Campground Reviews

Hacienda RV Park, Las Cruces, NM (April 26-27, 2013)

Very nice, very clean, nice showers and laundry, huge outdoor hot tub.  *9*

Campsite off Forest Service Road 751B, Happy Jack, AZ (June 13-16, 2013)

Our little slice of heaven, return here to camp every summer, no facilities but lots of stars in the sky.  *9*

American RV Park, Albuquerque, NM (July 18, 2013)

Very modern, large, clean, lots of friendly people, lots of dogs, right off the freeway.  *9*

Gunsmoke Trav-L-Park, Dodge City, KS (July 19, 2013)

Just OK, lots of rules, “store” and “ice cream parlor” don’t really exist, people not real friendly.  *6*

Bluff’s Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino, Council Bluffs, IA (July 20, 2013)

Literally a concrete pad outside the casino but at the start of RAGBRAI so what can you do.  *6*

Prairie Rose State Park, Harlan, IA (July 21, 2013)

Sites face a beautiful lake.  Fairly private and quiet.  Nice showers.  *8*

Lewis A. Jester Park Campground at Saylorville Lake, Granger, IA (July 22, 2013)

Co-ed showers.  Need I say more.  *8*

Walnut Woods State Park, West Des Moines, IA (July 23, 2013)

Our site was right in the middle of a circle of everyone else.  Not private at all.  Dump station was a disgusting, smelly mess.  Lots of other “campers” looked like they were basically living there full time.  *6*

Whitebreast Recreation Area Campground, Knoxville, IA (July 24, 2013)

Sites in a row so fairly private. Walking distance to big fishing lake.  Most beautiful and accessible dump station of the entire trip.  *8*

Lake Keomah State Park, Oskaloosa, IA (July 25, 2013)

Bustling, busy, friendly, happy but relatively small.  Very nice dump station and restrooms.  *8*

Duck Haven Campground, Fort Madison, IA (July 26, 2013)

Literally a huge grassy patch in the middle of a cornfield.  Trains go by every 20 minutes which some might find annoying, but we loved it.  Dogs were able to be off-leash and run around in the field.  Showers pretty gross.  *6*

Potato Creek State Park Family Campground, North Liberty, IN (July 27, 2013)

Absolutely gorgeous campground with tons of families, kids, pets.  Beautiful showers, amazing bike trails, wished we could stay longer.  About 40 minutes from Culver, which was a little far to go back and forth. *9*

Little Patch of Dirt outside Culver Academies, Culver, IN (July 28, 2013)

Super convenient to Max’s summer camp (across the street), 5 electric hookups, no charge,  *8* 

Granite City KOA Campground, Granite City, IL (July 29, 2013)

Quite a ways off the beaten path; nothing too special; not as nice as it looked online.  *6*

Twin Fountains RV Resort, Oklahoma City, OK (July 30, 2013)

Super deluxe, large, paved, beautiful pool, nice store, convenient to freeway.  *9*

Santa Rosa Campground and RV Park, Santa Rosa, NM (July 31, 2013)

Very little landscaping but no Verizon in Santa Rosa so their WiFi came in real handy.  BBQ restaurant on-site and we didn’t eat there but others who did said it was great.  Much more attractive than other one, La Loma.  *6*

K-Bar RV Resort, Show Low, AZ (August 1, 2013)

Small but friendly; mostly long-term tenants but 3 spaces for overnighters.  About 3 miles off main drag.  *7*

Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort, Las Vegas, NV (September 20-22, 2013)

Beautiful park, very clean, 3 miles south of Mandalay Bay, all the amenities, really nice.  *7*

Glen Ivy RV Park, Corona, CA (January 1, 2014)

Marijuana smoke smell, children running rampant, very tight quarters, not as pictured on website.  *2*

Dockweiler Beach RV Park, Playa Del Rey, CA (January 2-4, 2014)

 Pros: Right on a beautiful beach & 22 mile bike path.  Cons: Right under LAX flight paths.  *8*

Patagonia Lake State Park, Patagonia, AZ (February 15-19, 2014)

 Birders’ paradise, east campground much more spread out and quiet than west campground which as a lot more families and children.  Would pick spots #32 or #33 if we went back.  Also spots labeled “RV Tent” (like #25 or #27) have a nice area next to them where you could also pitch a tent. And there are boat-in site too.  Cool!  *7*

Queen Mine RV Park, Bisbee, AZ (March 12-13, 2014)

Very small, very peaceful, the only in-town park in Bisbee, 5 minutes walking distance to town.  Perched on a hill overlooking Bisbee.  *8*

Wells Fargo RV Park, Tombstone, AZ (March 14, 2014) 

Three words: location, location, location.  It is a clean park but nothing special; but in Tombstone you want to be here because you are one block from the main drag.  Extremely convenient.  Do not stay anywhere else “in Tombstone” as you will be too far away.  *7*

Picacho Peak RV Park, Picacho Peak, AZ (March 15, 2014)

 Extremely nice park for 55 and older (as long as one person in your party is over 55, you can stay there).  Lots of full-time residents but also many overnight hookup spots. Friendly people, nice facilities and smallish pool and hot tub, nice concrete patio pads at each site. Spot #127.  *8*

Fort Tuthill County Campground, Flagstaff, AZ (May 24-26, 2014) 

Your basic pretty, wooded campsite, with neighbors fairly close-by but everyone was happy and friendly. Some of the RV sites have water and sewer, but none have electric.  *6*

Wahweap Marina RV Park, Page, AZ (June 21-22, 2014)

Super nice, super clean, huge pads, quietest park we’ve stayed in yet.  Site D-04 (and surrounding spots) is awesome for the breezes/view off Lake Powell and lack of surrounding pads. Would be rated a 10 if not for the gross locker-room style showers used by everyone at the lake, whether staying in RV park or not.   *9*

Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort, Springdale, UT (June 23-24, 2014)

Amazing location right outside Zion’s west entrance gate, set beneath the towering rocks of Zion, huge/clean laundry room, sparkling pool.  Sites along the river are simply amazing.  Would be rated a 9 except for the fact that showers are run by tokens and you only get two six-minute tokens per day.  Booooo.  Still, it’s a …. *8* for location alone.

Lakeside RV Campground, Provo, UT (June 25,2014)

Not far from I-15, very nice and modern, sparkling pool, converted airstream trailer selling shaved ice and homemade ice cream in the evenings, huge grassy off-leash dog area.  *9*

Jackson Hole Campground, Jackson, WY (June 26-28, 2014)

 Beautiful area but so-so campground.  All the sites are squished together and not very level.  About a 10 minute drive to town, but closer to Grand Teton Park entrance and Teton Village.  It’s not a bad park but was one of the most expensive of our six week trip ($78/night) so we expected a lot more for the price.  For that reason … *6*

Fishing Bridge RV Park, Yellowstone, WY (June 29-July 2, 2014)

 The only full-hookup campground in Yellowstone.  Great central location (as central as you can get, anyway). Huge – 348 spots. Long, long walk to showers and always long lines to get in.  Quite a few mosquitos.  Beautiful woods everywhere.  Back in spots only.  We stayed in “G” loop and deemed G to be the best.  *7*

Rustic Wagon RV Campground, West Yellowstone, MT (July 3-4, 2014)

 Wonderful, small, private.  Better than any other RV park in town that we saw.  On the far edge of town but still only about 6 blocks to town square.  Helpful owners.  Sparkling clean bathrooms, showers, laundry.  Tight corners to get in and out.  Would definitely stay here again.  *9*

Torrey’s Burnt Creek Inn RV Resort, Stanley, ID (July 5, 2014)

 Beautiful location between Challis and Stanley.  Only 10 spots and only 1 is pull-through.  15 acres that are yours to roam and access to the Salmon River.  Beautiful horse farm across the street.  Right on the highway but not much traffic so we were not bothered by it.  Ancient laundry facilities and showers do not have individual separate dressing areas, so that’s a bummer.  Overall, a *7*.

Mountain View RV Park, Baker City, OR (July 6, 2014)

Absolutely darling park on the small side.  About 3 miles off freeway.  Great facilities, laundry room, indoor hot tub, pool, bathrooms, showers, and small store.  Nice people.  Can’t say a single bad thing about it.  Request site #104.  *9*

Memaloose State Park (July 7-8, 2014)

Our spot #B-35 was perched on a hill and had great views of the water, but no trees and not a lick of shade … and it can be hot there in the summer.  Did not use the facilities but loved the park.  Easy to get into from the east but if you are coming from the west (Hood River City) you have to go three miles past it to find an entrance and then 3 miles back on the frontage road … kinda annoying after a while.  Trains run by the park but are pretty quiet and never blow their whistles.  Lots of ground squirrels drove the dogs crazy.  *8*

Rivers End Campground and RV Park, Chinook, WA (July 9, 2014)

Very level, large grassy sites, convenient to everything along the peninsula — Seaside, Long Beach, Ilwaco and Chinook.  Do not miss nearby Cape Disappointment State Park — amazing!  Jean is VERY friendly and outgoing and at happy hour time, the office turns into a party zone with laughter echoing throughout the park for hours — fun!  Definitely an older crowd.  Nothing to complain about here.  *8*

Cape Lookout State Park, Netarts, OR (July 10, 2014)

 Very popular campground, gorgeous towering trees, direct access to miles of deserted beaches, and a specified “OFF-LEASH” beach for dogs made this one of our favorite sites of the Oregon coast.  Even though there are lots of happy families everywhere, it is pin-drop-quiet at night and in the mornings.  Did not use the facilities as we were full hookup, but they also have nature programs, a little cart driving around selling firewood, and other little extras.  Bumpy, winding road to get there that looks like you are lost, but then suddenly there it is.  Our site C-59 was nice.  *9*

Seal Rock RV Cove, Seal Rock, OR (July 11-12, 2014)

Smallish park, friendly staff, crazy assortment of different type/size/elevation sites, loved our site #44 right near the entrance with big grassy lot next door and possibly the online site here with an actual view of the ocean.  Private path leads right to the ocean across the street with beautiful, isolated beach.  Only one shower stall in bathrooms so that’s a bummer.  Great cable TV and internet reception.  About 10 minutes from nearest “large” city of Newport.  All in all, a *8*.

Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, Florence, OR (July 13, 2014)

Small park, very convenient to darling town/bayfront of Florence, but the park itself left much to be desired.  It is primarily for people who want to ride their quads and buggies in the sand dunes right off the park, so the buzzing and revving of engines and the hauling of toys in and out of the park really disturbs the tranquility of the tall trees and beautiful forest.  Most of the campers here are in tents, everyone is jammed together, and at least at first glance the clientele seemed to be ruder and more low-class than other state parks we’ve stayed in.  *6*

Oceanside Beachfront RV Resort, Charleston, OR (July 14-15, 2014)

It is definitely beachfront — a short path through the trees and you are on a beautiful beach.  Because of its proximity to the beach, however, fine sand gets everywhere in the RV, and thick fog that last until noon makes that fine sand clump and stick to everything — a big mess.  The park roadways are made of sharp, chunky rocks that hurt the doggies’ feet when we walked.  Cute little restaurant out front, but it was never open.  The sites in back that line the beach are spacious, but the others are pretty close together.  *6*

Four Seasons RV Park, Gold Beach, OR (July 16, 2014)

Loved, loved, loved this park.  It is one of the first where we said, “yes we could live here for a month or more.”  5 sites situated on a bluff overlooking the Rogue River are grassy, pretty and private; the ones up the hill are still nice but not as special.  Cool breezes run down the river corridor.  Super-nice people, laundry with four washers and four dryers, nice showers.  Shady, raised BBQ/party deck in the middle of the park for socializing. Not a lot of tourist stuff nearby, but a gorgeous place.  Five windy miles off the main Highway 101.  *9+*

Azalea Glen RV Park, Trinidad, CA (July 17-18, 2014) 

Toward the south end of the Redwoods Forests.  Not particularly special, but a decently nice place nonetheless.  Best spot is definitely the one we had (#38) because of the large, private raised area just outside our door that was ours alone.  None of the other spots had anything like this.  Only one shower shall but that area was HUGE.  Great fenced pet run in the shade with beautiful gardens inside.  Rated a *7* but would probably be a *6* if you had any other spot besides #38.

Mountain Gate RV Park, Redding, CA (July 19-22, 2014)

About 10 minutes from the center of Redding, but very convenient to Lake Shasta and recreational opportunities to the north.  Busy park with level terraced sites.  The management is rather strange — they aren’t particularly friendly, the office is rarely open and there are TONS of rules, I mean an excessive amount of rules for everything.  Nice showers and laundry and a large gravel dog run.  *7*

49’er Village RV Park, Plymouth, CA (July 23, 2014)

The large property and the facilities were very nice, but the smallish/crowded together sites themselves were kinda crappy with crumbling, rocky asphalt and drainage issues which meant a lot of standing water all over.  Pool area nice, bathrooms nice, and the most darling little store/cafe.  Seems like there are a lot of long-term residents here but they are all very friendly and fun-minded. Nice grocery store right across the street. *7*

Yosemite Ridge Resort, Buck Meadows/Groveland, CA (July 24-26, 2014)

Nicely situated right between Groveland (great little town) and the Big Oak Flat Entrance to Yosemite.  Very small park, extremely friendly and helpful management.  Sites 8 (below), 9 and 15 are the ones to get for a lot of elbow room; the others are closer together.  Small store and gas station; small laundry and bathrooms we called “rustic but clean.” We were happy here!  Be prepared for slow-going on twisty roads with lots of hills to arrive in this area. *8*

Bakersfield RV Resort, Bakersfield, CA (July 27, 2014)

A nice in-city park right off CA-99.  Level dirt sites; concrete slabs with picnic tables.  Medium size swimming pool, spa, workout room, and deluxe bathrooms with granite countertops and nicely tiled showers.  Shockingly delicious breakfast at the on-property restaurant.  Cookies at check-in.  It was very nice but felt corporate and impersonal and lacking charm.  *7*

Emerald Desert RV Resort, Palm Desert, CA (July 28, 2014)

Very nice, large RV resort that was basically deserted when we visited in the summer;but it is surely packed with hip, active seniors from the midwest during the winter months.  Lots of cable TV channels and blazing-fast wireless Internet.  Huge pool, workout room, huge grassy pet run.  Level concrete sites; a little pricey but we liked it here.  About 20 miles east of Palm Springs.  *8*

Picacho Peak State Park, Eloy, AZ (November 21-23, 2014)

Absolutely lovely state park about midway between Phoenix and Tucson.  Awesome hiking trails, from easy to very difficult.  Large sites, widely spaced, most with ramadas, picnic tables, firerings and tent camping pads right next to them.  Clean bathrooms with super-big shower stalls.  Very quiet park; few children and most people stay to themselves.  Electric-only hookups, but easily accessible and clean dump station and water fill.  Good Verizon service and Phoenix TV reception via antenna. We looked at all the sites and decreed A-17 to be the best, backing up to a pretty hill instead of other RV’s.  *8*

Phoenix International Raceway, Good Sam National RV Rally, Phoenix, AZ (Feb 26-Mar 1, 2015)

Not really a campground; well, temporarily it was, anyway.  They brought in electricity but otherwise it was just a lovely, flat parking lot.  Good times at the Rally though!

 

Pleasant Harbor RV Resort, Peoria, AZ (May 22-25, 2015) 

We loved the layout, which consists of multiple huge square lawns with 4 RV’s backed up to one side, and 4 RV’s backed up to the other. Everyone shares the lawn space and ramada/picnic table.  Convenient walking distance to Lake Pleasant Marina.  Site T-40 definitely the best one for view of marina and general location. Not a quiet park with lots of boaters and young families and partyers, but everyone was friendly and we enjoyed the commotion.  Only ding would be for the fact that there is no sewer hookup, but there is a dump station.  *9*

Morefield Campground at Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez, CO (June 20-21, 2015)

This campground is located right in the national park, very convenient, and yet with full hookups (something very rare in national parks).  We were in Ute Lopp and sites were a little close together.  It is a DRIVE (not a walk) to get to the showers and laundry. Nice store with restaurant (famous pancake breakfasts) and gas pumps, very convenient to use.  *7*

Silver Summit RV Park, Silverton, CO (June 22-24, 2015)

Great location, walking/biking distance to downtown.  Sites close together but very level.  Back row looks right at a mountain with two waterfalls; the Durango-Silverton Railroad track runs right along the park (but does not sound its whistle nor run at night).  Staff is extremely friendly and helpful; jeep rentals on site; very clean bathrooms.  Laundry facilities but inside office, which closes at 6, so you can’t do laundry at night.  *8*

Ouray RV Park, Ouray, CO (June 25, 2015) 

Walking/biking to town easily accomplished via path that runs along the river.  Sites that back up to the river are the nicest.  Large bathrooms and laundry room.  Basically just a big gravel lot so it’s not real pretty, but it is in a nice location relative to town.  Excellent WiFi with 3 repeaters.  Full hookup but no cable TV.  *7*

Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground at Ridgway State Park, Ridgway, CO (June 26-28, 2015)

Nicely spaced sites.  Sun blasts in on your awning side if you are on the outside loop of Loop G, suggest pull-thru sites on inner loop.  Picnic tables and fire rings; showers are pay $$ which is annoying. Right on the river and fishing pond. Flat, scrubby bushes and few trees.  “Camping” atmosphere. Closest RV Park to Telluride.  *6*

Glenwood Canyon Resort, Glenwood Springs, CO (June 29-30, 2015)

Nice park with lots of coming and going.  On-site recreational activities such as ziplining and river rafting.  Extremely expensive ice ($5 per bag) and laundry ($7 per load) which seems like highway robbery.  Close to town and bike path.  On-site restaurant and bar with nice patio deck.  Narrow but long sites.  *7*

 Steamboat KOA Campground, Steamboat Springs, CO (July 1-5, 2015)

The only thing this place has going for it, is that it’s the only game in town in Steamboat.  Poorly run, run-down, super-crowded, narrow spaces, employees who are either crabby and rude, or super young and clueless, filthy laundry room and showers, not enough washers/dryers for the size of the place, classless clientele.  One good thing, however, is that it is one of the stops for the city’s free bus service and busses come every 20 minutes to take you to town.  *3*

