RV CAMP AND CABINS, GLENNS FERRY, ID

Our Opinion: Neutral.  A comfortable, mellow “mom and pop” stopover between Twin Falls and Boise.

Date of Stay: May 12 and 13, 2012.

Weather During Stay: Warm and sunny with pleasantly cool nights.

Sites: 14 pull-through sites, half of which are FHU (2 of these have both 30 and 50 amp, the remainder 30 amps) and half of which are W and E only (two of which have 50 amps).  Our site, number 6, had a new cable TV connection; I’m not sure how many others had cable TV.

Sites are level gravel, separated by grass lawns.  No picnic tables.  A dump station is available, as are bathrooms and showers.  The laundry room has one washer and one dryer and a small exchange library. Trees are scattered here and there in the campground, with tall trees on the perimeter.

Rate: We paid the Passport America rate, $15/night for 30 or 50 amps FHU.  Excellent price.

Phone/radio/TV: Verizon worked for phone and aircard.  No obstacles for TV satellite in our site, but others - with trees - might have an issue.  Some channels were available on the air antenna, four of them excellent Idaho PBS.  No local NPR.  Cable TV available at site 6 and possibly others, for an extra fee of $1.50/day.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Located at around 2,500 ft., this small park is sandwiched between the main route to the nearby Three Islands Crossing State Park and a railroad track.  Flat and green, with views of neighboring homes and passing trains. 

Lighting/Noise: No obtrusive lighting at night.  This park is very near to a railroad track and train noise is noticeable.  During our two night stay, all horn blowing was done at a distance.  We both were surprised by how little the trains bothered us and how well we slept.  Surprisingly, we found the traffic on the nearby road more disturbing - but still not bad at night.

Favorite Sites: The biggest difference in sites is proximity to either the railroad or the road, and whether you need 50 amps or not.  If so, choose sites 5 or 6 (FHU) or 8 or 9 (W/E).

Hiking/Walking: You can wander off down the gravel road by the railroad, or drive to the nearby state park. 

Comments:  During our stay, Craig, the owner, was in residence and frequently working on his small, tidy campground.  Several sites were occupied by what appeared to be long-term rigs, but with none of the junk that often accumulates.  We found our stay relaxed and enjoyable.  Small Glenns Ferry, located at a strategic crossing of the Snake River, played an important role on the Oregon Trail; we enjoyed our visit to the state park‘s Oregon Trail interpretive center.

ROCK CREEK PARK, TWIN FALLS, ID

Our Opinion: Recommend.  This small park was a comfortable, convenient base for our exploration of Twin Falls.

Date of Stay: May 9, 10, 11, 2012.

Weather During Stay: Spring weather - sunny every day, windy and cold one day, lows around freezing and highs in the 60’s.

Sites: 25 sites, of which 6 or 7 are pull-throughs.  All face west; wide gravel strips between sites.  All of the pull-throughs are long enough for a 40’ rig, and quite flat.  The back-ins were somewhat shorter, and some of them were too sloped to accommodate us.

All sites have water and electricity; back-in sites have 30 amp; most or maybe all of the pull-through have 50 amps. No picnic tables or fire rings at sites, but several covered picnic tables in the grassy area of the park.  No dump station in the park, but there is a large, free dump station one mile away.  Bathrooms are pit toilets and there are no showers.

Not much shade at the campsites, but they all look out towards beautiful green lawns, Rock Creek, and trees and park pavilions beyond.  This is a park frequented by locals, walking their dogs, joggings, pushing strollers.  Very friendly.

Rate: $15/night for 30 or 50 amps and water. 

Phone/radio/TV: Verizon signal for phone and aircard was occasionally interrupted, but usually worked.  No obstacles for TV satellite.  Half a dozen or so channels on the air antenna, four of them excellent Idaho PBS.  Local NPR on 91.7.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: This campground is situated in a canyon; Rock Creek runs down the middle of it, with thick green grass on both sides.  Up top, there is a gravel operation and busy Addison Road; down in the canyon, it is lovely, green and quiet. Elevation is around 3,600 ft.

Lighting/Noise: No obtrusive lighting, and it was very quiet at night.

Favorite Sites: We picked a pull-through, as they were longer, more level, and offered 50 amps for the same price as 30 amps.

Hiking/Walking: Very nice walking here.  Paved paths go off in different directions, one of them about a mile long (through the picnic area of the park, which is accessed by a separate road).  There also are several spectacular paved walks along the rim of the Snake River Canyon, a couple of miles away.

Comments: This was an enjoyable stop for us, a little hidden oasis in the small city of Twin Falls.  The price was reasonable for the services provided, and the hosts were very helpful and friendly.  Finding the driveway was a little tricky (look for the Westwind Homes sign), and the narrow, downhill driveway into the campground is a bit intimidating, but easily doable.  We would return here.

DEAD HORSE RANCH STATE PARK, COTTONWOOD, AZ

Our Opinion: Recommend.  This is a large state park in an interesting location.

Date of Stay: March 21-25, 2012

Weather During Stay: Plenty of sunshine; highs in the 70’s and lows in the 40’s.  Often breezy in the afternoon.

