stay up to 90 days in these parks. But please note that you are only able to stay 30 days in sites that are designated scenic and desirable (IE: Waterfront sites).
REVIEW - There are two RV parks within Blue Angel Park. Battleship Row - Sites (72) are level with concrete pads that are level. Each has a picnic table and a fire ring. The park is emaculate with some shade, mowed lawns lighted power pedestals and water spigots. This park rivals some medium priced RV Resorts (minus the swimming pool). The campground roads inside Battleship Row are concrete but the entry road going from the welcome center to the RV parks is blacktop and a bit worn with some pot holes.
Anchor Cove - is east of the RV Park's entry road. The sites (75 each) here are hard packed sand RV Pads with 20/30/50 Amp electric and water. Shade is abundant. There are two dump stations on site. This area is somewhat primitive mainly because of the roads. Anchor Cove has a swimming beach and fishing pier.
Both parks share an onsite Convenience Store called the Outpost Store that sells beer, soda pop and small groceries. They also sell disc golf supplies including bags and discs. They rent sailboats and Kayaks and paddle boards. They rent camping equipment and also regularly offer classes in sailing and offer backpacking trips and other activities on site. There is also a Paintball venue and Putt Putt golf course
The entirety of Blue Angel Park is located on the former Bronson Air Field (Formerly a WWII training field) and is owned and operated by Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola is where the Blue Angels practice for airshows and are based. The campground is quiet at night is quiet night and day. On base (nine miles away) There is shopping at the NEX (Naval Exchange), Movie Theater, A beautiful Golf Course.
Within Blue Angel Park there are three separate disc golf course for a total of 54 Holes of Five Star Disc Golf which is also the home of the Southern Disc Golf Championships. You will find the Naval Air Museum on the Naval Air Station that rivals the finest air museums in the nation and is free.
Our site here was #62 on Battleship Row
Carrabelle Beach RV Resort - RATING - 4.5/5
COST - $42 nightly in high season 20/30/50 AMP FHU's
DISCOUNTS - For longer stays
WIFI - Yes but bad
AT&T - Not used there
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - FHU's
REVIEW - Half a block from a beautiful bay side beach, concrete pads, nicely landscaped, camp store, friendly staff, great sunrises/sunsets. Nearest grocer shopping a Piggly Wiggly in Apalachicola. Absolutely nothing to do in the area unless you like beaches :)
Fort Pickens Campground on the Gulf Islands National Seashore - RATING - 5/5
WIFI - No
ATT - Not used there
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - Water, 30 AMP, dump on site
COST - $12 nightly with an All Access card 15/30/50 AMP
DISCOUNTS - 1/2 price with "Access Pass", "America the Beautiful Senior Pass" and the "America the Beautiful Pass" provides free access into the park.
REVIEW - Gravel sites. Water and Electric bring your waste cart for sewage. Stunning beaches that are groomed daily, absolutely pristine ocean front with emerald green water for miles. Nearest grocery shopping is in Pensacola (cheaper there than on Santa Rosa Island where the park is). If you are a drinker buy your booze anywhere but Pensacola as it's very expensive there. Make sure you to on the the Air Base across the bay and see the National Naval Air Museum, it is one of the best static air displays you will ever see.
Oak Grove Campground Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida
WIFI - Yes, "Navy GoWIFI", Very fast
ATT - Yes, four bars, five bars with WeBoost
Verizon - Yes, four bars, five bars with WeBoost
COST - $23 daily for Military (active, retired, disabled), $26 Daily DOD or $27 daily for Military, $29 daily DOD depending on campsite.
SERVICES - FHU's, Cable TV, Navy "GoWIFI," MWR rentals (Military rental store for boats, canoes, paddle boards etc), Pull through and back in sites are available.
DISCOUNTS - None
ACCESS TO MILITARY CAMPGROUNDS - First thing you need to know is that you must be active, retired, disabled military or you need a military sponsor to camp here. In this case I used DOD Lodging.net to book our stay.
REVIEW - Sites are level concrete pads and level gravel sites, Each has a picnic table. Campground road is gravel. Oak Grove Campground is within walking distance of the Naval Air Museum which rivals the best of air museums. NAS Pensacola is where the Blue Angels reside and you will often get to hear, see and feel their practice sessions in the air above you. The campground is quiet at night but when the base opens for business the airfield can be somewhat noisy. There is shopping at the NEX (Naval Exchange), Movie Theater, A beautiful Golf Course, 54 Hole Disc Golf Course (at Oak Grove's sister park Blue Angel Park) and much more. This is a Military Base and as such you must have your Military or DOD Identity card to enter base. Spouses need to also produce a picture ID such as a drivers license.
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IDAHO
DISCOUNTS - None
ILLINOIS
Fishermans Corner C.O.E. Campground, Hampton, Illinois - RATING - 4.2/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - No
SERVICES - Water, 30amp, dump on site
COST $20 - $10 with access card 20/30/50 AMP Water spigots require 100' hose for refill's Dump on site
DISCOUNTS - 1/2 price with "Access Pass", "America the Beautiful Senior Pass" and the "America the Beautiful Pass" provides free access into the park.
REVIEW - This is a really well kept Corp of Engineers Park. Grass is mowed the check in office is landscaped in front, there is a great playground for the kids, a very clean restroom/shower and you are right on the Mississippi river at lock and dam 14. You can watch huge barges lock through the dam. Quit a feat. Each slab is concrete ranging from 40' to 70' in length we off loaded the toad from our dolly and I backed into our site (#28 - 70' long) with my dolly still attached. All sites are back in sites. There are water spigots within 100' of each parking slab so bring extra hose to fill up with fresh water but these are communal so you cannot leave a hose hooked up, you must fill as needed. You will need to have a sewage cart and a screen room if you choose to have coffee in the morning or a cocktail in the evening while sitting outside. Each parking site has a fire pit and picnic table. Slabs are 12' wide and most are nearly dead level and a lot of the sites will easily accommodate a 40' Class A.
Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton, Illinois - RATING - 3/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes, but spotty
VERIZON - No
SERVICES - Water (bring a 100' hose, 30amp, dump on site
COST - $25 15/30/50 AMP Water spigots require a 100' hose to refill your tank, Dump on site
DISCOUNTS - Not for out of state campers
REVIEW - This park has been around since forever. I camped my first time here way back in the early 60's with my parents. Simply put, it's tired. The showers although adequate are in need of a deep cleaning. They are badly dated somewhat smelly and always wet. The high point on the shower floors seem to be the drains. The water is everywhere in the men's bathroom/shower. The pads that will accommodate a 40' + Class A motorcoach are few. Most if not all pads are out of level but many are severally out of level. Our RV site (site 44) is as level as they get here and is also a 50 AMP site.
Firepits are at each site, no water and no sewer. Make sure you dump and fill your fresh water tank on arrival. A sewage cart is a must if you stay longer than your tank capacity. All site pads are gravel and very dusty. Most of the sites are nicely shaded with picnic tables. The length of the sites vary greatly. Beware if you book on Reserve America. Make sure you look at the length of the pad vs the length of useable pad. I booked on site 22 (which is WAY out of level) and Reserve America said the site was 47' long. That seems to be true but the useable pad is listed at 25' so make sure you read the entire site description.
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IOWA
Swan Lake Campground, Carroll, Iowa - RATING - 3.4/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes, but spotty
VERIZON - No
COST - $19 Nightly 20/30/50 AMP - FHU'S'
DISCOUNTS - Stay a week get the 7th night free
SERVICES - FHU'S but you will require at least 20' of sewer hose
REVIEW - This park is a little different. All of the camping sites are located under hundred year old Oak trees. Rather than put slabs down that would make the trees unhealthy the entire campground is graveled beneath the trees. Sites are a bit tight and the sewer connections require at least 20' of hose so be prepared for that. The parks namesake lake is a beautiful prairie lake that features Trumpeter Swans and Bison in the surrounding hills. Very picturesque place. The locals flock to this gem so book early.
Adventureland Campground, Altoona, Iowa - RATING - 4/5
WIFI - Yes
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
COST - $45 Nightly (during the Iowa State Fair) 15/30/50 AMP FHU's
DISCOUNTS - None we are aware of
SERVICES - FHU'S, 20/30/50amp
REVIEW - A very crowded park. It is near Adventureland Theme Park. It has 120 RV Campsites and is well used meaning that with that many campers it's a little tired but for the most part quite pleasant. There is a lot of traffic if you are assigned a site near the main roads of the park, There is a shuttle that runs during Adventureland's hours that will pick you up and bring you back pretty much at your own schedule. The shuttle picks up at various places located throughout the park. Sewer hook ups are a little different here in that they exit the ground on a 45 degree angle. It's not a problem but you need a sealing 90* fitting here so be ready for that. There are mature trees that provide good shades at most sites but end of row sites don't have them.
Lakeside Casino RV Park, Osceola, Iowa - RATING - 3.5/5
WIFI - Yes
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes, but spotty
COST - $20 Nightly 15/30/50 FHU's
DISCOUNTS - Good Sams
SERVICES - FHU'S 20/30/50amp
REVIEW - This is a crowded park due to the proximity to I-35 and the casino. It is a first come first serve pay on your honor park. The sewer utility is a little weird here. They are put to the side of the power pedestal and sanitary water hook up by about 15-20 feet so you will need at least two 10' sewer hoses to reach them depending on the length and placement of your RV. The sites are not all level and if you have a long vehicle length you will be ok but it is a bit tight. However $20 for FHU's make this a great rest stop or overnight place when you stop for the day or just to gamble. The casino is typical with a snack bar, restaurant and bar. It's really a smoky casino.
Spring Lake Park - Jefferson, Iowa - RATING - 4/5
WIFI - NO
ATT - Yes, 3 Bars, 5 with Weboost
VERIZON - Yes,4 bars, 5 with Weboost
COST - $17 Nightly
DISCOUNTS - None
SERVICES - 20/30/50 Amp, no water or sewer on site, dump station and potable water available near the dumpstation
REVIEW - Great family park, 125 campsites, many right on the lakefront. First come, no reservations. Despite the wet weather and the accompanying fly infestation, we really liked the park. Clean, well maintained. Showers were clean, even with a full campground on Labor Day weekend. They have a concession stand with boat rentals for $5 a half hour or $10 an hour. A roller skating rink open Friday and Saturday nights. $4 admission. A swimming beach and a 9 hole disc golf course. A couple of short hiking trails and a boat launch (electric motors only). Definitely a family friendly place. Close to two golf courses and a casino. An hour or so from Ames or Des Moines.
DISCOUNTS - Senior Pass
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KANSAS
DISCOUNTS - Access/Senior Pass
Having said all this, there are some good things here:
1. The sites are mostly level and are asphalt, not gravel.
2. The lake is beautiful, and the birdwatching is great. We read that there are over 500 species of birds that have been sighted here.
3). There is a beach, a fishing dock, boat launches, and a museum here. The beach looks pretty nice, but we haven't taken advantage of it because it's ragweed season, and it's rampant here.
KENTUCKY
Carter Caves State Park Resort, Olive Hill, Kentucky - RATING - 3.5/5 15/30/50 AMP FHU's
AVAILABLE
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes, but spotty
SERVICES - FHU'S, 20/30/50 AMP
COST $26 (we received a 10% military discount
DISCOUNTS - 10% Military active or retired
REVIEW - This is an older park that is somewhat difficult to get into. By that I mean that the Hiway 182 leading into the park is very twisty, quite steep and has large drop offs that do not have guardrails, cable barriers or any highway safety amenities. Persons with very large 5th wheels, Class A coaches will have their skill tested as you traverse through very curvy roads, switch backs that are very tight and extreme elevations to tow or drive up. We have a 40' Class A and a toad behind so we are nearly 60' long. I had some turns that were tight enough that I had to swing way wide to avoid the toad from dropping off the edge of the road. There is no shoulder.
Once inside the park you still have one more tight 180* right hand turn to get into the campground. There is a dump site for those not lucky enough to reserve a FHU site. There is a small store in the registration building without much to speak of in the way of supplies. It's recommended that you shop and stock up prior to entering the park. Most sites are not quite level but none have severe sloping problems. Be aware, the water pressure in this park is severely low. My on-board pressure gauge averaged 19-20 PSI. You will have to fill your on board fresh water tank and use your on-board pump to gain decent pressure.
