CAMPGROUND REPORTS

[mountainborn]

http://www.rvparkreviews.com/regions/Georgia/Columbus.html#CGID875

Piney Lake Campground and Rv park. Stayed one night here while visiting Fort Benning. Regular rate $28. With good sam it was $23.50. Full hookups with Wifi. The wifi didn't reach our campsite, though. Speed bumps on gravel roads and parking spaces. Speed limit posted at 4.6 MPH ! Check in and out time 11 am. Good pool. Showers average, park well maintained. Though by railroad tracks, we heard only one train and it was during the day. Easy to find with wide spaces.

Clean and quiet. A good stay. We will stay there again as the occasion warrants.

[SeaDawg]

The disappearing urban campground...

Lake Julian Park Campground in West Ashville, NC is (sadly) closed. A small campground tucked on the end of the lake (where you can't see the stacks of the CP&L power plant) was closed this year. The Buncombe County park service is building big pavilions there for family reunions instead of maintaining this little jewel of an urban campground. However, it's still a nice spot for a day stop and picnic and/or fishing (especially fall and winter, as it's a thermal lake), and the campground entrance is still open as a park entrance. A fishing permit for one day can be purchased at the entrance kiosk on the usual campground honor system. Restroom is still open, but the water to the shower stalls is cut off, as is the electric to the campsites.

 

Sherry

[earthdancer]

BAD CAMPGROUND ALERT ! Jackson RV Park, Jackson, TN ! You pay $22 per night for a parking lot! Advertised as 12 "pull thrus" and full hook ups. OK, they are full hook-ups and having the a/c was nice. But the sites were very narrow, right off the interstate so it was very noisy. There was a "laundromat" there, 3 washers and 2 dryers all very old and laundry room was filthy. We chose it from Woodall's directory when we left the Oliver factory, and we were just too tired at that stage to move on to another campground. So beware this campground, I would have preferred the peace and quiet of a Walmart parking lot to the constant roar of 18-wheelers at this one! Geri

[earthdancer]

GOOD CAMPGROUND REPORT! About 13 miles off I-40 exit 242 just west of Memphis TN and West Memphis Arkansas is Village Creek State Park! In fact, as soon as you find an Arkansas Welcome Station, pull in and get the free Arkansas State Parks Guide! A good investment at half the price! Or you can visit http://www.ArkansasStateParks.com ! Every state park I have visited in Arkansas has been above and beyond what I expected!

 

Our site is right on the lake, there are woods all around us, but none directly overhead. The campsites are very large with picnic tables, grills, lantern hooks and the feel of a backyard patio! The rates are $27 per night with full hook-ups, restrooms and showers close by. I'll give a report on those later when I add a few photos of this place!

 

Chuck and I will be here a few days before moving on to Woolly Hollow State Park which is near Conroy Arkansas, 1/2 way between here and our destination of the Fiberglass Travel Trailer Rally near Fort Smith, Arkansas!

 

VILLAGE CREEK STATE PARK is a 5 star with us!

 

Geri

PS: The restrooms and showers are clean and fully set up for a person in a wheelchair.

Photos will have to be after we get home as I have no way to edit photos to a smaller size on this new laptop!

[SeaDawg]

It's just so difficult to pick a good campground in Arkansas, the natural state.

 

You have to open the state map, close your eyes, point a finger, and set the Gps. There's an amazing variety of terrain in the state, nice roads, little traffic, and beautiful state, USFS, and Corps of Engineer campgrounds in abundance.

 

We spent our first night in Arkansas at Lake Ouachita State Park near Hot Springs. Two of the loops are lakefront, and the campsites are amazing. $18.50 a night buys water, electric, immaculate shower houses, and incredible views.

 

 

 

Less with senior pass, less out of season.... We got lucky, the loop was empty when we arrived because the CG had been closed for several days due to the effects of Hurricane Gustav and cancellations and power outages. Call ahead for reservations in season... way ahead... June 2009 is totally booked. If you're lucky enough to travel in spring or fall, life is good.... and the weather is mild. Lots of space, level, and really nice people in the camp office and store.

Sherry

[SeaDawg]

A short drive from Lake Ouachita is Petit Jean State Park, the first state park in Arkansas. Near the top of a small mountain (about 1100 ft elevation) is a lovely little lake, and a lovely little campground. Some with lake view, some woodland. Along the road to the CG is beautiful Cedar Falls, viewed from a beautifully designed and landscaped handicap-accessible ramp. Many of the CG sites have full hookups, pretty rare in most state parks. Lots of history here, and lots to do with hiking trails, the falls, and a pioneer cabin.

