Hello. Please note that this review is for informational purposes only. It is my hope that it will save you time, energy and frustration in your camping choices. The review is based on my personal experience and interaction with Mike Ward and his wife, owners/operators of this "campground" for 4 months (July, August, September, October 2020) while working as a healthcare professional in Alabama & Georgia. At the end you will find a review of the owners attitude, behavior and personal stance regarding folks visiting his farm.
The Facts:
It's Not a campground, it's the owners personal FARM and his son's construction company and he's decided to set up a few makeshift campsites to make a few extra bucks off passersby. The website is completely misleading but these pictures will give you a clear and concise idea of what you may be getting into before you make the decision.
It's a FARM, with his son's CONSTRUCTION COMPANY operating right out of the middle of the circular makeshift "camping" area at all hours of the day and night. The entire perimeter has old farm equipment and implements aligned along the entry/exit dirt path.
The BATHHOUSE, is a unisex 6 x 6 foot closet with a claw foot tub and welded shower curtain rack 2 feet wide. Yes, about a 20" step over threshold of tub (NOT ADA COMPLIANT), no A/C & a plug in radiator oil heater with epoxy over the control so you can't move the temperature dial (I didn't have to use it because it was summer....even so, NO PLUG IN).
SANITATION....mildew, mold, roaches the size of your thumb.....the pictures will give you a clear idea. Just plain nasty and unSANITARY. The owners' 3 dogs run rampant throughout the farm and he does not pick up their droppings behind them which are lovely when you're getting ready to go to work and step in a wad.
RATES..... there are none. Everyone is told a different price, on a different day, for daily, weekly or monthly rental. Long-term campers all quoted different deposit amounts. Refundable or nonrefundable.... it depends on what day it is.
Wi-Fi ACCESS.... needed for professional work....I was told it worked fine, and that there was even one for professional students. IF You need WiFi, you'D better bring your own hot spot!
The owners: Mike Ward and DebRA Ward.... Debra seems pretty to her self and watches his antics and tirades as a bystander.
Mike.....wants to give you their good old boy image in the beginning, then likes to proceed to tell you that you don't know anything about camping and then doesn't want you to park anywhere on your campsite. He doesn't remember whether or not you've paid your months rent, doesn't give any receipts for rent paid, cashes your deposit check and puts in his own personal account after telling you he simply holds the check for any damages or unpaid rent. Yes, he's most likely pocketing cash and filling out a few receipts here and there under the table. He is a completely untruthful and unamiable individual. He attempts to make you think he's doing you a favor by hanging out on his personal property while paying him rent for camping. Why such behavior? According to some of the local campers that have been there a little more long-term than I have, he is a complete asshole which I have personally witnessed, he's an alcoholic and is also bipolar. I had two friends to visit me during my four month span there, as well as my parents. All four of these individuals witnessed his behavior concerning parking, rules, how to access your own campsite, where to put your grill, outside furniture and tables, etc. The cursing and general in affable approach is beyond ridiculous.
In an effort to keep this from sounding like a pure complaint as opposed to an informational review it will end here. Should you wish to speak with me or any of these 4 aforementioned individuals concerning their witnessing of his behavior and attitude, feel free to email me and I will forward their numbers and contact information so you can get a first hand account of what goes on here.
I handled the situation with dignity and respect although I did contact the Lee County sheriffs Department and Auburn police Department due to his erratic behavior and threatening comments. This is a current review as of October 24, 2020 as my parents witnessed his behavior this morning.
Thank you for your time and I hope this helps you in your endeavor and search for a positive camping experience.
Philip Hartley, PT (physical therapist, 26 years) read more