Glendo Lakeside RV Park, Glendo, WY (July 6, 2015)

Large, flat spaces; nice pull-throughs; very quiet park; train whistles in the distance but we found it charming rather than annoying.  No grass, just dirt.  Very few trees.  Super-clean laundry room.  Showers take tokens, boo.  A very simple park that fits the bill as you are going through the area.  Close to a big fishing lake and Glendo State Park.  *7*

 

Whistler Gulch RV Park, Deadwood, SD (July 7-9, 2015)

Quiet park, clean park, about 1.5 miles from downtown.  Set on a hill in a canyon; sites up against the mountain get good shade.  Facilities (showers, laundry) can be VERY far away from your site depending on where you are placed.  Sites pretty close together and not that level.  Management not very friendly.  If we came back, we would probably stay at Elkhorn Ridge (7 miles north of Deadwood) instead, or 76 Campground is nearer to town though very flat and boring.   *6*

Big Pine Campground, Custer, SD (July 10-12, 2015) 

We loved this campground for it’s “camping” feel, surrounded on all sides by tall trees.  Lots of RV parks in this area, but most are very flat and bare. We also loved our site #61, perched high on a hill, but other sites did not look as delicious or as flat.  It borders a national forest with great trails for hiking and dog walking.  Bathrooms were large and very clean.  Management super friendly.  Roads through park extremely narrow and bumpy. On the far end of town of Custer. *8*

Robidoux RV Park, Gering, NE (July 13, 2015)

Super-spacious; perhaps the biggest sites we have ever stayed at.  We were just there for an overnight but it was perfectly adequate.  Extremely quiet park.  Bathrooms clean but not that nice; small and weird layout for the changing area.  Weird cable TV, hard to change channels etc.  Easy to pull through; level concrete slabs with picnic tables.   *7*

Manor RV Park, Estes Park, CO (July 14-16, 2015) 

Site #37 is definitely the best of the bunch; the rest are pretty tight and funky.  This seems to be a 55+ park with lots of permanent residents.  Everything is down a big hill.  Gets pretty muddy when it rains, which is often.  One set of showers/bathrooms/laundry for many, many RV’ers.  Good location close to town and Rocky Mtn National Park.  Would consider Elk Meadow Lodge if we came to this area again; more spacious and level.  *6*

Dakota Ridge RV Park, Golden, CO (July 17-18, 2015) 

Your typical very nice very modern park – level concrete pads, lots and lots of RVs all around you, nice smallish pool, nice largish laundry room, nice showers, just nice and generic all around, but a good place to stay.  Very convenient location at the intersection of many different roads and freeways.  *8*

Tiger Run RV Resort, Breckenridge, CO (July 19-22, 2015) 

A rare “10-10-10” Good Sam-rated resort.  The top of the top amenities and a price tag to match ($80/night during our stay).  Be prepared to feel inferior next to million-dollar coaches all over the place.  Huge clubhouse, big indoor pool, 2 jacuzzis, lots of planned social activities, nice laundry room and showers (though stalls are on the small side), cable tv, big grassy dog run, great hiking trails leading right out from resort.  Spaces are extremely long and spacious with lots of mature trees between them.  About 5 miles before Breckenridge; also convenient to Keystone, Dillon, Silverthorne, Frisco and Copper Mountain.  *9*

Arrowhead Point Campground and Cabins, Buena Vista, CO (July 23, 2015)

A dry, dusty campground in a dry, dusty area.  Very popular with groups of 4-wheelers, fishermen, hunters, so lots of rowdy conversation and laughter at night and very early risers.  Lots of tent campers so we did not use the bathrooms.  Nothing special but a decent stop over place.  *6*

Pikes Peak RV Resort, Manitou Springs, CO (July 24-26, 2015)

The most friendly and cheerful RV owners/managers we have encountered yet.  Extremely convenient location to everything: downtown, the cog railway station, Garden of the Gods, grocery stores, etc.  Nice walking trail leading out from resort.  Smallish, crowded campground, but #30 is splendid: backing up to the river, shady all day, huge tree.  The rest of them are really just slots in a gravel lot.  Nice restrooms but close from 11-1 every day for cleaning which is often inconvenient.  A sewer type smell wafts over the campground much more often than it should.  *7* 

Royal View RV Park, Canon City, CO (July 27-28, 2015)

We loved this location, with gorgeous long-ranging views and a full 50-acres to roam around.  We loved sites #6 and #7 for their space and separation from the rest of the sites.  One of the biggest, cleanest pools we’ve seen in RV parks.  Lots of group facilities and activities.  Grumpy management but clean bathrooms.  Only 3 laundry machines, one of which was broken at the time.  A full 10+ miles outside town but only 5 miles from bridge.  *8* 

Trailer Ranch, Santa Fe, NM (July 29-30, 2015)

Not a lot of good choices in Santa Fe.  This age-55+ park is perfectly fine but generic; also a full-time residence park.  Friendly management but you must be checked in by 5:30 PM,and we got a note on our door the night before we were supposed to leave, telling us to be out by 11:00 (a polite note, but still, that was a first).  About 10 miles from downtown square on a busy, ugly commercial road.  There is supposedly a 1/2 acre desert landscaping dog area, but it is waaay in the back and we never saw it.  *6*

Meteor Crater RV Park, Winslow, AZ (July 31, 2015)

Nice park, large spaces, not tons of trees but the ones they do have are large.  Right off the freeway, very convenient to I-10.  Gas station which is super handy.  About 5 miles from Meteor Crater.  Very quiet; no lights whatsoever which makes walking the park at night a little creepy.  Did not visit the laundry or bathrooms.  Store and all management only available 7am-7pm; gate code needed to enter at all other times which is somehow both annoying and secure at the same time.  *7*

Lost Dutchman State Park, Apache Junction, AZ (October 23-26, 2015)

This oasis in the desert is just 30 minutes from Phoenix, but a “world away!”  Set at the base of the Superstitions, lots of great hiking nearby.  Water and electric hookup but no sewer (but dump station).  Showers leave a lot to be desire, not very clean and no windows/vents so each individual shower room is like a stuffy sauna.  Very quiet park.  Sites #99 and #100 were our favorites for their gorgeous scenic views.  *8*

Usery Mountain Regional Park, Mesa, AZ (December 30-2015 – January 2, 2016) 

We loved its closeness to Phoenix (27 miles) and its wonderful hiking trails; plus close access to lots of great road biking.  We did NOT love sites that are super close to the road; cholla cactus balls absolutely everywhere, making it difficult to walk around safely; and the sounds of gunfire all day long from the adjacent Rio Salado Sportsmans’ Club firing range. Go the extra 10 miles out and stay at Lost Dutchman instead.  *6 

Picacho Peak State Park, Eloy, AZ (March 5-8, 2016) 

Our second visit to this absolutely lovely state park about midway between Phoenix and Tucson.  Awesome hiking trails, from easy to very difficult.  Large sites, widely spaced, most with ramadas, picnic tables, firerings and tent camping pads right next to them.  Clean bathrooms with super-big shower stalls.  Very quiet park; few children and most people stay to themselves.  Electric-only hookups, but easily accessible and clean dump station and water fill.  Good Verizon service and Phoenix TV reception via antenna. LOVED site A-13 for its views, privacy, and lack of sun exposure at any point in the day. Only major ding is the super-sharp pebbly roads which rip up puppy paws pretty quickly.  *8*

Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood, AZ (April 22-25, 2016) 

This state park is out of the desert of Phoenix, but not quite to the pines of Flagstaff.  Sites were relatively close together but everyone was quiet and respectful; older people and virtually no children.  No sewer; but nice, large dump station.  Very clean bathrooms (4 shower stalls) with great water pressure.  Good Verizon service and Phoenix TV reception via antenna.  The Quail Loop has more trees and shade, but sites are much shorter than in other loops and are water-only hookups.  Red Tail Hawk and Coopers Hawk are further into the park but have both water and electric.  We stayed in RTH-61 but pulled nose-in (instead of backing in) to get shade.  Best sites are RTH-75 and RTH-82 for spaciousness and lack of direct exposure + trees. *6*

Pleasant Harbor RV Resort, Peoria, AZ (May 27-30, 2016)

Our second stay here (last time May 2015) and we love the layout, which consists of multiple huge square lawns with 4 RV’s backed up to one side, and 4 RV’s backed up to the other. Everyone shares the lawn space and ramada/picnic table.  Convenient walking distance to Lake Pleasant Marina.  Site T-37 doesn’t have views of the lake but is nice and open to the east to park cars and boats right next to your RV. Not a quiet park with lots of boaters and young families and partyers, but everyone was friendly and we enjoyed the commotion.  Only ding would be for the fact that there is no sewer hookup, but there is a dump station. Recommend picking T-sites on the north side of each square of lawn for maximum shade.  Lots of showers but they are not particularly clean, at least not on a holiday weekend.  *8*

Ruby’s Inn RV Campground, Bryce Canyon City, UT (June 8-9, 2016)

Ruby’s Inn is a large conglomeration of tent camping, RV sites (partial and full hookup), and even motel rooms.  It’s your basic (but nice) place but its REAL value comes in its location … 1/2 mile from the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park, with its very own shuttle stop.  (Bryce, like many national parks, has little available parking so the shuttle is invaluable).  Showers are plentiful and large, and there are restaurants and a dinner show at the motel area.  This is the place you want to stay if visiting Bryce.  Just choose your site carefully as some are very nice and some are very crappy.  *7*

Century Mobile Home and RV Park, Ogden, UT (June 10, 2016)

This is a very nice park in a very dumpy neighborhood, but right off the I-15 and let’s face it, if you’re in Ogden, you’re probably just stopping over on your way somewhere, so the location is very convenient.  It’s a mix of full-timers and overnighters.  We were in site 55 and didn’t care for the layout in that each site is narrow but shares a large grassy area with its neighbor … good if you like them, awkward if you don’t, and in the meantime you’re shoved up against the other neighbor.  The showers were clean, staff was nice, HUGE grassy dog-walk area and it had a large pool and jacuzzi we really enjoyed. *6.5*

 Southside RV Park, Dillon, MT (June 11, 2016 and July 18, 2016)

This is a cute, small park right in Dillon — its value lies in being walking distance to town.  The proprietress is also a walking encyclopedia of local tourist knowledge and very willing to share.  Sites are rather narrow and shower stalls are tiny, however.  It is a very quiet park except for the mooing of hundreds of cows next door and the train running by right outside the park, which we found quite charming actually.  *6.5*

Jim and Mary’s RV Park, Missoula, MT (June 12-13, 2016)

The most beautifully landscaped and well-maintained RV Park we’ve stayed at yet.  Gorgeous flowers everywhere.  Huge trees and enormous grassy areas for every RV — literally big enough you could park another RV in between all the RV’s.  Gigantic grassy area for doggies.  Spic’n’span bathrooms with huge stalls; pristine laundry room.  Super friendly people.  Only dings would be that it’s a bit outside the town of Missoula (about 4 miles north) and there is no pool or jacuzzi.  Very popular park and not too big — better have reservations. We loved it!  Site B-2. *9*

Whitefish/Kalispell North KOA, Whitefish, MT (June 14-16, 2016)

We’re not normally KOA fans, but this park is extraordinary.  It’s like being in the middle of a National Forest, in the middle of a luxury resort, in the middle of a city.  Set down in a canyon with massive trees everywhere, it’s quiet and serene like a forest campground, but also has many amenities (especially for families) like a heated pool, jacuzzi, 18 hole frisbee golf course, petting zoo, restaurant with free breakfasts, etc.  Slight dings for musty smelling restrooms (though shower stalls were large) and a for the size of the property.  Cell service was also challenging but their wifi was strong.  Site 17 was big enough for four RVs to fit side by side — best site by far.  *9*

Canyon RV Resort and Campground on Sinclair Creek, Radium Hot Springs, BC Canada (June 17, 2016)

This spic ‘n’ span park is lush and green, set in the bottom of a canyon with a rushing creek going through the middle.  We saw signs for a pathway to the village but didn’t try it as it seemed like you would have to go waaay up and over to get out of the canyon.  Only a 3 minute drive to town anyway. Lots of friendly people, families and dogs.  Forgot to check out the restrooms and showers but sure they are immaculate.  A huge herd of rams was hanging out at the entrance. Cable TV/good wifi. *8*

Whistler Campground in Jasper National Park, Jasper, AB Canada (June 18-21, 2016) 

This is a gigantic campground right in the national forest with lots of trees and squirrels.  A multi-circular layout means you feel private even though neighbors are all around.  There is a very long walking/biking path going right through the middle with lots of playgrounds and diversions for little people (of which there are many in this park).  Only one set of showers makes for a very long walk (or a drive) to get to them, but sewer hookups in some places eliminate the need to use them.  Educational ranger programs.  About 2 miles to town.  Good Verizon cell service but no wifi.  Choppy road could use some blading but the sites themselves are level.  Site 56H.  *8*

Lake Louise Campground, Lake Louise AB Canada (June 22, 2016)

We were “meh” about this campground but there’s no other choices in the area.  Electric-only hookup.  Weird layout where two RV’s are munched together on a long narrow driveway, with awning openings to the outside (meaning your utilities are probably on the wrong side).  Most of the sites were out in the open with little privacy.  The only exception was our site 189, because it was the very last site and so opened up to the forest instead.  Situated alongside a rushing creek with nice trails.  No wifi but decent Verizon service.  *6*

Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court, Banff, AB Canada (June 23-July 5, 2016)

An interesting layout with a very orderly grid and every site is a pullthrough along the road.  Some sites very private and wooded, some way out in the open.  Some of the spots are laid out for TWO hookups; be sure to avoid these as you will be jammed in with people you don’t know.  This is the only full hookup place in Banff and reservations go quick; be sure you know the date the reservations open up and be poised to call the minute they open.  Recommend you look at the sites ahead of time and have a list of the ones you will accept as they are all very different.  Bathrooms are clean but there is exactly one (large) shower stall in each building.  Good Verizon, no wifi, no TV antenna reception.  About 5 minutes from town; a shuttle bus stops right at the entrance to the park; excellent hiking and mountain biking trails that go on forever right across the street.  Coin laundry about 2 minutes away.  Site 321 was great.  *7.5*

McMahon Stadium, Calgary AB Canada (July 6-12, 2016)

This one probably isn’t fair to review because you can’t really stay here unless you’re part of Fantasy RV Tours organized rally for the Calgary Stampede.  Nevertheless, we were here and what can I say: it’s a parking lot.  However, it has excellent access to the light rail C-Train, right across the street, which made it an excellent choice.  We also got to use “secret” bathrooms and awesome showers inside the stadium (where the Calgary Stampeders play) so that was cool, and there was lots of grass to walk the doggies around the stadium.  But … it’s a parking lot with random people milling all about.  So…. *3*

Calgary West Campground, Calgary AB Canada (July 13-16, 2016) 

The main benefit to this place is that there are very few RV parks in Calgary, and this is the only one semi-close to being in town.  (Book early!)  It is huge with a big mish-mash of sites and levels of hookups.  We were in E-8 which was tucked in the corner and private, so that was nice, but the majority of the sites are not that great.  Also, your water source might be waaaaaaay far away, like two huge hose lengths away.  Many people couldn’t even hook up their water.  It’s on a hill which is scenic, but when it rains the water rushes down the dirt roads and therefore they are extremely carved and rutted.  Staff is hassled and not that friendly.  Washrooms and laundry rooms are pretty dilapidated and not that clean.  They do have a shuttle that will take you to light rail station, and a shuttle to the Stampede during those days.  Long story short, you’re probably gonna stay here anyway if you’re in Calgary, even if it’s not that great of a park, because you just don’t have any other viable choice.  *6*

Shelby RV Park, Shelby, MT (July 17, 2016)

This is a curious little park because it is right behind (and associated with) a Comfort Inn right off the highway.  That being said, it is also a really nice park!  Absolutely the nicest, cleanest bathrooms and laundry room we’ve probably every come in contact with.  You are also entitled to use the pool, hot tub, fitness center and have continental breakfast for $6 at the Comfort Inn.  Ding would be for little privacy and few trees or established landscaping.  But a great place for a stopover!  *8*

Golden Spike RV Park, Brigham City, UT (July 19, 2016)

Golden Spike was conveniently located right off the freeway, but sites were extremely tight and there were a lot of clearly full-time residents who were not particularly friendly to us overnighters.  We did not use the laundry and don’t think there were any community bathrooms, but not sure.  A good stopover place but nowhere you’d want to be for an extended period of time.  *6*

Zion River Resort, Virgin, UT (July 20, 2016) 

This is is a very nice park about 15 miles from Zion National Park.  It is large and the paved sites are very nice.  It has a pool, hot tub, and large (but not too clean — and on timers) showers.  Biggest perk is the shallow river running right along the RV park, where doggies can be off leash and everyone can go to cool off.  Biggest ding is that you are unlikely to get any cell service whatsoever, as you are down in a canyon.  *7*

 

Ft. Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff, AZ (July 21, 2016)

We’ve stayed here before, and it’s lovely to be in the tall pines. Love our usual spot A02.  It’s biggest draw is its location, as most other RV parks are way outside of town and not nice at all.  Some sites have water and sewer, but no sites have electric.  *6*

Roper Lake State Park, Safford, AZ (September 23-26, 2016)

A pretty state park in Southeastern Arizona.  Easy access to beautiful Mt. Graham, which rises to 10,000 feet elevation along a 35-mile scenic, switchback road just three miles south of the park.  About six miles south of historic downtown Safford.  Water/electric hookups, good Verizon, no TV signal or wi-fi. Swimming beach, nice pet run, natural hot springs hot-tub. A lake that’s surrounded with tall trees etc. so you can’t get to the water right from your site, in most cases, even though it looks like you can on a map.  Lots of kids and families. Site #14 was the best with lots of space and privacy.  *7*

Paradise by the Sea RV Resort, Oceanside, CA (October 11-16, 2016)