 

[SeaDawg]

From Petit Jean SP, AR, it's another short drive to Mt. Magazine SP, Arkansas's highest point, at just under 3000 feet. We towed the Oliver up, looked around, but the day was not inviting... lots of clouds, rain, and chilly at higher elevation. We saved the idea for another day.... but here's a peek...

 

And the Oliver trails happily along on AR 309, on the way to Mt. Magazine

Usual bear and raccoon precautions posted, it's in the mountains.... Several "bulgemobiles" were camped up there... the road is steep for short stretches, but well marked and good pavement.... Heavily wooded campsites, the best views are from the road. Lots of trails, and on the weekends, activities and interpretive programs. Nice bathhouse and facilities. Hookups. Very small campground, nicely kept. The campground road is long... and newly resurfaced after you pass the visitor center. Campsites are assigned at the center. Usual reasonable rates for Arkansas state parks. Call ahead in the busy season. Lots of spaces in September.

Sherry

[SeaDawg]

US Forest Service Campground Cove Lake, near Paris, AR

$10 a night buys a piece of heaven on earth. No hookups, but who needs them with an Oliver? Water spigots spaced around, vault toilets. There are showers at the swimming hall down the road (looong hike or bike ride...) for those who want them... Out of season, after Labor Day, we had the entire campground loop to ourselves. No kidding. No one but us and the birds... and the little gnats. Our site was about 75 x 160 feet, paved, level, terraced walk down to the shore and campfire ring.... OMG... what a place!

Our campsite

Wildflowers View from the campsite

We had a wonderful time... Could have stayed a month. With such a huge, private campsite, separated to the left and right with ravines and emerging hardwood forest mixed with ancient pines... it was such a delightful surprise. About 50 campsites, some more private than others, but all nicely planned and rustically "developed". Some pull-thrus. We'll definitely be back.

Sherry

[mountainborn]

OVERLAND RV PARK VANBUREN ARKANSAS

Located at exit 5 on I 40 in the Western side of the state, Overland Park is in the South East side of the interchange behind the MOTEL 6. Restaurants and grocery stores are very nearby within easy walking distance, even with a bag of groceries. WalMart and other retail outlets are nearby at the North East side of the interchange.

Although there are no trees or picnic tables, the park is clean and well maintained, up to and including the showers, restrooms, laundromat and club house. The management is gracious and very helpful.

At the front of the park is a RV supply store with sales and service. They gave a good presentation one afternoon about RV maintennance and troubleshooting.

 

[SeaDawg]

Pomme de Terre Lake, near Pittsburg, MO

There are three great campgrounds on Pomme de Terre Lake, about an hour north of Branson Missouri, near Pittsburg, Hermitage and Nemo MO. PdT State Park has campgrounds on two different fingers, Hermitage and Pittsburg, with lots of services (marina, beach, etc.... hookups or no for camping, see the Missouri State Parks website). Some loops are open year round. Reservations available.

 

We stayed at the Army Corps of Engineers campground near Nemo. Two campground loops, both with plentiful waterfront sites. Our loop had no hookups (don't need em... we have all we need in our Oliver), and composting toilets. Other loop had hookups, showerhouses, etc. There's a boat ramp ($5). Beautiful campsites on both loops... nice separation, lots of trees, a little "patio" pad to open the awning that jutted out over the lake in ours.... a pull thru for $14 a night. Less with "geezer" pass.... Rates from $8 to 22 a night, depending on site and services required.

 

Once again, we had the loop to ourselves, although the loop across the lake with hookups was pretty full in mid-September. Showerhouses open thru Sept. Electricity thru October, but campground is open year round.

 

Beautiful Missouri has 39 state park campgrounds, some enormous (see Lake of the Ozarks and the bigger lakes...), some smaller. A number of Army Corps parks, too. Choose your terrain... the lakes, the woods, the Ozarks....

A view of Pomme de Terre Lake (apple of the earth... or potato... in French)

[earthdancer]

I have to reccommend Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murphreesboro Arkansas!

for $42 for 3 nights. we got water, electric with dumpstation when we leave. It's a beautiful campground, nicely spaced, shaded, picnic table with lantern hook, fire ring with grill and very clean restrooms and showers equipped for handicapped. http://www.CraterOfDiamondsStatePark is 8th largest diamond mine world and lt is the only one where for $6.50 you get a full day of digging and get to keep any of the diamonds you find. There were 3 found yesterday. Chuck and I weren't the lucky ones, but maybe today. There have been some real whoppers found here too. I promise to send photos later, you'll just have to take our word for it, this place is fun and worth a visit! Also, after a hard day of digging, Chuck and I went searching for good food in Murpreesboro and found it at Rico Habaneros, a Mexican Restaurant that was one of the best I have eaten at in a long time. They just opened up last Saturday, so it's new here. You will find it on 27 north of the courthouse about a mile on a sharp curve. 100 East 13th street! About 5 miles from the campsite.

