http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/categories/campground-reviews--discussions/p9/feed.rss Wed, 22 May 13 16:22:25 -0400 Campground Reviews - Camping USA Forum en-CA http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/178/tent-sites-fine-but-villas-shabby-and-reservations-not-honored Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:57 -0500 CampingBot 178@/forum/discussions Tent sites are fine but Lake Myers staff gave away our villa reservation for my anniversary (in May) and my upcoming birthday next week (we found our when we called to confirm). Very sorry treatment and they are very disorganized. The room they gave us to make up for the first mistake had not even been cleaned when they let us in! I do not recommend staying in the villas, at all.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/180/great-park-but-wont-take-reservations Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:57 -0500 CampingBot 180@/forum/discussions Great park and lake. Very clean. They have a nice beach for swimming. Only downfall about this park is that they DO NOT take reservations for camping. I don't think I will camp with them again nor will I recommend camping to anyone unless you want to go for a holiday weekend to find out that they are full.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/189/fathers-day-nightmare Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:57 -0500 CampingBot 189@/forum/discussions My wife and I have had a couple bad encounters with this campground and it's owner. At the beginning of the summer my wife and I was looking for a fun place to take the kids swimming for the summer. She found this place and thought it would be great since it was only a few miles from our house. Like in the previous review, she calls one morning to get prices and the owner answers the phone, my wife starts to ask him about his prices and he cuts her off and very rudely tells her not to be calling waking him up so early in the morning (7am). She apologized and told him she thought this was a business line and not a residential line and he hung up on her. My wife, kids, parents, and I rented two camp sites side by side so we could camp out there for a couple days for Father's Day on Father's Day weekend. For the two days we were there, the owner made what was supposed to be a very relaxing, enjoyable Father's Day weekend for my family very very miserable. When we arrived that Saturday afternoon about 3pm we set up our tents and it was really hot so we brought a small generator so we could run some fans. The owner drives his John Deer Gator up in our camp site and very rudely tells us that if we wanted electricity we would have to pay extra for a RV site thats away from the water and completely unnecessary for our needs. We were polite dispite his attitude, but he then proceeds to threaten us that he will kick us out if he has to come back. We never saw any rules posted about generators and the lady at the front gate told us it was fine. Later that evening I took my three girls, ages 6, 7, and 8, up to the bath house so they could wash off and bath before bedtime. Two of my girls were in the bathroom taking a shower and my other girl and I were standing outside the bathroom washing the sand off of her before her shower. Well, while I'm tending to my daughter outside, I turn around to see the owner walking into the girls bathroom while they were in there naked still showering, yelling and cursing at them that they better get the hell out of there. My father instincts kicked in at that moment and I charged toward the guy to get him out of the girls bathroom and he turns around and starts yelling for their parents. I told him I was standing right there and saw and heard what he did and told him that he better not approach my children again especially while they are naked in the bathroom and if he had something to say to them that he better come to me first. He started rambling about using all his hot water and I stopped him and said that I didn't care and if he tried to approach my children again I was going to call the Sheriff. He told me that it was his bathroom and he could do what he wanted and I then told him that we could go ahead and call the Sheriff out there now and let him explain why he was trying to enter the girls bathroom with two naked little girls in there especially after he was told they were in the naked. I stood in his path and would not let him enter until the children left. My wife and I walked up to the front to complain to the lady at the gate, which is his wife, and the next day he came back to our camp site and told us that he didn't appreciate us attacking his good character. What a joke. After the way this owner treated us and watching how he was treating others, we decided that this was our last trip to this place and decided that we rather drive way out of our way to go to some place nice where we are appreciated than come to this hell hole and be treated like dirt and we informed them of that on our way out. This place is not family, children, or anybody friendly! Beware and stay away from this place at all cost. There are much better places to go than to come here and be treated badly. I just wish there was somewhere or somebody to file a complaint to so this place can be investigated and let more people know about the horrors of this place.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/216/best-place-ive-been-too Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:57 -0500 CampingBot 216@/forum/discussions My Grandparents stay here and we always go down to this place during the summer. Its really fun it a nice community with lots of kids to become friends with. i would deffientally recomend this place.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/1/love-this-campground Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 1@/forum/discussions This is one of the nicest campgrounds I have stayed at. Clean, showers, beautiful scenery - its all here! There is a really neat trail that starts at the campground and winds through the interesting gorge canyon area. Highly recommended!]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/2/nice-campground Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 2@/forum/discussions We were here in early May and being a high-altitude campground it was VERY COLD! Seemed like ti would be a nice spot in the summer. The facilities were clean and I liked the rustic feel to the gravel roads and camping spots.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/3/amazing-spot Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 3@/forum/discussions This is probably the most beautiful spot I have camped at. Small campground right on the beach - deep within the Lost Coast area. The campground is directly adjacent to the Kings Range Conservation Area. There are miles of untouched beaches to explore. Simply amazing. I was there in October and it wasn't crowded]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/4/one-of-the-better-campgrounds-in-death-valley Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 4@/forum/discussions Campgrounds in Death Valley can leave a lot to be desired. Furnace Creek does have some vegetation and is clean. No showers though and can be very crowded.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/5/its-a-big-gravel-parking-lot Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 5@/forum/discussions Big gravel lot with a row of crowded tent spots on one side. The only fire pits are at the tent spots. I would consider this campground a fallback only if all the others at Death Valley are full.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/6/remote-campground-in-nice-spot Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 6@/forum/discussions This campground is a regular stopover for me when I am traveling between Oregon and Colorado. Nice private CG on the river. Mosquitoes can be bad.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/8/valley-of-fires-visit-september-2008 Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 8@/forum/discussions This is a developed, hosted campground with 19 sites. Many of the sites have water and electric. There is a dump station, hot showers and flush toilets and even a small visitor's center/shop. Campsites also have paved pads, sheltered picnic tables and grills. There is not a lot of privacy, since there are not many natural features to separate the sites. Campsites without electric are $12, and with electric are $18 per night. The town of Carrizozo is less than ten miles away if you need groceries.