The redeeming feature of this park is it's cave tours and scenic beauty. Fishing, kayaking, canoeing are popular here on the lake. There are no rentals available. There is a miniature golf course and an 18 hole golf course (closed at this time). Shopping is 45 minutes away.
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$33/night plus tax, Fri-Sat
$30/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Apr-Sept
$25/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Oct-MarAmerica the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes (formerly
Fairview Riverside State Park, Madisonville, Louisiana - RATING - 4.2/5
WIFI - Yes, in the front loop and it works very well
ATT - Yes, 1 bar, 2 bars with WeBoost but it is slow
VERIZON - Yes, 3 bars and 4-5 bars with WeBoost
SERVICE - Water, 20/30/50 AMP, dump on site in both loops
COST - Pricing varies with season (see website in the link above) 20/30/50 AMP
DISCOUNTS - Senior discount 10%, Military active duty 50% off, America the Beautiful Access Pass 50% off (If the state you live in honors the same pass)
Assateague Island National Seashore - RATING - 5/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - NO POWER NATIONAL PARK GENERATOR RULES. Dump and fresh water one mile away. Dump and fill water prior to entry into the campground. Don't attempt to fill water at the spigots in the park the rangers will make you go to the dump station.
COST - $30 Nightly - No services but there is a dump station, trash bin, vault toilet and fresh water
DISCOUNTS - 1/2 price with "Access Pass", "America the Beautiful Senior Pass" and the "America the Beautiful Pass" provides free access into the park.
REVIEW - First and foremost, know that there are NO services here. Make sure when you make a reservation that you pick a camping loop that allows generators to run or prepare to use your solar panels. Generators area allowed all day but quiet time is 10:00 pm - 6am. No generators allowed between those hours. If you want to be comfortable here I highly recommend "off peak" season, aka: cool weather. Also, be aware that there are wild horses here not tame horses put to pasture, we're talking wild as in they take care of themselves and have been on the island for three hundred years. In a word they are magnificent. They are aggressive to the point of stealing food off of bbq's and charging at people. If you get caught feeding them it is a $100 fine.
As far as what to expect here? It is as pristine as it can be. The beaches are amazing, the views are spectacular. Shopping is 10 miles away but it seems closer. Ocean City and the OC boardwalk are ten miles away as is the closest laundromat (Mr. Bubbles)
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Bennett Springs State Park, Lebanon, Missouri - RATING - 3.2/5
WIFI - Yes on a five minute timer then you get dumped?
AT&T - Not used there
VERIZON- Yes
SERVICES - Water but you will need to use your tank (100' hose recommended), 20/30AMP, dump on site
COST - $24 Nightly 15/30 AMP
DISCOUNTS- $2 per night camping discount is available year-round for senior citizens (65 years and older) and persons with disabilities. This discount should be asked for at the time of fee payment.
Discounts - Campers claiming a senior citizen or disability discount should be prepared to provide an applicable form of identification to receive that discount. Acceptable forms of identification include, but are not limited to:
Disability Discount -- state-issued disabled hang tag; disabled vehicle license plate; federal Golden Access Passport or America the Beautiful - Access Pass; formal letter from the Social Security Administration or Veteran's Administration; signed letter or documentation from doctor
Senior Citizen Discount -- proof of age (65 years or older) such as a valid driver's license or state identification card
DISCOUNTS - For longer stays
WIFI - Yes but bad
AT&T - Not used there
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - FHU's
REVIEW - Half a block from a beautiful bay side beach, concrete pads, nicely landscaped, camp store, friendly staff, great sunrises/sunsets. Nearest grocer shopping a Piggly Wiggly in Apalachicola. Absolutely nothing to do in the area unless you like beaches :)
Fort Pickens Campground on the Gulf Islands National Seashore - RATING - 5/5
WIFI - No
ATT - Not used there
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - Water, 30 AMP, dump on site
COST - $12 nightly with an All Access card 15/30/50 AMP
DISCOUNTS - 1/2 price with "Access Pass", "America the Beautiful Senior Pass" and the "America the Beautiful Pass" provides free access into the park.
REVIEW - Gravel sites. Water and Electric bring your waste cart for sewage. Stunning beaches that are groomed daily, absolutely pristine ocean front with emerald green water for miles. Nearest grocery shopping is in Pensacola (cheaper there than on Santa Rosa Island where the park is). If you are a drinker buy your booze anywhere but Pensacola as it's very expensive there. Make sure you to on the the Air Base across the bay and see the National Naval Air Museum, it is one of the best static air displays you will ever see.
Oak Grove Campground Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida
WIFI - Yes, "Navy GoWIFI", Very fast
ATT - Yes, four bars, five bars with WeBoost
Verizon - Yes, four bars, five bars with WeBoost
COST - $23 daily for Military (active, retired, disabled), $26 Daily DOD or $27 daily for Military, $29 daily DOD depending on campsite.
SERVICES - FHU's, Cable TV, Navy "GoWIFI," MWR rentals (Military rental store for boats, canoes, paddle boards etc), Pull through and back in sites are available.
DISCOUNTS - None
ACCESS TO MILITARY CAMPGROUNDS - First thing you need to know is that you must be active, retired, disabled military or you need a military sponsor to camp here. In this case I used DOD Lodging.net to book our stay.
REVIEW - Sites are level concrete pads and level gravel sites, Each has a picnic table. Campground road is gravel. Oak Grove Campground is within walking distance of the Naval Air Museum which rivals the best of air museums. NAS Pensacola is where the Blue Angels reside and you will often get to hear, see and feel their practice sessions in the air above you. The campground is quiet at night but when the base opens for business the airfield can be somewhat noisy. There is shopping at the NEX (Naval Exchange), Movie Theater, A beautiful Golf Course, 54 Hole Disc Golf Course (at Oak Grove's sister park Blue Angel Park) and much more. This is a Military Base and as such you must have your Military or DOD Identity card to enter base. Spouses need to also produce a picture ID such as a drivers license.
Our Site was #7
IDAHO
Coeur d'Alene Casino, Resort Hotel & RV Parking - RATING - 4./5*
WIFI - No
ATT - Yes, five bars but somewhat slow
VERIZON - Four bars, fairly fast
SERVICES - 30/50 amp service available. No Dump on site, No water on site.
COST $20 - Join the Casino Members Club (go inside before registering and join the Members club) and receive $5 of play money per night for your stay. Effectively giving you a $15 place to park.
DISCOUNTS - None
REVIEW - Call the main number listed in the link at the top and ask for RV park reservations. The RV Parking is part of the casinos outlying parking system. When coming in to register make sure that you follow the "RV" signs and park near the outside of the parking lot or you will end up at the Valet which has turn around that is not RV friendly (ask how I know). The RV park itself has 30/50 amp services available. This is a concrete parking lot so don't expect anything spectacular. However, it is the best deal in the Coeur d' Alene area. The parking is sort of odd and obviously a re-do of parking stripping. Some sites like end of row sites are quite wide and others are narrower. One other thing you should be aware of is that the sites are un-level but not overly. We drove up on three blocks on the drivers side to get near level and the jacks did the rest. We ended up with a narrow one but our 40' coach fit fine length wise and width wise with all four slides out. There is a golf course on site, spa services and several restaurants inside the casino.
WIFI - No
ATT - Yes, three bars (4 bars with WeBoost)
VERIZON - No
SERVICES - Water, 30amp,
COST - $51.35 nightly including tax and extra charge for our toad ($5 ).
RATING - Stunning park that is very well cared for. Sites are groomed and I mean groomed. They raked the gravel like a Zen Garden. Sites are long. We fit our 40' coach, dolly and toad on the pad. Power pedestals are well maintained, showers/bathrooms are available though we didn't use them. There are two three bay dump sites, dumpsters outside of each camping loop, and a wonderful public beach with a bath house within the park on Lake Pend Oreille in the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. The Park boasts four disc golf course including a Par 3 "Executive Eighteen." There is a day use area where one can watch mountain goats wending their way up and down a mountain across the lake with binoculars or use the parks for twenty five cents a view. The camping loops have back in and pull through sites, Except for the price which is way too high, I recommend this park as a "must go." Nice place.
Our site was #26
Farragut State Park - RATING - 4.8/5
ATT - Yes, three bars (4 bars with WeBoost)
VERIZON - No
SERVICES - Water, 30amp,
COST - $51.35 nightly including tax and extra charge for our toad ($5 ).
RATING - Stunning park that is very well cared for. Sites are groomed and I mean groomed. They raked the gravel like a Zen Garden. Sites are long. We fit our 40' coach, dolly and toad on the pad. Power pedestals are well maintained, showers/bathrooms are available though we didn't use them. There are two three bay dump sites, dumpsters outside of each camping loop, and a wonderful public beach with a bath house within the park on Lake Pend Oreille in the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. The Park boasts four disc golf course including a Par 3 "Executive Eighteen." There is a day use area where one can watch mountain goats wending their way up and down a mountain across the lake with binoculars or use the parks for twenty five cents a view. The camping loops have back in and pull through sites, Except for the price which is way too high, I recommend this park as a "must go." Nice place.
We were in site #159
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Fishermans Corner C.O.E. Campground, Hampton, Illinois - RATING - 4.2/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - No
SERVICES - Water, 30amp, dump on site
COST $20 - $10 with access card 20/30/50 AMP Water spigots require 100' hose for refill's Dump on site
DISCOUNTS - 1/2 price with "Access Pass", "America the Beautiful Senior Pass" and the "America the Beautiful Pass" provides free access into the park.
REVIEW - This is a really well kept Corp of Engineers Park. Grass is mowed the check in office is landscaped in front, there is a great playground for the kids, a very clean restroom/shower and you are right on the Mississippi river at lock and dam 14. You can watch huge barges lock through the dam. Quit a feat. Each slab is concrete ranging from 40' to 70' in length we off loaded the toad from our dolly and I backed into our site (#28 - 70' long) with my dolly still attached. All sites are back in sites. There are water spigots within 100' of each parking slab so bring extra hose to fill up with fresh water but these are communal so you cannot leave a hose hooked up, you must fill as needed. You will need to have a sewage cart and a screen room if you choose to have coffee in the morning or a cocktail in the evening while sitting outside. Each parking site has a fire pit and picnic table. Slabs are 12' wide and most are nearly dead level and a lot of the sites will easily accommodate a 40' Class A.
Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton, Illinois - RATING - 3/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes, but spotty
VERIZON - No
SERVICES - Water (bring a 100' hose, 30amp, dump on site
COST - $25 15/30/50 AMP Water spigots require a 100' hose to refill your tank, Dump on site
DISCOUNTS - Not for out of state campers
REVIEW - This park has been around since forever. I camped my first time here way back in the early 60's with my parents. Simply put, it's tired. The showers although adequate are in need of a deep cleaning. They are badly dated somewhat smelly and always wet. The high point on the shower floors seem to be the drains. The water is everywhere in the men's bathroom/shower. The pads that will accommodate a 40' + Class A motorcoach are few. Most if not all pads are out of level but many are severally out of level. Our RV site (site 44) is as level as they get here and is also a 50 AMP site.
Firepits are at each site, no water and no sewer. Make sure you dump and fill your fresh water tank on arrival. A sewage cart is a must if you stay longer than your tank capacity. All site pads are gravel and very dusty. Most of the sites are nicely shaded with picnic tables. The length of the sites vary greatly. Beware if you book on Reserve America. Make sure you look at the length of the pad vs the length of useable pad. I booked on site 22 (which is WAY out of level) and Reserve America said the site was 47' long. That seems to be true but the useable pad is listed at 25' so make sure you read the entire site description.
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IOWA
Swan Lake Campground, Carroll, Iowa - RATING - 3.4/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes, but spotty
VERIZON - No
COST - $19 Nightly 20/30/50 AMP - FHU'S'
DISCOUNTS - Stay a week get the 7th night free
SERVICES - FHU'S but you will require at least 20' of sewer hose
REVIEW - This park is a little different. All of the camping sites are located under hundred year old Oak trees. Rather than put slabs down that would make the trees unhealthy the entire campground is graveled beneath the trees. Sites are a bit tight and the sewer connections require at least 20' of hose so be prepared for that. The parks namesake lake is a beautiful prairie lake that features Trumpeter Swans and Bison in the surrounding hills. Very picturesque place. The locals flock to this gem so book early.
