http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/categories/campground-reviews--discussions/p5/feed.rss Sun, 19 May 13 10:51:44 -0400 Campground Reviews - Camping USA Forum en-CA http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/362/south-dakotas-best-kept-secret Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:27:15 -0400 CampingBot 362@/forum/discussions The north campground offers great campsites with large trees, and all the modern amenities such as electricity, cabins, campfire pits, firewood, water, bathrooms, and HOT showers. There is also a very nice fish-cleaning station. The lake itself offers fantastic fishing.
]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/361/lacking-in-friendliness Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:19:17 -0400 CampingBot 361@/forum/discussions This is a nice clean place, the camp spots are not completely private but not right on top of your neighbors. Unfortunately it was lacking in friendliness. We were scolded for going the right way in a 2 lane road, scolded for singing, scolded for washing a dish, and scolded for having 3 cars parked at 1 campsite for dinner, completely out of the way of everyone. Things that could have been said nicely were said very rudely and loudly. The river is a bit shallow for tubing FYI.
Also want to add that the area to put your tent on was very hard GRAVEL. Who wants to put a tent on gravel???!!!
]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/360/garfield-bay-campground Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:41:46 -0400 CampingBot 360@/forum/discussions We have stayed at Garfield Bay Campground twice now this year and both times we have taken friends that have never been there before. Our first complaint is that the outhouses are NOT maintained, emptied, or cleaned and campers have started going outside behind the units to go to the bathroom. The stench of the units are so offensive that very few people will use them anymore.

The other problem is the small children of the camp hosts, Lacey and Anna. They are always out in the road and people have to stop for them! The worst one is a very young little boy on a bicycle. I hope someone can make them keep a closer eye on their kids so that none of them get hit!!

