CAMPGROUND REPORTS

[mountainborn]

Let's post them here in this thread. The GOOD , the BAD , The UGLY , tell us about your campground experience !

Ever want a peek at, or an opinion about, a place you are intrested in camping at ? One of our members may be able to help in this thread.

[mountainborn]

APACHE GOLD CASINO RV PARK

Located nine miles East of Globe Arizona on US Highway 70 on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. This is a short three minute series of videos shot from behind the wheel, across the dashboard and over the hood, to give the viewer a general overview of grounds.

At twelve dollars a night for full hookups, the RV park may be where the real GOLD is hidden ! In the photo below you may note that the window card for your RV says Guest Security Pass. There is, as at most Casinos, a Security Department. The Apache Gold RV Park is patroled regularly by marked patrol units.

Here is what you recieve upon checking in at the RV park:

Top: Casino freebies chit. Bottom Left: Window card for the RV. Bottom Right: Card Key to access showers and Restrooms

Clickable link to the videos :

#1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VXOHFkc_g4

#2:

#3:

Overall impression of our three day stay, Exelent ! There was a bit of vandalism in the restrooms, but no grafiti, and they were reasonably clean. We will definitely stay there again.

[whaley]

Since it's been 25 or 30 years since we last camped (popup with 3 boys and a dog), I don't have much to offer, except requests for info.

 

We are hoping to get our trailer within the next couple of weeks. I know conventional wisdom is to bring it home and get organized and educated. However, at this point, we are thinking of meandering for a little while - still may change and come home.

 

We don't have a definite plan yet, but we are thinking of leaving Hohenwald and moving slowly down the Natchez Trace parkway, maybe all the way to Natchez. Then maybe down into Cajun country somewhere in the general area of Layfayette. We love to take in local culture, food, music and dance. We've done a lot of Texas small town honky tonk and dance hall exploring and have met up with Cajun dancers and would like to tippy toe into some of this. Who knows from there, maybe over into the hill country of Texas or maybe to some places we like out a little west of Fort Worth. And/or up into the Ozarks of Arkansas. The posts about St George Island was really tempting, but it seems we may be a little late to find a good camp spot there - pretty much booked I think. Of course we may up and come home at any point. We'll have a pup along; so will have to take that into account.

 

Anyway, any thoughts, advice, suggestions or info would be much appreciated - as always.

 

Tom

[mountainborn]

No agenda ! Tom, that's a true vacation ! I don't know how many folks I have talked to, that tried to anticipate all of the things that they could take from home, that they just knew they would need in their new trailer. In most cases they brought some stuff that they had to haul around until they got back home again. He, he, yeh we is guilty !

I have heard it suggested on other forums that you bring a couple of changes of clothes and pick up what you learn that you need as you go.

No time frame to contend with, no schedule, just the freedom of the open road and new experiences. Wooo Hooo ! Sweet !

Starting off a trip with a new Oliver, and early Spring on the Natchez Trace, very cool.

[earthdancer]

If any of you end up in the Florida Panhandle, I highly recommend St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, just south of Port St. Joe, on Cape San Blas! It's a beautiful state park with both pull through and back in campsites, full bath facilities and 2 campgrounds to choose from. My favorite is the one right on the water, just walk over the dunes to the beach and inhale that great salt water aroma that cleanses the soul! Here is a link to my website that shows photos of that campground: http://www.flickr.com/photos/earthdance ... 406170680/

 

Here is the link to the campground:

http://www.stateparks.com/saint_joseph_peninsula.html

 

Here is a note....... as beautiful as St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is, it isn't pet friendly. No pets are allowed on the beaches. However, the next beach is Indian Pass Beach and the pets are free to wander without leashes there. It is also 4-wheel drive friendly if you stay off the dunes!

 

Just a bit east of St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, about 15 miles, is Indian Pass. At the very end of Indian Pass is the Indian Pass Campground. Great little campground right on the water with the beautiful St. Vincent's Island right across the bay. You can get a ferry over for $15. St. Vincent's is a wildlife refuge so you need to carry everything you will need for the next few hours because the ferry won't come back for 4 hours! That includes toilet paper! Bring a few extra shopping bags too...... you will want to pick up all the shells you find, there are some really nice shells over on St. Vincent Island.