Adventureland Campground, Altoona, Iowa - RATING - 4/5
WIFI - Yes
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
COST - $45 Nightly (during the Iowa State Fair) 15/30/50 AMP FHU's
DISCOUNTS - None we are aware of
SERVICES - FHU'S, 20/30/50amp
REVIEW - A very crowded park. It is near Adventureland Theme Park. It has 120 RV Campsites and is well used meaning that with that many campers it's a little tired but for the most part quite pleasant. There is a lot of traffic if you are assigned a site near the main roads of the park, There is a shuttle that runs during Adventureland's hours that will pick you up and bring you back pretty much at your own schedule. The shuttle picks up at various places located throughout the park. Sewer hook ups are a little different here in that they exit the ground on a 45 degree angle. It's not a problem but you need a sealing 90* fitting here so be ready for that. There are mature trees that provide good shades at most sites but end of row sites don't have them.
Lakeside Casino RV Park, Osceola, Iowa - RATING - 3.5/5
WIFI - Yes
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes, but spotty
COST - $20 Nightly 15/30/50 FHU's
DISCOUNTS - Good Sams
SERVICES - FHU'S 20/30/50amp
REVIEW - This is a crowded park due to the proximity to I-35 and the casino. It is a first come first serve pay on your honor park. The sewer utility is a little weird here. They are put to the side of the power pedestal and sanitary water hook up by about 15-20 feet so you will need at least two 10' sewer hoses to reach them depending on the length and placement of your RV. The sites are not all level and if you have a long vehicle length you will be ok but it is a bit tight. However $20 for FHU's make this a great rest stop or overnight place when you stop for the day or just to gamble. The casino is typical with a snack bar, restaurant and bar. It's really a smoky casino.
Spring Lake Park - Jefferson, Iowa - RATING - 4/5
WIFI - NO
ATT - Yes, 3 Bars, 5 with Weboost
VERIZON - Yes,4 bars, 5 with Weboost
COST - $17 Nightly
DISCOUNTS - None
SERVICES - 20/30/50 Amp, no water or sewer on site, dump station and potable water available near the dumpstation
REVIEW - Great family park, 125 campsites, many right on the lakefront. First come, no reservations. Despite the wet weather and the accompanying fly infestation, we really liked the park. Clean, well maintained. Showers were clean, even with a full campground on Labor Day weekend. They have a concession stand with boat rentals for $5 a half hour or $10 an hour. A roller skating rink open Friday and Saturday nights. $4 admission. A swimming beach and a 9 hole disc golf course. A couple of short hiking trails and a boat launch (electric motors only). Definitely a family friendly place. Close to two golf courses and a casino. An hour or so from Ames or Des Moines.
Our site was #66
Roller Skating Rink
Concessions and Boat Rental
Prairie Flower Campground - Saylorville Lake - Polk City, Iowa - RATING - 4.9/5
WIFI - No
ATT - Yes, 4 Bars - 5 bars with Weboost
VERIZON - Yes, 4 Bars - 5 bars with Weboost
SERVICES - 20/30/50 AMP ONLY. Water in the camp ground loops but you need long hoses. Sewage dump on site, dumpsters on site
COST - $22 nightly $11 with senior pass
DISCOUNTS - Senior Pass
REVIEW - Hands down the very best Corp of Engineers Park that we've been to. Things are maintained expertly, grass is mowed, power pedestals are maintained and work without negative grounds or opens.
The volunteers and work campers are excellent and care about what they do. I had occasion to talk with one of the rangers and she told me that the entire staff takes great pride in the park. It shows! The only reason I didn't give it a rating of 5/5 is there is no sewage or water on the sites. I't a minor inconvenience compared to how nice the park is. Sites are spaced widely.
Our site almost provided a full view of the lake but there were trees blocking the full view. Went for a drive to see the rest of the campground and the C loop seems to have the best views. Very clean. Huge sites. Playground, shower house, bike trail and swimming beach close by.
Close to Ankeny and Des Moines. The only concern is one dump station for all the campsites. Sunday could be slow going.
The other half of the campground has sites where the RVs parallel park around a loop with a central area that has a picnic shelter in the middle. Great for big groups.
Our site was B46
KANSAS
Bloomington East Campground - Clinton, Kansas - RATING - 2.5/5
WIFI - No
ATT - Yes, three bars, five bars with Weboost
VERIZON - Yes, one/two bars, three bars with Weboost but slow, slow, slow
SERVICES - 20/30 AMP, water on site, sewage dump, showers, bathrooms, laundry, paved and gravel sites, pull through and back in sites. picnic tables, fire pits, boat launch ramps, fishing dock and beach.
COST - $20 for 30 amp sites $10 with pass, $22 for 50 amp site (limited availability) $11 with pass
DISCOUNTS - Access/Senior Pass
REVIEW - This park has huge potential. But the current staff and volunteers made this park unattractive to us and here is why:
1. The hosts and volunteer custodial staff have bad customer service skills and the actual park host is rude and just seems not to give a damn. Kind of a take it, or leave it attitude. I tried to pay for our spot and he was closing the kiosk, he heard me at the counter, opened the window and asked "What do you want." Not polite at all. I told him I wanted to pay for our site and he said he "I shut the computer down and I'm not turning it back on because it takes too long to boot up." Further he told me to "come back later.' He could have taken the envelope and entered the data when his computer was on. I mean WTF? It's not like he had a long commute or something. His fiver was maybe 30 steps away from the kiosk.
2. The guy in volunteer custodian position was asked by our friends to clean the disgusting showers because they had mold everywhere, soiled bandages on the floor, toilet paper laying next to the toilets, sinks were dirty, boogers wiped onto the walls in the men's restroom at the urinals. His response was "why? it's just going to get dirty again" and didn't clean them! At the time of this writing we had been here 5 days. They still aren't clean.
3, Park amenities and infrastructure are not cared for. Paper, cardboard boxes, bottle caps, screws, nails and broken glass were present at our site (I picked them up). All of the fire pits are absolutely overflowing with ash. They probably haven't been cleaned out in a month. There are only two sewage dumps for the Bloomington East campground. There were four double sided dumps (four for each direction of traffic) but six of them had been concreted over yet the non-potable water spigots were still there. The site info states 302 camping sites. That's a lot of sewage and long waits on busy weekends .
4. We are avid disc golfers. The disc golf course has very long grass. 18"-20" tall grass, yes literally. The staff does make one pass with the lawnmower from tee to hole but there are very few who can place the disc in a 4' wide mowed area. You are constantly wandering off in the tall grass to retrieve discs and chiggers are rampant on the golf course. I received 18 chigger bites in one day.
This is a world class challenging course and they just ignore it. I know most disc golf course have some long grass but this is like walking through a prairie. Maybe some people like it, I don't.
I need to also mention this because it really ticked me off. A staffer came to our site in a four wheel maintenance UTV and sprayed around our campsite with a 50 gallon tank marked "pesticide."
We weren't asked if he could spray. The wind was blowing and the spray went everywhere. I am guessing he was spraying the chiggers but I am only guessing. If I were allergic, I would be S.O.L.
In a word. This place "sucks." I hate to say that, but it's a shame because there is so much potential here. I rarely criticize to this degree in public but these people deserve to raked through the coals for their lack of performance and attention to detail.
Having said all this, there are some good things here:
1. The sites are mostly level and are asphalt, not gravel.
2. The lake is beautiful, and the birdwatching is great. We read that there are over 500 species of birds that have been sighted here.
3). There is a beach, a fishing dock, boat launches, and a museum here. The beach looks pretty nice, but we haven't taken advantage of it because it's ragweed season, and it's rampant here.
Our site was #30
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Carter Caves State Park Resort, Olive Hill, Kentucky - RATING - 3.5/5 15/30/50 AMP FHU's
AVAILABLE
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes, but spotty
SERVICES - FHU'S, 20/30/50 AMP
COST $26 (we received a 10% military discount
DISCOUNTS - 10% Military active or retired
REVIEW - This is an older park that is somewhat difficult to get into. By that I mean that the Hiway 182 leading into the park is very twisty, quite steep and has large drop offs that do not have guardrails, cable barriers or any highway safety amenities. Persons with very large 5th wheels, Class A coaches will have their skill tested as you traverse through very curvy roads, switch backs that are very tight and extreme elevations to tow or drive up. We have a 40' Class A and a toad behind so we are nearly 60' long. I had some turns that were tight enough that I had to swing way wide to avoid the toad from dropping off the edge of the road. There is no shoulder.
Once inside the park you still have one more tight 180* right hand turn to get into the campground. There is a dump site for those not lucky enough to reserve a FHU site. There is a small store in the registration building without much to speak of in the way of supplies. It's recommended that you shop and stock up prior to entering the park. Most sites are not quite level but none have severe sloping problems. Be aware, the water pressure in this park is severely low. My on-board pressure gauge averaged 19-20 PSI. You will have to fill your on board fresh water tank and use your on-board pump to gain decent pressure.
The redeeming feature of this park is it's cave tours and scenic beauty. Fishing, kayaking, canoeing are popular here on the lake. There are no rentals available. There is a miniature golf course and an 18 hole golf course (closed at this time). Shopping is 45 minutes away.
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LOUISIANA
81 Premium Campsites (prime locations and pull through, all with water and electrical hookup); sites 101-135 are located on water, while sites 1-46 have sewer hookups.
Bogue Chitton State Park, Franklinton, Louisiana RATING - 4.6/5
WIFI - No
ATT - Yes, 1 bar, 2 bars with WeBoost but it is slow
VERIZON - Yes, 3 bars and 4-5 bars with WeBoost
SERVICE - Depending on which campground you are in. Lowland RV Loops features water and 20/30/50 amp electric and dump station. Upland Loop features FHU's with 20/30/50 amp electric, water and sewer.
COST - A $6 non-refundable fee will be assessed on each reservation transaction made online, via phone, or as a walk-in.
81 Premium Campsites (prime locations and pull through, all with water and electrical hookup); sites 101-135 are located on water, while sites 1-46 have sewer hookups.
$33/night plus tax, Fri-Sat
$30/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Apr-Sept
$25/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Oct-MarAmerica the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes (formerly
DISCOUNTS - Golden Age & Golden Access Passports) (Available through the National Park Service.
Holders of the Passes, whose state of residence also honors the America the Beautiful pass, are entitled to a 50% reduction on camping fees at Louisiana State Parks. (Passport holders are allowed one site per passport).
Holders of the Passes, whose state of residence also honors the America the Beautiful pass, are entitled to a 50% reduction on camping fees at Louisiana State Parks. (Passport holders are allowed one site per passport).
REVIEW - This is a very nice park. All sites are gravel most in the upland loop are level. The upland loop also has sites that easily swallow 40' RV's. There is disc golf within the park, the Bogue Chitto River is a float destination with vendors available for procurement of put in/ take out. There is a meeting room, beach, cabins, equine camping, trails and day use areas. Shopping is six miles away with several grocery stores and various restaurants
The park has a seven mile nature trail and a 14 mile equestrian trail. Equestrian trails at State Parks sites are open to riders and their own horses. There is a $3/horse per day trail fee, in addition to the day-use entrance of $3 per person. Certification of a clean Coggins test is required for all horses brought on State Park property. It is recommended that you call ahead for the status of the trail.
The park also features a Water Playground - Louisiana State Parks' water playgrounds operate Tuesdays through Sundays, April 1 through October 31, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m
The park has a seven mile nature trail and a 14 mile equestrian trail. Equestrian trails at State Parks sites are open to riders and their own horses. There is a $3/horse per day trail fee, in addition to the day-use entrance of $3 per person. Certification of a clean Coggins test is required for all horses brought on State Park property. It is recommended that you call ahead for the status of the trail.