Those two things aside, I have to tell you that it is a beautiful place convienently located to the lake and the little community. ]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/359/ok-but-im-looking-elsewhere-after-several-stays Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:08:15 -0400 CampingBot 359@/forum/discussions Stayed at this campground about 4 times over 2 summers. Pros: campsites are large, sandy flat and far enough from your neighbor that you have privacy. Bathrooms were kept clean, but only poured concrete floors, painted block shower stalls and cramped toilet stalls of wood that look like they have seen better days. Showers will not stay on, you must hold the handle to keep it on, and there is no temperature control. There is a pond on the property and there were lots of mosquitos. The main reason I will not go back is because of a conflict I had with owner on my last visit. Without going into a lot of detail, suffice it to say, I did not feel that I was treated fairly and believe I was lied to, so I've researched other campgrounds in south New Jersey Shore area and went elsewhere this year. I will not be going back to Acorn, found another campground a little farther north (Avalon) and am making it my new place to stay on Jersey shore .]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/358/wonderfaul-stay-near-the-beach Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:07:59 -0400 CampingBot 358@/forum/discussions Just got home from a wonderful stay at this campground. Well maintained, paved roads, flat sandy sites, owner/staff in office extremely pleasant and helpful. I will definitely be going back and plan to make this my new place to stay at the south Jersey shore. The only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is because of the pay showers, and I wish the site I was in had been just a little larger. That being said, even though I had to pay to shower, the bathrooms were very clean (and the campground was filled to capacity), the water pressure was good and I was always finished washing and turned the water off before my time ran out on one quarter.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/357/very-expensive-and-crowded Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:07:07 -0400 CampingBot 357@/forum/discussions This is the most expensive KOA we have ever stayed at, and it is very crowded.About the same price as a motel room in town. The location is great though and it is clean. Very small pool for the amount of demand. They provide a good pankake breakfast that used to be free, but there is a cost involved now.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/356/should-be-called-mosquito-creek Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:06:42 -0400 CampingBot 356@/forum/discussions This campground has the worst mosquito problem we have ever seen! They are relentless 24 hours a day! If it were not for the mosquitos, I would rate it a 5+.Very beautiful area teaming with wildlife. Grizzly bears, elk and moose in the area. And close! Campground is in a very wild area, right on the Clark's Fork of the Yellowstone River. Good fishing when the river is lower.
Has electric hook-ups! Not many campgrounds around here have electric!
They are now logging right next to the campground. Hope it does not destroy the beauty there!]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/355/bank-roll Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:06:22 -0400 CampingBot 355@/forum/discussions Mr. Jerry Reeves is the owner. He is not kind or considerate . the camp sites are small the showers are dirty. The power box surges blowing your breaker and surging power blowes up your tv your microwave your air conditioner and he doesnt care thats not my problem he says . The water is contaminated so your get diarea while your there that filter doesnt clean the water. the manager gets yelled at daily of course you get to hear him in the store that has stail candy n chips oh and if you smoke its 10.00 a pack. yep arrogance intimidation and a shrewd . I dont recomend this camp site the pool water hasnt been changed in three years ses pool of desease.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/354/herric-park Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:03:41 -0400 CampingBot 354@/forum/discussions i stayed at herric campground it was a great time.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/353/family-reunion-disaster...-never-again Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:33:48 -0400 CampingBot 353@/forum/discussions Where do I start? How about the filthy restrooms/showers, the dog owners who don't pick up after their pets, the lack of attention the staff pays to the campers who are drunk, loud, and disobeying the rules, or the "rec room" in which nearly all of the games are out of order and the dryers eat quarters like they are going out of style while still leaving you with wet clothes. I could also mention the tiny pool which quickly gets overcrowded, the two beaches- which in order to tube or kayak from one to the other, you need to pick up and walk over the many shallow parts. There isn't even anywhere that is deep enough to swim aside from a couple of small areas. The playground is outdated and unsafe for younger children. The staff are some of the rudest I have met- and I have traveled a LOT. Who shall I give special recognition to? Perhaps the lady working in the store who screamed at a couple of kids who didn't scoop out their ice cream fast enough on "make your own sundae night". Or the woman at checkout with the clown-thick makeup who never bothered to ask why we checked out a day early or how we enjoyed our stay. Or maybe the entire staff- of which NONE came to apologize or let anyone know what they were doing when the campsite lost power for 2 hours on a 100 degree night. I guess they were too busy riding around like maniacs on their golf carts narrowly avoiding the kids who ride their bikes and walk those same paths. This place is filthy, has nothing at all in the way of activities, and is run by a bunch of staff who don't care about the people who are paying their bills by giving them their business. They completely ruined a long awaited family vacation. Better luck next year I guess- but definitely NOT here. Try Danforth Bay. Cheaper and from what I've heard, much better maintained with more to do.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/352/yurts-were-awesome Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:33:34 -0400 CampingBot 352@/forum/discussions We stayed in the yurts and loved them! It even poured down rain one night, and we stayed warm and dry. The wood stove is great, as the temperature drops down each night. The vault toilets were cleaned daily, and better than we thought they'd be. The only drawback to this campground for us was no showers. Most of the campsites were shady, but many were on the water's edge. A beautiful campground all in all! Directions are a bit off, should be: from Hwy 58 at Crescent Lake, Oregon take Crescent Lake Hwy(429), turn right on road 60, about a half mile turn left into the campground.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/351/59 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:32:24 -0400 CampingBot 351@/forum/discussions Very shady, ample room to set up several tents. We never did see any showers 1/4 mile from location. There were sightings of bears/cubs. Ranger came by to make sure our food was put away at all times not just at night. Very nice restaurant within walking distance. Great breakfast about $10 pp so could be costly for a family. We staye 07/20-7/22/2011. 4 Stars because of no showers.
We did have some people chopping wood for 5 hours straight and no ranger around to shut them down!]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/350/valley-of-rogue-july-2011 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:27:20 -0400 CampingBot 350@/forum/discussions We stayed here for 3 days in July. LOVED IT. Site are level, easy. Well spread out. Full hook ups. The park is right along the river with trails all over the place.

GREAT PLACE to ride bikes. You not only could ride in the campground but there is a trail to town that is just for bikes/walking. You ride through wide open spaces and it end at a beautiful park/bridge next to to the river.

Cant say enough about this place. Loved it.

We stayed in a full hook up site in a 5th wheel.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/349/marble-quarry-july-4-weekend-2011 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:25:07 -0400 CampingBot 349@/forum/discussions We stayed here while visiting Columbia, CA. SUPER HOT in the summer months so if you travel in an RV be prepared to fire up that AC!!