Site Description:  The campground here has four loops, one of which is for tents only.  The remaining three have 110 sites with water and electric hookups (50 amps), the majority of them back-ins.  Each loop has its own host (with firewood for sale), dumpster and restroom with showers.

Quail Loop is closest to the entrance station, with 45 sites.  Further into the park and up a hill, sites in Red-Tail Hawk Loop and Cooper’s Hawk loop have expansive views.  Roads and pads are asphalt, almost all sufficiently long for big rigs.  Each site has a substantial picnic table in good shape.

We were in Red-Tail Hawk loop, site 70, long and level, with a little shade provided by a tree (unusual here).  Although the sites are spacious, the sparse vegetation provides absolutely no privacy.

Rate:  $25/night for 50 amps and water.  Add a $5 reservation fee (one time, not per night) if you make a reservation.  We were here during spring break and all sites were reserved.

Phone/radio/TV: Verizon service, both phone and aircard, is excellent.  No obstructions for TV satellite dish; several local channels on the air antenna, including PBS.  Several NPR stations, including 102.5 and 103.3 FM.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: This hilly state park covers 423 acres at 3,300 feet in elevation.  Vegetation is sparse; very limited shade.  The upper camping loops (Red-Tail Hawk and Cooper’s Hawk) have expansive views to the town of Cottonwood and mountains beyond.  Quail Loop, lower down the hill, has many more trees and bushes and more privacy (but no distant views).

Lighting/Noise: Quiet and dark, though each restroom has a couple of unobtrusive amber lights on all night.

Favorite Sites: We preferred the sites in the two loops up on the hillside, which are sites 46 through 110.  We would not be likely to reserve sites 46 through 52 - they appear to be more sloped than we like. Arizona’s online reservation site has descriptions and photos of each site, a big help when making a reservation at an unknown campground.

Hiking/Walking: GREAT!  Trails of varying lengths run through the park, including the day use area with three large, pleasant lagoons for fishing.  Trails connect to public lands outside the park, including the Verde River Greenway.  It’s possible to walk to nearby Tuzigoot National Monument - if you can get accurate directions!

Comments: We used Dead Horse Ranch State Park as a base camp to visit Tuzigoot National Monument, Sedona, Jerome and the historic section of old Cottonwood, but there is plenty to keep campers busy in the state park, too.  Grocery stores, restaurants and other services are nearby.

ESCAPEES NORTH RANCH RV PARK, CONGRESS, AZ (NW OF PHOENIX)

Our Opinion: Recommend.  Roomy, well-maintained, friendly park.  400+ deeded lots create a varied and interesting RV-friendly community.

Date of Stay: March 9 through 20, 2012

Weather During Stay: Warm and sunny, with cool nights - though we extended our stay to allows a spring storm to pass by.

Site Description: 107 large, level, FHU sites (30 amps) are arranged in 3 long rows, two facing each other, the third facing the deeded lots owned by Escapees. We are in site 97, facing east.  Sites are on gravel, and each has a wooden picnic table.  Sites are spacious, with plenty of room for slides, awnings, tow or towed, picnic table, chairs, etc.

This is an Escapee park; you must be an Escapee to stay here. Besides the rental sites, the park has a huge neighborhood of mostly well maintained, deeded lots that can be built on and bought/sold like normal real estate - very interesting mix of everything from unimproved lots (very few) to large, site-built homes (mostly southwest style) and everything in between.  (Click here for more information and photos of the deeded lots.) The park’s activity center is located in the deeded-lot neighborhood, but accessible to all guests of the park.

Two of three rows of rental sites	North Ranch clubhouse

Clubhouse has library, activity rooms, laundry room.  Easily accessible dump station located near entrance, along with trash and recycling. 

Rate: FHU (30 amps) sites are $14.50 plus electricity (currently 12.3 cents per KWH) daily; $85 plus electricity weekly.  No reservations - first come, first served. 

Phone/radio/TV: Strong Verizon cell service for phones and WiFi.  No obstacles for satellite TV dish.  Several stations (including PBS) on antenna.  Local NPR on 91.5.  I believe Tengo Internet is available here for a fee; we didn’t use it, but did see “tengointernet” on our WiFi connection list at our site.
 
Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Arid, slightly sloping terrain at 2,500’.  Near views are of neighboring rigs or RV’s, park models or homes on adjacent deeded lots; distant views are of arid mountains.  Very appealing desert views.

Lighting/Noise: Very quiet at night, with subdued night lighting.

Favorite Sites: Not much difference between the sites for travelers.  We asked for a site facing east to catch the morning sunshine.

Hiking/Walking: Plenty of interesting walking in this huge park, or head out the back gate for unlimited walking on the BLM land surrounding the park.

Comments: North Ranch is an interesting, relaxing, friendly park in a rural desert setting.  Congress, the nearest town, is tiny; drive 12 miles south to larger Wickenburg for groceries and sightseeing.  Easy day trips to Prescott (higher elevation) and Phoenix.  Full list of park activities during winter season.  Click here for more information on their website.