The park also features a Water Playground - Louisiana State Parks' water playgrounds operate Tuesdays through Sundays, April 1 through October 31, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m
Our site was number #4
WIFI - Yes, in the front loop and it works very well
ATT - Yes, 1 bar, 2 bars with WeBoost but it is slow
VERIZON - Yes, 3 bars and 4-5 bars with WeBoost
SERVICE - Water, 20/30/50 AMP, dump on site in both loops
COST - Pricing varies with season (see website in the link above) 20/30/50 AMP
DISCOUNTS - Senior discount 10%, Military active duty 50% off, America the Beautiful Access Pass 50% off (If the state you live in honors the same pass)
REVIEW - Gravel sites in the loop near the boat ramp and paved elsewhere, back in sites. Note* most of the back in's make a 40' RV hard to park, water and electric, waste dump on site in both loops but note that the front loop dump site has a very low hanging branch, if your RV is 10' or over use the boat ramp loop dump site. The park is on the Tchefuncte (cha-funk-ta) River, great fishing, easy access to Lake Ponchartrain, beautiful setting with spanish moss dripping from old live oaks. Lots of mosquitos so a screen room is recommended. You do not want to be there if the wind is blowing hard from the south. The Tchefuncte River flows backwards and low areas flood.
River Ridge KOA New Orleans West - RATING - 3.7/5
WIFI - Yes, but slow
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - FHU'S, 20/30/50AMP
COST - $70 nightly (during Jazz Fest) 20/30/50 AMP, FHU
DISCOUNT - KOA Kard and Good Sams
REVIEW - Concrete pads (back in only), Close to the city, Clean pool, clean showers, clean bathrooms, gated and safe. Uber to the city was $35 with five seated in an Uber XL, friendly staff. Closest park without actually being in the City.
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Our site was #44 If you choose this one be aware that trees guard the entrance to 44 with one on each side of the site entrance and one in your turning radius when leaving across the street.
River Ridge KOA New Orleans West - RATING - 3.7/5
WIFI - Yes, but slow
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - FHU'S, 20/30/50AMP
COST - $70 nightly (during Jazz Fest) 20/30/50 AMP, FHU
DISCOUNT - KOA Kard and Good Sams
REVIEW - Concrete pads (back in only), Close to the city, Clean pool, clean showers, clean bathrooms, gated and safe. Uber to the city was $35 with five seated in an Uber XL, friendly staff. Closest park without actually being in the City.
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MARYLAND
Assateague Island National Seashore - RATING - 5/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - NO POWER NATIONAL PARK GENERATOR RULES. Dump and fresh water one mile away. Dump and fill water prior to entry into the campground. Don't attempt to fill water at the spigots in the park the rangers will make you go to the dump station.
COST - $30 Nightly - No services but there is a dump station, trash bin, vault toilet and fresh water
DISCOUNTS - 1/2 price with "Access Pass", "America the Beautiful Senior Pass" and the "America the Beautiful Pass" provides free access into the park.
REVIEW - First and foremost, know that there are NO services here. Make sure when you make a reservation that you pick a camping loop that allows generators to run or prepare to use your solar panels. Generators area allowed all day but quiet time is 10:00 pm - 6am. No generators allowed between those hours. If you want to be comfortable here I highly recommend "off peak" season, aka: cool weather. Also, be aware that there are wild horses here not tame horses put to pasture, we're talking wild as in they take care of themselves and have been on the island for three hundred years. In a word they are magnificent. They are aggressive to the point of stealing food off of bbq's and charging at people. If you get caught feeding them it is a $100 fine.
As far as what to expect here? It is as pristine as it can be. The beaches are amazing, the views are spectacular. Shopping is 10 miles away but it seems closer. Ocean City and the OC boardwalk are ten miles away as is the closest laundromat (Mr. Bubbles)
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MISSOURI
Bennett Springs State Park, Lebanon, Missouri - RATING - 3.2/5
WIFI - Yes on a five minute timer then you get dumped?
AT&T - Not used there
VERIZON- Yes
SERVICES - Water but you will need to use your tank (100' hose recommended), 20/30AMP, dump on site
COST - $24 Nightly 15/30 AMP
DISCOUNTS- $2 per night camping discount is available year-round for senior citizens (65 years and older) and persons with disabilities. This discount should be asked for at the time of fee payment.
Discounts - Campers claiming a senior citizen or disability discount should be prepared to provide an applicable form of identification to receive that discount. Acceptable forms of identification include, but are not limited to:
Disability Discount -- state-issued disabled hang tag; disabled vehicle license plate; federal Golden Access Passport or America the Beautiful - Access Pass; formal letter from the Social Security Administration or Veteran's Administration; signed letter or documentation from doctor
Senior Citizen Discount -- proof of age (65 years or older) such as a valid driver's license or state identification card
Federal Golden Age Passport and America the Beautiful - Senior Pass are issued at age 62 and are not accepted as proof of age in the Missouri state park system.
REVIEW - No water at site but each loop has a water spigot (bring at least 100' of hose), dump site, There are four loops, number one is the most desireable and books early. On site store, on site lodge restaurant. Huge trout fishing destination. Level sites
Lost Valley Lake Resort, Owensville, Mo. - RATING - 2/5
WIFI - Yes
AT&T - Yes, but spotty
VERIZON - Yes, but spotty
SERVICES - FHU'S, 20/30/50AMP
COST - $12 Nightly (see below)
DISCOUNTS - Half price as a guest of an owner.
REVIEW - VERY UNLEVEL SITES, hard to put a 40' RV in anything except the upper camping loop which is flat and tree less. Amenities are nice with two swimming pools, jumping pillow, canoe and kayak rentals a really bad cafe (fried everything), the campgrounds are not kept up. Approaches to most sites are washed out. However it is a very family friendly place
Thousand Hills State Park, Kirksville, Mo. - RATING - 3.5/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Not used there
VERIZON - Yes, but spotty
SERVICES - Water available, must fill fresh water (potable) at the dump station prior to going to your site, 20/30AMP
COST - $24 Nightly
DISCOUNTS - A $2 per night camping discount is available year-round for senior citizens (65 years and older) and persons with disabilities. This discount should be asked for at the time of fee payment.
Campers claiming a senior citizen or disability discount should be prepared to provide an applicable form of identification to receive that discount. Acceptable forms of identification include, but are not limited to:
Disability Discount -- state-issued disabled hang tag; disabled vehicle license plate; federal Golden Access Passport or America the Beautiful - Access Pass; formal letter from the Social Security Administration or Veteran's Administration; signed letter or documentation from doctor
Senior Citizen Discount -- proof of age (65 years or older) such as a valid driver's license or state identification card
Federal Golden Age Passport and America the Beautiful - Senior Pass are issued at age 62 and are not accepted as proof of age in the Missouri state park system.
REVIEW - Water spigots located at the dumps. Fill up when you come in. First I have to say that this park has the poorest signage of any park I have been to before. No instructions of where to check in posted anywhere, no sign at the campground host lot, the layout of the camping loops will challenge anyone who has an RV and toad over 40' long, All turns within the park are VERY tight. Trees are too low and will damage your RV if you don't watch out. All sites are back in but adequate in length. Shopping in nearby Kirksville.
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MISSISSIPPI
Boomtown Casino RV Park, Biloxi, Mississippi - RATING - 3.7/5
WIFI - Yes, but slow as snails
ATT - Yes, three bars. Four bars with WeBoost
VERIZON - Yes, two bars, Two bars with WeBoost
SERVICES - FHU'S, 20/30/50AMPS
COST - $35 nightly
DISCOUNTS - None
DATE/S STAYED - December 2017, November 2018
DISCOUNTS - Good Sams 10%
Frances Slocum State Park, Wyoming, Pennsylvania - RATING - 4/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes, two bars
VERIZON - Yes, but spotty
SERVICES - water, 20/30AMPS, dump on site
COST - $30 Nightly (includes taxes) 20/30 AMP
DISCOUNTS -
Senior Discount
Gravel sites, some a bit overgrown. Some sites not level (but close). All Back in sites, easy access to most sites, Despite the lack of water and sewer we found this to be a really nice campground. There is a pool in season, lots of hiking trails, lots of picnic sites and would be a great place for a family reunion. We would have given this campground a 10 but for the lack of water and sewer and newer shower facilities. The shower and toilet house is dated badly, but serviceable. It could use a good high pressure wash and repainting inside. Only a few sites will accommodate anything larger than a 40' rig. Make sure you review the campground map and observe the size of the site. We stayed in site 44 with a 40' Class A and had room for our Kia Rio in front of the coach.
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Whispering Pines Campground, Wyoming, Rhode Island - RATING - 3/5
WIFI - Yes, but really slow and spotty
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes, but spotty
SERVICES - FHU'S, test your amperage at the power pedestal before hooking up. I had reversed polarity
COST - $579 for six weeks + metered electric.
DISCOUNTS - Spring Fling $599 for six weeks and Fall Fling $549 for six weeks discounted from $60 a night.
REVIEW - We stayed at this campground for six weeks during what they called the "Fall Fling." When you make reservations here make sure you ask if the site is level. I would guess that conservatively 85% of the 120 + sites are not level. If your RV is 40' or over getting level is a real challenge. Also, be sure to ask for a site that accommodates 50 Amp service if you need it. Not all sites have 50 amps and also USE a surge protector here. The campground is the weekend home of many campers. Most are ensconced in the pine trees complete with decks and fences. There are a number of transient campsites available though. While at Whispering Pines you within easy an easy drive of many tourist attractions and you can be at almost any beach in 30 minutes or less. The beach in Rhode Island are simply fantastic. I highly recommend Blue Shutter beach.
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Anderson/Lake Hartwell KOA - RATING - 3.7/5
WIFI - Yes but slow
AT&T - Yes, four bars
VERIZON - Yes, four bars
SERVICES - FHU'S 20/30/50/ + Cable
COSTS - $45 + Tax
DISCOUNTS - KOA CARD
REVIEW - Nice place to stay overnight. It was crowed with semi permanent campers. Pull throughs were adequate in size so that I did not have to drop the tow dolly and toad. We are 57" from bumper to bumper. Lots of tall pines, quiet but not somewhere I would stay more than two or three days unless I rented a premium site with deck and chairs ($55).
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WIFI - No
AT&T - Not used there
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - FHU'S - NOTE*** TEST POWER HERE OUR FIRST SITE HAD A BOOTLEG GROUND.
COST - $40 Nightly 30/50 AMP, FHU's
DISCOUNTS - Weekly and Monthly Discounts call them
REVIEW - Gravel sites, very level, close to Fredricksburg and Luckenbach, Tx. Lots to do in town, also great area for hiking, picnicking and just enjoying life. Shopping close by and all kinds of specialty shops.
Tyler State Park, Tyler, Tx - RATING - 5/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - FHU'S, 20/30/50 AMP, most sites pull through
COSTS - $24 Nightly
DISCOUNTS - Disabled Veteran (daily entry fee waved)
REVIEW - Wonderful campground, easy to access campsites as most are pull through, very clean, very well maintained, staff at the office and in the field were great. Tyler is nearby.
Union Grove Corp of E.Union Grove Corp of Engineers Campground, Harker Heights, Tx.
Rating - 4.9/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - 20/30/50 AMP, water at site, sewage dump
COST - $12 nightly with All Access Pass
DISCOUNTS - All Access Pass
REVIEW - Stellar place to be. all sites have a lake view. Choose your site carefully if you are over 40'. The lake is beautiful and clear, there are swimming beaches. The park is well maintained and well kepts. There are many deer here as well.
Southern Oaks Luxury RV Park, Aransas Pass, Tx. RATING - 5/5
WIFI - Yes (six different zones)
AT&T - Yes, but marginally
VERIZON - Yes, full bars
SERVICES - 20/30/50 AMPS, FHU's - No cable
COST - Monthly snowbird rates - $450 monthly plus $0.15 per killowat hour electric
DISCOUNTS - Seasonal
REVIEWS - Beautiful park, few trees (compliments of Hurricane Harvey), wide/long concrete pads 25'x60', most back in but there are some pull through. Staff is great. Activity center with all sorts of stuff going on. Mostly adults but we have seen some children playing.
Desert Willow RV Park - Van Horn, Texas
WIFI - Yes, works but slow
ATT - Yes, two bars, three bars with WeBoost
VERIZON - Yes, four bars. five bars with WeBoost
SERVICES - 20/30/50 AMPS, Sewer, Water and cable
COST - $25 dollars nightly $22.50 with Good Sams
DISCOUNTS - None
REVIEW - Mom and Pop place in the city of Van Horn. Large parking lot like appearance but we were in West Texas where all parks match this description.