The campground is nice, easy to get in and out. There was a nice grass area and play ground for the kids to play. The kids could easily ride their bikes around the park. The Pool was circa 1950 but worked fine. Could have been a little cleaner but I think the water was cloudy due to the fact that we arrived there at the end of the day on a really HOT day and the pool had been well used by that time. Pool area was otherwise very nice.

There is a trail that goes from the campground into Columbia. Pretty nice trail but a little rough/narrow in some places. We had a jogger stroller and went '4-wheeling' but to just walk - no problem. FYI - if you are going to walk - bring the mosquito repellent. This was the ONLY area we noticed 'attack mosquitos' and only because you end up walking into the woods a bit.

The walking trail into Columbia made it very easy to get back and forth given we were there over the 4th of July. There is also a nice trail up to the old Marble Quarry which offers a beautiful sunset view if you time it right.

The only 'dislike'...this park requires that your campfires are in an enclosed container. You can 'rent' one for $5/day - you end up renting an old washtub from the inside of a washing machine. Kind of weird campfire wise.If you have your own portable fire pit...bring it. :o)

]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/348/yosemite-pines-june-2011 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:21:12 -0400 CampingBot 348@/forum/discussions LOVED this place. The campground is clean, well maintained. Sites are level and consist of gravel drives and grass sites.

Great family location. The campground offers "marshmellow roasts" for the kids, hay rides. There is an outdoor movie area, nice trails, GREAT pool. Super short drive from the Yosemite park entrance and located just outside of Groveland.

A must do if you are in the area.
]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/347/recent-stay-at-kozy-rest Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:33:51 -0400 CampingBot 347@/forum/discussions We had a very good time. The people that worked there were very nice and helpful. It is well kept up and they check to make sure everyone is happy and there are no unruly people in the camp. My only suggestion would be that if they possibly could, it would be nice if they could enlarge the swimming pool or possibly add another one. The pool was very crowded. ]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/346/unique-for-oregon Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:47:48 -0400 CampingBot 346@/forum/discussions I've been to Hart Mt. many times. Absolutely my favorite place in Oregon. I'd say the hot spring is more like 102 degrees. Follow the south boundry road for great sightings of Pronghorns. Want to help remove the old fences that restrict the antelope? Visit www.onda.org]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/345/great-for-kids Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:47:13 -0400 CampingBot 345@/forum/discussions I spent many summers here with my parents as a child. Having visited again recently, it isn't like being completely in the wild, which is generally my preference, but MacKerricher has great tide pools, lots of flat loops for kids to ride their bikes safely on. The walk to Ft. Bragg along the coastal trail is delightful. Plenty of colorful birds, tide pools and fur seals out on the rocks.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/344/very-nice Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:46:44 -0400 CampingBot 344@/forum/discussions We enjoyed our stay at Timberlane very much. The pool is clean and very well kept. They have a fabulous kiddie pool for our younger children. We stayed in the front half of the campground, which we enjoyed more than the back half of the campground (we were originally put in the back half but the site was much smaller.) The bathrooms are very clean as are the laundry facility. The game room was not up to par, but who camps to be inside playing video games? It is very close to Philly, easy in and out of the city with plenty to do and see near by. All in all, we would definately go back if we are in the area again!]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/343/10-star Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:46:22 -0400 CampingBot 343@/forum/discussions A most wonderful campground. Can't say enough about it!]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/342/nice-campground.-beautiful-lake.-bring-bug-spray Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:20:35 -0400 CampingBot 342@/forum/discussions Paulina Lake Camprground is very nice and the location is perfect for exploring the Newberry Caldera area. The lake is beautiful and you almost need to get out on the water to see it all. The Paulina Lake Lodge is maybe 1/2 mile from the campground and they have boats for rent and very reasonable prices - it is worth it to rent one.
The mosquitoes are the only negative, most campers had obviously been there before as they had full bug screen shelters over there picinic tables. Bug spray did seem to do the job though.
You can make reservations at this site through Reserve America - it is probably neccesary for summer weekends, the camground was full on saturday night.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/341/not-quite-what-we-expected-but-we-liked-it Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:19:45 -0400 CampingBot 341@/forum/discussions We stayed at the Hatchery loop, site 14D since we couldn't stay at Ohanapacosh in the park where my family was staying due to the length of our 5ver (we visited them, we like La Wis Wis MUCH better, esp the hatchery loop). The site was not bad in itself. This loop can accept the larger RV's, although we brushed a few whispy branches pulling in there (12' 6" tall). At $38/night, it was a little pricy for a FS campground I thought. Site 14D is a "double", meaning it has two picnic tables (although I wouldn't put two tents there, maybe a tent and an RV), so it cost a little more than a regular site.

