This was my first time camping* in a county park, and it was enjoyable but definitely different than my previous experiences at state parks. For my stay at Petenwell, I use camping broadly as I had the opportunity to stay in a large and amenity-filled camper. Hook-ups for water and electricity at the site allowed for a fridge and freezer, a flush toilet and shower, and air conditioning. Not a bad set-up! For $250 a month you can leave your camper there and come and go as you please.
As far as the park itself, it's well maintained, has a nice office where you can be ice and firewood and play pool and video games, has direct access to the lake, a sandy beach, and a kind, neighborly atmosphere. People roam the grounds on bikes and walk their dogs, and many have set up decorations and benches and made themselves a home away from home for the summer.
What I wasn't expecting was how close together the campsites are - my past camping experiences have had sites divided by trees and some privacy; here you are pretty stacked. There is an open field for people to pitch tents, and our camper area was also a bit of a free for all. We lucked out, though, and our hosts were able to set up in a shady spot along with some other friends to create a large space between the campers with a fire pit and picnic tables that discourages others from setting up in the space.
Despite the close quarters, the camp is surprisingly quiet. The most disruption came from all of the chirping birds at 4 in the morning - a much more welcome sound than screaming kids or drunk revelers. Bring some ear plugs and you'll be good to go! read more