Here is the link for info on St. Vincent's Island: http://www.fws.gov/saintvincent/

 

Here is the link to the Indian Pass Campground.

http://www.google.com/search?q=Indian+P ... =firefox-a

 

One Sunday, a few months ago, Chuck (tumblweed) and I had a picnic lunch at Indian Pass and watched as a pod of dolphin played in the water just a few yards from us!

 

If you decide to visit my neck of the woods..... let me know and I'll tell you all the neat places. Oh...... another good campground..... St. George Island State Park, right across the Bay from my place is beautiful too! hahahahaha.... I can keep you camping here for a few weeks with all the neat places around here!

Geri

[whaley]

Geri,

 

Thanks so much for all of the information on campgrounds and St Vincent Island. We have that area high on our list for sure. If it turns out that we turn left from Louisiana, we'll get in touch.

 

Best

 

Tom

[mountainborn]

PANCHO VILLA STATE PARK

Located three miles North of the Mexico/US border crossing on New Mexico Highway 11. Turn South off of Interstate Highway 10 at exit 82A in Deming New Mexico, travel nearly forty miles to Columbus and the State Park is located right on main Street. The park is on the actual site of a calvary battle. The onsite Museum is filled with so many artifacts that one visit isn't enough to begin to grasp it all. Here is a video from the drivers seat, over the dashboard and across the hood to give a general overview of the Campground portion of the State Park. Fourteen dollars a day, no sewer hookup, dump station on the grounds. Clean, well maintained restrooms and showers at a couple of locations. Border atmosphere, historical campsite, economical, yes, we will be back !

Here is a link to the drive through video:

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FihJl3i7aRU

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Mariachi Band playing at the Pink Store,Palomas Mexico, three short miles to the South.

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Metal Art Statue in front of the Pink Store.

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Statue of Pancho Villa across from the Pink Store.

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[tumbleweed]

Hi Tom!

Across the Mississippi River in Vidalia, La is River View RV Park and Resort. VERY nice. Stayed there 3 times as an overnite park but will stay there longer next visit! Sites 103 and up have view of river view. Nice walk on bluff overlooking river, great for dogs, lots of room! Wifi OK near office(which has nice small store} but further away gets weak quick but lounge area is comfortable, I just brought the laptop in. Lotsa' folk were using it as base for exploring Natchez and staff is knowledgable and courteous!

Chuck

[whaley]

Hi Chuck,

 

Thanks so much. That sounds like a place for us.

 

Best,

Tom

[earthdancer]

Withlacoochee River County Park in Dade City Florida is one of the hidden gems of Florida. Florida has always been known for it's outstanding state parks, but sometimes there are smaller, less flashy but no less beautiful gems known as County Parks. Worth seeking out. When you enter the park, go to the end of the road to the Ranger's office and pay $5 per night you intend to stay. Then he will direct you to Ma's Big Way Road and you will turn left there onto a huge field where Native American Pow Wow's are held several times per year. That is why you will find a big prayer/dance circle near the center. There is a big one coming up on Mothers Day weekend, so don't plan to camp there then..... but it is a wonderful Pow Wow to attend. It is the last one of winter and many will return to the northern states they reside in. This is one of the largest Pow Wow's in Florida, and in my opinion, one of the best! Full beautiful dancing regalia, the most amazing drums, lots of arts and crafts and demonstrations. Plenty of good food, usually including gator bites and fry breads. As you turn onto this big empty field, you are free to find yourself a spot under one of the few shade trees in the area or out in the open!

 

I have attached a few photos, but if you go to my flickr website listed below my signature, there will be more photos there of this park. This park is very easy to find You can google it, or mapquest it or if you are still confused you can PM me or Sherry (seadawg) for more specific directions. She and I have decided to wait for you to ask for specific directions because we don't want to ruin this beautiful park with hundreds of huge motorhomes coming the same weekend we want to rally! Let's kind of keep this our little secret at the Oliver family forums! Grin. However, because there are plentiful open spaces, bring your kites, your model airplanes, your solar panels, your bikes, your kayaks, your hiking boots and your barbeque grill. Also bring your manners and clean up after yourself. The park is ok about small dogs on leashes, but clean up after your dogs too please!