TURQUOISE VALLEY GOLF & RV PARK, NACO, AZ

Our Opinion: Odel (a golfer) recommends it; Laurie is neutral.  This exceptionally friendly park is the place for RV’ers who like to golf!

Date of Stay: February 27 through March 2, 2012

Weather During Stay: Plenty of sunshine; highs were mostly in the 60’s and lows below freezing at night.  The spring winds kicked up most days.

Site Description:  This gravel RV park has 103 very level sites, 17 of which are 50 amp FHU; the remainder are 30 amp FHU.  All sites have cable TV with many, many channels.  Sites are typical of many commercial parks - just enough room for slides and the awning - a mix of back-ins and pull-throughs.  We were in site 52, a 50 amp FHU back-in site next to the road.

Roads are gravel and dirt, sufficiently wide for big rigs; turns are easily negotiated.  Laundry, showers and restrooms are available; we didn’t use or inspect them.  Propane is sold on site.

Rate:  With taxes, we paid just under $27/night for 50 amp FHU with cable TV.  Golf packages are available, along with monthly rates.

Phone/radio/TV: Verizon service, both phone and aircard, is good in Naco (rhymes with taco).  Didn’t bother with TV antenna; many channels on cable TV at each site.  No obstructions for TV satellite dish.  Free WiFi, sometimes blazing, sometimes crawling.  And something new and unexpected: NPR from Tucson on 91.7 FM! 

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Flat, dirt and gravel roads at around 4,600 ft. elevation.  A bit of desert landscaping and some tall, narrow evergreens have been planted in the park; the surrounding area is scrubby desert.  Distant views are of arid mountains.

Lighting/Noise: Usually quiet except for the occasional passing vehicle. Bright nighttime lighting in many sites.

Favorite Sites: No real favorites here, but we always ask for a 50 amp site when making a reservation (current phone number is 520-432-3091)

Hiking/Walking: Not good around the park (narrow roads), and the park itself is not large enough for much exercise.  Good hiking within 30 minutes to a hour (by car).  Many renowned birding sites within an hour drive.

Comments: This is a VERY friendly park, very welcoming to new arrivals.  Most of the folks in the RV park are golfers who pay for a month or more (usually more) and are eager to have new golfers join them.  The golf course is just across the street; the pro shop building also houses a restaurant that serves very good Mexican food for breakfast and lunch.    Entertaining Bisbee is nearby; Safeway is 5 miles north, Mexico a short walk away.  Lots of good birding and history in the area.   Website: www.turquoisevalley.com

JUSTIN’S DIAMOND J RV PARK, TUCSON, AZ

Our Opinion: Recommend.  If walking/hiking is a priority for you, this is a great stop.

Date of Stay: This is our fourth stay, coming back after 3 ½ years.  Click here to see photos of our stay in September of 2008, when we had the place to ourselves.

Weather During Stay: Wonderful Tucson winter weather -plenty of sunshine, highs in the mid-60’s and above; lows sometimes below freezing.

Site Description:  All 125 sites at Justin’s are unusually large for a commercial park, a big plus for us - all accommodate a large rig, with slides and awnings, and room to park your tow or towed.  Most are very level and most are back-ins, though there are some pull-throughs in the front row near the road. 

Almost all are sites are FHU with 50 amps (we’ve seen one with a shared water connection). All are covered with a small rocks/huge gravel that is rather uncomfortable to walk.  Saguaros and native landscaping scattered around.  Roads are paved, which really helps keep the dust down here in the desert. 

The “front” (south) section of the park is set up in standard rows of side-by-side, back-to-back sites and is slightly higher than the “back” (north) section.  Sites in the north section are arranged around a “golf course” - a large dirt area with 8 raised mounds, each covered with green outdoor carpeting sporting a cup and flag.  We would fear for our windshield if we saw someone tee up! 

The single dumpster is up front by the entrance/exit.  Laundry (6 pairs of washers/dryers), a clubroom, and WiFi with plenty of antennas round out the amenities.  Lots of planned activities (hikes, bonfire, donut get-togethers), which we ignore but long-term campers may appreciate.

Rate: About half the sites in the park (including all the sites in the north section) are designated “premium” and cost $2 per night more than “standard” sites, $29/night vs. $27/night.  Premium sites might be slightly larger than standard sites, but seem to be considered premium because no one parks behind you; you back up either to the desert or to a wash/greenbelt, so have more privacy.  Current weekly rates are $189 (premium) vs. $175 (standard).   All fees and taxes are included in the quoted rate.  I believe they participate in Passport America in the summer (off) season.

Phone/radio/TV: Verizon works here (3G), including the aircard.  No cable TV, but nothing to block a satellite signal.  A few local stations are available on TV antenna, including two PBS stations.  Local NPR station on 89.1.  Wi-Fi - with about 4 antennas scattered through the park - worked very well most of the time.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Elevation here is around 2,500 ft.  The park is mostly flat; one small elevation change between “front” and “back” sites. Views here are fabulous, even when the park is full.  Near views are of rigs in the park and surrounding native plants.  Distant views are of beautiful, arid mountain ranges, including well-known Gates Pass, covered with Saguaro cactus.