Downtown Murphreesboro looks interesting too with several rock and gem shops, antiques shops and just a variety all around the old courthouse down town. We may go explore that later on today!

Life is a road worth traveling!

Geri and Chuck

[SeaDawg]

In northwest Georgia, James H. "Sloppy" Floyd State Park, near Summerville, Georgia,(not too far from Rome) south of HWY 27, is a nice little park to spend an evening or weekend... Two lakes, small but stocked, hiking trails, and a nice campground. One lane loop road, newly paved but narrow. Decent and clean bathroom & showerhouse, campsites have the usual fire ring, picnic table, decently spaced but not as much elbow room as many other state parks we've visited, "nestled in the wooded hillside" means no view of the lake, just the surrounding trees, a mix of pines and hardwoods, and very little breeze, either. Georgia parks are a bit pricey compared to many other neighboring states . Water & electric, dump station as you exit the park, was $24 plus another $3 to drive the road and park your vehicle. An annual pass, should you want to spend a lot of time in Georgia, is $30... for parking. No discount on camping comes with the pass, just unlimited day use & parking. Many of the state parks charge even higher fees... up to $50 a night at some of the more popular ones (plus the $3). Less for seniors.Day or annual fishing license required for the lake. About half the sites were occupied on a weeknight in September.... Sherry

[SeaDawg]

Land between the Lakes, Piney Campground, Northwest Tennesse & Southwest Kentucky. An excellent place to spend a week or more. This forty mile long park between two ACE lakes offers so much to do: a marina, boating (rentals available),a planetarium, an elk & bison habitat, bison range, hands on "nature station", hiking trails, hunting, fishing, a pioneer homestead museum, bike trails... take your pick. Two other big campgrounds besides Piney, and other small primitive CGs as well, over 15 camping spots and campgrounds in all. In September, Piney sponsors a five-day camping festival with bands, flea market, RV show... If you've read my "Perfect Fit", you know I loved it there in the tent loop, right on the lakeshore. Lakeside spots are also available in the RV loops, with hookups, but you may want to reserve ahead for Piney or any of the others if you want hookups. view of the lake from our site in Sweetgum

One of the RV loops. The marina at the north end of LbL.

 

All the loops had decent spacing. Bathrooms were neat and clean, though not new, and no lights in the bathroom in the tent section, but there's a hook for your lantern. In Sweetgum, no hookups, $14, I think, and less for seniors. About $10 more for hookups. Really pleasant hosts greet you at the entry gate. Pets ok. Small entrance fees to Elk & Bison Habitat, Planetarium, etc.. a combo pass is available. Created in 1963 as a national recreation area, to enhance the environment left from the creation of Kentucky & Berkely Lakes, and promote growth in the area. They did it well. Entrances near Paducah, KY, and in Tennesee, north of Nashville. More info at their website: http://www.kentuckylake.com/lbl/main.htm

 

Sherry

[SeaDawg]

Mousetail Landings State Park, near Linden, Tennessee, is a lovely little campground for the money, but a tough access road for newer towers or underpowered vehicles. The road in and out has stretches of very steep (I'd estimate 15% or better) grades. Though well paved and wide enough, it would not be an easy drive for beginners. It is also not very well marked.

Nicely spaced, shaded sites, most of the 24 have water and electric. Bathrooms are clean and neat. Only $16, less for seniors.

However, if you're new to towing, or your engine is small, David Crockett SP is almost as close to Hohenwald, and a much easier drive.( It is also a very nice park, only a few dollars more, and we enjoyed our stay very much.)

Mousetail offers hiking, fishing, and swimming... I understand there's a no hookups campground nearby, Spring Creek, but we didn't see it. Probably even less. Tennessee keeps their parks neat, clean, and affordable.

Campsite photo at Mousetail

 

One of the steep and not very wide roads in Mousetail

 

Sherry

[dougi]

When we left the campground that Oliver paid for, we went to Meriwether Lewis Park Campground at mile 385.9 on the Natchez Trace Parkway and camped free.

 

There are no hookups but there's water (with threaded faucets) and flush toilets are available in the campground. It is well maintained by the National Park Service and very attractive with a lot of trees. You can't find a site that is not shaded, so your solar panels will not do you much good. There are fire rings/grills, and picnic tables at each site. Roads are all paved as are the trailer pads.

 

We like the place very much and have spent several days here. The price is right (free) and the park is great. Hiking trails surround the park. Meriwether Lewis was shot, died, and buried here in the park in the fall of 1809.