It’s hard not to like a full hookup RV park that is so close to the beach, Buccaneer Beach that is.  The park itself is nicely maintained but basically one large parking lot, very few trees or bushes and all around the edge of the park, which is not really our style.  Sites are very close together.  Like your slide might be nudging up against your neighbors’ picnic table.  They have a ridiculously long list of rules but nobody bugged us about anything while we were there.  Lots of kids and families but very quiet after the sun goes down.  Location, location, location being bike-riding distance to Carlsbad, the Coaster train station, downtown Oceanside, bike trails and beaches.  We were site 50 but there were none that were really all that much better than any other.  *7.5*

“The Points” RV Area, Lake Havasu City, AZ (January 11-15, 2017)

Not really an RV park, but where you can park to be by all the action at the Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair.  A no-hookups area right on Lake Havasu, 0.2 mi from the Nautical Inn and literally right outside the gates of the festival.  Large sites are chalked out but you just take whatever spot you want when you get there.  Info is scant on their website, but there are 4 options:  The Greens is closest but not on the lake; The Points is second-closest; The Marina is third-closest (long walk or shuttle to the fair); and Good Sam’s area at Site Six is verrrry far away.  The Points is the best choice by far (but also the most costly).  Highly recommend if you are going to the festival!  The balloons will drift right over your head at your RV!  *10* for location; *6* for amenities (there are none)

Gilbert Ray Campground, Tucson, AZ (March 15, 2017)

This is a county-owned park and the closest one to Saguaro National Park West (which has zero campgrounds).  On the plus, it’s only $20/night.  On the minus, the sites are pretty jammed in there.  You’ll get electric hookup but no sewer or water (though lots of spigots and multiple dump stations).  The biggest ding (for us anyway) is that they don’t take reservations, but if you call as you’re heading there, maybe they can get you in as there are a lot of spots.  Lots of hiking trails leading right out.  We didn’t visit restrooms but there are no showers. We were in site 35.   *6*

Catalina State Park, Tucson, AZ (March 16-19, 2017)

This is a beautiful state park northeast of downtown Tucson, in nearby Oro Valley.  Sites are far away from each other.  Restrooms/showers were spacious and spotless.  Lots of great hiking trails leading into the mountains surrounding the park.  Lots of educational programs, tours, concerts, etc.  Friendly staff.  Check sun exposure when picking a site, as many get full afternoon sun.  Pretty mesquite trees throughout.  Lots of ground squirrels, teasing the dogs.  The sites in B loop seemed more spacious than in A loop.  We were in site A-9.  *8*

Buckskin Mountain State Park, Parker, AZ (May 18-22, 2017)

On the “Parker Strip,” right alongside the Colorado River, this is a great place for water play.  There are a million places you can stay along the Strip, but this state park has huge sites, big trees and a campground feel (as opposed to many private parks around here where you literally have a hookup on a patch of dirt). Store, restaurant, volleyball and basketball courts, huge grassy dog run, friendly staff.  Bathrooms clean but dated, shower stalls are huge but there are only two of them and only one temperature: warm. (in the summer you really want cold, when it’s 100 degrees). Only challenge is picking a spot: some areas are awesome, some areas are truly crappy. We had site 55.  Overall a great experience.  *8.5*

Panguitch KOA, Panguitch, UT (June 16, 2017)

This campground is useful for its one-day-driving-distance of 425 miles from Phoenix and it’s relative proximity to the highway.  Other than that, it’s your basic KOA (which is one of our least favorite types of campgrounds).  The managers are friendly and plentiful, and we got lucky with a little grass, but most sites are dirt driveways with gravel between them, and the RVs are packed in pretty tightly.  The bathrooms were fine but got a LOT of use from people staying in tents and cabins on the property.  This is a big area for ATV’ing and off-roading so lots of vehicles going in and out all the time.  Not our favorite place but served its purpose during our journey north.  (Check Panguitch Lake Campground about 12 miles further for a nicer place.)  *6.5*

Century Park Mobile Home and RV Park, Ogden, UT (June 17, 2017)

We’ve stayed here before for its easy access right off the freeway just north of Salt Lake City.  It’s a very nice place but the most annoying thing is that the sites in this very busy park open up to each other, meaning you are gonna be sharing that nice strip of grass right outside your RV with complete strangers.  And if you both have dogs, well, guess you’re gonna be taking turns being outside.  But, hey, convenience, and lord knows you’re not staying on Ogden for more than just an overnight.  We were in site 54.  *6.5*

The Meadows RV Park, Ketchum, ID (June 18-20, 2017)

This is an odd little park, but you have zero other choices in Ketchum (the closest other RV park is 15 miles south of town, a little too far for us).  It’s part of a bigger mobile home park and has lots of rules, including that you can’t walk your dog down the middle of the RV park where you are parked and paying for, okeyyyy dokeyyyy.  Besides being your only choice, it is surrounded by beautiful scenery and is super-accessible to the fantastic Big Wood River Bike Path, a 20-mile long separate path that takes you to Ketchum proper on one end and Hailey/Bellevue on the other end.  There is also a river for puppy to dip his paws into.  Huge/pristine bathrooms and laundry room.  Full hookups.  We were in site #7.  *7*

Ponderosa State Park, McCall, ID (June 21-23, 2017) 

Our very-first ever *10* ranking after 4 years of RV’ing.  Spectacular in every way.  Wooded sites, full hookup, really nice bathrooms and showers, level sites, friendly staff, amazing hiking and biking trails, right on the Payette Lake for kayaking and swimming, dog-friendly beach, nice visitor center, educational programs, good Verizon signal, 5 minutes from town.  We couldn’t come up with a single ding so *10* it is.  We had site 218 which was the best in the full hookup loop (they also have a lot of campsites that are water/electric only in a different area).  *10*

Pullman City RV Park, Pullman, WA (June 24-25, 2017)

We were very conflicted about this place.  On the plus side, it’s right at the start of a fabulous network of biking trails that goes 21 miles out through farmland to the city of Troy, ID. It’s also super-cheap at $25 for full hookup, and next to the city ballfields and WSU campus, with lots of great walking paths.  However, it’s also super tight and crowded, pretty dumpy, zero staff if you have any problems, their “restrooms” are literally two porta-johns, and the utilities are all spread out on both sides of the RV, which makes hookups challenging.  We had the best site #3 which had two huge trees and grass behind, but most of the other sites are gravel and zero shade.  Not many other choices in Pullman or nearby Moscow, but still …. *5*

Wallace RV Park, Wallace, ID (June 26-27, 2017) 

This RV Park was chosen for its proximity to the Route of the Hiawatha, an amazing downhill biking experience.  It’s walking distance to town and backs up to a babbling creek and a tall tree-covered hill, which is nice, and the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful.  There is also a popular pub right next door.  However, the RV’s are packed in like sardines (site on left in photo below is empty but you can see how close on the right).  Large and sparkling restrooms; no laundry but a place nearby in town; full-hookup.  We were in site 24.  *6.5*

Pine Near RV Park, Winthrop, WA (June 28, 2017)

The best thing about this RV park is its location, one block above the main street of the most charming Winthrop.  Other than that, not too much to say.  There are not really “sites”, just one big expanse of lawn with utilities randomly located around.  In fact, you will locate your sewer hookup directly next to your neighbor’s picnic table … whatt?  And the gal who checked us in was as unfriendly and passive-aggressive as any “hostess” we have ever encountered.  We did not use the restrooms (if they exist) and the washer-dryers made a terrible squealing noise and the showers located in the office were pretty gross and you had to pay for them.  Overall, we were glad to leave.  *6*

Newhalem Campground, North Cascades National Park, WA (June 29-30, 2017)

This is a beautiful, woodsy, non-hookup campground with the added bonus of strong 4G Verizon signal, something you don’t often get when you are in the rustic locales.  There is a lovely 2 mile hiking loop that goes down by the river, and not too far from great hiking trails and scenic overlooks for Diablo Lake and others.  Downside, many of the sites are extremely tight and strangely angled.  We stayed in B-37 and it was a good one, but our neighbors went in and out of the site at least 15 times trying to get it to fit properly.  *8*

Bay View State Park, Sedro-Woolley, WA (July 1-4, 2017)

A interesting mix of sites at this state park.  Premium RV sites 1-9 are good, but 9 was the absolute best, with a huge expanse of green grass and an endless parade of entertainment in the form of people coming and going from the campground.  However, the rest of the RV sites are in one big circle, with the sites to the outside and a big circle of grass in the middle with thousands of small screaming children running around — not peaceful at all.  Nice bathrooms with a huge shower stall for 50 cents. Very friendly folks.  Across the street from the saltwater bay.  Water/electric hookup.  *7*

Cougar Rock Campground, Mount Rainier National Park, WA (July 5-7, 2017)

One of only two camping options in MRNP, and the only one that can fit RV’s over 27 feet (and just a few sites for that).  We loved being so close to the beauty and activities of the park.  No hookups (and restrooms but no showers) and ZERO internet anywhere in the entire park, be aware.  Super-tight turns through the campgrounds and very unlevel and tight sites, but somehow it comes off as charming instead of annoying.  We were in C-036, which was one of the best RV sites we saw in any of the loops; also right next to the ampitheater with nightly ranger programs. The majority of the campers here are in tents.  *9*

Dosewallips State Park, Brinnon, WA (July 8, 2017)

Maybe our least favorite campground of the trip.  Hundreds, maybe thousands, of children and teenagers running around screaming.  Lots of families who clearly moved the entire sum of their belongings to their site and were going to stay weeks if not months.  People working on car engines, drinking beer at 9 am, country music blaring at all hours.  A weird layout that had you jammed together with your neighbors, but large swaths of area with no sites around them being used by anyone for anything.  Ugh.  *5*

Point Hudson Marina and RV Park, Port Townsend, WA (July 9, 2017)

This is a nothing’ish “park” in a cool town on a pretty swath of ocean.  Full hookup on large dirt/weed-filled sites, looking out at the gorgeous sea.  Set at a Marina with pretty boats and just two blocks walking to town.  You’re sharing the showers, dumpsters, wi-fi, etc. with people who come in on boats and are staying at the marina.  Friendly management and friendly guests, many of whom were staying for weeks or even a month at a time.  You don’t have any other choices in Pt. Townsend, so pick this park, walk away without looking at your site too closely, and enjoy the town.  We were in site 36.  *7.5*

Log Cabin Resort, Lake Crescent, WA (July 10-11, 2017)

This was a very tight campground in Olympic National Park (and run by the parks), set right on the gorgeous Lake Crescent.  Great lake access … just walk right down with your kayak or water toys.  Also a restaurant with surprisingly good food.  Hiking trails nearby.  Mixed bag of sites with tent sites, short sites, long sites (a few), you name it — outer sites cool, inner sites really sucky.  Extremely tight and windy 3-mile road leading to here from the 101, I can’t imagine attempting it in anything much longer than 35 feet.  Site #15.  *8*

Quileute Oceanside Resort, La Push, WA (July 12-13, 2017)

The name says it all … you are RIGHT on the ocean beach.  Not just any ocean beach, one with fine silky sand, almost no people, and dogs and campfires allowed on the beach.  Heaven!  Extremely friendly and helpful staff. Full hookup sites.  Huge pull-throughs available facing the water (we were in site #8).  Not much to do in La Push, but with a place as peaceful as this, who needs something to do?  *9* for the awesome location.

Kalaloch Campground in Olympic National Park, Kalaloch, WA (July 14-15, 2017)

This is a wonderful, wonderful campground … IF and I mean IF you can get a reservation.  They go quick, especially in the summer months.  A wonderful location in Olympic National Park, close to both Hoh Rain Forest and Lake Quinault.  Stairs down to a gorgeous, dog-friendly beach.  Downside, no hookups and no showers.  So ya gotta be willing to dry camp.  Weak/occasional Verizon. We loved it here! Site B-12.  *9*

Silver Falls State Park Campground, Silver Falls, OR (July 16-18, 2017)

This place is everything a state park should be!  Great, huge campsites (ours was literally 80′ long), water and electric hookups, decent showers, friendly people and families everywhere, kids having fun but not being obnoxious, and a short bike ride or walk away from the main lodge area and the start of the Trail of Ten Falls and many other hiking trails.  Fantastic!  We wished we could stay longer.  Downside (or upside) depending on your viewpoint, absolutely zero Verizon cell service.  Site B-26.  *10*

Crown Villa RV Resort, Bend, OR (July 19-20, 2017)

This was indisputably a very ritzy and fancy “resort”, but we were turned off by how snooty and unfriendly all the other guests seemed to be.  Lots of big fancy rigs.  Lots of rules.  A terrific laundry room.  No pool that we coudl ever find.  Pretty far outside of Bend proper.  (If you want to be closer in, try Scandia RV Park.)  If you don’t mind about a 30 mile drive, the Sisters/Bend RV Park looked FABULOSO and the town of Sisters is where we wished we had planned to visit.  All in all, Crown Villa is nice, but maybe a little too nice for our tastes.  Full hookup, “gold tier” site.  *7*

Mazama Campground, Crater Lake National Park, OR (July 21-23, 2017)

Mazama is your only choice right inside Crater Lake National Park, and therefore where you want to be!  First up: little to nonexistent Verizon service here, and scattered throughout the park.  They also have a weird “lottery” system where you report to a hut (with a long line) when you arrive, they tell you what “color” sites are yours to pick from, and then you race out and drive all around trying to find one of those colors that you like, and that somebody else hasn’t already tagged, and that doesn’t have four or five other people backing right up to your site.  Totally weird and seemingly unnecessary.  We lucked out and got one of the few electric hookup sites (C-28, I think) simply because it wasn’t in the main loops, it was off to the otherside next to the dump station (which wasn’t working).  Water restrictions in effect, big time.  We loved Crater Lake and we loved our private site, but overall this campground leaves much to be desired except its location inside the park.  *7*

Sparks Marina RV Resort, Sparks, NV (July 24, 2017) 

A convenient location driving home, near Reno.  Another “luxury” park where the rules are plentiful.  Most annoying was that even though you are “forbidden” to allow your dogs to go anywhere other than in a tiny dog run near the dumpsters, all of the Astroturf still managed to smell like baking pee.  The pull through sites were large and they had a pool and other goodies, we would never stay here except as a convenient overnight stop.  Not our style at all.  *6*

Lakeside Casino and RV Park, Pahrump, NV (July 25, 2017)

We liked this place a lot!  It was nearly deserted in July but that is probably not the case in the winter months.  A large, pretty lake to walk around.  Full hookups, large showers (but only one per building), friendly people, an attached buffet restaurant and casino (so they say, we never went).  Again, another place we would probably stay just on our way through.  There are lots of RV parks in Pahrump and it seemed any of them would do.  Site 92.  *6*

Ft. Tuthill County Campground, Flagstaff, AZ (July 26-29, 2017)

We’ve stayed at Tuthill more than any other place, due to family in Flagstaff and it’s location on the way into and out of town.  It seemed more run-down this time, though, possibly due to recent heavy rains.  The roads (both dirt and asphalt) leading in were jutted and potholed.  Neighbors are relatively close by. Lots of construction and event noise all around.  Some of the RV sites have water and sewer (like ours), but none have electric.  Site A-02  *5* 

White Tank Mountains Regional Park, Waddell, AZ (November 10-13, 2017)

A lovely desert campground only about 45 minutes to an hour outside Phoenix.  Lots of great hiking and mountain biking trails.  You’re up a little higher than the city, so gorgeous Phoenix skyline lights at night.  Lots of pretty sunrises and sunsets too.  Water and electric hookups; shower building with only one stall but that sucker is enormous. Good Verizon signal. Large and beautiful nature center.  Quiet campground.  Sites mostly level but vary enormously in levelness and sun exposure.  We were in Site 16 but deemed 24 and 32 to be the best choices.  *8*

Point of Rocks RV Campground, Prescott, AZ (November 30 – December 4, 2017)

A campground with an amazing location … in Prescott’s Granite Dells area, with tons of hiking, biking and outdoor recreation right outside your doorstep.  About 7 miles from downtown Prescott.  The campground itself is nothing to get excited about, but the Dells make it all OK.  Very uneven and unequal sites.  We stayed in 68 and were very pleased with it, but many other sites left lots to be desired.  *6*

Sunny Acres RV Park, Las Cruces, NM (February 8-9, 2018)

Las Cruces is not that beautiful, and neither are its RV parks.  And yet if it’s winter, you may have a hard time getting into any of them, they have so many visitors.  Lots of full-time residents.  We were stuck at the very end of the “temporary” visitor spots, so close to a shed in spot “JJ” that we couldn’t even extend our awning all the way.  Large dog run and large laundry room, but nothing that special.  *5*

Alamogordo/White Sands KOA Campground, Alamogordo, NM (February 10, 2018)

A decent park near White Sands National Monument.  Level sites, pretty nice (though dated) bathrooms, extremely friendly staff.  Better than any of the other Alamogordo parks we drive by, at any rate.  *6*

Carlsbad RV Campground, Carlsbad, NM (February 11, 2018)

Earnest staff but a pretty dumpy campground.  Lots of extremely strange full-time residents; bathrooms pretty gross; pool being renovated (unclear for how long) so unavailable.  Good location near Carlsbad Caverns however (do NOT make the mistake of staying in the one closer to CC at White’s City — awful looking).  *5*

  

San Angelo State Park, San Angelo, TX (February 12, 2018)

A beautiful, if barren, park in the middle of Texas.  Extremely quiet, sites waaaaay far away from each other, dark starry nights.  Full hookups, a pretty lake, friendly staff, lots of privacy.  A very nice place to stop off during our travels.  *7*

Pecan Grove RV Park, Austin, TX (February 13-16, 2018)

A quirky, funky little place in the best possible location, just over the river from downtown and right next to Zilker Park and the Barton Greenbelt.  Park does not have a website, does not accept credit cards, paperwork seems to be straight off a 1970’s mimeograph machine, Manager Bob is a little crotchedy (in a loveable way), but again: best possible location (all other Austin parks are miles outside of town).  Many full-time residents but their setups and interesting and artsy, as opposed to dumpy.  It’s weird in it’s own way… just like Austin.  *6* for park itself – *9* for location.  