Lighting/Noise: Low lighting is unobtrusive at night.  Residents in the nearby neighborhoods head to work early, and the sound of their vehicles stands out in the otherwise still mornings.  Also some noise (not bad) from neighborhood dogs, livestock, and coyotes in the desert.

Favorite Sites: We are willing to pay a couple dollars more for a premium site; we like the spacious feel, and the farther back from San Joaquin, the better for us.  In the off season, we stay in the north section; this time (high season), we were in site 74, facing south and bordering the greenbelt along the back of our site.

Hiking/Walking: This is where Justin’s (and Desert Trails, next door) shines.  Trails start on the north side of the park and head into Tucson Mountain Park.  It is possible to hike into Saguaro National Park (long hike).  The Sonoran desert here is gorgeous, and there are geocaches hidden around, too.  Trails are well developed and marked.  What a great amenity!

Comments: If only it was easier/quicker to get into Tucson!  We come back to Justin’s (and Desert Trails, before Justin’s opened) for the wonderful desert hiking, the great views, the beautiful sunsets… but complain each time we decide to go to Tucson!  The nearest big grocery store is about 20-25 minutes away.  The traffic on the “easy” route to Tucson (Ajo Highway) can be a real bear, so we usually take the beautiful but winding Gates Pass Road.  The drive to just about anywhere we want to be in Tucson is at least 30 minutes; longer to Costco or Trader Joes.  Website: Justin’s Diamond J RV Park.

PIMA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, TUCSON, AZ

Our Opinion: Neutral.  Though dusty, the fairgrounds are convenient when we are passing through Tucson and want to overnight or spend an extra day stocking up on supplies.

Date of Stay: January 25, 2012 - our fourth stay.

Weather During Stay: High was just under 70, low was 35.

Site Description: We have parked in two different areas at the fairgrounds.  This trip, we are in the main lot, in a 50 amp FHU, back in site (406).  The majority of sites in this area are back to back, closely packed on level dirt (or dust or mud, depending on the weather), some of the sites 30 amps, others 50 amps.

Since we don’t stay here more than a night or two, we prefer to park in a different area (the 500 row, not available today due to repaving), a strip of somewhat grassy 50 amp W/E sites that back up to a row of trees.  Very level, with more grass than dirt. No sewer hookups in this row, but there is a dump station available.

In both areas, sites are very tight when they all were occupied, but feel reasonably spacious when you don’t have neighbors (which is why we prefer the 500 row for short stays).  Access roads are wide.

Rate: All sites, back-in or pull-through, 50 amp or 30 amp, FHU or W/E are the same rate: $20/night.

Phone/radio/TV: Though our cell phones have 5 bars, we had a very difficult time with our MiFi today – finally gave up.  Local NPR on 89.1.  Several local TV stations on the antenna, including PBS (channel 6).  No obstacles for the satellite.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Elevation is around 3,000 feet.  Terrain is flat desert, but palms, evergreens and grass have been planted at the fairgrounds - welcome green.  Arid mountain ranges frame the distant views.

Lighting/Noise: Various fairground activities can be noisy during the day, but it has been quiet at night when we have been here.  We are far enough from the light poles that the night lighting is unobtrusive - but this would not be true in all spaces.

Favorite Sites: The 500’s, with 50 amps and water.

Hiking/Walking: This is a large fairground with plenty of space for walking. 

Comments: Typical fairgrounds, with an arena, many large buildings, restroom blocks, pavilions, lots of parking for RV’s and cars.  Because of the horse and livestock events held here, we noticed lots of flies on one stay, and we frequently notice an unpleasant sewer smell.  A few miles off of I-10, it is not luxurious, but is a convenient, reasonably priced spot to overnight or stay a few days to stock up at Costco and Trader Joe’s in Tucson.  A large Fry’s grocery store is about 5 miles away.

HOLT’S SHELL RV PARK, GILA BEND, AZ

Our Opinion: Recommend – with caveats.  We use this only for overnight stops and post boondocking cleanup.  Convenient, inexpensive, FHU with excellent laundry facilities. 

Date of Stay: Many times.  Date of this review is January 24, 2012.

Weather During Stay: Sunny and calm; high 68, low forecast for the low 40’s.

Site Description:  24 level sites on gravel at the back of a truck stop ¼ mile off I-8 and a mile from the center of Gila Bend.  19 sites are very large pull throughs, 5 are large back-ins.  All sites have 30/50 amp service, water and sewer.  Dumpster in the center of the park at the laundry room.  4 washers cost $1.00 each; dryers at 75 cents for about 40 minutes. 

No office in the RV park.  Pay for your site at the fuel station/convenience store up front.  There are also a couple of fast-food type restaurants and a hotel next to the truck stop.

Rate: Regular price is $24/night.  Passport America (with some date restrictions) and Escapees pay $12 night for 50 amp FHU. 