Easy off and on I-10 and into and out of the RV Park. Owner is a nice guy and very helpful.
You are in walking distance of the only restaurant in town which is at the El Capitan Hotel. We did not eat there but I was told the food was good but expensive. The park is all graveled and can be dusty when the wind blows.
Travelers hint - If you need fuel avoid Loves Truck stop. It is a really hard to get on the highway there after fueling. It seems there is a second entrance on the I-10 ramp. Truckers just keep getting in line for fuel blocking the ramp entirely. There is a second on ramp just west of the truck stop.
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Northwest River Park and Campground, Chesapeake, VA. RATING - 3.4/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes 3 bars
VERIZON - Yes 4 bars
SERVICES - 20/30/50 AMP, water, dump on site
COST -
DISCOUNTS - Senior, disabled
REVIEW - Nice shaded park, gravel roads, some sites unlevel, check power before setting up as ours had a boot leg ground so they moved us. Pull throughs and back in's, shopping is about 8 miles away.
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KOA Hancock/Stevens Point, Wisconsin - RATING - 5/5
WIFI - Yes, but slow
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - FHU's
COST - $24 Nightly (for a monthly rate) 20/30/50 AMP FHU's
DISCOUNTS - KOA Kard, Good Sams, Monthly rates
REVIEW - Nice place to explore central Wisconsin from, very friendly and attentive owners, back in and pull through sites, swimming pool, lots of things to keep the kids having fun. We stayed here mainly to explore the area. Best shopping in Wautoma at the Piggly Wiggly. Wineries and distilleries galore, five bar and grills within a two mile radius. Make sure you check out the fish fry on Fridays at "Andy's Wood Lake Resort" very good.
Beantown Campground, Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin - RATING - 3.3/5
WIFI - Yes, but slow as the seven year itch
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - FHU'S
COST - $44 Nightly with fifth night free 20/30/50 AMP, FHU's
DISCOUNTS - Stay four nights and get the fifth night free
REVIEW - Nice place and very near Baileys Harbor, Satellite with local stations (didn't work), WIFI (didn't work), great heated pool, gravel sites, 50' - 70' long no need to disconnect trailer.
Great restaurants all around but the best value is the Cornerstone Restaurant in Baileys Harbor. Shopping in Sister Bay at the Piggly Wiggly, there is a small gas station/grocery in Baileys Harbor. Make sure you go to Whitefish Dunes State Park and swim, the water is extremely clear but cold. Climb the Lighthouse at Cana Island $12 per person but the views are worth it.
Walmart - Monroe, Wisconsin (address is in this link) - RATING - 3.5/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - None
REVIEW - RV overnight friendly. Just make sure you park where you see the trucks overnighting. We checked in with customer service. This was an unusually quiet Walmart parking lot. Slept well. I would have given it a 7 but the parking lot doesn't have a level place in it.
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DISCOUNTS - None
DATE/S STAYED - December 2017, November 2018
REVIEW - Very narrow entry/exit (but doable), back in and pull through sites, no picnic table, Parking slabs are only 10' wide but they are concrete. Lots of police monitoring your speed on the surfaces street to the casino (speed is posted at 15). Nothing special here but the casino is right across the street and there is plenty to do in Biloxi. We stay here because we know it is clean, well kept and mowed. It is also the cheapest RV park in Biloxi unless you stay in Keesler Air Base Military Fam Camp.
Last year when we stayed here there were complaints of people arriving and taking sites that had been assigned previously. To this end, all sites have their electrical pedestals padlocked. This move stops "site jumpers" as they have to call the casino to have the pedestal unlocked in order to use it. This allows casino security to sort out whether the site was previously assigned.
Davis Bayou Area - Gulf Islands National Seashore
WIFI - No
ATT - Yes, one bar, No improvement with Weboost
VERIZON - Yes, three bars, five bars with Weboost
SERVICES - 20/30/50 Amps, Water, Dump station on site, dumpster and recycling on site, boat ramp, trails, visitors center. Shopping, eateries and fuel in close by Ocean Springs.
COST - $22 nightly and & $11 nightly with All Access Pass
DISCOUNTS - See "Cost" above
REVIEW - This is a very clean and well kept campground. Be aware they have many varying length sites all mostly level. Be sure to review the park information for sites prior to picking one to insure your rig will fit length wise. All sites are paved but are very narrow (our rig just fit side to side). Also when viewing the park map, take into account how you will access your space. Ours required several re-positioning's (due to the narrow road and trees that are near the road) to get become lined up to the site and finish backing in. All sites are back in sites some are very close to each other and others widely spaced.
Jeff Busby Free Campground - Natchez Trace Parkway, Ackerman, MS. - RATING - 6
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes, two bars
VERIZON - Yes, three bars
SERVICES - None
COST - Free
DISCOUNTS - Not Applicable
REVIEW - Quiet but get there early or be prepared to camp on the parking lot. First come first serve. National Park Generator rules.
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WIFI - No
ATT - No
VERIZON - NO
SERVICES - No Hook ups, no sewage dump, pit toilets, picnic table, fire rings, wood available ($6 a bundle from the camp host at Greek Creek 1/2 mile to the north on Hwy 191. Fresh water is available from a hand pumped well.
COST - $32.75 with Good Sams
Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Cape Point Campground - RATING - 5.5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - No Electrical Service National Park Generator Rules, No Sewer Hook Up, No Water Hook up. Sites are almost level so setting up is easy.
COST - $10 Nightly with my Access Pass -
DISCOUNTS - 1/2 price with "Access Pass", "America the Beautiful Senior Pass" and the "America the Beautiful Pass" provides free access into the park.
REVIEW - 190 sites with picnic tables and fire pits (you can only cook in the fire pit and extinguish upon completion. Not open fires for any other purpose). Dump and fresh water are about a mile North of Cape Point Campground. Dump and fill water on your way into Cape Point. Do not attempt to fill up at the bath house spigots, the Camper Host will immediately intervene (He's a crabby old bastard). Also, be aware that your car, RV and trailer (if any) must all fit on your RV pad.
The beach is spectacular and if you pick the right spot (Off season) you will have it to yourself. Kitty Hawk, The Wright Brothers Museum are nearby,
Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Oregon Inlet Campground - RATING - 5/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - No Electrical Service National Park Generator Rules, No Sewer Hook Up, No Water Hook up. Sites are almost level so setting up is easy.
COST - $10 Nightly with my Access Pass - No Electrical Service, No Sewer Hook Up, No Water Hook up. Sites are almost level so setting up is easy.
DISCOUNTS - 1/2 price with "Access Pass", "America the Beautiful Senior Pass" and the "America the Beautiful Pass" provides free access into the park.
REVIEW - 76 sites RV, 30 Sites Tent Only all with picnic tables and fire pits (you can only cook in the fire pit and extinguish upon completion. Not open fires for any other purpose). Dump and fresh water are just across the highway at the Marina. You can dump and fill water there. There are no water hook ups that you can fill your RV with at this campground however you can fill a jerry can here. Also, be aware that your car, RV and trailer (if any) must all fit on your RV pad.
Falls Lake State Park - Rolling View Campground - RATING - 5/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Four Bars
VERIZON - Three Bars
SERVICES - Loop A&B have 20/30AMP, water. Loop C has electric only.
COST - $20 Nightly with Military Discount.
DISCOUNTS - Military and Senior Discount
REVIEW - Beautiful setting on a very pretty lake. Sites range from level to not so level The sites nearest the lake tend to be sloped a bit. We put our 40' coach, car and dolly on site B-011 and honestly could have placed another 30' RV in front of us. We did have to gun the front wheels up onto two 2"X12"'s to get level enough to stabilize the front using three 2"X12" blocks to place the jacks on. But it did work. Bass and Crappie fishing on this lake is said to be wonderful. Neighbors are spaced out enough that other RV's don't really bother you. All sites are 12' wide.
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REVIEW - Great park. Beautiful lake with good fishing but the lake is contaminated with DDT so you cannot take fish even if you wanted them. Sites are mostly level but if you have a coach or fiver that is bigger than forty feet (select sites) you may have a problem leveling front to back. Restrooms are very clean and smell clean. Water pressure is 40#. Dumpsters dispersed throughout the campground. Each site has a Casita with a small refuse can.
Cochiti Lake - C.O.E. Campground - 4/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes, 2-3 bars and very slow
VERIZON - Yes, 4-5 bars and stable
SERVICES - 20/30/50 Amp plus improved boondocking sites
DISCOUNTS - Yes, All Access and Golden Access Pass rates for us $10 nightly with water available (across the road) and 50 AMP electric
REVIEW - Pro's - The first (lowest loop) is boondocking and has water available. The next two loops have water and power. These loops almost brand new with nice bath house. Each site in the second two loops have it's own casita and picnic table and power and water in those loops is at every site is at every campsite along with power. with level and mostly level sites.
Pick your site carefully to insure your rig will fit. We were on site 15 in the Juniper Loop. This area has not been renovated, the toilet/shower is not working but we drove to the other shower houses to shower each day so big deal.
Con's - Dog waste pick up stations don't have bags (there is a place for them) just a waste receptacle. Check in is a mystery, no attendants at the check in office with signs saying "Off Duty." The same applies to the visitors center, nobody home. How do you deal with it? Register online, pay online and come in and go to your site. The site placards are updated daily so if you have registered you will have a tag on your site with your name on it.
Elephant Butte State Park - Elephant Butte, New Mexico - 5/5 Outstanding Campground
WIFI - Yes, but we could not connect
AT&T - Yes, two bars but very unstable and dropped a lot
VERIZON - Yes, 4 or 5 bars and reliable but quirky in that pages didn't always render on my pc
SERVICES - 20.30.50 amp sites, water, sewage dump in the park
COST - $14 Nightly
DISCOUNTS - None
REVIEW - We loved Elephant Butte. It was clean, convenient to the city of Elephant Butte and Truth or Consequences. Good hiking near, beautiful desert lake. Sites are level and big. They are separated by vegetation though not strictly private. Water pressure was 45# but the water smelled and tasted of iodine (it was safe though). Two dumpsters on each loop, recycle plastic and aluminum. Each site had a casita.
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WIFI - Yes, Very good but times out at 10 minutes and doesn't support streaming.
ATT - Yes, 3 bars, 5 bars with Weboost
VERIZON - 2 bars, 4 bars with Weboost (but slow)
SERVICES - FHU'S, back in and pull through sites
COST - $48.00 FHU'S, $44 Electric and Water, Tent Sites, cabins and even a tepee to rent.
DISCOUNTS - 10% Retired military, 10% Good Sam, 10% Active Military, 10% AAA
REVIEW - Large back in and pull through sites ours was in excess of 70' so even 45' coaches pulling stacker trailers can fit easily. We stayed in site #41 and had room for the coach, tow dolly and car and room left over. Gravel roads through out the campground, staff was great and very helpful. They escort you to your site and guide you in to it. Plenty of grass, fire pits, picnic table the office has a store with the essentials such as toilet paper, paper plates, condiments, some rv sewer parts and gifts. You can also rent DVD's from them.
WIFI - No
ATT - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - 20/30/50 amp service, dump station about a mile away, showers, bathrooms, mostly level sites, some premium right on Lake Yankton ($1.00 more nightly), no water at the site but spigots located within the campground
COST - $16 Nightly $8 with National Parks Pass includes power.
DISCOUNTS - National Parks Pass
REVIEW - Cottonwood recreation area is on a green piece of land between the border of Nebraska and South Dakota. Cottonwood is situated on the smaller Lake Yankton and on the side of the damn is the much larger, Lewis and Clark Lake--an impoundment of the Missouri River. Nice park with picnic tables, gravel RV sites and fire pits. Shopping is close by in Yankton. The day use area includes a disc golf park, picnic areas and shelters as well as a playground. Lawns are mowed and the area is well cared for.
Bismark Lake, Custer South Dakota - RATING - 3.5/5
Downstream Casino RV Park, Quapaw, Ok. - RATING - 3.5/5
WIFI - Yes, but spotty
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - FHU'S
COST - $30 Nightly ($25 for Casino Club Members) 20/30/50 AMP Water w/dump on site
DISCOUNTS (See my explanation in the review)
REVIEW - If you go into the Casino before parking and join their "Q" club you get a night free for each person registering. You also get $10 casino bucks to spend and then add another $7 if it's your birthday month. So, if you register you get two nights in the RV Park free. You can pick a spot in the park then go to the casinos gas station/convenience store to pay. If you already have a Q card show it to the people at the counter. You can get one nights stay for free for EACH Q card you have (we each have one).