The "40 foot" site wasn't a "back-in" or "pull-through" as we were expecting, more of a "shoulder" or "widened road". It had enough room for us, even though we ended up driving out, turning around through the day use area (folks thought that was intersting to watch) and going in the wrong way against what would be normal traffic flow (otherwise our door would be to the road, not the camp site).

The hatchery loop (which is the first right turn when you get in the campground, unlike the forest service website campground map would have you believe) is waterless, although it appears water was there at some point. Water can be obtained in the other loops. The loop has more room between spaces than the other loops it appears and can be more private, depending on what site you get. 14D was pretty good privacy wise. Site 12 and 13 are next to it, but a decent distance away compared to other groups of sites, or other campground layouts in general. 17 is probably the most private, but you have to kind of jack your trailer in there as there's not much nose-room for parking your trailer (which someone did with a bumper tow, and worked for him). Some other sites are almost on top of each other it seems, in the hatchery loop specifically sites 15 and 16, as well as 9-11. The fire pits are pretty good and deep. They're sunken pipe style with a flip up grill.

Toilets are pit-style throughout the campground. The 2011 camp host (Joe) was very nice. This campground was a great jump-off point for visiting Mt Rainier without staying in the actual park itself (5 miles away). Packwood is the nearest town, and firewood can be bought there for $2 cheaper than in the campground at the general store, and they even help carry it to your truck. Diesel in town is reasonably priced for the state, and people are friendly.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/340/outer-banks Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:45:15 -0400 CampingBot 340@/forum/discussions This campground is one of the nicest I've seen since getting here. Each site has more than enough room and privacy. The owners are very pleasant and do whatever to accomodate the guests. I would definatly return.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/339/great-clean-family-place Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:44:53 -0400 CampingBot 339@/forum/discussions I just left this park, and I'm totaly impressed. I flet catered to, as I was escorted to my site, and not left until i was on it and they made sure we had enough cord and hose. The campground has lots of children activities and is extremly well maintained.

This family makes sure your family is welcome.