 

 

Driving on the Natchez Trace Parkway is a real treat. Unique in all America. Low traffic, none commercial, 50 MPH speed limit, great fuel milage, no stop signs, no billboards, no private driveways, just very beautiful scenery and a peaceful drive with much history to learn and share. Try it. I think you'll like it.

[SeaDawg]

Doug,

We stopped briefly at the Meriwether Lewis Monument on our way out of 1000 Trails, but missed the sign to the campground. We went on to a state park, instead. Is the Meriweather Lewis CG far from the Monument? Sounds really nice, especially when our guidebook listed it as "primitive camping only, free.".... I thought it was probably only for tents. My mistake, I see!

Sherry

[dougi]

Sherry, this campground is about one mile from the Lewis Monument and is well suited for big rigs. There are a number of pull-thru sites and most sites can accommodate 40 foot rigs with a dingy.

 

According to what I'm told by the campground host, who is present only during October and November, this place is almost empty during other times, but is almost full when the snowbirds start coming down from the north.

 

This is the nicest free campground I've ever seen and there are two more on the Parkway, south of here, on the Parkway. I plan to stay at one of them on our return trip home.

[SeaDawg]

Doug,

Please keep us informed on the next two campgrounds on the Natchez... Sounds like a place we'd love! We'd like to drive more of the Natchez on one of these trips. We've only seen a few sections, but we agree, it's relaxing and beautiful.

 

Thanks.

Sherry

 

PS How many sites (approx) are there in the Meriweather Lewis Campground? And, do you have cell service there?

[dougi]

Sherry, there are 32 sites at Meriwether Lewis (mile 385.9), 18 sites at Jeff Busby (mile 193.1), and 22 sites at Rocky Springs (mile 54.8). Miles are from Natchez, MS.

 

We do have cell phone service and broadband internet on Verizon here at Meriwether Lewis.

 

I'll post from the other site we stay at, if we have internet access (cell phone service on Verizon). If not, I'll post when I do have access. Our cell phone amplifier and booster is almost worthless as it is currently installed. It amplifies for a few seconds and then stops for a minute or two, dropping our calls when it stops. It is not reliable enough to use at this point. I think the interior antenna will have to be reinstalled at a different location or different orientation from its current location and orientation.

 

Maybe some other users of this system can offer some suggestions? I've noticed that when I take the interior antenna from its mount and hold it facing down, rather than rearward, the system works pretty well, but who is going to stand there and hold it while I use the computer or cellphone? No one I know.

[SeaDawg]

Thanks, Doug, for the info. We'll definitely check it out next time we're through middle Tennessee.

We have stayed at David Crocket State Park, which was very reasonable, south of Hohenwald, and Henry Horton SP (north). Of the two, I prefer Henry Horton. Nice campsites, and one of the nicest bath houses in a TN state park. Tennessee is justifiably proud of their state park system... We've stayed in eight or ten so far, and have enjoyed each one.

Sherry

[dougi]

Tonight and tomorrow night we are staying at Natchez Trace State Park, about 10 miles west of Tupelo, MS.

 

The park is nice but not fancy. It has full hookups for $14 per night for seniors (65 and up). I think that is a good value. The park is on a lake and the camp sites are right on the lake. We have phone service although it's not real strong. We have broadband internet through Verizon.

 

This morning we were at Oliver getting some things working right. Left just before noon and drove down to Tupelo on the Parkway. Wednesday we head for Natchez to stay a couple of days and see the town and the antebellum homes. Natchez, MS and Savanna, GA are two Southern towns that were spared the burnings during the Civil War.

[SeaDawg]

Tom

We'll find you some good spots! Please let us know when you and Karen will be in Florida. Time for a rally!

Sherry and Paul

PS Our Florida Gulfcoast is a beautiful place to visit. Fort DeSoto Park is not far from us... miles of beaches and great shell collecting.

[SeaDawg]

We've found that our first pick may not have been available, but 2nd pick (or 3rd) was awesome. Let us know your dates, and I'll try to see what I can do locally, if you want DeSoto or something in Pinellas. As in many campgrounds, there are cancellations...and sometimes, as locals, we get a little edge by being able to show up in person at the office.

Please pm if you have a timeframe. We're home most of the winter.

Sherry & Paul

[tumbleweed]

Hi Tom n Karen!

We'll be close to SeaDawg from Christmas prolly thru latter part of Jan. Let us know your plans and maybe we can make it a 3 Oliver rally!

Be advised that the panhandle area of FL can be a mite chilly now thru March!

Hope to meet up with ya'll!!

Chuck n Geri

[tumbleweed]

I feel a rally forming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chuck n Geri