Jamaica Beach RV Park, Galveston Island, TX (February 17-19, 2018)

This park is clearly geared for families, and for summer, but a nice place year-round.  With mini-golf, a lazy river,  etc. the kids will be very happy (note lots of these things are closed except in summer).  For winter RV’ers, we were most appreciative of the HUGE indoor hot tub, and the gigantic grassy dog run (seriously, really really big).  Sites are level and if you get the end of the row, you’ll have some nice yard space.  There are two RV parks closer in toward town (this one is about 10 miles away), but we were very happy with Jamaica Beach.  *8*

Gulf Coast RV Campground, Beaumont, TX (February 20, 2018)

A nice, basic, just-off-the freeway, on the way to somewhere else park.  Best feature was their individual bath/shower rooms, HUGE and private and very clean.  Good laundry room too.  Level site pull throughs.  Lots of choo-choo train noise, with the track very close by.  Sites don’t drain well so can be muddy.  All in all, pretty decent.  *7*

Legacy Park RV Park, St. Francisville, LA (February 21-22, 2018)

This is basically a big grass field with full hookups, with a rocky jutted driveway in.  Once you’re settled into your unlevel site, however, it’s very quiet and enjoyable.  There are a lot of full-time residents but everyone minds their own business, and lets you mind yours.  *6*

 

River View RV Park, Vidalia, LA (February 23-24, 2018)

Even though it’s in Louisiana, this is the closest you’re gonna get to downtown Natchez, Miss.  It’s a lovely, widespread green park right along the Mississippi River, with a 2 mile walking trail to boot.  The outdoor jacuzzi is situated such that you can sit in it and watch the river barges going by!  Bathrooms were decent, laundry was large and newer style machines.  Ten trillion squirrels driving Sprinkles crazy.  We were very happy here!  *8*

Ameristar Casino RV Park, Vicksburg, MS (February 25-27, 2018)

Although associated with a casino, it’s still just a regular RV park.  A shuttle will come pick you up and take you across the road if you want to go gamble.  Sites are shockingly unlevel for being concrete pads.  Very convenient to the freeway.  Tiny laundry and only one machine working.  Small pool but no hot tub.  No dumpsters so we awkwardly left our trash bag leaning against a small trash can by our neighbor’s site.  Closest park to downtown Vicksburg and the National Military Park, but it’s nothing you’re gonna write home about.  *6.5*

LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, Jackson, MS (February 28-March 1, 2018)

A lovely patch of camping heaven right in the center of urban Jackson, literally 5 miles from downtown.  Lake for fishing or kayaking, lots of nature trails, birds galore, walking path to Natural History Museum.  Quiet but simple campground.  Bathrooms quite gross; we did not use.  We were in site 17 which is a double site and backs up to the water, nice!  Water/elec hookups plus dump station.  *7.5*

Graceland RV Park and Campground, Memphis, TN (March 2-5, 2018)

This RV park is RIGHT ON THE GROUNDS OF GRACELAND.  That’s all you need to know!  Walk through a gate and you’re in the parking lot of Graceland.  It’s so convenient and also saves you $15 parking at Graceland.  Other than that, it’s a basic place with nice bathrooms and a fantastic laundry room, but extremely grumpy employees.  Also, a terrible part of town (South Memphis).  There’s a reason they have 24-hour security here … we heard a shooting and lots of sirens.  Nice wooded area in the back where you can walk your pooch.  Try to get a site away from the Graceland gate … the parking lot lights glare brightly all night long.  *7*

Downtown Riverside RV Park, North Little Rock, AR (March 6-8, 2018) 

A super-cool, super-convenient location between two bridges that lead you over the Arkansas River to Little Rock’s River Market District, downtown Little Rock, and the Clinton Presidential Library.  On the banks of the river and right on the Arkansas River Path, an awesome 15-mile bike path.  It’s just a nothing-special parking lot with full hookups, but location trumps everything else.  *8*

Gulpha Gorge Campground, Hot Springs, AR (March 9-13, 2018)

Beautiful campground right inside Hot Springs National Park, and just 5-minute drive (or 1-hour hike) to downtown and the Bathhouse Row.  Lots of hiking trails on network leading out from campground, burbling brook stream, awesome location.  Main bummer is no reservations accepted, first come first served, and it’s a pretty small campground.  Checkout is at noon, come through around 11 or 12 and maybe you’ll get lucky.  We liked it so much here that we cancelled our next stop’s reservation and added two days to our stay.  Site 30 is the best but you’ll be taking whatever you can get anyway.  Give it a try!  Full hookups.  Second choice but it’s 14 miles away:  Catherine’s Landing RV Resort. *9*

Fort Smith Alma RV Park, Alma, AR (March 14, 2018)

Some goods and some bads.  A large property with a pretty pond and geese.  One of the nicest, largest laundry rooms I’ve ever seen.  However, even with half the property empty, everyone was assigned sites that were tightly packed together.  But the main complaint is the property burned piles of brush and leaves all day long, right below the sites we were all assigned to, despite the fact they could have done it anywhere on the 2.5 acres and not billowed smoke at all us all day.  *5*

Twin Fountains RV Park, Oklahoma City, OK (March 15-17, 2018)

Our second stay at this property, which we really like.  Very large with lots of sites.  Right beside the freeway, which I like (white noise) but some people might not.  Lots of amenities including a pool, spa, bar and grill (where you will wait a VERY long time for food), pet grooming service, RV repair service, hair salon, roving ambassadors, and more. About 8-10 miles from downtown but close to Remington Park area.  We would stay here again!  *8*

Fort Amarillo RV Park, Amarillo, TX (March 18, 2018)

Easy location right off I-40. Long, easy to get into sites.  Nice bathrooms, 2 laundry rooms, an indoor pool which didn’t look so great and a jacuzzi under repairs.  A cute little store out front but closed on the Sunday we were there.  Very few grassy areas but a huge grassy enclosed area for Fido.  Nice overall but nothing super special.  *7*

Santa Rosa RV Campground, Santa Rosa, NM (March 19, 2018)

Our second stay here and thankfully Verizon now has coverage here, since they didn’t in 2013.  Just a dusty patch but it’s quiet and nobody bugs you.  You’re really just staying here overnight for the location.  FHU.  *6*

Cochiti Lake Area Campground, Pena Blanca, NM (March 20-21, 2018)

This is a really cool campground in the middle of nowhere but close to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument.  We were there in winter, when reservations not accepted and the water level was really low, but it is surely extremely busy in the summer.  Nice hiking trails around the campground, the world’s best Verizon and TV signal, extremely quiet, really cool picnic structures with copper roofs. Main downside in extremely smelly bathrooms, and no sewer hookups – only a dump station.  *8.5*

El Morro RV Campground, El Morro/Ramah, NM (March 22-23, 2018)

A very unique and cool (or strange, depending on your outlook) place.  Kinda like hippie commune that just happens to have an RV park.  On site cafe with GREAT food, really cute store next door, art gallery across the street, etc.  Very close to El Morro National Monument.  People very friendly, maybe too friendly.  🙂  Loose dog “Guido” who runs amok 24 hours a day.  Chickens and turkeys loose too, “don’t bother them because they provide eggs to the restaurant.”  You get the idea.  Extremely unlevel sites, electric hookup may be miles away from water hookup, etc.  Cool experience to us, but some people would hate it here.  *7*

Holbrook/Petrified Forest KOA, Holbrook, AZ (March 24-25, 2018)

Your standard KOA in every sense, but nowhere else to stay in Holbrook.  Full hookups but basically just one big gravel parking lot.  Laundry room smelled like a big toilet.  Workers not very friendly.  Can’t walk your dog anywhere on the property except on the gravel.  Everyone here is just stopping overnight and leaving as soon as possible.  *6*

Fools Hollow State Park Campground, Show Low, AZ (March 26-27, 2018)

Exceptional.  Wooded campground on a hill overlooking a nice, small lake.  1.5 mile hiking trail around the lake.  Full hookups in two of the loops.  Tall trees, cool temps, level concrete sites.  Great place to just go and “camp”.  Lots of concrete paths for bicycling.  Hosts sell firewood and ice. Very nice showers in individual private stalls.  Very quiet. Loved it.  Beware the “double sites” unless you go with a friend; otherwise you are sharing with strangers, which could be awkward.  We stayed in Mallard-10. *9.5*

Rancho Sedona RV Park, Sedona, AZ (May 8-14, 2018)

Gorgeous little park right along Oak Creek.  Huge towering trees (see how small we look in the photo below?).  Wide disparity between sites, some fully exposed, some tucked away, some large, some small.   Lots of rules but it contributes to an exceptionally well-run, well-maintained campground.  Huge, tall-fenced grassy dog area.  Very close to town, 5 minute walk to Tlaquepaque and start of some hiking trails.  Very quiet and peaceful. Only fault, you’ll have to reserve many many months in advance; they are fully booked mostly year round.   *9*

Grand Canyon Trailer Village, Grand Canyon South, AZ (June 17-19, 2018)

This is a fairly crappy parking lot type situation, but since you’ve got no other choice on the South Rim, just smile and bear it. The deer and elk are basically house-trained and all over the place.  Don’t leave your sewer hose out during the day; the ravens “know what is inside” and will peck holes in it, trying to eat the goodies.  *6*

Grand Canyon North Rim Campground, Grand Canyon North, AZ (June 20-21, 2018)

Beautiful wooded campground but without hookups.  Most of the sites pull through and pretty small. Site #53 was the best.  Very quiet and peaceful.  A pretty good sized general store.  *9*

Ockey’s Big Mountain Campground, Nephi, UT (June 22, 2018)

A extremely busy family-camp type place, with kids yelling and running roughshod over parents left and right.  Down in a canyon, not easy to navigate the park roads, small sites although the grass between them was welcome, very little cell service.  A pool jam packed with kids.  Harried staff.  *6*

 

Anderson Camp, Eden/Twin Falls, ID (June 23, 2018)

Location extremely convenient, right off the freeway.  Not far from Twin Falls and Shoshane Falls.  Large sites, lots of grass, different pool and recreation options for families.  We only did an overnight but it was a nice place.  *8*

Ponderosa State Park, McCall, ID (June 24-July 7, 2018)

Our go-to “happy place.”  Great forest, FHU sites in two loops, level paved sites, walking distance to the lake and swimming area, 5 minutes from town.  Though Verizon was strong when we visited last year, it was a huge struggle to get signal this time — apparently the town is going to upgrade the service but they haven’t yet, which was extremely frustrating.  Site #206 was GREAT.   *9*

Round Valley RV Park, Challis, ID (July 8, 2018)

This place wasn’t much to look at when we arrived, but it ended up being just fine.  Huge sites and most of them empty, so it was very quiet.  Extremely friendly and helpful owners. There are a couple other RV parks in town but this is the one you want.  *6.5* 

Teton Peaks RV Park, Tetonia, ID (July 9-11, 2018)

Like everything else in the Tetons, this place was pricey at $70+/night.  But unlike lots of places around, it had full hookups and great Verizon signal, which is what we needed.  Also nice bathrooms, showers, and laundry room.  Pretty views of the Grand Tetons, lots of country roads surrounding to walk on, huge and fabulous grocery store “Broulims” in Driggs 9 miles down the road.  *7*

Teton Canyon Campground, Alta, WY (July 12-15, 2018)

We loved loved loved this place for its solitude and beauty and multiple amazing hiking trails leading right out of the campground.  What we did not love was the extremely rutted 4-mile road leading there.  We’re talking hundreds of wading-pool-sized ruts in the road.  It took probably 30 minutes to go 4 miles, and the road has apparently been that way forever, so won’t probably be improved anytime soon.  There are very few sites that can accommodate larger RV’s; site #2 is about your only choice so book early.  No hookups, zero cell service.  *9*

The Virginian RV Park, Jackson, WY (July 16-22, 2018)

We were surprised at how much we loved this place.  It’s location closest to town, bike paths, etc. makes it super convenient.  The large staff is great.  The washing machines and dryers are only $1 per load, which meant I washed every single blanket, sheet, and article of clothing we owned.  There is a terrific breakfast and lunch restaurant as well as a liquor store at the associated hotel (also a pool filled with kids, and a kinda gross jacuzzi).  Though really pricey at $110/night, we would definitely stay here again, and there are not many choices in Jackson.  *8*

Mountain Valley RV Resort, Heber City, UT (July 23, 2018)

Fancy pants RV resort with lots of amenities, though we were just doing an overnight so didn’t use most of them.  Long, level sites, pool/jacuzzi, laundry room, huge pet run, more.  So exclusive there is a gate arm that you need a code to go in and out.  Though this was nice, it wasn’t really our style (also it was freaking hot in the valley) and we saw lots of nearby campgrounds at lakes and so forth I would probably check out those out first next time.  *8*

Point Supreme Campground, Cedar Breaks National Monument, UT (July 24-27, 2018)

Yessss this campground was so cool.  Perched at the top of Cedar Breaks (10,350 feet elevation), you are definitely “up there with thin air”.  Generator did NOT run well at that altitude.  No hookups but amazingly nice hot showers (and large private stalls you can “share with a friend”).  Hiking trails connect campground to nice lookouts and visitor center.  Closest cell service at Brian Head Ski Resort, about 5 miles away.  Enter from Panguitch or Long Valley Junction on the east, or else you are facing a 17% grade climb for 12 miles if you enter from Panowan on the west — torture!  Super cool temps even in the summer due to elevation; very dark skies and lots of stars at night.  If you are looking to “get away from it all” this is a great place!  Very few sites that accommodate large RV (and tricky maneuvering to get them in there regardless).  Site #8 best for RV’s.  *9*

Ft. Tuthill County Park Campground, Flagstaff, AZ (July 28, 2018)

As always, we stay here for the convenient location to my parents’ house in Forest Highlands.  It’s not that great, messy and often muddy, lots of loud noisy groups, generators running day and night, cars parked everywhere, but some of the sites do have water and sewer hookups (no electric) which is helpful for the “final dump” we always do before we go back home.  Usual site A-02. *6*

Lifestyle RV Resort, Willcox, AZ (January 19-20, 2019)

Your choices are limited in Willcox, but this basic parking lot campground with full-hookups is perfectly adequate.  Strangely, it has a gorgeous Michael Kors designer boutique in the lobby, and an enormous fitness center/gym.  Nothing special but nothing terrible either.  Strong Verizon. *7* 

Hueco Tanks State Park, El Paso, TX (January 21-23, 2019)

A gorgeous state park with super-quiet campground.  Spotlessly clean and nicely-heated bathrooms with single stall shower, but the largest stall ever.  Tucked right up against the rocks with hiking trails galore.  Must be in the park by 5 PM, no late arrivals.  Water and electric hookups. Weak Verizon. Site #1.  *9*

Davis Mountains State Park, Fort Davis, TX (January 24-28, 2019)

Widely-spaced sites with full-hookups, including cable TV (very strange in a remote state park).  No Verizon whatsoever, but you can drive five minutes to the top of Skyline Drive and get service there.  Lots of amazing hiking trails with varied terrain.  Super-friendly and helpful staff.  Sites on outer edges of camping loops are much better than interior sites. Huge picnic table structures.  Huge variance in levelness between sites. Site #19.  *7.5*

Big Bend RV Resort and Adventures, Study Butte, TX (January 29-30, 2019)

Nicely located just outside Big Bend National Park, close to Terlingua Ghost Town.  Big dirt parking lot type campground.  Worst laundry room ever: 80% of machines broken, other 20% don’t work at all, smelly, dirty.  Verizon service poor but they do have Wi-Fi.  On-site gas station and convenience store.  A good stopover place location-wise but nothing to write home about.  *6*

Rio Grande Village Campground, Big Bend National Park, TX (January 31 – February 3, 2019)

The only full-hookup campground in Big Bend, but it is literally an asphalt parking lot with painted stripes.  Extremely short and RV’s packed on both sides of the drive, so maneuvering into your slot is quite challenging.  Zero phone service, finicky wi-fi, so don’t count on either.  Small store with gas, tiny laundry with only 1 of 3 machines working.  Pervasive sewer smell.  If you can go without hookups, the adjoining Cottonwood Campground is a much prettier alternative with bigger sites and lots of grass and trees.  Javelina and howling coyotes galore.  We love Big Bend but not too much to love about this campground.  Site #23 but they are all the same. *5* 

Broke Mill RV Park, Del Rio, TX (February 4-5, 2019)

The nicest of the 6+ RV parks in Del Rio.  On the outskirts of town, but only 5 miles to stores and businesses.  Extremely well-maintained park, with by far the nicest laundry room we have ever experienced.  Long sites, very big-rig friendly.  Professional, helpful personnel.  On-site pool, fitness center, rec room, sell their own frozen meats.  Incredible dog run with covered owner waiting-area, and dog-washing station.  Downside: lots (and I mean lots) of traffic noise from Hwy. 277 out front — aim for a site in the back of this large park.  Site #14.  *8*

Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, Laredo, TX (February 6-7, 2019)

A very nice park within a pretty crappy border city.  Camping area completely separate from day-use area, which is nice.  Great lake for kayaking, fishing and bird-watching.  Water and electric hookups with nice bathrooms and showers.  Large, well-separated sites with plenty of trees.  Good Verizon and some TV over antenna (mostly Spanish).  Site #218.  *8*

Padre Balli Park, Padre Island, TX (February 8-10, 2019)

This is a county-run park on Padre Island, about 22 miles from Corpus Christi.  It is right on the beach (a dog-friendly beach that you can drive on, by the way).  Located at the Bob Hall Pier which has a restaurant on it.  Their website lists only water/electric sites and though they do have that in an older section of the park, they also have a newer section with huge, level, nicely-spaced sites with full-hookups. Bathrooms are pretty gross and though they say they have laundry, it’s one broken down machine in a dark dirty room.  Site #12.  *8*

Gulf Waters Beachfront RV Resort, Port Aransas, TX (February 11-13, 2019)