]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/338/very-disappointed Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:42:49 -0400 CampingBot 338@/forum/discussions After spending all afternoon setting up a great campsite for my two daughters and me for what we beleived was a two night stay in Lost Mine Campground and the girls first camping experience we had a great camp supper and turned in well before the manditory quiet time to rest up for our morning rafting trip on the Nantahala. The next morning I was greated outside the bathroom by the owner (Ann) and to my surprise she informed me that she was under the impression that our reservation was for one night only and that we would need to vacate our campsite. I explained to her that we had a rafting trip scheduled at 10:15 and would not be able to be out by the 11:00am check out time. She told me that the group was on the way up from Atlanta and offered that I needed to get out as soon after the rafting trip as possible. I was stunned to say the least that she offered no alternatives or information for what we might do. Upon returning from the rafting trip I decided to check in with the owner just to make sure that sometthing hadn't changed and when I asked the owner john, he only looked at his watch and said that the group would arrive any minute. We Bugged Out ! haphazzardly taking down camp and instead of the afternoon of leasure and exploring I had promissed the girls we were trying to find another place to camp and get set up before dark. That evening after dinner we could not resist the temptation to ride by Lost Mine just to see if our camp site was occupied and were stunned to see that it along with the two adjacent sites were vacant. If they will treat this father and two daughters (10 and 13)this way then to anyone who chooses to book at the lost mine has lost their way. ]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/337/what-a-disappointment Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:49:38 -0400 CampingBot 337@/forum/discussions What a disappointment. This campground is nice and clean, but the adult staff was extremely rude. They will charge you for everything and anything they can (dogs, early arrival, etc.) and there are many rules that are ridiculous. We arrived from NY 45 minutes early and were charged and extra $5 to register (only to use 1 1/2 hrs to try to fit into our site). When we got to our "premium" site, our travel trailer would not fit. While we were trying to get it to fit, employees drove by in their golf cart and did not offer help. When we called the office and told them we could not fit, we were told there were no other sites left. Shortly after calling, the same two employees came back and sat in their cart, never exiting and never helping. One of them stated to the other that we didn't need help, since we had others there. Isn't that their job? Thankfully we switched with friends and squeezed into the next site, backing into some shrubbery. We left a message with the owner's sister and even tried to find her at a couple locations, but to no avail. We left a message for her to come to our site but she never came or contacted us. A neighboring camper was overheard arguing with staff who were giving them a hard time about having an extra vehicle on their site). They too also said that they won't be back, to which the staff member responded, "That's right. You won't." Apparently, you're only allowed one vehicle per site, and we were "scolded" for a neighboring friend's truck too being too close to ours. Further, if you have a site with "grass", you won't be able to put your carpet out unless it's a small one. No carpets on the grass. In sum, I would not recommend this campground. It's very pricey, and staff are rude and too many ridiculous rules. They should advertise . . . WAWALOAM CAMPGROUND . . WHERE THERE'S A FEE FOR THAT. ]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/336/gambrill-state-park-rock-run-campsites Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:49:25 -0400 CampingBot 336@/forum/discussions I stayed in a mini cabin for two nights at Gambrill State Park this month. It was after the 4th of July madness. The park was basically empty. I felt like I had it all to myself. The cabins are amazingly clean as well as the bathrooms. The staff was very nice -so kind that they delivered my firewood and they were sold 3 bundles for $12.
My cabin had a few power outlets, an overhead light and a porch light.
There only issues I had were the fact that there was no camp store, a semi busy road was located next to the park, the playground was a swing set with no swings and the camp sites were located very close to one another. Didnt matter to me because they were empty when I stayed there.

Its new to being listed on the internet. I feel like if you want privacy and a less hectic campground stay at Gambrill. Its very close to Cunningham state park which is apparently noisy with more outdoor activities for families.

I did not venture to the trails that are not accessible from the Rock Run site of Gambrill. I would of had to drive up the road and parked to access it. So I cant tell you about the trails.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/335/nice Sat, 09 Jul 2011 13:57:40 -0400 CampingBot 335@/forum/discussions Very nice place to stay. Level sites and nice grass to park on. ]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/334/beautiful-park Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:31:09 -0400 CampingBot 334@/forum/discussions Versailles State Park is absolutely beautiful, it is well kept and everyone who worked there was quite friendly and helpful. We went there to camp and ride the mountain bike trails from a Wednesday to Friday in July, after the 4th holiday. Our site (105 in loop was huge but was in full sun most of the day. It rained hard after midnight and the site was nearly flooded by about 5:00 AM. I would not recommend that particular site if there is rain in the forecast.
I also have to say that this was not a quiet park. There were large groups of 10-20 kids riding bikes and screaming almost constantly all day, so if you need quiet, be prepared. The adult campers all seemed to be respectful of other campers--I heard really loud music a couple of times but it didn't last long. There is a park employee who cruises through regularly to check on things as well.
They have a large pool by the lake if you're into that and I think you can rent paddle boats and such. There is also a store on the premises but don't count on doing all of your shopping there. It has minimal supplies. I suggest buying your camp wood outside of the park, there are many locals who sell it. (Go over the the covered bridge and up the hill and look for signs.)
As for the trail systems they are awesome. The mountain bike trails are fun and challenging and well marked. The hiking trails, well, they need more signage. We got lost and ended up hiking 4 more miles than we had planned. We had a map with us but there were many forks where it was totally unclear as to which one to take. On the bright side we saw some amazing wildlife. If you like birds take your binoculars on a hike, you'll have a blast.
We're already planning a trip back but in the fall when the kids are back in school. ]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/333/nice-but Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:03:57 -0400 CampingBot 333@/forum/discussions This is a very nicely taken care of campground..
The one negative is that its about 150 yards from I10 and
they Noise from the 18 wheelers is LOUD....]]>