Water and Electric only. One gigantic concrete parking lot with utilities in rows. No shower, No bathroom. You must be self contained and have a sewage cart or use the on site dump. There are two really nice (but pricey) restaurants in the casino. Level sites
Your camping in a parking lot but you get paid to do it if you join the Q club.
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Winter Season Rates (November 1 to May 31)
Last year when we stayed here there were complaints of people arriving and taking sites that had been assigned previously. To this end, all sites have their electrical pedestals padlocked. This move stops "site jumpers" as they have to call the casino to have the pedestal unlocked in order to use it. This allows casino security to sort out whether the site was previously assigned.
We have stayed in site #21 (pull through) and in site #30 (Back in)
Davis Bayou Area - Gulf Islands National Seashore
WIFI - No
ATT - Yes, one bar, No improvement with Weboost
VERIZON - Yes, three bars, five bars with Weboost
SERVICES - 20/30/50 Amps, Water, Dump station on site, dumpster and recycling on site, boat ramp, trails, visitors center. Shopping, eateries and fuel in close by Ocean Springs.
COST - $22 nightly and & $11 nightly with All Access Pass
DISCOUNTS - See "Cost" above
REVIEW - This is a very clean and well kept campground. Be aware they have many varying length sites all mostly level. Be sure to review the park information for sites prior to picking one to insure your rig will fit length wise. All sites are paved but are very narrow (our rig just fit side to side). Also when viewing the park map, take into account how you will access your space. Ours required several re-positioning's (due to the narrow road and trees that are near the road) to get become lined up to the site and finish backing in. All sites are back in sites some are very close to each other and others widely spaced.
Our site was #37
Jeff Busby Free Campground - Natchez Trace Parkway, Ackerman, MS. - RATING - 6
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes, two bars
VERIZON - Yes, three bars
SERVICES - None
COST - Free
DISCOUNTS - Not Applicable
REVIEW - Quiet but get there early or be prepared to camp on the parking lot. First come first serve. National Park Generator rules.
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MONTANA
Moose Creek Flat Campground 4/5 (due to no dump station)
ATT - No
VERIZON - NO
SERVICES - No Hook ups, no sewage dump, pit toilets, picnic table, fire rings, wood available ($6 a bundle from the camp host at Greek Creek 1/2 mile to the north on Hwy 191. Fresh water is available from a hand pumped well.
COST - $15 nightly ($7.50 with Senior Pass)
DISCOUNTS - None
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REVIEW - Boondocking at it's finest. These 14 sites all are on the pristine Gallatin River. The campground sits next to the Gallatin River near Moose Creek, just off Highway 191, at an elevation of 5,700 feet. A forest of pine and fir trees covers the surrounding mountainsides, but the campground itself lies in an open meadow. Sites are very spacious and your neighbors are a good distance away (100-150'). The sites are long enough to accommodate our 40' coach while leaving our tow dolly attached. We choose to head in to our site which put the spectacular Gallatin in our front windows. A great site to wake to in the morning. This is trout heaven and the main activity at the campground is trout fishing. However, many people book raft trips and yacht trips on this portion of the river.
A word to the wise. Shop prior to being in this portion of Montana. The nearest grocery stores (3) are a fifteen minute drive to Big Sky where they more than double the prices of any and all grocery items. Meat is outrageously priced. The (1) state run liquor store triples their prices on booze and then tacks on the state sales tax which is 40% on booze. Yeah, it's that expensive.
The campsite borders Highway 101 and as such is noisy from road noise until after ten pm. Still, this is a must camp venue. The Gallatin more than makes up for any other inconvenience. Scenery here is spectacular.
There is a dumpsite in Bozeman, Mt. 32 miles away but we chose not to dump until our next campground.
7th Ranch RV Park - RATING - TBD
WIFI - Yes, and it's fast
ATT - Yes, 3-4 bars (5 with weboost)
VERIZON - Yes, 3 bars (5 with our Weboost)
SERVICES - Available 20.30.50 amp at all sites, water (very soft), WIFI, sewer, 70' sites, lawn, picnic table and grill. No fire rings. Sites will accommodate 70' of RV/toad/trailer
COST - RV sites range from $41 to $47 nightly (see website for complete pricing structure) $220 for seven days (if you stay five days the sixth and seventh are free + you get two free ice cream bars!
DISCOUNTS - Good Sams
REVIEW - Nice place, gravel sites and maybe an eighth of a mile gravel after leaving paved roads into the park. The park is well taken care of, clean restrooms and showers, Grass at each site, most sites have a tree, Laundry, close to the Little Big Horn National Battlefield, three disk golf baskets to practice your skills, playground, tent camping in designated areas. In short this place is really nice. The office has some RV supplies such as 90* sewer termination elbows and hoses.
A word to the wise. Shop prior to being in this portion of Montana. The nearest grocery stores (3) are a fifteen minute drive to Big Sky where they more than double the prices of any and all grocery items. Meat is outrageously priced. The (1) state run liquor store triples their prices on booze and then tacks on the state sales tax which is 40% on booze. Yeah, it's that expensive.
The campsite borders Highway 101 and as such is noisy from road noise until after ten pm. Still, this is a must camp venue. The Gallatin more than makes up for any other inconvenience. Scenery here is spectacular.
There is a dumpsite in Bozeman, Mt. 32 miles away but we chose not to dump until our next campground.
HAVE YOUR FRESH WATER TANK FULL AND WASTE TANKS EMPTY
WIFI - Yes, and it's fast
ATT - Yes, 3-4 bars (5 with weboost)
VERIZON - Yes, 3 bars (5 with our Weboost)
SERVICES - Available 20.30.50 amp at all sites, water (very soft), WIFI, sewer, 70' sites, lawn, picnic table and grill. No fire rings. Sites will accommodate 70' of RV/toad/trailer
COST - RV sites range from $41 to $47 nightly (see website for complete pricing structure) $220 for seven days (if you stay five days the sixth and seventh are free + you get two free ice cream bars!
DISCOUNTS - Good Sams
REVIEW - Nice place, gravel sites and maybe an eighth of a mile gravel after leaving paved roads into the park. The park is well taken care of, clean restrooms and showers, Grass at each site, most sites have a tree, Laundry, close to the Little Big Horn National Battlefield, three disk golf baskets to practice your skills, playground, tent camping in designated areas. In short this place is really nice. The office has some RV supplies such as 90* sewer termination elbows and hoses.
Our rv site was B26
NEBRASKA
Whacky West RV Travel Park, Valentine, Nebraska - RATING 4.0/5
WIFI - Yes, strong and fast
ATT - Yes, but two bars (even with Weboost)
VERIZON - Yes, three bars, five bars with Weboost
SERVICES - 20/30/50 AMP, Sewer, Water (pressure is very high 60 psi), Clean shower and bathrooms, Coin laundry, Office has a small inventory of RV Parts, Cable TV (with owner supplied converter boxes.
COST - $32.75 with Good Sams
DISCOUNTS - Good Sams, Military
REVIEW - Older park, front area needs mowing and looks cluttered but don't let that stop you from staying there. The back is mowed and nice. Very quiet, Owners aresweet older people. I couldn't get my cable going so I called the office and the Husband of the Mom & Pop park came to our RV to help. When I opened the door he was standing there with two fresh cucumbers and said "Peace offering?" He then got the cable going straight away. Nice place right on Nebraska Highway 20. If you are looking for breakfast try the "Bunkhouse" just north of the RV Park.
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NEVADA
WIFI - Yes, Strong signal but you have to pay for the service
AT&T - Yes, five bars
VERIZON - Yes, three bars
SERVICES - 20/30/50 AMP, Sewer, Water (pressure is very high 60 psi), Clean shower and bathrooms, Coin laundry, shuttle to and from the casino runs through the campground 24/7/365, 3rd floor swimming pool (family oriented). Colorado river just below the Davis Dam
COST - $130.76 + tax Weekly
DISCOUNTS - Ask they have special promotions
REVIEW - Excellent Campground with 740 spaces. Back in's and pull through's, most have very large lots, 45' Motorhomes and fivers will have no problems getting in. Also, they are double wide so you have a lot of space, pads are concrete with crushed gravel lots (it's the Mohave desert, not much grows. Each does have a tree though. The casino seemingly goes on forever inside, full service casino with roving cocktail waitresses and free drinks while you are playing.
The buffet is absolutely TOP NOTCH. The Friday Seafood Buffet is incredible. Restaurants on site, Safeway (aka Albertsons) and Smith's Grocery are withing 7 miles. People in the service industry here are genuinely happy to see you as a customer. For a Casino town hands are not put out for cash very often, but they work hard so we tipped.
Great place to stay. If you come after may and before November, bring your asbestos clothing because temps can and do get up to 125* F. Yes, it's hot.
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NORTH CAROLINA
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - No Electrical Service National Park Generator Rules, No Sewer Hook Up, No Water Hook up. Sites are almost level so setting up is easy.
COST - $10 Nightly with my Access Pass -
DISCOUNTS - 1/2 price with "Access Pass", "America the Beautiful Senior Pass" and the "America the Beautiful Pass" provides free access into the park.
REVIEW - 190 sites with picnic tables and fire pits (you can only cook in the fire pit and extinguish upon completion. Not open fires for any other purpose). Dump and fresh water are about a mile North of Cape Point Campground. Dump and fill water on your way into Cape Point. Do not attempt to fill up at the bath house spigots, the Camper Host will immediately intervene (He's a crabby old bastard). Also, be aware that your car, RV and trailer (if any) must all fit on your RV pad.
The beach is spectacular and if you pick the right spot (Off season) you will have it to yourself. Kitty Hawk, The Wright Brothers Museum are nearby,
Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Oregon Inlet Campground - RATING - 5/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - No Electrical Service National Park Generator Rules, No Sewer Hook Up, No Water Hook up. Sites are almost level so setting up is easy.
COST - $10 Nightly with my Access Pass - No Electrical Service, No Sewer Hook Up, No Water Hook up. Sites are almost level so setting up is easy.
DISCOUNTS - 1/2 price with "Access Pass", "America the Beautiful Senior Pass" and the "America the Beautiful Pass" provides free access into the park.
REVIEW - 76 sites RV, 30 Sites Tent Only all with picnic tables and fire pits (you can only cook in the fire pit and extinguish upon completion. Not open fires for any other purpose). Dump and fresh water are just across the highway at the Marina. You can dump and fill water there. There are no water hook ups that you can fill your RV with at this campground however you can fill a jerry can here. Also, be aware that your car, RV and trailer (if any) must all fit on your RV pad.
Falls Lake State Park - Rolling View Campground - RATING - 5/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Four Bars
VERIZON - Three Bars
SERVICES - Loop A&B have 20/30AMP, water. Loop C has electric only.
COST - $20 Nightly with Military Discount.
DISCOUNTS - Military and Senior Discount
REVIEW - Beautiful setting on a very pretty lake. Sites range from level to not so level The sites nearest the lake tend to be sloped a bit. We put our 40' coach, car and dolly on site B-011 and honestly could have placed another 30' RV in front of us. We did have to gun the front wheels up onto two 2"X12"'s to get level enough to stabilize the front using three 2"X12" blocks to place the jacks on. But it did work. Bass and Crappie fishing on this lake is said to be wonderful. Neighbors are spaced out enough that other RV's don't really bother you. All sites are 12' wide.
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New Mexico
Brantley Lake State Park, Carlsbad, New Mexico - RATING - 4/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes, two to three bars
VERIZON - Yes, four to five bars
SERVICES - 20/30 and some 50 amp sites, water, sewage dump in the park.
COST - $14 Nightly (half off normal rate) with Golden Access Card
DISCOUNTS - None
Cochiti Lake - C.O.E. Campground - 4/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes, 2-3 bars and very slow
VERIZON - Yes, 4-5 bars and stable
SERVICES - 20/30/50 Amp plus improved boondocking sites
DISCOUNTS - Yes, All Access and Golden Access Pass rates for us $10 nightly with water available (across the road) and 50 AMP electric
REVIEW - Pro's - The first (lowest loop) is boondocking and has water available. The next two loops have water and power. These loops almost brand new with nice bath house. Each site in the second two loops have it's own casita and picnic table and power and water in those loops is at every site is at every campsite along with power. with level and mostly level sites.