We loved, loved, loved this quirky and very well-run park.  The sites are individually owned and very individually decorated and outfitted, with each owner seeming to want to outdo his or her neighbors, and we spent a lot of time wandering around admiring the set ups.  Sites not being used go into the rental pool, which results in not very many sites available at any given time, so book far in advance.  Right on a gorgeous beach by walking over a boardwalk from the park.  Nice restrooms, perfect and modern laundry room, friendly people, a big pond in the middle, organized events and activities, extremely professional management.   *10*

Huntsville State Park, Huntsville, TX (February 14-16, 2019)

This is a popular, family-friendly state park about 10 miles from downtown Huntsville.  It has wonderful hiking trails and a variety of ranger programs.  The campground sites are fairly close together, and though the Raven Hill loop has full hookups, it truly is perched on the edge of a hill, making leveling nearly impossible and sewer pipe downfall flows difficult at best.  We saw every imaginable crazy leveling attempts known to man, where some people had even resorted to stacking piles of firewood underneath their jacks to try and get it level.  Shabby but clean restrooms. Not much privacy in sites but back-ins are better than pull throughs.  Site 002.   *7*

Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway, Mineral Wells, TX (February 17-19, 2019)

A very quiet state park set on a lake, with easy access to the 20-mile rails-to-trails Mineral Wells Trailway bike path.  Kayaking on the lake, hiking paths, rock climbing  6 miles from historic downtown Mineral Wells.  Water and electric hookups; bathrooms with hot showers that could use a thorough cleaning and some attention. Site 62 in the 30-amp Plateau Campground.   *7*

Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway, Quitaque, TX (February 20-22, 2019)

Bison, bison and more bison, need we say more?  You will be surrounded by bison and your RV probably will too, as they have free range of the place.  It’s fun!  And exciting!  And messy.  Poopy.  Anyway, W/E hookups with decent restroom facilities. Lots of great hiking trails.  Nearby Trailway for hiking, biking.  Site #6.   *8* 

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon, TX (February 23-24, 2019)

You’ll be driving down a long (8-mile), very steep hill into the canyon to get to the Juniper Loop campground, but it will be worth it when you get there!  Large sites surrounded by beautiful mountains, W/E hookups and the most modern, brand-spanking new restrooms and showers we’ve ever seen!  Zero cell service, be warned, though you can drive back to the top near the Visitors Center to get service.  Cute Palo Duro Trading Post store nearby.  Lots of great hiking trails.  Can be crowded as it’s not far from a local university and also Amarillo.  *8.5* 

Bottomless Lakes State Park, Roswell, NM (February 25-26, 2019)

15 miles outside Roswell, and a good alternative to a bunch of crappy options in town. Adequate but not great restrooms. Set on small-but-wet Lake Lea.  W/E hoookups.  Great Verizon signal.  Friendly hosts.  Site 23.  *7*

Rose Valley RV Ranch, Silver City, NM (February 27-28, 2019)

Immaculately kept park about 5 miles outside downtown Silver City.  Nice laundry room with multiple machines, 4 separate/individual shower rooms.  Seemed like mostly full-time long-term residents, but was very quiet and well-kept.  Super-long drive through sites. Full hook-ups.  Next to a pretty little city cemetery, if you like walking those sorts of things.  “Barn” for group gatherings.  Good Verizon and a few over-air channels.  Would definitely stay here again.  *9*

 Goulding’s RV Campground, Monument Valley, UT (May 15-16, 2019)

A surprisingly beautiful campground in the middle of nowhere, about 4 miles across the highway from the Navajo Monument Valley National Park.  They have a big complex of “things:” store, museum, tours, movie theater showing John Wayne movies, etc. etc.  FHU’s, many with nice views, especially from Site #12.  Beautiful walking trails heading right out from the campground.  *7.5* 

Canyonlands RV Resort and Campground, Moab, UT (May 17-19, 2019)

Nice park but extremely tight quarters.  Difficult entry on a narrow driveway behind a gas station.  Short pads and strict rules about not overhanging at all.  “In-town” in Moab but there are other parks further to the north with more spaciousness and probably closer to the things you want to do.  Would choose another park if we went back to Moab, based strictly on location and accessibility.  *6*

Stoneyard Distillery (Harvest Hosts location), Dotsero, CO (May 20, 2019)

A fun business that makes spirits from sugar-beet syrup.  We stayed in their parking lot as part of the Harvest Hosts club program.  Super-friendly, nice proprietor, good location right off the freeway. *9*

Mountain View RV Park, Wheatland, WY (May 21, 2019)

Basically just slots in a big parking lot.  Easily accessible from the freeway.  Very nice laundry room with huge individual shower rooms, however.  Cash only.  Strange sewer hookup location in the middle of the site.  *5*

Elk Mountain Campground, (Wind Cave NP), Hot Springs, SD (May 22-23, 2019)

No hookups, and no reservations (though they rarely fill up), right in Wind Cave National Park.  Quiet and beautiful location, a few large pull thru sites but most on the smaller side. Ampitheater with ranger programs and a 1-mile nature trail leading out from campground.  *7*

Cedar Pass Campground (Badlands NP), Interior, SD (May 24-25, 2019)

No-frills campground but right inside Badlands National Park.  Pay showers but they are hot and 10 minutes for just $1.25.  Pull-thru sites, basically just a wider portion of the road, so it feels crowded.  Wide open views all around.  Your only other option would a private park further down the road in Interior (outside park boundaries) *6*

Hankinson Hills Campground, Hankinson, ND (May 27, 2019)

A beautiful USDA forest service campground.  Very quiet.  No hookups.  Terrific hiking loop (about 7-8 miles) leading out.  Long, bumpy, dusty road to get there but worth it!  So beautiful. Downside: ticks in the surrounding grasslands. Sites 4 and 5 are one long pull-thru loop up against the trees; the others are all back-in.  *8*

Crow Wing State Park Campground, Brainerd, MN (May 28, 2019)

A little dusty, a little mosquito’ey, and quite deserted (nobody even in the campground office) while we were there.  It was a decent park but certainly nothing special.  About 10 miles from nearby Brainerd.  The Paul Bunyan State Trail (100 miles to Bemidji to the north) does lead right out of the park, however.  Good Verizon signal.  Terrible water pressure at the dump station, just a dribble, come with full tank. Electric only hookups.  *6*

Pleasant Pines Resort Campground, Hackensack, MN (May 29, 2019)

“Resort” is quite a stretch of the imagination at this aging, dated campground.  Supposedly the kids are taking it over from the parents, but the transition is in the middle, so the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing.  No credit cards accepted.  A generally run-down feel to the whole place.  Electric/water hookups.  *5*

Lake Bemidji State Park Campground, Bemidji, MN (May 30-31, 2019)

Nice state park with a beautiful lakeside trail.  Not far from a reasonably big town; end (or beginning, depending on direction) of Paul Bunyan State Trail, a 100-mile paved bicycle path.  Nice, clean restrooms with hot showers.  Generally level sites but narrow roads.  Good dump station.  Bicycles for rent. Electric only; site 81.  *8*

Fall Lake Campground, Ely, MN (June 1-3, 2019)

Gorgeous, quiet, private campground right on the Boundary Waters Canoe Recreation Area.  Nice restrooms with hot showers.  About 10 miles from Ely.  Electric only; site 20.  *8*

Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, MN (June 4-6, 2019)

Sites very small and short; check sizes carefully before reserving.  Sparkling gorgeous showers but you have to push a button literally every 5 seconds to keep the hot water flowing.  Start of Gitchi Gami Bike Trail; amazing hiking (be sure to take the 6 mile Superior Hiking Trail loop to Fifth Falls).  Right on Lake Superior; lots of picnic tables and areas.  About 10 miles from Two Harbors, the nearest town.  No hookups; site 40.   *8*

Buffalo Bay Campground and Marina/Legendary Waters Casino, Bayfield, WI (June 7-8, 2019)

Shockingly nice for being at a casino.  Right on the water of Lake Superior, try to get a site right on the water.  Showers are kind of a hike into the casino, but very nice once you get there.  Utilities are located at the far (wrong) end of the site, so either park the wrong directions and drag under your RV, or bring a long hose and an extension cord!  About 5 miles into town.  Water/electric hookups and dump station; site 10.    *7*

Bay Furnace USFS Campground, Munising, MI (June 9-11, 2019)

Two loops – one along the water and one not-so-much.  Our site #9 was on the water with spectacular views but they are certainly not all that way.  No hookups.  Lots of vicious mosquitoes.  About 8 miles from the south end of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.  Very quiet.  Restrooms but no showers.  *6*

Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground, Mackinaw City, MI (June 12-14, 2019)

A huge (600-site) park on like 150 acres.  Waterfront sites with great views of Mackinac Bridge.  The staff is nice but they nickel-and-dime you for every little thing, including wanting to check in 45 minutes prior to “regular” time of 1 PM (25% of daily rate even though their park was basically empty) and $3 daily for a “pass” that lets your visitors come through the entrance (just a couple of examples).  Convenient to Mackinaw City.  Sites are not very manicured but the deluxe sites are absolutely huge.  *7*

Petoskey KOA Holiday, Petoskey, MI (June 15-18, 2019)

A lovely KOA about 5 miles from downtown Petoskey.  (The Petoskey RV Resort is also really nice, also about 5 miles from downtown to the other direction.)  Super-friendly staff, pool and hot tub, large store.  We would stay here again.  *8*

Platte River Campground, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, MI (June 19-20, 2019)

A gorgeous wooded campground on the south end of SBDNP.  4 large loops, restrooms with large hot showers, firewood “vending machine,” walking trail of about 1 mile to Lake Michigan, lots of kayaking in nearby Platte River.  Not exactly at the start of the 22-mile SBP Heritage Biking Trail, but roads here have wide shoulders and little traffic so you could ride on the road to the start of the trail.  Quiet and really nice’ electric only hookups.  Site 303 was superb.  *9*

Steamboat Park Campground, Grand Rapids, MI (June 21-24, 2019)

A newer campground about 7 miles outside downtown Grand Rapids.  Waterfront sites right along the Grand River with boats and the campground’s Riverboat Tours going by for entertainment.  A lot of vehicles stacked in here but everyone friendly and happy.  Small pool, small laundry facility.  Zero supervision by management, once you pay your fee you will never see nor hear from anyone ever again. Site 46.   *8* along the water, *7* inland.

Country View Motel and RV Park, Wyoming, Ontario, Canada (June 25, 2019)

A perfectly fine stopover spot, right after crossing the border into Canada from Michigan.  Mostly full-timers here, but the temporary spots are in a large field area so you don’t interact with the others at all.  There is only one road into and out of the entire property (which also includes motel rooms) so that could be a challenge.  FHU. *6*

Niagara KOA Holiday, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada (June 26-29, 2019)

We had the misfortune of being here on Canada Day weekend (their main national holiday) so it was completely overrun with revelers and kids running every which way, but that’s to be expected.  Sites were of varied quality; would recommend getting one of their pricier patio spots if you can swing it.  Most sites are dirt which equates to mud if it’s been raining; we actually asked to switch spots after finding our site to be really muddy.  Lots of amenities especially for kids: 2 pools, hayrides, jumpy things, etc.  FHU.  About 5 miles from downtown Niagara Falls activities on the Canada side.  *7*

Abbott Farms (Harvest Hosts Location), Baldwinsville, NY (June 30, 2019)

A stopover as part of our membership in Harvest Hosts.  A lovely farm in upstate New York, with u-pick strawberries, large country store, farm animals, etc.  The downside was an automated cannon sound reverberating over the property every couple minutes to scare birds away from the cherry trees.  It stops when it gets dark (9 PM) and we eventually got used to it, but if you had a dog who was scared of loud noises or fireworks, you wouldn’t be able to stay here.  Super nice hosts but they will want to talk about God with you.  *7*

Brookwood RV Resort, Ticonderoga, NY (July 1-4, 2019)

A very nice, small property about 5 miles outside town.  Run by extremely friendly folks with a really nice shop, where the manager sews quilts in her free time.  Nice bathrooms and large private showers.  Tall shade trees.  Permanent residents in the back but we never saw any of them.  Close to the road with some traffic noise. Maintenance guy likes to run mowers, blowers, trimmers a LOT, but very friendly and helpful.   FHU + cable for a free at some sites.  Site 13.   *7*

Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA, Wilmington, NY (July 5-7, 2019)

Huge park, lots of activities (hayrides, cookouts, etc), lots of amenities for kids: pool, tennis courts, snack bar, mini-golf, etc.  Big store, inept staff.  Full hookup patio sites along front row get a nice breeze, a little stuffy the further back in the park you go. Site 4.  Nice overall.  *8*  

North Beach Campground, Burlington, VT (July 8-13, 2019)

Nice campground located right at the public North Beach.  Lots of cheerful people and cars passing through but the sites are off to the side so no harm.  Only about 20 full hookup sites; mostly tent sites.  Competitive reservations, be prepared to go online the very moment reservations open up or you will not likely get a spot.  Site 10.  Very wide sites.  *9*

Camping de la Joie, Quebec, Canada (July 14-17, 2019)

This quirky campground is located about 15 minutes outside Old Quebec City.  It is a mix of long-term residents, seasonal residents, and short-term stays.  Sites are located along a very steep hill.  Lots of trees and greenery, swimming pool, basic restaurant, 3 small washer/dryer combos.  Full hookups in some sites. They also offer a very helpful shuttle to town 3x per day.  *7*

Peaks Kenny State Park, Dover-Foxcroft, ME (July 18-19, 2019)

This state park is along Sebec Lake, and as such has an excellent swimming beach, great kayaking, etc.  A very busy campground with lots of families and kids running amok.  Downright dirty bathrooms and showers.  Only a couple of sites big enough for larger RV’s.  Water/electric hookups in some sites. Down a long, super-rutted and potholed road.  *6.5*

Acadia NP/Schoodic Woods Campground, Winter Harbor, ME (July 20-22, 2019)

On the “quiet side” of Acadia National Park.  The sites are laughably large; our pull-through (Site 17) was 154 feet long.  Water/electric hookups.  No showers in campground.  Ranger programs, great biking riding on one-way Schoodic Loop, hiking nearby, about 5 minutes to “town” of Winter Harbor.  Very quiet campground.  *7*

Narrows Too RV Resort, Trenton (Bar Harbor), ME (July 23-27, 2019)

A very-nice resort about 12 miles from Bar Harbor and convenient to Acadia National Park.  There are closer campgrounds but this is one of the nicer ones.  Sites along the water are best.  It’s pricey but they all are, during the summer.  Huge laundry room and large sites.  The Acadia NP Island Explorer bus system has a stop here, so it’s easy to catch a ride into the park.  Awesome Sugar Bakery across the street.  *9*

Camden Hills State Park, Camden, ME (July 28-August 1, 2019)

Quite possibly the most unlevel sites ever, bring lots of leveling blocks and probably some extra 2×4’s too.  Most sites pretty small but some can take bigger rigs, and they also have about 8 spots in a field down front that are level and can take large RV’s, but they are completely exposed to everyone coming and going and also zero shade, whereas the other sites are in the beautiful shady trees.  Hot showers, though bathrooms are pretty rustic.  Just a few minutes from downtown Camden; lots of hiking trails of all lengths and difficulties right out of the park, plus the Mt. Battie Auto Road with stellar views from the tower on top.  Site 38.   *6.5*

Shore Hills Campground, Boothbay, ME (August 2-3, 2019)

bout 5 miles from darling downtown Boothbay Harbor, a large and popular campground.  Mixed sites — some big-rig sites in open field, most sites in the trees but fairly close together.  Great laundry room, garage converted into a rec center where we were treated to a great rock/folk concert.  They don’t take credit cards so come armed with cash, and the staff are not super friendly.  Lots and lots of dogs, which is common for Maine. Site 22, which backed up to a great private grassy field.  *8*

Wild Duck Adult Campground, Scarborough (Portland), ME (August 4-11, 2019)

They are quick to distinguish “ADULT” at this campground, because the other choice in the area (Bayley’s) is full of children and noise and planned activities, whereas here they tout their quiet.  It was indeed quiet and lovely, on Maine’s largest saltwater marsh.  It was also one of the tightest fits we’ve ever had (both the sites and the road in) and the majority of residents seem to live here full time.  70 sites and only 2 washer/dryers, so plan accordingly.  But the office staff and very nice and helpful and it’s a convenient location to downtown Portland, with lots of stores and services nearby.  *7*

Dry River Campground, Bretton Woods, NH (August 12-13, 2019)

Very conveniently located in the Crawford Notch area, but still 30 miles from Mount Washington Auto Road, if that’s where you’re headed.  A beautiful campground with spacious sites, but no hookups and no cell service (closest is about 7 miles down the road).  Hot showers but no other amenities.  Super quiet, walking distance to Arethusa Falls hiking trail and related network of trails.  *7*

Cannon Mountain RV Campground @ Echo Lake, Franconia, NH (August 14-16, 2019)

An interesting mixed bag of experiences.  You are in the wilds of Franconia Notch, and yet at the entrance to a very busy public beach.  It’s located on a beautiful lake, but you can’t put your kayak in the water here, you have to drive way around to the public boat launch.  It’s super dark and quiet at night, but tons of people and hubbub during the day.  You are less than a mile from getting 4G Verizon service, but will get zero/nada/none service while in your RV.  Site 1 is closest to the beach entrance, get as far away as possible toward Site 7 for maximum spaciousness.  *8*

Bonnie Brae Campground, Pittsfield, MA (August 17, 2019)

They had just got a new owner, and he was certainly nice enough and trying hard, but this is not a place you want to spend any time.  Very unlevel sites, very crowded together, tons of people tent camping and causing a ruckus, kids everywhere, the “laundry room” is 1 washer and 1 dryer outside under a roof.  Their website touted their restrooms as guests saying they were “the cleanest they’d ever had anywhere” and literally we would not even go inside, they were so bad.  Small swimming pool.  Ugh.  *5* 

Watkins Glen State Park, Watkins Glen, NY (August 18-26, 2019)

Very conveniently located right at the super-cool Watkins Glen State Park, and its superstar Gorge Trail.  Electricity hookups (only) in only one loop – Mohawk.  Wooded, mixed bag of sites … choose carefully.  Some were huge and level, some were tiny and tilted.  Hot showers in semi-decent restrooms. Only a couple minutes from downtown stores and very close to Seneca Wine Trail wineries. Good central location for also venturing into Corning and Ithaca. The KOA in Watkins Glen area would also be a good choice.  *7* 