I will add a few more photos to that flickr link below as I get time to edit the photos!

[SeaDawg]

Thanks for the great photos, Geri. You have an amazing eye. I love the cypress on your flicker website.

It's a beautiful campsite. See you there again soon!

 

Sher

[earthdancer]

I saw you with a camera too..... surely you have a few more photos you can add???

 

Chuck and I will head down there Sunday, the 30th. Hope to see you there soon! Anybody else up for joining us at Withlacoochee ???

 

I am adding a few more images here, and on the flickr website posted in my signature.

 

Geri

[earthdancer]

I should have mentioned, it was Sherry I saw with a camera and I know she took a few photos as well! Here are a few more.

[SeaDawg]

Love that oak.... All it take is an amazing eye and a good camera.... I have the cameral... but.... Sorry, geri, my pix don't hold a candle to yours.... I'm so glad you were there, camera in hand.

 

See you next week. Happy Easter.

 

Sher

[tumbleweed]

Sonora Caverns and Campground in Sonora TX about 15 miles off I-10.

The campground is good but the attraction is the Cavern itself. This is a private campground as are the caverns and they give a GREAT tour..about 2 hrs and the groups are small, max 6, and the guides are VERY knowledgeable! Only overnighted but will go back to see again, absolutely fascinating! Univ of Texas finding cancer fighting ingredients in some of the deposits!!

Chuck

[SeaDawg]

On the recommendation of some campers we met on our last trip to NC, we stayed at Santee State Park, Santee, SC near the intersection of I-95 and I-26. We camped in the Cypress section, 50 sites, wooded, beautiful... Big breeze the nights we were there, so no mosquitos, got chilly enough for the furnace to kick in several times set on low. No need for an awning... lots of big old trees.... along with a magnificent view of Lake Marion, a flooded Cypress Swamp. Water and electric, dump station on the way out. The town of Santee is 3 miles away with all the usual services-gas stations, supermarket, McD's ... and cute local restaurants. There is also a 100 site campground on the other side of Lake Marion, just as beautiful from what the park ranger told me. Nice, clean bathrooms with hot showers. Lots of trails for hiking. Cabins also available for reservation if you are meeting trailer-less friends. Very enjoyable experience. Sorry, I can't post pix of my own right now, but here's the link to the state website and santee. Look thru the pix on the left hand side. Cost varies from about $16 to $25. Pick a bigger spot on the website than what you think you need.... Trees can make it difficult to back into some of the small sites.

 

http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/photo-gallery/default.aspx

 

South Carolina state parks are celebrating their 75th anniversary with the theme "Come out and Play".... Great theme, great time... Hope you get a chance to visit!!! We'll check out more on our trips to NC this year.... and keep you updated. South Carolina people have welcomed all of us warmly...

 

Sherry

[earthdancer]

Great see you backed and STOPPED! No sense doing a float test, not guaranteed by factory!!!!

Thanks for posting a great looking campground!!!!

Chuck Tumbleweed

[mountainborn]

Kirby Landing, Lake Greeson, Daisy Arkansas. Here is a video clip of the campground:

With our "Geezer Pass", , at eight dollars a day, we just love it.

[mountainborn]

I recieved this report from a Airstreamer that travels from Colorado to Arkansas quite a bit. He stays here often, particularly if getting in late at night. We camped beside this fellow geocacher in Clarksville Arkansas beside the Lake, and he posts on a couple of forums that we frequent. Because of the honor pay system with a drop box, he can pull in late at night and get a few hours sleep hooked to shore power, running the air conditioning, or the electric heat as needed.

Cities that want to promote tourism are starting to have RV parking at their city parks. This is one such city, just off of I 40 in El Reno Oklahoma, West of OKC.

We plan to stop here on our first night out when heading for Colorado.