Pick your site carefully to insure your rig will fit. We were on site 15 in the Juniper Loop. This area has not been renovated, the toilet/shower is not working but we drove to the other shower houses to shower each day so big deal.
Con's - Dog waste pick up stations don't have bags (there is a place for them) just a waste receptacle. Check in is a mystery, no attendants at the check in office with signs saying "Off Duty." The same applies to the visitors center, nobody home. How do you deal with it? Register online, pay online and come in and go to your site. The site placards are updated daily so if you have registered you will have a tag on your site with your name on it.
Elephant Butte State Park - Elephant Butte, New Mexico - 5/5 Outstanding Campground
WIFI - Yes, but we could not connect
AT&T - Yes, two bars but very unstable and dropped a lot
VERIZON - Yes, 4 or 5 bars and reliable but quirky in that pages didn't always render on my pc
SERVICES - 20.30.50 amp sites, water, sewage dump in the park
COST - $14 Nightly
DISCOUNTS - None
REVIEW - We loved Elephant Butte. It was clean, convenient to the city of Elephant Butte and Truth or Consequences. Good hiking near, beautiful desert lake. Sites are level and big. They are separated by vegetation though not strictly private. Water pressure was 45# but the water smelled and tasted of iodine (it was safe though). Two dumpsters on each loop, recycle plastic and aluminum. Each site had a casita.
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NORTH DAKOTA
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SOUTH DAKOTA
Beaver Lake Campground - Custer. South Dakota RATING - 4/5
ATT - Yes, 3 bars, 5 bars with Weboost
VERIZON - 2 bars, 4 bars with Weboost (but slow)
SERVICES - FHU'S, back in and pull through sites
COST - $48.00 FHU'S, $44 Electric and Water, Tent Sites, cabins and even a tepee to rent.
DISCOUNTS - 10% Retired military, 10% Good Sam, 10% Active Military, 10% AAA
REVIEW - Large back in and pull through sites ours was in excess of 70' so even 45' coaches pulling stacker trailers can fit easily. We stayed in site #41 and had room for the coach, tow dolly and car and room left over. Gravel roads through out the campground, staff was great and very helpful. They escort you to your site and guide you in to it. Plenty of grass, fire pits, picnic table the office has a store with the essentials such as toilet paper, paper plates, condiments, some rv sewer parts and gifts. You can also rent DVD's from them.
Our site was #41 (but if noise bothers you pick another one)
Cottonwood Recreation Area, Yankton, South Dakota - RATING - 4.5/5
ATT - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - 20/30/50 amp service, dump station about a mile away, showers, bathrooms, mostly level sites, some premium right on Lake Yankton ($1.00 more nightly), no water at the site but spigots located within the campground
COST - $16 Nightly $8 with National Parks Pass includes power.
DISCOUNTS - National Parks Pass
REVIEW - Cottonwood recreation area is on a green piece of land between the border of Nebraska and South Dakota. Cottonwood is situated on the smaller Lake Yankton and on the side of the damn is the much larger, Lewis and Clark Lake--an impoundment of the Missouri River. Nice park with picnic tables, gravel RV sites and fire pits. Shopping is close by in Yankton. The day use area includes a disc golf park, picnic areas and shelters as well as a playground. Lawns are mowed and the area is well cared for.
Our campsite was #11
Bismark Lake, Custer South Dakota - RATING - 3.5/5
WIFI - NO
ATT - Yes, 3 bars, 4 bars with Weboost
VERIZON - Yes, 4 bars, 5 bars with Weboost
SERVICES - None, Dumpstation is located in the State Game Lodge Campground about 8 miles away.
COST - $26 nightly $13 with National Parks Pass + $2.00 a night for dogs
DISCOUNTS - National Parks Pass
REVIEW - Located five miles east of Custer, Sites are large and some offer views of the lake. There are back in sites as well as pull through sites. each has picnic tables and fire pits. These are improved boondocking sites meaning no electric, water or sewer. Have enough fuel for generator and insure that your fresh water tank is full and your waste water tanks are empty.
Our site number was #3
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OKLAHOMA
Downstream Casino RV Park, Quapaw, Ok. - RATING - 3.5/5
WIFI - Yes, but spotty
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - FHU'S
COST - $30 Nightly ($25 for Casino Club Members) 20/30/50 AMP Water w/dump on site
DISCOUNTS (See my explanation in the review)
REVIEW - If you go into the Casino before parking and join their "Q" club you get a night free for each person registering. You also get $10 casino bucks to spend and then add another $7 if it's your birthday month. So, if you register you get two nights in the RV Park free. You can pick a spot in the park then go to the casinos gas station/convenience store to pay. If you already have a Q card show it to the people at the counter. You can get one nights stay for free for EACH Q card you have (we each have one).
Water and Electric only. One gigantic concrete parking lot with utilities in rows. No shower, No bathroom. You must be self contained and have a sewage cart or use the on site dump. There are two really nice (but pricey) restaurants in the casino. Level sites
Your camping in a parking lot but you get paid to do it if you join the Q club.
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OREGON
Ireland's RV Park - Gold Beach, Oregon - Rating - 3.5/5
WIFI - Yes, but weak
AT&T - Yes, 4 bars
VERIZON - Yes, 5 bars
COSTS - $40 Nightly
SERVICES - FHU's, Trash dumpster, Laundry, Showers, Bathrooms, Cable but very fuzzy.
REVIEW - Kind of hard to spot from the highway with a smallish "Rv Park" sign on the west side of the highway. We were somewhat apprehensive given the reviews but this park is OK. It needs better maintenance as the cable needs servicing, the water spigots drip a bit and the sewer hook up will require you to have at least 20' of sewer hose. The lawn maintenance could be better but all in all it works and is literally 200' from the beach which negates all of the other stuff in our opinion. The owners have made good strides to bringing this park up to standards. Most of the sites were level and ours was almost dead level.
Our site was #22
Tillicum Beach Campground, Yachats, Oregon - RATING 4.7/5 for the natural beauty of this spot
WIFI - No
AT&T - 1/2 bars, 5 bars with our cell booster but still very slow
VERIZON - No
SERVICES - BE SELF CONTAINED WITH WATER AND EMPTY WASTE TANKS.
Tillicum Beach Campground is popular for many reasons, but the number one is that most of the 61 campsites have beachfront views. The campground offers several single-family campsites, a few of which have both electric and water hookups. Sites with hookups are not on the waterfront. Due to the campground's popularity, it's a good idea to make reservations in advance. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided but there are no showers. We were in site 21 and it was very UN-level and sort of tough to get a 40' coach pulling a toad on a dolly into. But not impossible. It is a very quiet place.
NOTE* there is water at the park but no showers in the bathrooms and NO dump station. There is a city dump in Gold Beach, California to the South and to the north the City of Walport has a city dump station.
COSTS - $26/Night for single unit, $7/Night for extra vehicle. $33 for electric hookup sites.
DISCOUNTS - Golden Age and Access Passes) may receive a 50% discount on the use fee for individual campsites. This discount does not apply to extra vehicle fee or multiple campsites.
Our site was #21
Netarts Bay Garden RV Resort - RATING - 4.5/5
WIFI - Yes and it's fast after 11pm and before 9AM
AT&T - Yes, four bars with Weboost
VERIZON - Yes, 3 bars but very slow even with the Weboost
SERVICES - FHU'S 20/30/50 AMPS, No cable, extremely clean. Back in and Pull through sites available and your choice of bay view or wooded loops.
COSTS -
Summer Season Rates (June 1 to October 31)
| Site type | Daily | Weekly | Monthly |
| Bay View | $43.00 | $260.00 | $973.00 |
| Park View | $36.00 | $216.00 | $813.00 |
Winter Season Rates (November 1 to May 31)
| Site type | Daily | Weekly | Monthly |
| Bay View | $36.00 | $216.00 | $438.00* |
| Park View | $32.00 | $188.00 | $386.00* |
DISCOUNTS - Good Sams 10%
REVIEW - Wonderful campground with our own small patio, shade by Siska Spruce, Clean beyond reproach. Great water pressure for your shower. At the very top of our budget but with Good Sams it was $240 for the week. Parking is somewhat tight but not to the point where you feel like your part of your neighbors extended family. The pull through's require respect as some of them have a deep ditch on either side of a culvert that gives you access to the site. I had to swing very wide right to line up our coach. It is quite doable but take your time. Our site was able to accommodate our coach, our two dolly wedged under the rear of the coach and we were still able to angle park the car behind.
The area offers much to do and the scenery is just awe inspiring. The staff here is quite nice and very helpful.
Our site was #7
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PENNSYLVANIA
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes, two bars
VERIZON - Yes, but spotty
SERVICES - water, 20/30AMPS, dump on site
COST - $30 Nightly (includes taxes) 20/30 AMP
DISCOUNTS -
Senior Discount
- $4.50 per night discount on camping fees
- Applies to campsite reservations only
- The primary site occupant has to be 62 years of age or older and be present on the site for the duration of the stay
- $4.50 per night discount on camping fees
- Applies to campsite reservations only
- The primary site occupant must state that they are ADA and be present on the site for the duration of the stay
- AAA
- AARP
- Military Discount
- Government Discount
Gravel sites, some a bit overgrown. Some sites not level (but close). All Back in sites, easy access to most sites, Despite the lack of water and sewer we found this to be a really nice campground. There is a pool in season, lots of hiking trails, lots of picnic sites and would be a great place for a family reunion. We would have given this campground a 10 but for the lack of water and sewer and newer shower facilities. The shower and toilet house is dated badly, but serviceable. It could use a good high pressure wash and repainting inside. Only a few sites will accommodate anything larger than a 40' rig. Make sure you review the campground map and observe the size of the site. We stayed in site 44 with a 40' Class A and had room for our Kia Rio in front of the coach.
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RHODE ISLAND
Whispering Pines Campground, Wyoming, Rhode Island - RATING - 3/5
WIFI - Yes, but really slow and spotty
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes, but spotty
SERVICES - FHU'S, test your amperage at the power pedestal before hooking up. I had reversed polarity
COST - $579 for six weeks + metered electric.
DISCOUNTS - Spring Fling $599 for six weeks and Fall Fling $549 for six weeks discounted from $60 a night.
REVIEW - We stayed at this campground for six weeks during what they called the "Fall Fling." When you make reservations here make sure you ask if the site is level. I would guess that conservatively 85% of the 120 + sites are not level. If your RV is 40' or over getting level is a real challenge. Also, be sure to ask for a site that accommodates 50 Amp service if you need it. Not all sites have 50 amps and also USE a surge protector here. The campground is the weekend home of many campers. Most are ensconced in the pine trees complete with decks and fences. There are a number of transient campsites available though. While at Whispering Pines you within easy an easy drive of many tourist attractions and you can be at almost any beach in 30 minutes or less. The beach in Rhode Island are simply fantastic. I highly recommend Blue Shutter beach.
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SOUTH CAROLINA
Anderson/Lake Hartwell KOA - RATING - 3.7/5
WIFI - Yes but slow
AT&T - Yes, four bars
VERIZON - Yes, four bars
SERVICES - FHU'S 20/30/50/ + Cable
COSTS - $45 + Tax
DISCOUNTS - KOA CARD
REVIEW - Nice place to stay overnight. It was crowed with semi permanent campers. Pull throughs were adequate in size so that I did not have to drop the tow dolly and toad. We are 57" from bumper to bumper. Lots of tall pines, quiet but not somewhere I would stay more than two or three days unless I rented a premium site with deck and chairs ($55).
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TEXAS
SERVICES - 20/30/50 AMPS, some FHU's available but most are water and electric only. Sewage Dump and trash bins are on site about a half a mile away.
DISCOUNTS - If you have the Golden Access Pass the cost is cut in half
Ladybird Johnson Municipal Park, Fredricksburg, Tx - RATING - 3.5/5
Florey County Park, Andrews - Texas - RATING - 3.0/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes, one bar of 4G LTE
VERIZON - Yes, five bars of 4G LTE
SERVICES - 20/30/50 AMPS, Sewer, Water, Trash barrels.