High Pines RV Park, Kane, PA (August 27-28, 2019)

The kind of park where they don’t have a computer so reservation are noted on a huge piece of paper with a 3-foot ruler across it.  Nice people but super simple campground.  Huge park but very few sites are FHU.  Good location between Kane and Bradford.  *7*

Streetsboro/Cleveland KOA, Streetsboro, OH (August 29-Sept 2, 2019)

Super-nice KOA in the farm fields of Ohio. Very convenient location to Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  Super close to all the modern things you need, like Target, car washes, grocery stores, etc.  Park itself is deluxe, with two large fishing ponds, dog agility park, picnic table cabanas, organized activities, etc.  Sites are large and well spaced and there are a lot of them.  Great experience all around.  Site 700 on a corner had an enormous side yard.  Good Verizon, superb bathrooms.  *9*

Clay’s Park Resort, Canton, OH (Sept 3-4, 2019)

The strangest park we’ve ever been to.  It’s huge … 500 acres.  It has tons of infrastructure, including volleyball courts, a huge waterpark area, fishing ponds, golf cart rentals, a restaurant, etc etc etc.  What it did not have was any people around.  There were lots of RVs and trailers park (apparently for the season), but no people.  At all.  Just a few days after Labor Day, everything seemed to be shut down, including the water flow, which was a mere trickle both in the bathrooms and in our RV (we resorted to using our own fresh water pump).  At $60/night, it was an expensive electric-only hookup.  Park workers were few and far between. We were in the “Creekside” area, which was a mess of stagnant water.  We wouldn’t return here.  *6*

Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, OH (Sept 5-10, 2019)

A campground located right next to Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center, very convenient.  Cell service is spotty or non-existent.  Bathrooms are basic but there is a laundry room, very rare for a state park.  Swimming pool but only open in the summer.  Muddy ruts all over even though it had not recently rained.  Upper sites are the only FHU’s and they are basically just slots along the main road.  Hocking Hills is gorgeous but this campground can only be called “adequate.”  *6*

Krodel Park Campground, Point Pleasant, WV (Sept 11, 2019)

A city facility with lots of long-termers living there.  On a small pond with walking path.  Friendly couple running the place.  No wi-fi.  Verizon service fine.  Neighbor (who had obviously been living there a long time) blared bluegrass gospel music outside RV 24/7.  Nothing special, and not sad to leave.  *6*

Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Red River Gorge, KY (Sept 12-15, 2019)

Located down below a busy highway.  No Verizon service in the campground, but you can drive 5 miles or less to get service.  Bathrooms/showers very nice. W/E only, no sewer.  Good location for Red River Gorge area.  *7*

Singing Hills RV Park, Cave City, KY (Sept 16-18, 2019)

A very quiet park close to Mammoth Cave National Park.  Incredibly friendly and helpful owners.  Nice level sites.  Terrible Verizon service.  About 5 miles to downtown Cave City.  Large grassy field for the pup to run in.  FHU, no bathrooms or laundry facilities that we could see.  *6*

Hinton RV Park, Sikeston, MO (Sept 19, 2019)

Good stopover park not far from the freeway.  Nice basic park, with shockingly un-nice bathroom facilities – very dated, not clean, only one toilet and one shower stall for the entire park.  Level sites, good Verizon.  *6* 

Branson Musicland Kampground, Branson, MO (Sept 20-22, 2019)

Awooded park in walking distance to the main entertainment drag of Branson.  Perhaps the hilliest park we’ve ever been in, with super tight corners, navigation is a teeth-biting experience.  Lots of dog-teasing squirrels.  Huge laundry room, nice bathrooms.  *7*

Buffalo Outdoor Center RV Park, Ponca, AR (Sept 23-25, 2019)

Be prepared to be delighted.  In the middle of nowhere, but one of the nicest places we have ever stayed.  Long, level sites with heavy, metal picnic tables.  Blazing-fast Wi-Fi service and good channel reception via antenna.  Terrific Verizon service at this park, but no service 3 miles away in town.  Stunningly beautiful bath house with private showers, granite countertops, modern appointments.  All this convenience in the middle of nature, with coyotes howling at night, and hiking/canoeing the Buffalo River right at your doorstep.  *10*

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, Eureka Springs, AR (Sept 26-27, 2019)
One of the most unique camping experiences ever! Stay right on the premises of a big-cat wildlife sanctuary. (In the picture below, the chain-link fence next to our Jeep is one of the tiger enclosures!) Hear the cats rahhhhring all night long. Enjoy unrestricted, unchaperoned access to the facility during your stay. Totally a must-do stop! Water/electric hookups. *10*

The Creeks RV and Golf Resort, Cave Springs, AR (Sept 28-Oct 1, 2019)
This is a very nice parking-lot type campground on a golf course. Best thing about it is that it is conveniently located exactly halfway between Bentonville and Fayetteville. FHU, cable, wifi, good Verizon. *7*

Wanderlust Crossings RV Park, Weatherford, OK (Oct 2, 2019)

Truly one of the nicest, newest parks we have ever stayed in.  Only opened in 2017.  Sites are concrete with just the right pitch to them, long and level.  Grass is golf-course-turf.  Lots of burbling fountains and accents.  Two dog runs.  A dog wash room/station.  Huge office/clubhouse has big comfy couches and a 100″ TV.  Just off the I-10 freeway but far enough you don’t hear the noise.  A great passing-through overnight stop.  FHU.  *10*

Blaze-In Saddle RV Park, Tucumcari, NM (Oct 3, 2019)
Just off the I-10 on the adjacent Route 66 highway. Your basic park, but with nice bathrooms. Wifi pretty crappy. Gravel sites with FHU’s. Quite a few long-term residents. Very nice/helpful owner. *6* 

USA RV Park, Gallup, NM (October 4, 2019)
We really liked this park. Big sites, FHU’s, good wifi, terrific staff. Most importantly, perhaps, they have a BBQ dinner most night where they do brisket, pulled pork, etc. plus homemade apple cobbler and ice cream. Yessss! A very professionally run operation. *9*

Fool Hollow Recreation Area, Show Low, AZ (October 18-20, 2019)
Our second visit here, and our first with our new RV, Elsie. We like the woodedness, the nearby lake, the peacefulness, even though it’s nestled in between residential communities and has FHU’s. We ended up with a “shared site” which was fine, because one site was back behind the other, even though we shared a driveway (it also helped that our neighbors were friendly and quiet). Site 8 in Cinnamon Teal Loop (FHU). *8*

Cave Creek Regional Park, Cave Creek, AZ (Dec 28, 2019 – Jan 3, 2020)

This lovely park about 25 miles north of Phoenix is quiet and beautiful.  A network of busy hiking and biking trails lead out from the campground.  Horse rentals available in the park.  A small visitor center.  Water and electric hookups.  Decent showers with hot water.  Hot air balloons lifting off from the surrounding desert floor every morning and many evenings.  Sites 4 and 6 definitely the best.   *9*

Cattail Cove State Park, Parker, AZ (Feb 15-16, 2020)

One of three state parks near Parker, AZ.  This one is closest to Lake Havasu City to the north.  Great swimming beach, separate dog beach, boat launch, nice hiking trails leading out.  Dirt sites, pretty close together, water/electric hookups, dump station.  A fairly quiet campground that we enjoyed very much.  *8*

Oasis Las Vegas RV Park, Las Vegas, NV (Feb 17-18, 2020)

The “go-to” place (basically your only choice) to stay in Las Vegas.  Nice park with lots of luxury RV eye-candy.  Sites fairly closely packed in but you are pretty close to the Strip.  Multiple pools and amenities.  FHU sites.  Site #103.  *7*

Atlatl Campground @ Valley of Fire State Park, Overton, NV (Feb 19-23, 2020)

Ahhhhhh what a gorgeous place!  Two campgrounds within Valley of Fire – Atlatl has some sites with water/electric hookups, Arch Rock is more primitive (but even prettier) with most sites having only water.  Atlatl sites are humungous and this place is so peaceful.  BUT … no reservations, and very competitive in good weather.  Be prepared to arrive between 8:30-10:30 AM each day for any chance of snagging a site as somebody pulls out.  Site #39 in Atlatl.   *8*

Picacho Peak State Park, Eloy, AZ (Mar 27-29, 2020)

A lovely state park halfway between Phoenix and Tucson.  Expansive sites in three loops, large/clean restrooms and showers, far enough from I-10 to avoid most traffic noise, great hiking trails including a difficult one to the top of the peak (bring gloves to protect your hands while pulling yourself up the embedded cables!).  Electric only hookups.  Park is on a well so frequently has water restrictions; arrive with full tank.  *9*

Hacienda RV Park, Las Cruces, NM (Mar 30, 2020)

Always our “go-to” in Las Cruces.  Neat, quiet, clean park right off I-10.  Full hookups and easy access.  *8*

Fort Stockton RV Park, Fort Stockton, TX (Mar 31, 2020)

A surprisingly nice park right along I-10, about two miles outside of Fort Stockton city.  Long and wide sites, full hookups, an enormous dog park, and cafe serving breakfast and lunch are all nice amenities.  Very friendly staff.  *7*

Fredericksburg RV Park, Fredericksburg, TX (Apr 1-9, 2020)

The park closest to Main Street.  Most RV parks in Fredericksburg are nice; probably avoid the KOA however.  This park has full hookups, level sites, a large and clean laundry room, koi fish lilly pad pond, and close access to grocery store, hospital, and 290 Wine Highway. Bonus: free ice! *8*

Texas Rose RV Park, Tyler, TX (Apr 10, 2020)

Really dump park run by really nice people.  You would have to be a real jerk not to like them, I swear.  But otherwise, it’s a tight loop of mostly full-time residents, the kind of place you are fine doing an overnight, but not much more than that. Right off the freeway so that is indeed convenient.  *6*

Benchmark Coach and RV Park, Meridian, MS (Apr 11, 2020)

Long, flat sites in the countryside, gas station and convenience store across the street, nice enough place but nothing extraordinary.  *7*

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, Bremen, GA (Apr 12, 2020)

A live parrot will meet you at the door.  It’s part of the Jellystone franchise, so property is geared toward family and kids.  Solid facility, nice enough sites.  We rode out a tornado here and didn’t die, so there’s that.  *7*

Family Lake House Driveway, Lexington, SC (Apr 14, 2020)

Obviously a private club but we’re willing to share. 🙂 The home where Philip’s family has lived for 40+ years.  No hookups but great lakeside location.  *10*

Barnyard RV Park, Lexington, SC (Apr 15-30, 2020)

Barnyard is your only choice in Lexington/Columbia, but it’s a pretty good one with full hookups, two laundry rooms, nice bathrooms and showers.  The sites are of all different sizes, trees, etc. so quality of site can vary.  Lots of permanent residents but they are mostly toward the back sections.  *7*

 Hidden Marina and Campground, Georgetown, SC (May 1-6, 2020)

Very tucked away down a 1-mile dirt road.  Almost all permanent residents.  Full hookups but no bathrooms or laundry room.  Not far from historic downtown but a basic park at best.  A few sites are large and grassy but most are pretty packed in.  Lots of biting ants in the grass.  *6*

Oak Hollow Campground, High Point, NC (May 7-11, 2020)

We loved-loved-loved this campground for so many reasons.  It’s close to a large’ish town, but tucked away and quiet.  It’s set on a beautiful, easily accessible lake.  It has lots of amenities like golf course, tennis courts, and swimming pool.  The people are incredibly friendly.  Sites are FHU + cable and there is even laundry available, even though it’s a city-run facility.  Sites in A or C loop are gorgeous; B area is basically just a divided parking lot.  Site C-8 is by far the winner for its location right along the water.  Two nicks: water faucets are shared by two sites (bring a “T”); and most sites are pretty unlevel.  Nevertheless, we would stay here again in a heartbeat.  *9*

Down By The River Campground, Pineola, NC (May 12-18, 2020)

This is a lovely, serene, impeccably-kept campground in the heart of the Blue Ridge, close to Linville, Banner Elk, and Boone.  It is mostly comprised of weekend visitors (generally older couples) who come to their campers, which are left here permanently. FHU + laundry, no cable, good fishing in the river.  Only a few transient sites along the river; the rest are not-as-nice interior sites.  Only open May 1 to October 31.  *8*

  Mama Gertie’s Hideaway Campground, Asheville, NC (May 19-25, 2020)

This campground might be one of our all-time favorites!  The upper mountain premium sites are amazing, looking over the treetops and valley below.  Site #32 is the place to be for uninterrupted views!  A very well kept and quiet campground about 12 miles from downtown Asheville.  Very convenient to the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway.  FHU + cable, nice laundry facility.  The downhill section sites are not nearly as nice (shorter, less level, and people staying down there complained that campfire smoke gets trapped in the hollow) but up top, it’s pure heaven!  *10*  (*7* down below)

Country Girl’s RV Park, Cherokee, NC (May 26-30, 2020)

This park is almost exclusively long-term residents, and is not very well kept up.  But, the owners are friendly and everyone keeps to themselves.  Its main draw is being located halfway between Cherokee and Bryson City.  It is right on the banks of a huge raging river, which is very enjoyable.  Our site #40 had a covered patio overhanging the river with bonus two rocking chairs.  Most other sites, however, have none such amenities.  If you are here to see Great Smoky Mountains NP, you would probably be happier in any of the parks near the entrance.  *5*

Greenbrier Campground, Gatlinburg, TN (May 31-June 1, 2020)

This is a beautiful and luxurious resort about 10 miles outside Gatlinburg.  It has a variety of family-friendly features and indeed the campground is jam-packed with happy families and kids going everywhere.  Many sites back up to a small river that can be floated and there is an incredible swimming hole that everyone enjoys.  It’s not the quietest park but it is certainly lovely.  *9*

Davidson River Campground, Brevard, NC (June 2-4, 2020)

This rustic campground in the Pisgah National Forest is very conveniently located to a number of popular waterfalls, hiking trails and swimming holes, and about 5 miles from downtown Brevard.  It’s large but only a few loops have electric service.  The Sycamore loop used to be heavily wooded but for some reason most of the trees have been cut down, so its not as pretty as it could be anymore.  *6*

Table Rock State Park, Pickens, SC (June 5-6, 2020)

The White Oak Campground in TRSP is set waaaaay back into the park, so far back in fact that it’s extremely quiet but absolutely zero cell service.  The other campground in the park has small sites all crammed together.  Just a few of the White Oak sites are big enough for motorhomes, and most sites are not really that level.  Bathrooms were shockingly updated and clean.  *6*

Paris Mountain State Park, Greenville, SC (June 7-11, 2020)

To get to this campground, you’ll be on a twisty, super narrow (barely two lane) road for at least a mile.  Sites are set on a hilly loop and some of them are in startling disrepair.  There is no trash dumpster anywhere in the camping loop; you’ll have to haul your trash up to the park center.  No camp host to be seen and park staff at the gate are not very helpful.  It’s a pretty place with some very nice trails, but could be run so much better.  *6*

Vogel State Park, Blairsville, GA (June 12-16, 2020)

A beloved gem in the mountains of North Georgia, this is a large campground with a wide variety of sites.  It has a small lake for kayaking, a few hiking trails of varying difficulty leading out, and beautiful wooded sites.  Large, clean bathrooms/showers and laundry facilities.  No Verizon service whatsoever in the campground but better luck by the Visitor Center, which has Wi-Fi.  Water/electric hookups and two dump stations.  *9*

Amicalola Falls State Park, Dawsonville, GA (June 17-18, 2020)

This state park exists solely to highlight beautiful Amicalola Falls.  To get to the campground at the top of the park (close to the top of the falls), you’ll be driving up a 25% grade for several miles!  There is one hiking look that takes you down to the bottom of the falls via 429 steps. The campground itself is very small, and many of the sites are on the small side (either very short or very narrow).  But it is extremely quiet.  Black bears are very active in this area; we know because one was rummaging through our campsite!  Water/electric hookups.  Verizon service good.  *7.5*

Hoover Met RV Park, Hoover (Birmingham), AL (June 19-20, 2020)

This is a large parking lot at a very beautiful sporting complex, with an indoor gym and walking track, baseball fields, lacrosse fields, etc.  It has full hook-ups and is very convenient off the freeway, but the kind of place you would come to just as a traveling overnighter.  Felt safe but no on-site host or manager; we arrived to find somebody in our spot and it took many phone calls before they told us to just park in another spot.  Would recommend Tannehill Ironworks State Park instead, if you can get in there.  *5*

Lake Chicot State Park, Lake Village, AR (June 21-22, 2020)

The state park is on a huge oxbow lake that used to be part of the Mississippi River.  Loop A is gorgeous, bear the water, with widely-spaced and level sites, including full hookups.  The other loops are decidedly less desirable, to say the least.  Boat ramps for launching kayaks and other watercraft.  It’s kinda in the middle of nowhere but a very nice park.  *8*

Caddo Lake State Park, Karnack, TX (June 23-24, 2020)

This is a beautiful, wooded campground with full hookups and nice bathrooms.  It is set on a long bayou that leads to Caddo Lake, but is not on the lake itself.  Good Verizon service and over-the-air tv reception.  A good ways from just about everything, but a wonderful place to be!  *9*

Lake Whitney State Park, Whitney, TX (June 25, 2020)

A nice state park with full hookups.  Lake Whitney is HUGE and the campgrounds has lots of sites.  A good stop in cooler weather, especially if you’re a fisherman or have a boat.  Otherwise, just a peaceful travel overnighter.  *7*

Lake Colorado City State Park, Colorado City, TX (June 26, 2020)

A basic state park with few trees and little shade, so best visited in cooler weather.  Water/electric hookups.  Nothing special, but nothing terrible either. *6*

Van Horn RV Park, Van Horn, TX (June 27, 2020)

As basic as it gets, complete with the need to shoo roosters away from the office door to enter.  FHU’s, nice laundry room, no trees or shade.  Decent for a stopover but nothing to write home about.  *6*