Phone/radio/TV: Verizon service, both phone and aircard, is excellent in Gila Bend (check out the cell tower in the photo - you park right under it).  Nothing is available on the TV antenna.  No obstructions for TV satellite dish.  Their advertised free WiFi worked well.  NPR on 91.5 (with a little or a lot of static, depending on???).

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Flat gravel roads and sites at 790 feet elevation.  The little park is surprisingly nicely landscaped with some native trees and flowering plants; the surrounding area is scrubby desert.  Distant views are of arid mountains to the east, the truck stop to the west.

Lighting/Noise: Some noise from the nearby interstate and from the trucks coming, going and settling in at the truck stop, but not enough to overcome the appeal of the low price and convenient access.  Night lighting in amazingly unobtrusive given the proximity to the truck stop.

Favorite Sites: Any of the pull throughs… all are long and spacious, easy in and out for our rig.  No need to disconnect the Jeep, another plus.

Hiking/Walking: Nothing special.  We usually plan to walk elsewhere.

Comments: Gila Bend is a convenient stop for an overnight and thorough cleanup with traveling between Catalina State Park in Tucson and boondocking in Yuma or Quartzsite.  To empty the holding tanks, get out the dirt and have a nice, long, hot shower, we want a level, FHU site with 50 amps.  Holt’s Shell RV Park (Exit 119 On I-8 Gila Bend) provides all of that at a low, low price, along with easy access to fuel and propane.  No reservations, but plenty of convenience.  Wish there were more solid, secure, no-frills, low-cost RV parks like this!

YUCAIPA REGIONAL PARK, YUCAIPA, CA

Our Opinion: Recommend.  This large regional park has spacious sites and good hiking, in the midst of an urban area.

Date of Stay:  December 11th and 12th, 2011.  Our first stay here was in March, 2011 – click here to see photos on that springtime review.

Weather During Stay:  Mild and sunny when we arrived; changed to rain the following day.

Site Description:  Our site is a large pullout along the side of the campground road.  A school is next to us at the border of the park, so it is quiet at night but some “kid noise” during the day.  All sites are paved, with large concrete patios surrounded by grass.  BBQ grill and sturdy picnic table at each site.  FHU with 50 and 30 amp electric.

The campground is gently rolling, with lots of green grass and trees (most are leafless this time of year).  Most of the 42 RV sites are pull-outs, but some are back-ins.  Not all are level, but most are quite long; all are fairly spacious.  Many of the pull-out sites have multiple utilities for groups of two or three. Several restrooms (with showers); plenty of trash cans.  Tent camping sites are available in a separate area. Dump site available.  All sites can be reserved at www.sbcountyparks.com/.  Maximum stay 14 days in 30.

Rate: FHU RV sites are $35.  Senior camping rates are available Monday-Thursday, $30.  We paid the senior rate for both nights, though the website says the senior rate only applies Monday-Thursday.  Maybe because there were so few campers here?  There is a fee to make a reservation, which is advisable at other times of the year.

Phone/radio/TV: Verizon service is good on both the aircard (3G) and phones.  Lots of trees mean you need to pay attention if your TV satellite is roof mounted.  On the antenna, we have four digital stations, all PBS.  NPR on 91.9.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain:  Rolling hills, lots of trees, green grass and lakes.  Elevation 2,600 feet.  This large, regional park is in a busy urban/suburban area, with the school next door and homes nearby. Views from the campground are of other campers, the surrounding hills, and the school.

Lighting/Noise: No streetlights here (a good thing), but the restrooms are brightly lit at night.  We were positioned so that wasn’t a bother.  Noise from the neighboring students during the day.  Sites near the front of the campground had considerable road noise.

Favorite Sites: All have some good, some not-so-good features.  As usual, we prefer perimeter sites to the interior sites.  The north end of the campground loop is quite open with very few trees; more sunshine and fewer satellite RV obstacles.

Hiking/Walking:  Walking the loop road of this huge park is pleasant.  A rather strenuous hike goes to the peak of the highest nearby hill, Mt. Zanja.

Comments: This park is a pleasant oasis in a busy urban area in the Inland Empire of California.  The campground occupies a small area of the park, which includes a large lake (with fishing), swimming beach, water slides, playground, and several large picnic areas.  I suspect this park is very crowded with day-users in summer.  Grocery shopping nearby; 18 hole public golf course ¼ mile away.

SANTA BARBARA ELKS LODGE, SANTA BARBARA, CA

Our Opinion: Recommend; a reasonably priced option in an otherwise expensive area.  This is an Elks Lodge - you must be an Elk to stay here.

Date of Stay: December 9-10, 2011.

Weather During Stay: Cool, calm and sunny.  Highs in the mid-60’s, low’s in the 30’s.

Sites:  16 slightly sloped, well marked sites in a gravel lot adjacent to the lodge. All sites have 30/50 amp E and water, plus boards to use under your jacks.  All sites are back-ins, in two rows facing the center lane.  Sites are long enough for big rigs, with enough room for slides (though little else).  Dump available at the lodge. 

This is a well-designed RV parking area, with nearby, dedicated parking spaces for tows and towed (which won’t fit in your space).  Very well maintained. 