Here is the map:

Here is the physical address if you want to put it into the program that you use in your laptop:

2001 Babcock, El Reno, OK 73036

Website for the Park / Campground, there is even a photo of the honor pay drop box:

http://www.cityofelreno.com:729/Default.asp?

Here is a look at a map that shows the highway interchanges in the OKC area and the location of El Reno to them:

Because we will start our trip after work, it will be late when we get to El Reno, but the advantage is that Oklahoma City will be behind us for an early start and lots of open road for us the next morning.

[stuartw]

Here's the back end of our trailer and the view from our site during a recent stay at Campfire Lodgings RV Park & Campground near Asheville NC. Yes, I double-checked to make sure that the wheels were chocked before I undid the hitch!

 

The park is relatively small, very well run, and located along a high ridge at 2500' elevation which is how you get the killer view.

 

It's a quiet place and doesn't have the amenities (pool, game room, etc.) for entertaining the little ones, but that's perfectly fine by us. There are five premium spots that make the trip up the relatively steep and narrow entrance road worthwhile - we spent three nights in site #2 and enjoyed every minute of it. Full hookups, dead-level concrete pads, and friendly staff helped to make the first stop of our 1600 mile trip very pleasant ... especially after a 7 hour drive!

 

Campfire Lodgings

116 Appalachian Village Road, Asheville, NC 28804

1-800-933-8012

http://www.campfirelodgings.com

 

Cheers,

 

Stuart

[mountainborn]

Sweet ! Killer view is right. Got any more pix ?

[stuartw]

Well since you asked here's three more!

 

This was our firepit and the view beyond ... the bright area you see just over the fence post is the French Broad River. Not about to guess how that name came about.

This was the view out of our TT's door - ten steps and you're over the edge, so use a flashlight at night!

And this was the sky after a big storm complete with 50-60 MPH winds blew threw. Oddly enough the winds blew up and over the ridge such that we barely felt them, but the trees on the other side of the park got thrashed ...

 

Cheers,

 

Stuart

[ScubaRx]

The French Broad is a beautiful river running through North Carolina and Tennessee. It flows near the Biltmore House in Ashville.

 

It was originally just one of two broad (wide) Rivers in western North Carolina . The one which flowed North into French Colonial territory was named the French Broad and the other which stayed in English territory (the American colonies) was named the English Broad, now just known as the Broad River.

[technomadia]

Yes, I double-checked to make sure that the wheels were chocked before I undid the hitch!

 

Now I get it! I guess we're lucky we only dented the bumper of the TV rather than watching the Oliver fly.

 

Tom

 

Though why use wheel chocks? Couldn't you just lower the stabilizer jacks to prevent the Oliver from rolling?

 

I have been spoiled by the hand brake on the tongue of Tab. It is a fabulous feature.

 

- Chris

[stuartw]

Though why use wheel chocks? Couldn't you just lower the stabilizer jacks to prevent the Oliver from rolling?

 

I really wouldn't count on those stab jacks to do double-duty as anchors, especially because it looks like their landing pads are just flat metal plates with the edges rolled upwards. Not much friction there from what I can see in the pictures. I suppose if you're using the stab jacks more as levelers and actually have the tires off the ground while you're camping you wouldn't be very likely to roll, but that's a whole 'nother discussion!

 

Remember that fully loaded with all of your worldly possessions your new Oliver will be pushing two tons. It doesn't take much of a slope or much of an accidental nudge from your TV (yes it happens occasionally!) to make things start moving. I've seen a trailer, admittedly larger than an Oliver, drag hard enough on a sloping site for the nose jack tube to dig a long gouge in the asphalt campsite paving ...

 

The chocks don't have to be anything fancy, just rocks or pieces of split firewood (a personal favorite) if you don't want to buy anything official from Camping World or elsewhere. For what it's worth I always 1) place chocks on each side of the rig 2) separate the hitch / ball 3) disconnect the safety chains once I'd sure that everything's stable and then finally 4) disconnect the breakaway cable. I figure that if all else fails and the trailer starts to move I could always yank the breakaway and activate the trailer brakes, so it's the last thing I remove.

 

My $0.02.

 

Stuart