Lordsburg KOA, Lordsburg, NM (June 28, 2020)

Another one of those “on the road” stopovers, chosen for its location and not its amenities.  A dirt lot but at least one or two trees.  Didn’t see or speak to a soul.  *6*

Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort, Las Vegas, NV (August 19, 2020)

The best (and pretty much only) place to stay in Vegas.  Easy to get to, big rig friendly, many amenities.  *8*

Whispering Elms RV Park, Baker NV (August 20-22, 2020)

It’s not pretty, but it’s the only FHU option close to Great Basin National Park.  FHU’s in a dusty, strangely arranged lot.  *6*

93 RV Park, Filer, ID (August 23, 2020)

Very convenient to the freeway, easy access, large sites, very clean, all around nice.  Good Verizon.  *8*

Smoky Mtn. Campground, City of Rocks, ID (August 24-25, 2020)

We loved it here … spacious, quiet, convenient to City of Rocks, FHU.  *9*

Grayback Gulch Campground, Idaho City, ID (August 26-28, 2020)

Great location to Idaho City, small quiet campground in tall trees, good Verizon but zero hookups.  *7* 

Stanley RV + Camp, Stanley, ID (August 29 – Sept 3, 2020)

About five miles north of downtown Stanley, nice place, FHUs.  Upper tier has no shade, lower tier nicer but fewer spaces for bigger RVs.  *7*

Elk Bend RV Park, Salmon, ID (Sept 4-6, 2020)

About 20 miles south of Salmon, crazy-friendly owners, big spaces, small park, very nicely kept, enjoyed our stay here.  *9*

Redrock RV Park, Island Park, ID (Sept. 7-12, 2020)

Busy park, fairly small sites, out in the country so it’s quiet but a drive to most things, good Verizon, FHUs.  *7*

Rim Station RV Park, Bondurant, WY (Sept 13, 2020)

Totally middle of nowhere, but very quiet haha.  One of the few options around here and it was fine.  *6* 

Lucerne Valley Campground, Flaming Gorge UT (Sept 14-16, 2020)

Right on the water, good Verizon, herds of pronghorn roaming through, decent sized sites, electric only, pay-to-dump station.  *7* 

Palisade Basecamp, Palisade, CO (Sept. 17-20, 2020)

Conveniently located between a marijuana dispensary and a top-notch winery, with a food truck frequently on site … what else do you need?  Nice quiet location, decently sized sites, pretty surroundings.  *8*

Ballard RV Park, Thompson Springs, UT (Sept. 21-22, 2020)

Just a parking lot, but a parking ot that fills up each and every night because there is nothing else in this area.  Easy access off freeway.  Fairly rude/uninterested staff. *6*

Duke’s Slickrock Campground, Hanksville, UT (Sept. 23-25, 2020)

Front sites are DOUBLE-WIDE … in the photo below, that’s ONE site!  The back sites are standard and tight.  Very busy bathrooms and laundry because apparently the whole town uses them.  Office doesn’t generally open until 12 noon at the latest.  Great on-site restaurant.  Only option in this area.  *7*

Thousand Lakes RV Campground, Torrey, UT (Sept. 26-28, 2020)

This campground is out in the country, surrounded by beautiful red rocks.  There is another RV park closer in, but right on the intersection of 2 major highways.  Large sites, FHI, and a BBQ restaurants.   

Escalante Cabins and RV Park, Escalante, UT (Sept. 29 – Oct. 1, 2020)

Nice property, huge landry room, large easy-to-get-into sites, FHU’s.  Just fine, and the probable best campground in Escalante.  *7* 

Bryce Pioneer Village Motel and RV Park, Tropic, UT (Oct. 2 – 4, 2020)

We were pleasantly surprised at this expansive property, with a nice pool and jacuzzi, restaurant with live entertainment on weekends, and more.  The sites are full hookup, but very narrow and crammed together.  Still, it’s conveniently located to Kadachrome Basin and Bryce, and we would stay here again.  *7*

Snow Canyon State Park, St. George, UT (October 5 – 8, 2020)

Well, what to say about Snow Canyon.  You will hate the sites but love the setting.  All that beauty is obviously there just to distract you from the worst-designed campsites in human history.  They are extremely narrow, and sandwiched in between permanent shade structures.  You will probably not be able to use all your slides, and for sure not be able to use your awning.  30 amp elect + water; dump station.  Semi usable Verizon.  *8*

McArthur’s Temple View RV Resort, St. George, UT (October 9 – 11, 2020)

This was a very nice place considering it’s parking-lot style.  Sparkling facilities, pool, spa, laundry room, friendly staff, easy access to I-15 freeway. Good Verizon, full hookups.  *7*

Willow Beach Campground, Willow Beach, AZ (October 12-14, 2020)

Really pretty place, up on the top of a hill, quiet and private away from the marina itself.  No Verizon but good working campground wi-fi.  Large sites, widely spaced.  Very happy here.  *8*

Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Desert Tortoise CG, Peoria, AZ (Dec 30-Jan 4, 2021)

Beautiful setting, but campground leaves much to be desired.  Sites are so unlevel as to be virtually unusable; in fact, we saw many people come in, try to level for a few hours, and then give up and leave.  Research carefully and choose wisely!  And be warned, bathrooms on site do not offer hot water, also rendering them useless.  Right on Lake Pleasant for kayaking fun; a few nice hiking trails; very quiet setting.  Site 148.   *6*

Weaver’s Needle RV Resort, Apache Junction, AZ (Jan 22-27, 2021)

A spotlessly clean campground, made primarily of full-time residents.  The weirdest part is that half the campground is pet-friendly, and half is not, meaning you cannot even walk your dog down the street in the non-pet part, which is kinda weird.  But they do have a very large pet run area.  We would stay here again. *7*

Mesa Spirit RV Resort, Mesa, AZ (March 15-21, 2021)

This is a BIG place, with something like 1,600 sites of varying desirability.  Many full-time (but friendly) residents.  Many amenities, most of which were closed for Covid when we were there.  Basic sites without frills in a basically undesirable area.  *6*

Eagle View Resort at Fort McDowell, Fountain Hills, AZ (March 22-April 18, 2021)

A really pretty location, with mountains all around.  Wild horses, multiple coyote packs, free range cattle, eagles soaring overhead all remind you that you’re really far out from the city center.  Some of the largest sites we’ve ever seen (both length and width wise).  Very nice swimming pool, spa, and the best washers and dryers in the laundry room.  Friendly guests, lots of dogs, pickleball courts and more.  FHU’s.  We loved it!  Site 134.  *10*

USA RV Park, Gallup NM (June 20-21, 2021)

We’ve stayed here before, and we would stay here again. A nicely kept park in Gallup, where your choices are few and far between. Easy freeway access, only minor noise from distant trains. *7*

Santa Fe Skies RV Park, Santa Fe, NM (June 22-24, 2021)

Although about 12 miles outside downtown Santa Fe, this park is worth it for its lovely location and abundant peace and quiet. Sites are very non-uniform, so choose carefully, but we loved Yucca-20. Nice walking path around the property, friendly hosts, nice facilities. Definitely preferred it to Trailer Ranch, where we stayed last time in Santa Fe. *8*

Riana Campground at Abiquiu Lake – Abiquiu, NM (June 25-26, 2021)

Another lovely Corps of Engineers campground, halfway between the village of Abiquiu and Georgia O’Keeffe’s Ghost Ranch. Some sites have electric and water, some just electric. Set on a large lake with beautiful mountains surrounding. Extremely peaceful and enjoyable. *8*

White Rock RV Park – White Rock, NM (June 27-28, 2021)

A county-run park that is basically just a parking lot, but it’s the only game in town with hookups, so if that’s what you need, you’ll find yourself here. A super weird combination of campers that look like they have lived there permanently for years, mixed with high-end 45 foot rigs just passing through. Unfortunately no reservations, which is not helpful at all. You can also camp at nearby Juniper Campground in Bandelier NM, but there are no hookups there. *5*

Jemez Falls Campground – Jemez Springs, NM (June 29-June 30, 2021)

This remote campground is located in beautiful Ponderosa pines and near the trailhead for Jemez Falls and Macauley Hot Springs. The sites are ENORMOUS and widely spaced — it feels like your neighbor is a half mile away. So quiet your ears will hurt. No hookups; generators only allowed in Loops 1-3. Pull in carefully; narrow roads and low hanging branches — all part of the natural allure. Vault toilets only. *8.5*

Taos Valley RV Park – Taos, NM (July 1-4, 2021)

Your best choice to be close to both Taos and Angel Fire. A mixed bag of hookups and non-hookups, long and short sites, pull through and back ins. Nothing fancy but perfectly fine; HOWEVER — after you leave they will be charging your credit card for electricity usage during your stay on top of your daily campground fee, which is *BS* and something we have never experienced in any other campground anywhere, period. *7*

Great Sand Dunes National Park – Pinon Flats Campground – Mosca, CO (July 5-6, 2021)

This campground is all about location, location, location — literally right across from the sand dunes, and therefore fabulous. However, it has no hookups, no showers, and small small spaces — if you are 30 feet or more, be sure to check sizes carefully — we barely squeezed out 35 feet into the pull through of our site. If you want full hookups, there is a campground right outside the National Park that is a dump, but has hookups. *7*

Aspen Acres Campground – Rye, CO (July 7, 2021)

This campground is in the high mountains, close to Bishop Castle. It is indeed surrounded with aspens, and many degrees cooler than just 20 miles down the road at lower elevation. Full hookups, nice facilities, incredibly friendly staff. The only problem is that there is no cell phone service whatsoever, though they do offer a decently-working wifi signal. Hiking, fishing lake and more in nearby San Isabel Forest. *7*

Historic Lake Scott State Park – Scott City, KS (July 8-10, 2021)

Super nice campground with full hookups, large level gravel sites, hiking trails all around, large fishing lake, great swimming beach, lots of happy families all around. *9*

Sylvan Park on Wilson Lake – Lucas, KS – (July 11-13, 2021)

A gorgeous Corps of Engineers park with enormous trees, huge sites, full hookups, nice bathrooms. Very conveniently located to Wilson Lake and Lucas. Good Verizon. *9*

Covered Wagon Campground – Abilene, KS (July 14-15, 2021)

Sites for bigger rigs have very little tree coverage. Lots of full-timers living here. Lacking in basic maintenance and cleanliness. Most of the washer and dryers broken. Didn’t even attempt the restrooms but I am quite certain they would be a disaster. Not great but will do for any overnight in Abilene. *5*

AOK Campground – St. Joseph, MO (July 16-22, 2021)

Wowee! Once you get past the fear of driving down an undulating, single lane, country dirt road where you can’t see if anyone is coming your way, you’ll turn into a beautiful, well-run, family campground with large sites, lots of grass, beautiful amenities, pool, full hookups and more. About 9 miles north of the town of St. Joseph. Looks to be in the countryside, but behind the many trees lies a major freeway, which you will sometimes be able to hear. *9*

Willow Creek Campground, LeMars, IA (July 23-24, 2021)

This is a beautiful and well maintained campground not far from downtown LeMars. Some of the lakeside sites are exposed, and others are tucked back in the trees, it just depends what you are looking for; ditto to hookups – some full, some partial. Family that runs it is very nice and helpful. *8*

Sunrise Campground, Storm Lake, IA (July 25, 2021)

The lake across the street is gorgeous; the campground, not so much. We were only here for an overnight but any longer than that, I wouldn’t have been very happy. *6*

Gypsum City OHV Park, Fort Dodge, IA (July 26, 2021)

An unusual park created out of any old gypsum mine. A little bit outside of town, but easy to get into and out of. Grass in between pull-through sites made of the gypsum rock. A bit exposed to wind. Used mostly by OHV’ers, although there were none of them there when we were. FHU’s. *7*

Gehrke’s Campground, Iowa Falls, IA (July 27, 2021)

Truly the most unusual campground. Basically, Bob Gehrke just crates a site wherever you want to be, and then you drag your electric cords and hoses (hope they’re long!) to the nearest (or not so near) hookups. Smelly dogs run the property and torment the visiting dogs. Bob is super friendly and you will end up loving him and promising to come back again someday, but it’s not the most professional organization. *5*

KOA Waterloo/Lost Island, Waterloo, IA (July 28, 2021)

A very nice KOA outside of Waterloo proper. On a nice lake with swimming beach, and close to (but not walking distance) to a very large waterpark. FHU’s , cute camping cabins, small store, level sites. *7*

Scott County Park/Woodside Campground, DeWitt, IA (July 30, 2021)

A clean, level campground inside an enormous county park with hiking, biking, swimming pool, golf course and more. About 10 miles from downtown DeWitt. Quite exposed, very little shade at sites, happy families everywhere. FHU’s. *7*

Morrison Rockwood State Park, Morrison, IL (July 31, 2021)

WOW! A surprising find with gorgeous wooded sites, just over the Mississippi River from Clinton, Iowa. Electric only hookups. We wished we were staying longer than just one night. Super-friendly camp hostess. *8*

Tom’s Campground, Dodgeville, WI (August 1-3, 2021)

This campground is on the side of a hill, so the sites are of varied quality and levelness. Absolutely beautiful dump station that even has a sewer pipe waiting there for you to use. Out in the countryside so exceptionally quiet. Showers not nice and must pay by the quarter. *7*

William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park, Madison, WI (August 4-8, 2021)

A great location about 5 miles from downtown Madison. Great bike paths leading right into downtown, or out into the countryside, in every direction. Generally wide but short sites, electric only, very nice showers. Lots of weekend warriors camping here. *7*

Devil’s Lake State Park, Quartzsite Campground, Baraboo, WI (August 9-11, 2021)

Apparently this campground used to be a golf course, and it really shows, because the entire campground is rolling hills and the most unlevel sites we have ever seen. It also had the most overused showers, because everyone goes to the lake all day long and then with no sewer hookups, they all use the showers, so they were constantly full and dirty. The lake, however, is beautiful, and it’s not far to downtown Baraboo and Circus World. Electric only. Site #6. *5*

Scheffel’s Hideaway Campground, Two Rivers, WI (August 12-14, 2021)

A mix of inner sites with few trees, to extremely wooded sites on the edges of the park. Nice family-run operation. Right next door to Point Beach State Park, and Port Sandy Bay, a well-known pizza joint. About 5 miles to downtown Two Rivers; 12 miles to Manitowoc. FHU’s, level gravel sites, site #13. *8*

Bailey’s Grove Campground, Baileys Harbor, WI (August 15-21, 2021)

A real mix of sites, some full hookup and some not. Most sites in the trees. Close to Baileys Harbor, but if we came to Door County again, we’d probably stay on the other side of the peninsula in Egg Harbor Campground. Nice husband but snippy wife running the place. Swimming pool, 2+2 laundry. Site #105. *7*

Apple Creek Campground, DePere, WI (August 22-24, 2021)

This campground has a “lower” (regular) area, and an “upper” area that is completely removed from everyone else, more suitable for big rigs but also very inconvenient to the amenities. A lot of freeway noise and a lot of mosquitoes. Nothing to get excited about, but also one of very few campground choices in the Green Bay area. We were site 416 in the upper area. *6*

Leon Valley Campground, Sparta, WI (August 25-26, 2021)

This enormous property had very few guests during the time we were there — we barely saw anyone else. Sites in the B area where we were, were pretty unlevel. A lot of fulltime residents and a very green pool. No sign of showers or restrooms, but even if they were there, it would have been way too far away from our campsites. We were in site B4. *6*

Pettibone RV Resort, La Crosse, WI (August 27-31, 2021)

This property has lots of waterfront sites along the Mississippi River. Most sites are dirt which means if it rains, it can be a muddy, puddly mess. Sites around the edges are wide but short; inner sites are pull-throughs. Conveniently located to downtown La Crosse. On-site bar inside the office. Small, mosquito infested laundry room. No sewer hookups but you can have honeywagon service to your site for a fee — very convenient! We were in site 112. *7*

Little Bear Campground, West Branch, IA (September 1-2, 2021)

A perfectly fine former KOA, right off the freeway, good for an overnight. Not far from Hoover Presidential Museum. Friendly, professional manager. *7*

West Omaha KOA Holiday, Gretna, NE (September 3, 2021)

The long driveway into this property is a complete disaster, but owners say the county refuses to fix it and won’t let them do it either. Very friendly and professional staff. Despite the word “Omaha” in its title, it’s actually a pretty long way outside of town, maybe 20 miles or more. Mixed bag of sites, full hookups. *7*

Hidden Valley Campground, Callaway, NE (September 4-5, 2021)

Ummmmmm probably don’t stay here. Basically a huge field where everyone parks their campers all willy-nilly. A few have hookups but most don’t. People can pay a fee to swim or fish in their “lakes” which are really gross cow ponds, so there are local kids and families all over the place. “Check in” by putting your money into a mailbox. We never saw the owner or anyone in charge. Dogs running loose. A steep, rutted road leading down to the campground. No Verizon whatsoever. *5*

Lamar Sportsman RV Park, Lamar, CO (September 6, 2021)

A former KOA conveniently located right off the freeway. 95% of the sites seemed to be permanent residents with trailers in various states of disrepair. You are not assigned a spot; you just drive through and pick whichever one is empty that you like. Office has a manicure station set up in the corner, and that beauty professional comes over to check you in. Not great, just OK. *6*

Santa Fe Skies RV Park, Santa Fe, NM (September 7, 2021)

We stayed here on our way out of Phoenix this trip, and liked it so much we decided to also stay on our way back to Phoenix. Love this place! See review above from June 22-24, 2021. *8*

Homolovi Ruins State Park, Winslow, AZ (September 8-9, 2021)

Wow what a find! Enormous, widely spaced sites in a gorgeous state park. Fresh asphalt roads, friendly hosts. Water and electric hookups, unless you can get site #39 — the only one with sewer hookups — something not noted on their website. Super quiet, super peaceful, good Verizon. Downside — bathrooms are pretty gross. Hopefully they do something about that soon, because they don’t match the quality of the rest of the place. *8*

Willow Beach Campground and Marina, Willow Beach, AZ (December 29, 2021 – January 2, 2022)