This is a busy lodge, and it is recommended that you call for a reservation (805/964-6858).  With a reservation, you know your site number in advance, which makes arrival and set up much easier - otherwise, you need to check in at the lodge to find out which sites are available before setting up.  According to the reservation form, the maximum stay is 5 consecutive days in 30 days, but it appears this can be negotiated.  Check out time is 1 pm.

Rate: $20 W/E (30/50 amp).   Dump at lodge is included.

Phone/radio/TV: Strong Verizon phones and aircard (4G) signal.  No obstructions to block TV satellite.  Several digital channels on the air antenna.  The lodge offers WiFi, but the signal in the RV lot was not working when we visited.  Local NPR on 89.5 and 90.9.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Small gravel lot surrounded by a privacy hedge. View is of neighboring rigs, lodge, huge trees, and distant mountains.  Quite appealing for an urban site.  Elevation is slightly above sea level.

Lighting/Noise: This is a busy urban area, a few blocks off Hwy 101.  Traffic noise is noticeable day and night.  Moderate lighting.

Favorite Sites: Sites 9-16, which face the lodge, look a little longer and wider than sites 1-8.  It appears that sites are assigned based on the size of your rig.  

Hiking/Walking: This is a residential area with sidewalks.  Walk the neighborhood - and you can walk a few blocks on the main (pleasant) commercial street to Trader Joes and Vons.

Comments: The lodge’s printed reservation form mentions “Access to showers, gym & spa” ($10.00 per stay); we didn’t inquire about this, but would if we were staying longer.  Santa Barbara is an appealing seaside town, about 6 miles from the lodge.  Good beach walking and people watching there. 

OCEANO-5 CITIES ELKS LODGE, OCEANO, CA

Our Opinion: Recommend.  Fun location a few blocks from Pismo State Beach, a great walking beach also open to vehicles and camping.  This is an Elks Lodge - you must be an Elk to stay here.

Date of Stay: December 5-8, 2011.

Weather During Stay: Lovely winter weather: cool, calm and sunny.  Highs in the low to mid-60’s, low’s in the 30’s.

Sites: 50 sites on level grass with W/E (30 amp) at sites.  Dump available as you exit the camping area.  Sites are back-in around the perimeter of the parking area, long enough for big rigs, but tight if all sites are filled.

Dave is the on-site host (805/305-7627) who assigns sites as you arrive (if he is there).  During the slow times, rigs are parked in every other site, providing space for slides, awnings, and rugs.  During busy times, what had looked like one nice spacious site becomes 2 very tight slots.  We saw slides interwoven when rigs had slides on both sides!  Dave will always do his utmost to find you a spot, but call ahead in summer.

Rate: $25 W/E (30 amp) includes use of dump station.  This is on the high side for Elks - Salinas (to the north) is $20/night for the same utilities; Santa Barbara (to the south) is $20/night for W and 50 amp E.  Napa, CA, with FHU and cable TV, is $20/night.   Private parks in the area charge $40 and up for FHU; the state park across the street charges $25/night for no hookups. 

Phone/radio/TV: Strong Verizon phones and aircard signal.  No obstructions to block TV satellite.  Several digital channels on the air antenna.  Speedy, strong WiFi available in the RV area - get the password at the lodge.  Local NPR on 90.1.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Flat, level parking on grass with trees on the perimeter.  View is of rigs, lodge, and attractive residential buildings across the street.  Elevation: sea level.

Lighting/Noise: Little traffic noise at night.  The lodge building leaves outside lights on all night, and the lodge parking lot has tall streetlights that burn all night.  The orange lenses help, but it is quite bright all night.

Favorite Sites: Not much difference between sites; we choose to face the sun on these cool winter days. Dave, the on-site host, will point you towards the best space available when you arrive.  If the place is full, expect to squeeze into a long, narrow slot. 

Hiking/Walking: Walk three blocks to the west and you are on a fine, fine beach with good walking for miles – and dry camping for $10/night if you want to brave the sand (this photo – that’s not us!).  You can walk the beach all the way to Pismo Beach.

Comments: This lot is jammed in the summer, so don’t expect much personal space.  Per Dave, December is their slowest month, and we had plenty of room during this winter visit.  The fun town of Pismo Beach is a few miles north, a pleasant drive, with some good restaurants (try the BBQ ribs at Mo’s and fish and chips at Brad’s outdoor patio) and a pier over the ocean.  The lodge itself seems very busy.

SALINAS ELKS LODGE, SALINAS, CA

Our Opinion: Recommend.  This convenient stop along Hwy 101 borders a golf course.  Easy access in and out. Private; you must be an Elk to stay here.

Date of Stay: December 2-4, 2011.

Weather During Stay:  Cool and clear, with highs close to 60 and lows in the 30’s.

Sites: Of the 28 sites provided with W/E sites (30 amp), 25 are usable at any one time (due to the layout).  Sites are on level dirt and gravel around the perimeter of a huge RV storage lot east of the lodge, adjacent to a golf course.  Sites face either south or west.  A few picnic tables are scattered around.