I visited on a weekday in September, 2008 and there were many empty campsites, but there were several other campers there.

The campground is at one of the youngest (if not THE youngest) lava flows in the continental US; estimated to be only a few thousand years old. You can take a walk on a short (3/4 mile) interpretive trail that is partly paved and partly gravel, and is designed to protect the harsh, but fragile, ecosystem. The lava flow is starkly beautiful and is home to many creatures, including some that have evolved dark coloring to blend in with the black lava. A few hour's drive away is White Sands National Monument, where you can see animals that have evolved light coloring to blend in with the white environment. Also nearby is the Lincoln National Forest, with many other campsites and a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/9/camping-among-the-monoliths Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 9@/forum/discussions The City of Rocks State Park campground is spread throughout the tuff monoliths that give the state park its name. Campsites are hidden around and among the rocks. You could have someone in the campsite next to you and never see them. All of the campsites have a picnic table and grill and a level place to park or pitch a tent. There are a limited number of sites with electric hookups, but they are grouped together in an area near the visitor's center and a little away from the rocks. Water is available at a few different locations, as are restrooms. The visitor's center has displays on the geology, biology and history of the region. Hot showers are available at the visitor's center as well. You can hike among the rocks as well as out to a vista point where you can see the whole "city". Dogs on leashes are welcome.

I visited in January, and a few hardy tent campers were there, but most were in self-contained RVs, or in my case, a pop-up truck camper. Lows were in the mid-twenties, so the camper's propane heater was welcome. There were plenty of empty campsites available. Word has it that the busy time is around Easter.

If your timing is good, you may get to join in a star party. The park has an observatory nestled in a clearing in the rocks, which is opened to the public on occasion by volunteers from the National Public Observatory. The skies are wonderfully dark and great for stargazing. There's definitely an astronomy theme at this park - all the campsites are named after constellations. I stayed in Corona Australis. There is a north "suburb" rock cluster that I was amused to note had its campsites named after the northern circumpolar constellations. Geek humor, I guess.

All in all, I wound up enjoying City of Rocks more than I thought I would. It's a small park, though, and you might run out of things to explore after a few days. It makes a nice stopover on your way to or from the Gila National Forest and Wilderness.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/10/it-does-have-a-nice-restroom Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 10@/forum/discussions But other than that not much to recommend it. Avoid if at all possible.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/11/nice-little-campground-on-the-lake Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 11@/forum/discussions Sits on the shore of Antelope Lake. Approx 18 miles from Taylorsville, not sure why thats listed as its location. You can tie up your boat on the shore next to your campsite. Has the usual amenities. Pit toilets. Campground host. Area was heavily burned recently.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/12/old-school Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 12@/forum/discussions In the trees by manzanita lake. If you are exploring the park this is the place to stay. Hopefully they're still doing the ranger presentations at the ampitheatre. Has showers available.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/15/great-stay.... Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 15@/forum/discussions Thank you Jan,Keith,and James for a great stay...We had a great time..Hook ups were very nice.New Restrooms and showers are a plus.We will be back.Thanks again.
Bud.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/16/close-to-cloudcroft-convenience Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 16@/forum/discussions Deerhead campground is a mile from the village of Cloudcroft, adjacent to Highway 130. It is not the quietest place to camp, but if your goal is to visit Cloudcroft, it is convenient. The campsites are among Douglas fir and pines, with some open spaces as well. The campground is near the new Lincoln National Forest ranger station, if you need maps. Access may be difficult for large RVs and trailers.