Our third visit to one of our favorite places in Arizona. Widely spaced campsites, full hookups, quiet and beautiful, the place to be for kayaking to Emerald Cove and hiking to Arizona Hot Springs or Liberty Bell Rock. Major ding for current wi-fi access system, terrible and ridiculous even though you are paying for it. No cell service in campground but you can drive 5 miles up the road and have Verizon. *9*

Bombo’s Pond (Boondocking), Beatty, NV (January 3-4, 2022)

There is indeed a small pond here, but not big enough for anything but fishing. Just a couple miles south of Beatty. The burned-out, meth-lab looking camper left behind was a little scary, but being fairly close to the main road made us less afraid we would be murdered and nobody would find our bodies here. Still better than any of the crap RV parks available in town. One other camper at the time we stayed. Can be challenging to get level but you can do it. Decent Verizon. Obviously super quiet and beautiful night skies here at 100 miles from civilization of any kind. Find it at GPS: 36.8825, -116.7545. *6*

Furnace Creek Campground, Death Valley National Park, California (January 5-6, 2022)

With millions of acres available, for some unfathomable reason the Furnace Creek Campground in the center of the park has closely-packed sites, all jammed together. Why didn’t they spread them out with all that available real estate? Most sites are no-hookup. Walking distance to Visitor Center. The so-called “drive-in loop” looks weird on the website map, but ended up being some of the most spacious and wonderful sites — don’t be afraid, pick these! We were in site 113. *7*

Mecca Beach Campground, Salton Sea State Recreation Area, CA (March 8-9, 2022)

It’s on a “beach,” but not the kind you are thinking … this is a toxic beach. You won’t even be walking the shores, because the “sand” is super-sharp crushed shells and the air smells bad. BUT, if you’re wanting to visit Bombay Beach and it’s quirky art, The Slabs and Salvation Mountain, it’s one of the few FHU parks on the Salton Sea. Campsites are in a row so you’re going to have to parallel park your RV, yikes! Trains run all day and night across the street. It’s not a particularly pretty campground by any means. So, you’re here for the location, and you won’t probably be staying long.  Site 141, but they are all basically the same.  *6*

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, CA (March 10-14, 2022)

You can’t beat this location near the Visitor Center and about 3 miles from the town of Borrego Springs, where Ricardo Breceda’s 100+ fanciful metal creatures rise from the desert floor.  Sites range from no hookup to full hookup, packed in tight to widely spaced, so choose wisely.  Quiet at night, such that you can hear the multiple coyotes howling in the early mornings.  Nice facilities.  It’s a desert so any bushes and trees are scrubby. Site 19 was nice except for the tree right where the RV door opened which basically rendered the side yard unusable, probably pick any other of the FHU’s.  *7*

Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, San Diego (Bonita), CA (March 15-21, 2022)

If you’re not into the crowds and hassle of the San Diego beach scene, Sweetwater Summit will be a welcome respite from the hustle-bustle.  About 15 miles inland, it still has the cool breezes, but widely spaced sites, hiking/biking trails, lots of greenery, and a welcome lack of people everywhere.  FHU sites (some with their own horse corrals!), nice facilities, and a row of “premium” pull through sites that are by far the largest we’ve ever seen anywhere.  We liked our site #82 for its end location and spacious but private side yard.  Would stay here again!  *8*

Villa Alameda RV Resort, Yuma, AZ (March 22-23, 2022)

This park is primarily mobile homes, but there are a couple rows of RV spots. It’s a basic park, but with very friendly office staff and residents, nice laundry room, full hookups. Gate at back of property leads to farm fields and paths along irrigation canals, which give lots of exercise possibilities for doggies, which is helpful because only two rows of sites in this park are “pet-friendly,” meaning you aren’t allowed to even walk along the streets in the other rows. But it was perfectly fine for a two night stay in Yuma, and one of the closest parks to downtown. *6*

Veterans Memorial Park, Sierra Vista, AZ (March 24-26, 2022)

A pretty, clean, and safe municipal park, though it’s not a place you can usually camp. We were here as part of the Tour de Zona biking event, and as such RVs were permitted to set up camp all around the perimeter of the park, but that is not usually the case. Park bandshell, walking/biking paths, and a waterpark/wave pool right on site. No hookups, dry camping only. *7*

Boondocking (GPS: 37.1976, -111.9823), Old Paria, UT (May 16-17, 2022)

The solitude and beauty of this area is allllmost enough to make you forgive the extremely bumpy, washboarded road you will have navigate to get there.  These conditions, however, make it such that very few visitors will disturb your solitude.  The first two miles or so have good Verizon, but you lose it after that.  Sites range in size, levelness, and suitability so best to unhook your tow vehicle and go in search of the “right” spot before taking your RV in. Beautiful scenery, especially as you head further in. *8*

J&J RV Park, Kanab, UT (May 18-21, 2022)

Kanab has many RV parks to choose from, but we were very happy with J&J.  It’s convenient to town, very clean, easy to get into and out of, and spacious sites.  The laundry room was nice and there was a small but grassy dog run area.  Would stay here again.  *7*

Mystic Hot Springs, Monroe, UT (May 22, 2022)

A super unique and funky-cool experience to stay at this hippie-retro hot springs property.  The RV sites are not great (extremely unlevel and basically just FHU slots in a dirt parking lot), but they face a row of fun old busses that have been converted into hotel rooms.  A large grassy tent area is right behind the RV sites, and it’s a short walk up to the hot springs (for which you need to have an advance reservation and pay for a two-hour time slot).  The other campers were all nice and interesting.  *5* for conditions and *10* for the experience so let’s average that to *7.5*

Century Mobile Home and RV Park, Ogden, UT (May 23, 2022)

We’ve stayed here multiple times simply because it’s so darn convenient to the freeway when you’re driving through Utah.  You’re out of the mess that is Salt Lake City, but still close to resuming your travels.  FHU sites, large park, huge dog park.  Some freeway and train noise but nothing unbearable.  Nothing special but nothing terrible.  *7*

City of Blackfoot RV Park, Blackfoot, ID (May 24-25, 2022)

This RV park consists of enormous slots on asphalt, paralleling the edge of huge grassy areas, with water and electric hookups.  It is next to the small Blackfoot airport, but very few planes go in or out.  Close to Blackfoot paved bike loop and lots of city amenities, including a big dog park right across the street.  *8*

Ennis RV Village, Ennis, MT (May 26-28, 2022)

This RV park has lots of wide-open views of surrounding mountains and is centrally located to Ennis, Virginia City, Nevada City, and Norris Hot Springs.  It has the friendliest hosts you’ll ever meet, and fresh-baked goodies for purchase, delivered right to the camp office.  Huge laundry room.  Otherwise, basic gravel slots.  *7*

Norris Hot Springs Campground, Norris, MT (May 29-30, 2022)

ThisThis full-hookup “campground” is basically tight, back-in slots with not much else going for it, EXCEPT for the fact that you are right on-site for unlimited soaking at this super-fun hot springs pool, and for that reason alone – we were glad we stayed here.  Big rigs beware, you will have to navigate extremely tight turns and a very steep driveway to get down into the property.  Zero cell service, but passable park wi-fi.  Site 5.  *6*

KOA Butte, Butte, MT (May 31-June 3, 2022)

Like most KOA’s, it has a lot of unrealized potential.  Conveniently located right off the highway and not far from historic uptown.  A variety of sites, mostly gravel with few trees.  Friendly staff and we’re told new owners have big plans to upgrade everything.  Pool, dog run, conveniently located propane fill station, tiny laundry room. Site 521.  *7*

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, Cardwell, MT (June 4-5, 2022)

Loved, loved, loved this lush campground in the middle of nowhere Montana, between Butte and Bozeman.  At the bottom of the steep 3-mile drive up up up to the caverns, which are fabulous to tour. Super widely spaced sites on 5 different loops within one big loop.  Gorgeous mountains all around. Lots of terrific and challenging hiking trails. Electric-only hookups, and only in some loops.  Verizon service comes and goes, spotty at best.  Site E007.  *8.5*

Bear Canyon Campground, Bozeman, MT (June 6-9, 2022)

This RV park consists of enormous slots on asphalt, paralleling the edge of huge grassy areas, with water and electric hookups.  It is next to the small Blackfoot airport, but very few planes go in or out.  Close to Blackfoot This campground is about 5 miles past Bozeman, but a quick drive back into town, and we would stay here again.  Conveniently located off I-90, with lots of train noise.  A pretty small park with quite a few long-term residents.  Very nice property at the top of a hill, with lots of green open space, enormous laundry room.  Dirt sites with trees and grass on narrow strips between pull thru sites; or extremely unlevel and short back-in sites.  Site 8. *7*

Fort at 49 RV Campground, Custer, MT (June 10, 2022)

This campground is literally in the middle of a field in the middle of nowhere, but if it’s on your route, it’s worth a stop for the fabulous restaurant right there in their parking lot.  Self-register and self-pay on the board in front of the restaurant.  Lots of semi-trucks parking overnight in the circular drive in front of the campsites. No actual “sites,” just rutted, dusty areas that are less weed-filled than the surrounding areas.  Full hookups. Decent Verizon. *5*

Cottonwood Campground @ Theodore Roosevelt NP, Medora, ND (June 11-14, 2022)

This campground inside TRNP has sites of varying size, view and suitability.  One loop has shorter sites and tent sites; the other loop has sites better for RV’s, but only some of them will work for big rigs, so choose carefully.  Site 35 was literally 93 feet long (we could have parked 3 RVs in it) but only maybe 12 feet wide at its narrowest point.  If we stayed here again (which we would), we’d try for site 23.  No hookups, no showers. Weak, intermittent Verizon. *7*

Black Hills/Devils Tower KOA, Devils Tower, WY (June 15-17, 2022)

You can’t beat the location of this campground, nestled right at the base of Devils Tower.  It has a lot of amenities you’d expect from a KOA (hayride, mini golf, swimming pool, etc.) plus shows the Close Encounters movie nightly, outside facing Devils Tower itself.  This is a high traffic park with RV’s coming and going constantly.  For a quieter stay (but no hookups and shorter sites), consider Belle Fourche Campground on the river inside Devils Tower’s boundaries.  Still, a solid choice for a short stay, with full hookups.  Good Verizon.  *7*

Beaver Lake Campground, Custer, SD (June 18-19, 2022)

This campground is conveniently located to both Jewel Cave and downtown Custer, along with 3 or 4 other campgrounds, including Big Pine and the KOA, any of which are basically interchangeable.  These sites are of varying features, primarily due to the many rolling hillsides upon which they are set.  Large dog park, friendly staff.  It is indeed on a lake, but we didn’t find any way to easily get to the lake.  Full hookups.  If we came back, we’d probably stay at Big Pine next time for more spacious sites.  Weak Verizon and lame, patchy wi-fi.  *7*

Red Cloud Campground at Fort Robinson SP, Crawford, NE (June 20-23, 2022)

This is the full hookup loop in the park; there are partial hookup loops in other campgrounds.  The outer ring has extremely large sites and no trees, but opens up to a large, pretty field.  The inner loop is shadier but less spacious and not as good for satellite reception, due to the trees.  All campgrounds are an easy stroll or bike ride from the main part of Fort Robinson.  Not exceptionally pretty, but still a very nice campground.  Blazing fast Verizon.  *7*

Robidoux RV Park, Gering, NE (June 24-26, 2022)

We loved absolutely everything about this city-owned-and-run campground!  In fact, we loved it so much we stayed an extra night. Huge sites, both length and width wise.  Lush grass.  Nice facilities.  Right next door to amphitheater with concerts and events.  Full hookups, great Verizon.  Only ding, puny laundry facilities. *9.5*

Happy Jack Campground, Curt Gowdy SP, Cheyenne, WY (June 27-30, 2022)

The campgrounds at Curt Gowdy are definitely a mixed bag, with all different amenities, site attributes, connectivity, etc., so be sure you are picking the campground that works for your needs.  Happy Jack is one of the closest to the visitor center, and therefore we occasionally had Verizon service (but not always).  Sites are not very groomed nor level; trash is rarely collected from overflowing bins.  Electric only hookups.  We loved this park and its recreation, but the campground was not great.  *6*

Loveland RV Resort, Loveland, CO (July 1-4, 2022)

A nice park, but sites are really packed together and living areas face each other, which can be awkward.  Nice huge grassy area and spacious fenced dog play yard.  Sparkling but small pool, mini golf course, regular social events, large laundry room.  The most friendly and outgoing staff you are likely to encounter anywhere.  Very convenient to all the stores you could ever need for anything.  Full hookups, great Verizon, good over-air TV reception.  *7*

Denver West/Central City KOA, Central City, CO (July 5-9, 2022)

This place is an example of what all KOA’s should be, if they all tried harder.  Fabulous amenities, extremely friendly and helpful staff, the largest/cleanest laundry room I’ve ever seen, two indoor hot tubs, a really nice place overall.  Even though sites are paved, they were not very level, which is dumb.  Full hookups, great Verizon.  At the top of a very steep 7-mile uphill drive.  *8.5*

Sugar Loafin’ Campground, Leadville, CO (July 10-14, 2022)

There are only two hookup choices in Leadville, and this is the only one that can fit big rigs.  It’s basically like an unkempt forest service campground – rutted dirt roads, extremely unlevel sites, noisy/frolicking neighbors all crammed together.  That being said, it’s only about 4 miles from town and a couple miles from pretty Turquoise Lake.  There are lots of forest campgrounds and boondocking in the area, so if you’re down for that, probably a better option, but for hookups, this is the place to be.  Very weak and sometimes unusable Verizon.  *5*

Valley RV Park, Buena Vista, CO (July 15-18, 2022)

It’s hard to give a fair review of this park, because it had changed hands the week before we were there.  The new owners were remarkably overwhelmed, to the point that we were mostly on our own … nobody ever around to check us in, answer questions, or even collect payment. Trash dumpsters overflowed.  It’s a mostly full-timers park with just a few nightly spots.  Site 30 was great for shade orientation and an enormous tree.  We would probably stay at Mt. Princeton RV next door if we went again, though it was not much of an upgrade either.  *6*

Crested Butte RV Resort, Crested Butte, CO (July 19-23, 2022)

A beautiful, tiny RV park and the only one in Crested Butte, though lots of boondocking in nearby forests.   Water and electric hookups; no sewer, but small/tidy bathrooms and showers.  Not really dog friendly, with beautiful lush lawns ringed by “keep dogs off grass” signs, and just a dusty patch of dirt as the only pets-allowed area. Large group gathering spot with tables, bbq, communal firepit, etc.  About three miles south of the cute town of Crested Butte.  Site 4, with beautiful views of mountains and a river right outside our door.  *8*

Blue Mesa Outpost, Gunnison, CO (July 24-26, 2022)

One of our favorite campsites of the summer.  A cute little RV park with sites overlooking the beautiful Blue Mesa Reservoir.  (Half the sites face the water, half backup to the water.)  To be clear, you are separated from the water itself by the highway, but the views are still outstanding.  A cute and earnest young couple owns and runs the park and clearly take a lot of pride in it.  Sites are lengthy pull-throughs.  “Laundry” is one washer, one dryer, total.  Close to marina and Dillon Pinnacles trail and miles and miles of beach. FHU, Site #3.  *8*

KOA Montrose/Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Montrose, CO (July 27-30, 2022)

This KOA has a split personality.  In the front, nice and spacious pull through sites.  In the back, oh-my-goodness, a literal trash heap of old, rundown, abandoned, partially occupied units.  So bad, we felt unsafe walking back there.  Close to downtown and about 10 miles from Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP with full hookups, pool/Jacuzzi.  Rating for front half only: *7*

Molas Lake Campground, Silverton, CO (July 31-Aug 1, 2022)

This campground is set on a beautiful, but small, lake south of Silverton at the top of Molas Pass.  You can SUP or kayak around the lake or grab a portion of the Colorado Trail right out of the campground.  There are four terrific sites for big rigs facing the water.  The “Cliffside” sites basically back up to the highway and with the except of the two on the west end, have no view of the water whatsoever.  All the rest of the sites are pretty small.  Access via an extremely rutted long driveway.  No hookups, no Verizon.  Come for the views and nature getaway as opposed to the parking lot style parks in town.  *7*

United Campgrounds of Durango, Durango, CO (Aug 2-4, 2022)

This campground is about 5 miles north of downtown.  Its primary claim to fame is that the Durango-Silverton Railroad runs right through the campground.  If you want to be close, get a FHU site along the easternmost row.  Enormous, clean laundry room.  Level sites, decent spacing, friendly office.  Weird system of reservations that involve them sending you stuff in the mail rather than email or anything else. FHU, good Verizon, Site #51.  *7*

McGee’s Campground at County Fairgrounds, Farmington, NM (Aug 5-7, 2022)

You’re probably staying here because you didn’t find anything else in Farmington.  They have 500+ sites spread out all over the place.  No reservations, you just pull up and take whatever dusty site you want and park whatever orientation you desire.  Water pipes are cast iron above ground, so tap water is hot in summer.  Try to avoid the week of County Fair, when the place is littered with carnival workers and rodeo contestants.  On-site casino/restaurant and horse racing in season.  Water/electric, dump station. *5*

USA RV Park, Gallup, NM (Aug 8, 2022)

We stay here every time we come through Gallup and like this park a lot.  It’s easy access off I-40, nice level sites, rarely crowded, decent laundry room, about 5 miles from downtown Gallup.  Restaurant that serves BBQ every night except Mondays.  Site #36 one of the best with a huge shade tree.  *7*

KOA Flagstaff, Flagstaff, AZ (Aug 9-13, 2022)

This is an older KOA, but with a large staff that keeps things nice.  The sites for big rigs in the back of the park are extremely narrow – too much so – and difficult to navigate into.  The patio sites at the entrance, on the other hand, are heaven.  The remainder of the sites are mostly for smaller units.  Tipis and cabins for rent.  Two enormous dog parks, hiking trails leading right out, on-site café for breakfasts, big playground and bouncy thingy for kids.  About 10 miles north of downtown.  FHU + patio + cable, Site #25 (the best in the park).  *8*