A host is in the site next to the dump station.  To access the dump station, you drive directly towards his rig and the little self-registration/information kiosk. A dumpster is located near the dump station.

Rate: $20 for W/E, $15 dry camping.  Additional $5 to dump.

Phone/radio/TV: Strong Verizon phones and aircard signal (4G).  No obstructions to block TV satellite.  Some TV stations (including two digital PBS stations) using the TV antenna.  Local NPR on 88.9 and 90.3.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Flat, level parking area with lots of BIG trees around the perimeter.  Elevation is not far above sea level. Views of many, many stored RV’s, lodge, parking lot, golf course.

Lighting/Noise: The night lighting is unobtrusive.  Noise from highway 101 and the small municipal airport across the street was noticeable during the day, along with the thwacks of golf clubs on balls.  J  Very quiet at night.

Favorite Sites: No difference in sites.  Pick whichever area is the least crowded.  Fewer than half were occupied when we stayed, so each rig had plenty of room - they would be typically crowded if all or most were filled. 

Hiking/Walking: No good walking at the lodge, but hiking is available within about 8-10 miles by car.

Comments: This is a very convenient location for traveling Elks, with easy access off of Hwy 101.  Monterey is less than 20 miles away, a very scenic drive; Santa Cruz is a little farther.  The golf course adjacent to the lodge is open to the public.

CAL EXPO RV PARK, SACRAMENTO, CA

UPDATED to reflect the improvements we found during our one month stay in April, 2012.

Our Opinion: Neutral. This is where we stay when we come to Sacramento; for us, it is the best of several choices in the area.

Date of Stay: We have stayed here for a month or longer once or twice a year since 2003. The usual limit is 30 days out of any 60 day period, but exceptions can be made with the managers approval (submit a written waiver).

Weather: We usually stay at Cal Expo during spring (April/May) and late Fall (November). Weather during those periods is generally pleasant, though you can get a surprising hot spell anytime! 

Sites: 200+ FHU (30 and 50 amp) sites, back-ins around the perimeter, pull-throughs in the center rows. The park consists of two lots. The lot near the office is paved and somewhat sloped (many large MH’s end up with their front wheels off the ground or on blocks to level).

A larger, mostly gravel, lot is best suited for big rigs.  We park on the edge of that lot, on “the slab”, separated from the gravel sites by a strip of grass and trees.  The slab is concrete; these back-in sites are very level, though quite tight.

No picnic tables at sites. Limited shade. Reasonable water pressure and good voltage. When this park is full, it is tight, with parking for tows and towed at a premium.  When the park is not full, the sites feel pleasantly spacious without immediate neighbors.  During our recent stay, several of the sites in the gravel area were designated for visitor’s car parking.  Nice improvement.

What used to be a no-dog grassy area has been converted into a small, pleasant, off-leash dog run.  Restrooms and a small laundry facility share a building with the office.

Rate: We pay the monthly rate, $595 for 50 amp FHU. Daily rate is $35, typical for the area.

Phone/radio/TV: Strong Verizon phones signal; aircard on Broadband, 5 bars. No cable TV.  Several TV stations on antenna, including 2 digital PBS channels, 6-1 and 6-2. Two local NPR stations. WiFi is available, and now reaches to all sites.  We used it all month with very few problems, quickly fixed.  Excellent improvement.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: This is a big, mostly flat, parking lot, located at the edge of the California state fairgrounds 20 feet above sea level.  Patches and strips of grass and trees on the perimeter. Views are of other rigs, trees, the levee along the Sacramento river, the fairgrounds racetrack, and the fairgrounds maintenance buildings.

Lighting/Noise: Bright, streetlight-style security lighting at night. Noise is typical urban traffic, daily fairgrounds maintenance crews and the racetrack announcer during nighttime races.

Favorite Sites: We choose the level sites on “the slab“ at the back of the park. With a strip of grass behind and a line of trees in front, they offer more shade in summer and we consider them the prettiest of the 50 amp sites, though very narrow.

Hiking/Walking: Excellent! Walk miles in any direction on the American River bike path or the trails in a greenbelt area adjacent to the river and just outside the park‘s fence. You can walk to movie theatres, Arden Fair Mall and other shopping, to restaurants. No lack of walking opportunities here.

Comments: Location, location, location.  Convenient to all kinds of shopping and services, the central location makes a very convenient home for us when we re-visit our ex-hometown, friends, family, and medical providers. Don’t come expecting a resort or a “camping experience”.  Cal Expo is an urban experience, with the welcome amenity of the wonderful American River greenbelt just outside the fence. 

LIKELY PLACE RV RESORT AND GOLF, LIKELY, CA

Our Opinion: Recommend.  Well maintained, visually appealing, with some special touches.

Date of Stay:  Oct. 9-10, 2011

Weather During Stay:  A day of sun (arrival), a day of rain and clouds (meant no golf for Odel).  Cool nights.

Site Description:  Fifty gravel sites, more than half of them long, mostly level, pull-throughs.  Our site (30) was a 50 amp FHU; some sites are W/E only.  Voltage was good, but water pressure was poor.  Since we had read about that problem already, we filled our fresh water tank before arrival and used our pump to augment the water pressure.

