We have been going to Camp Charles for about 5 years. The old owners were great and friendly. The new owners have been there for a little over a year and are running the place into the ground. We typically go to this camp ground, 1-3 times a summer in groups of 6-14 people. Last week will be our last time ever going to Camp Charles.
The new owners, specifically the husband is unfriendly and makes you feel like you are inconveniencing him. Entering the camp ground is a total pain. The bathrooms are sketchy to say the least. Camp sites have broken glass scattered through out the site and just keep getting worse. Picnic tables are falling apart and missing important parts, such as seats.
Don't bring a normal car to the primitive campsites if you don't want your undercarriage to get beat to up. Expect to bottom out and scrape many tree roots, due to improper maintenance to trails. We bought fire wood from them and half the wood was PINE and what wasn't pine, was not cured properly (still green). You should not burn pine and it amazes me they thought that was acceptable.
They also charge $10 per day to have your dog at the campsite(new policy). They charge for guests even if visiting for a few minutes (new policy). We were also now told that every guest must be paid for in advance and in full before arriving (new policy). The reasoning seemed to be, because they don't want to ring up each camper separately, even though they arrive at different times. I will not front $400 because the owners are lazy.
Thanks for memories but we will make new memories elsewhere. Also to any hikers, there is maybe 3 trails in this area, I would recommend staying in Jim Thorpe instead. read more