COSTS - RV Full hook ups - $35 Daily, RV No Hook ups $10.00 Tents $10 Daily, Car Sleeping $5.00 Daily,
DISCOUNTS - None that we are aware of.
REVIEW - This is an out of the way park about 10 minutes North of Andrews. Take Main Street North out of Andrews and look for the park sign. The park is a nice one night stop over and beats Wally World. It is basically a large pea gravel parking lot with a power pedestal, sewer hook up and water outlets. All of the hook ups appear to be just several months old. Large area to pull a big rig in and plenty large enough for any size coach and their toad and/or trailer. Not a garden spot but clean and quiet.
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes, but weak with 2 bars and drops quite regularly. If you have a Cell Booster you're golden
VERIZON - No viable signal - 1x service
SERVICES - 20/30/50 AMPS, some FHU's available but most are water and electric only. Sewage Dump and trash bins are on site about a half a mile away.
COST - $16, $22 FOR 30 AMP - $26 FOR $50 AMP
DISCOUNTS - If you have the Golden Access Pass the cost is cut in half
REVIEW - Our RV site was #2 The campground includes pull through (50-70 feet in length), many 40' sites - some with low hanging trees. The lakeside sites are very nice and the grounds are kept mowed, beaches on the lake, good fishing, Staff is helpful and very nice. It is exceedingly quite at night. Much wildlife on the park grounds. We counted 15 deer in one group. Most pads seem quite level. There are sites that have a screen room in addition to the RV Pad. Water is quite good, power pedestals show some wear, check voltages before plugging in or have an on board or plug in EMS.
WIFI - No
AT&T - Not used there
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - FHU'S - NOTE*** TEST POWER HERE OUR FIRST SITE HAD A BOOTLEG GROUND.
COST - $40 Nightly 30/50 AMP, FHU's
DISCOUNTS - Weekly and Monthly Discounts call them
REVIEW - Gravel sites, very level, close to Fredricksburg and Luckenbach, Tx. Lots to do in town, also great area for hiking, picnicking and just enjoying life. Shopping close by and all kinds of specialty shops.
Tyler State Park, Tyler, Tx - RATING - 5/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - FHU'S, 20/30/50 AMP, most sites pull through
COSTS - $24 Nightly
DISCOUNTS - Disabled Veteran (daily entry fee waved)
REVIEW - Wonderful campground, easy to access campsites as most are pull through, very clean, very well maintained, staff at the office and in the field were great. Tyler is nearby.
Union Grove Corp of E.Union Grove Corp of Engineers Campground, Harker Heights, Tx.
Rating - 4.9/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - 20/30/50 AMP, water at site, sewage dump
COST - $12 nightly with All Access Pass
DISCOUNTS - All Access Pass
REVIEW - Stellar place to be. all sites have a lake view. Choose your site carefully if you are over 40'. The lake is beautiful and clear, there are swimming beaches. The park is well maintained and well kepts. There are many deer here as well.
Southern Oaks Luxury RV Park, Aransas Pass, Tx. RATING - 5/5
WIFI - Yes (six different zones)
AT&T - Yes, but marginally
VERIZON - Yes, full bars
SERVICES - 20/30/50 AMPS, FHU's - No cable
COST - Monthly snowbird rates - $450 monthly plus $0.15 per killowat hour electric
DISCOUNTS - Seasonal
REVIEWS - Beautiful park, few trees (compliments of Hurricane Harvey), wide/long concrete pads 25'x60', most back in but there are some pull through. Staff is great. Activity center with all sorts of stuff going on. Mostly adults but we have seen some children playing.
Desert Willow RV Park - Van Horn, Texas
WIFI - Yes, works but slow
ATT - Yes, two bars, three bars with WeBoost
VERIZON - Yes, four bars. five bars with WeBoost
SERVICES - 20/30/50 AMPS, Sewer, Water and cable
COST - $25 dollars nightly $22.50 with Good Sams
DISCOUNTS - None
REVIEW - Mom and Pop place in the city of Van Horn. Large parking lot like appearance but we were in West Texas where all parks match this description.
Easy off and on I-10 and into and out of the RV Park. Owner is a nice guy and very helpful.
You are in walking distance of the only restaurant in town which is at the El Capitan Hotel. We did not eat there but I was told the food was good but expensive. The park is all graveled and can be dusty when the wind blows.
Travelers hint - If you need fuel avoid Loves Truck stop. It is a really hard to get on the highway there after fueling. It seems there is a second entrance on the I-10 ramp. Truckers just keep getting in line for fuel blocking the ramp entirely. There is a second on ramp just west of the truck stop.
Click to Enlarge
The owner will likely tell you to take whatever site you want.
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VIRGINIA
AT&T - Yes 3 bars
VERIZON - Yes 4 bars
SERVICES - 20/30/50 AMP, water, dump on site
COST -
DISCOUNTS - Senior, disabled
REVIEW - Nice shaded park, gravel roads, some sites unlevel, check power before setting up as ours had a boot leg ground so they moved us. Pull throughs and back in's, shopping is about 8 miles away.
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WISCONSIN
KOA Hancock/Stevens Point, Wisconsin - RATING - 5/5
WIFI - Yes, but slow
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - FHU's
COST - $24 Nightly (for a monthly rate) 20/30/50 AMP FHU's
DISCOUNTS - KOA Kard, Good Sams, Monthly rates
REVIEW - Nice place to explore central Wisconsin from, very friendly and attentive owners, back in and pull through sites, swimming pool, lots of things to keep the kids having fun. We stayed here mainly to explore the area. Best shopping in Wautoma at the Piggly Wiggly. Wineries and distilleries galore, five bar and grills within a two mile radius. Make sure you check out the fish fry on Fridays at "Andy's Wood Lake Resort" very good.
Beantown Campground, Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin - RATING - 3.3/5
WIFI - Yes, but slow as the seven year itch
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - FHU'S
COST - $44 Nightly with fifth night free 20/30/50 AMP, FHU's
DISCOUNTS - Stay four nights and get the fifth night free
REVIEW - Nice place and very near Baileys Harbor, Satellite with local stations (didn't work), WIFI (didn't work), great heated pool, gravel sites, 50' - 70' long no need to disconnect trailer.
Great restaurants all around but the best value is the Cornerstone Restaurant in Baileys Harbor. Shopping in Sister Bay at the Piggly Wiggly, there is a small gas station/grocery in Baileys Harbor. Make sure you go to Whitefish Dunes State Park and swim, the water is extremely clear but cold. Climb the Lighthouse at Cana Island $12 per person but the views are worth it.
Walmart - Monroe, Wisconsin (address is in this link) - RATING - 3.5/5
WIFI - No
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
SERVICES - None
REVIEW - RV overnight friendly. Just make sure you park where you see the trucks overnighting. We checked in with customer service. This was an unusually quiet Walmart parking lot. Slept well. I would have given it a 7 but the parking lot doesn't have a level place in it.
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WASHINGTON
Hoquiam River RV Park - RATING - 4.5/5
WIFI - Works very well, no Netflix allow
AT&T - Yes, 4-5 Bars and fast
VERIZON - Yes, but 2-3 bars of 4GLTE
SERVICES - FHU's 20/30/50 AMPS Plus Cable
COSTS - $39 Nightly with Good Sam applied + tax
REVIEW - This is a very well cared for property. Restrooms are clean with a capital C. Pull through sites are seventy feet long. Our site #19 was very level and we only had to tighten the jacks against the driveway to be level. The entire campground is bordered by the Hoquam River and the owners have built several decks on the rivers edge for campers to use. Firewood is also provided free and all that is asked is that you use designated fire pits (not on every site) for your fires. Cable was a new one on me. You hook up your cable as you always would but you need to place an Ifinity cable box (very tiny) between your TV input and the coax that lead to the TV from your coach. One thing to note is you will very likely require 20' of sewer hose depending on whether you leave your toad hooked up or not.
Site #19
Chelan County Expo RV Park - RATING - 3/5
WIFI - Works very welL
AT&T - Yes, 4-5 Bars but a little slow
VERIZON - Yes, 2-3 Bars but a little slow
SERVICES - FHU'S
COST - $27.00 Nightly no discounts
REVIEW - This is a fairgrounds RV park. There are no trees or protection of any kind from the sun. You are basically on a large flat spot. There is plenty of room here so if you need a spot for the night it is very convenient for that and most likely available unless the county fair is going on. Most people stopping there are parking for one or two nights. The downtown of Cashmere is within 2 miles and has grocery shopping and quite a few restaurants. The camp hosts are jovial and very helpful. Nice folks. Check in between 12 and 6 pm. Check out was 11 am but flexible. The sites are quite big and you have room for a 40' coach and toad or even a stacker. Reservations online are available but when you check in the hosts will let you pick your site. Sites are mostly level though I did have to put blocks under the driver side wheels because the site I picked was rutted. Grass is sparse but keeps the field from being a dust bowl. Wanatchee, Washington is 6 miles away and is a larger city with everything you need.
COST - $27.00 Nightly no discounts
REVIEW - This is a fairgrounds RV park. There are no trees or protection of any kind from the sun. You are basically on a large flat spot. There is plenty of room here so if you need a spot for the night it is very convenient for that and most likely available unless the county fair is going on. Most people stopping there are parking for one or two nights. The downtown of Cashmere is within 2 miles and has grocery shopping and quite a few restaurants. The camp hosts are jovial and very helpful. Nice folks. Check in between 12 and 6 pm. Check out was 11 am but flexible. The sites are quite big and you have room for a 40' coach and toad or even a stacker. Reservations online are available but when you check in the hosts will let you pick your site. Sites are mostly level though I did have to put blocks under the driver side wheels because the site I picked was rutted. Grass is sparse but keeps the field from being a dust bowl. Wanatchee, Washington is 6 miles away and is a larger city with everything you need.
Our site was 4&5 row B
Wenatchee River County Park - RATING - 4/5
WIFI - Works but slow especially early evening
ATT - Yes, 4-5 Bars but for some reason is slow
VERIZON - Yes, 2-3 Bars with excellent speed
SERVICES - FHU'S available, they also have sites with water and electric only and dry camping spaces, Laundry Facility, VERY CLEAN Showers and Restrooms, Volleyball Court & Basketball Hoops, Horseshoes, Golfing Cages, Indoor & Outdoor Workout Center, Outdoor Table Tennis / Ping Pong Table, Playground & Swing Set, Free WIFI (Best Effort). No Tents
SERVICES - FHU'S available, they also have sites with water and electric only and dry camping spaces, Laundry Facility, VERY CLEAN Showers and Restrooms, Volleyball Court & Basketball Hoops, Horseshoes, Golfing Cages, Indoor & Outdoor Workout Center, Outdoor Table Tennis / Ping Pong Table, Playground & Swing Set, Free WIFI (Best Effort). No Tents
COST - $28.00 Nightly no discounts
REVIEW - This park is a true gem. It is clean, clean, clean. Restrooms and showers sparkle, sites are very long 60.' We fit our 40' coach, dolly and toad on it with the toad head in. They sprinkle the lawns nightly so move your lawn furniture to a dry location in the evening. Grass is green, mowed and well cared for. You are about a 100 yds from the Wenatchee River from just about any site in the park. The Wenatchee is free flowing and quite beautiful. This is a great place to camp with your family. Each site has an aluminum picnic table and a fire ring. As of this writing there is a burn ban.
The park is gated and you are given an access pass to scan at the gate and gain entrance. The staff is very helpful albeit a little firm. Our neighbor was given a warning that he had a door mat on the lawn at the entrance to his fiver. There is plenty of shade here but make sure you vet the site you choose by calling as ours had a tree three days prior to arrival. When we got here they had cut it down.
Our site was #46
Thanks for posting these reviews. Might want to add the date you were at the sites and site numbers. I was at Ft Pickens Apr '17 (E-51) & returning Apr '18 (A-12).Great Place! Both sites are 50 amp-you state 30 amp in review.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the input. Hmmmm, perhaps my service was 50 Amps at Ft Pickens. We moved a lot last year. I like the idea of adding the dates we stayed. I will do that as we go forward. Thanks for the input.
DeleteStarting to think about this way of life... thanks for the reviews!
ReplyDeleteVery helpful reviews! Thank you!
ReplyDelete