Sites are quite spacious, with nicely mown, wide strips of grass between sites.  Roads are gravel and easy to maneuver. There are a few trees here and there in the park, and many on the edges.  The overall feel is open and spacious.

Well maintained bath house with laundry facilities (2 washers; 2 dryers).  At least two 3-sided shelters (hide from sun, wind, or rain).  The office doubles as the golf pro shop and a breakfast and lunch grill - we enjoyed breakfast there.

Rate:  With an AAA (or Good Sam) discount, $28/night for 50 amp FHU.

Phone/radio/TV:  Top-notch Verizon signal for the phones and MiFi.  WiFi is available, but we didn’t use it.  No obstacles for our roof-mounted satellite dish.  Three PBS channels and one network on the air antenna (digital).  No local NPR station.

Elevation/landscape/terrain:  This is a gently rolling campground (and golf course) at 4,600 ft. elevation.  Lots of juniper (or cedar?) trees on the sage-covered hillsides.  Views are of lovely high-desert shrubs and trees, rolling ranchland, and distant mountains.  Very appealing.

Lighting/noise:  Quite dark at night except for a tall security light here and there (too bad).  No traffic noise at all, no train noise, just a coyote chorus now and then.

Favorite Sites:  We were in site 30 and liked it fine - very spacious.  Pull-through sites 31-35 are in the “front row”, so you would not have other rigs parked between you and the view to the east, but those sites don‘t have sewer hookups.

Hiking/Walking: This park SHINES in this category!  Besides an 18-hole golf course, they have developed a geocache golf game, in three sections of varying lengths.  Do all three sections for 5.5 miles, or one section for as little as 1.1 miles.  If that doesn’t appeal, a 1.4 miles nature trail with several comfortable benches offers views of the golf course and surrounding area.  Thoughtful and fun amenities.

Comments:  The tiny town of Likely is in the remote NE corner of California.  Click here to read a bit about the history of the golf course and RV park.  Closed from the end of October until the first of May (high altitude = snow).  Otherwise, if you are traveling Hwy 395 in northern California, we recommend a stop here, especially if you golf.

COLLIER MEMORIAL STATE PARK, CHILOQUIN, OR

Our Opinion: Recommend.  Roomy sites, lovely rivers nearby, pleasant walking trails, interesting logging museum, and reasonably close proximity to Crater Lake.

Our first visit to Collier Memorial State park was two years ago, when we used it was a base camp to visit Crater Lake.  On this visit, we stayed two night, October 7-8. 

A few things have changed:

The Discovery Season rate increased $4/night, to $17.  Still a very good rate for a spacious, paved FHU site (50 amps) in a very nicely maintained campground.  Still first-come, first served (no reservations taken).  We arrived on Friday at noon and had our pick of many sites; folks arriving later on Friday had fewer choices, but the campground was not full on Friday or Saturday night.

When we visited in 2009, no local NPR station was available.  You can now pick up Jefferson Public Radio, the NPR broadcast for southern Oregon and northern California, on 90.9 FM.

Click here to read our full review from our first visit, which has been updated to reflect changes since our 2009 visit.  By the way, there is a truck stop travel plaza 3 miles south on highway 97 (east side), at the KlaMoYa Casino.  Gas and diesel (with truck pumps); easy access for big rigs.

BEND ELKS LODGE, BEND, OR

Our Opinion: Neutral.  Private; you must be an Elk to stay here.

Date of Stay: October 4-6, 2011.

Weather During Stay: Cold, day and night!  Some sun, plenty of clouds.

Sites:  Eight back-in sites at the back of the lodge on asphalt.  Sites are paved and sufficiently sloped that we needed blocks under our front tires and jacks.  All sites have 30 amp E.  Water available from one spigot on the side of the lodge when the lodge is open (you need the “key“ for the spigot).    No dump on site.

No trees; all sites have open exposure.  Sites are large enough for big rigs, but very narrow - just enough room for slides (on one side) and steps. Tow and towed vehicles can be parked in parking slots nearby.

Rate: $15/night for 30 amp E.  Stay limit 7 days.

Phone/radio/TV: Strong Verizon phones and aircard signal.  No obstructions to block TV satellite dish.  Around 10 digital stations on the air antenna, including 2 PBS stations.  Lodge has secure WiFi; we didn’t use it.  NPR on 88.1 (and probably others).

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain:  This is a small, sloped parking area at 3,600 ft. elevation.  Sites face west, with a nice view of the Cascade range.  Near view is of the lodge and neighboring residences.

Lighting/Noise: Tall security lighting at the lodge keeps it very bright at night.  Reasonably quiet.

Favorite Sites: No difference between sites.

Hiking/Walking: Nothing appealing from the lodge, but there are plenty of recreational opportunities around Bend.  Several pleasant walks/hikes at nearby Pilot Butte.

Comments: Bend is a popular summer destination for RV’ers and recreation enthusiasts.  Though parking at the lodge is very tight, it is the best deal in the area for a short-term stay.  This was our second stay at this active lodge.