We discovered this campground several months ago while picking up an item from Craigslist. I had never heard of it before and since we like to camp often and local we added this to our list of places to visit.
Our reservations were very inexpensive, only $44 per night but we didn't have sewer. While that is not necessarily a deal breaker for us we do prefer it but decided to book anyway. The weekend of our stay was a chili cook off. And since I like to be involved we planned for and participated in this event. I really enjoyed the camaraderie and the food, and got to talking with many other campers - all very friendly folk, in fact some of the friendliest we've encountered at campgrounds. In hindsight I do wish things were done a little differently both on my end and theirs at the cook off. I wish the cups would have been numbered with the name or number of the chili, a little sign describing the recipe so people didn't have to ask if it was spicy etc, and also wish as a participant we were given more time to sample the others. Even so it was a fun event and we enjoyed it as a family.
The pool area consisted of two pools, a smaller one for kids about a foot deep, and a larger one that was deeper. The area was clean and attractive. Their pools were high on my list as being a favorite because the water was warm but still refreshing. I hate a cold pool, even on a hot day. There were a generous amount of loungers and tables with umbrellas but the space could certainly use more. Both times we visited the pool we weren't lucky enough to get seats and instead set up camp on the damp concrete.
The bath houses were outdated but very clean and efficient. I especially liked that for the most part it was critter and web free. The shower areas were well designed with a wet area as well as a dry area, complete with a seat and hook storage. A wire shelf was appreciated in the shower area and the water pressure and temperature were top notch. While there was a seat in the dry area I would have loved to see a waterproof one in the shower area as well as shaving my legs and bathing a toddler without it proved difficult.
Aside from the chili cook off we enjoyed Saturday night bingo with cash prizes and a hay ride around the campground. To my surprise it was much bigger than I thought. The top plateau is treeless and has an excellent view overlooking neighboring farmland. I would have loved to have been up there but those sites book quickly. A side note with mentioning about bingo: whenever someone won bingo the owner not only announced their name but also were they were from and a short tidbit about their town. I thought that was charming.
Aside from the activities and the pool, there were tennis courts and a volleyball field, laundromats, an outdated arcade (no tickets), and a nice store. While the store was light on food items it did carry a good selection of camping supplies and toys, as well as offering hand dipped ice cream in the most unusual of flavors. The owners are very hands on and friendly , with the Mr front lining most of the activities. He has a very colorful personality and is a bit of a comic, but very warm and welcoming just the same.
So why only 3 stars? It has more to do with what we like than what the campground can't change. Some disappointments were the wooded feel of the sites - I prefer less trees and more landscaped surroundings and this was more natural and woodsy than we like. I also like my amenities; sewer, wifi, cable...this campground didn't have that, only a hotspot down at the office. Thankfully our T-mobile service worked as it would have made for a miserable experience (it rained pretty heavy for a few hours). Other disappointments were the steepness of the hills making it difficult to get to the store and attractions with a stroller, the narrow, graveled roadways, as well as the seclusion. The closest dining options were a good 15 minutes + with a longer drive for more selections. I also love my bingo and love a bingo board - when traveling with toddlers that is a must to keep my game in check. With being so far out I would have also appreciated a few more activities.
While we probably won't stay here again due to our personal preferences I would recommend them and am glad we had the experience. read more