As of March 1, 2009, the campground was closed for "improvements". They are doing some earthwork; to what purpose I'm not sure. It usually doesn't open until mid-May anyway, so hopefully all work will be done by then. The cost used to be $9 per night, but I'm not sure if that will change. The campground closes for the season in mid-September.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/17/nice-place Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 17@/forum/discussions Private campground. Great location right on the Big Sur River, decent fishing and nice shower facilities. Pets OK. I would recommend it.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/18/pt-mugu-rv-park Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 18@/forum/discussions Right on the beach at Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu. You must be active duty, retired or Federal Civil Service for access. Typical RV park but it is right on the sand.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/19/wheeler-gorge Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 19@/forum/discussions Nice wooded campground with creek running through it. Sits right next to HWY 33, lots of traffic during the day, virtually none at night. Nature trails to explore, good for a family getaway. 10 minutes from Ojai proper.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/20/top-notch Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 20@/forum/discussions As far as State Parks go this is a gem. Right on the beach by Morro Bay. Good place for hiking and surfing. Does get crowded depending on season. Well worth the stay.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/21/one-of-the-best Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 21@/forum/discussions (Submitted for user chnlisle)

Here is one of the best areas of organized campgrounds we have ever visited. There are so many sites in this area you are sure to find one you’ll love. This fishing paradise has some or the best fly fishing in the west and the hiking and exploring is wonderful. Located in the White Mountains it has elevations from 3500 feet to over 11500 feet. In Arizona!!!! Tons of camp sites with lakes galore and both forks of the black river are loaded with trout. If you live in Tucson you are just a couple of hours away and even closer if you live in Phoenix.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/22/great-campground Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 22@/forum/discussions Been camping here for 20 years only one to go to in myrtle beach in my opinion]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/24/not-a-pretty-campground-but-conveniently-located. Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 24@/forum/discussions Westside Park is essentially an RV park with no hook-ups. The sites are paved and more than half are pull thru's. There are few trees so there is no privacy between sites and it can be very windy. Being located next to a boat launch, this campground is popular with fisherman and crabbers. Reservations are necessary for dates around the openings of different fishing seasons. Bodega Bay Harbor is also well known for bird watching. The front row of this campground is along the water's edge, and a number of birds can be observed from your campsite. you can also pass the time watching the fishing boats come and go. Another popular attraction in the area is whale watching. It is a short two mile drive to Bodega Head where Gray Whales can be observed on their migrations north and south.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/25/have-a-spot-there Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 25@/forum/discussions its an amazing gettaway from the city life. it may not be the biggest or the best but its really nice. the owners are great people. with a few exceptions, mostly everyone there is friendly and knows how to party!!!]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/26/awesome-luxury-resort Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 26@/forum/discussions We've stayed at this resort for several years, and we'll be back. we've met so many friends there. It is a BEAUTIFUL gated community and they have 24 hour security. If you want to watch a short video tour of Mesa Regal, you can watch it at www.Arizona123.com]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/27/great-camping-and-a-learning-experience Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 27@/forum/discussions This remote park was both beautiful and fascinating. Highly recommended! Plenty to do hear - check out the old mining town - the dinosaur fossils - hike on well maintained trails, or go 4x4 on local roads.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/28/nice-spot Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 28@/forum/discussions This is a neat spot among the palm trees along the Colorado River. Camp is relatively clean. Spots right on the river with fire pits are a nice touch.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/29/nice-enough Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 29@/forum/discussions The spots here were nice, but the cowboys blasting country music until 10pm was highly annoying, and the showers weren't the cleanest I have used.]]> http://www.camping-usa.com/forum/discussion/30/simply-the-best-place-to-camp Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:08:12 -0500 CampingBot 30@/forum/discussions This is the best campground of any kind that I have ever stayed at. The sites among the rocks are stunning. The entire park is clean and extremely well maintained. See review above for more details on this great park.]]>