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.

PRINEVILLE ELKS LODGE, PRINEVILLE, OREGON

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

Date of Stay: June 14, 2011.

Weather During Stay: Sunny, cool, and breezy.

Sites:  There are four electric boxes on two telephone poles at the back of the lodge lot, but sufficient space for only 3 RV’s if they have slides (4 Class B’s could squeeze in side by side).  We were the only rig there, so had our choice of where to park.  Electric only (no water or sewer at sites); nice new boxes with 20/30/50 amp outlets and excellent voltage. 

Parking is on level blacktop.  Your rig probably would be surrounded by cars if there was an event at the small lodge.  Located in a nice neighborhood two blocks off the main street and a couple blocks from the Crook County Courthouse.

Rate: $10 for electric hookup; $5 to dry camp.  Dump at the county campground about a mile south for $5.  There is a hose bib on the side of the Elks which could be used to fill your tank if not obstructed by cars in the lot.

Phone/radio/TV: Strong Verizon phones and aircard signal.  No obstructions to block TV satellite.  One station (from Portland) on TV antenna.  NPR from Eugene on 88.1 FM.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Level, paved parking in a nice neighborhood in a small town at 2,830 ft. elevation.  This is the dry side of the Cascades, but close enough to the mountains to have lots of pine trees around.  Views are of the lodge, the cupola of the Crook County Courthouse 2 blocks away, and a couple beautiful, substantial older homes across the street.   Pleasant neighborhood.

Lighting/Noise: Quiet at night; the lodge leaves outdoor lights on the building all night long.

Favorite Sites: No difference between them, other than proximity to the driveway or the sidewalk.

Hiking/Walking: Nice walking around this small town (10,000 population).  Likely to be hiking opportunities in the area, but we didn’t seek them out.

Comments: This was our first visit to Prineville, passing through on our way east.  Home to Les Schwab, the tire dealer, Prineville appears to be a friendly, prosperous small town with a beautiful golf course and lots of recreational opportunities in the area.  This friendly lodge made a great overnight spot.

REDDING ELKS LODGE, REDDING, CALIFORNIA

We’ve used the Redding Elks Lodge many times in the past as we travel I-5.  This was a two-night stay, long enough to stock up at the Redding Costco before heading north and to take a couple of walks along the river.  Nothing has changed since our visit in 2009 (click here to read our full review from that visit).

Redding has many choices for RV’ers, including at least one RV park that participates in Passport America (1/2 price).  Although $20/night seems high for an E/W/cable TV/WiFi site (we just paid $20/night in Napa for FHU with cable TV and WiFi, in what seems a more desirable location), we continue to patronize the Redding Elks Lodge because it is friendly and easy – pull in, take any open site, pay using a payment envelope or at the bar.   This lodge’s RV parking is heavily used, so we try to arrive before 3 pm to be assured of a site.  Elks only.

THE FORTUNA FOOTHILLS, YUMA, AZ

Not a campground, the “Fortuna Foothills” (usually just called The Foothills) is a sprawling, RV-friendly development of privately owned lots 10 miles east of downtown Yuma, AZ.  The area is bounded on the north by Interstate 8 and accessed from either Fortuna Road or Foothills Blvd, stretching south for a couple of miles.  The area was developed from I-8 to the south over several years, so the newest lots are south of 48th Street, with the newest and most “upscale” residential use in the southeast area.

Spacious RV sites can be rented from private owners, usually for 1-3+ months in winter.  Craigslist.com is a good source, or drive the streets and call phone numbers on the “RV Site for Rent” signs. 

Our Opinion: We liked the area south of around 44th Street, which is the part of the Foothills we explored.  We were happy with our inexpensive stay on a no-frills lot in this sunny snowbird destination.

Date of Stay: December 25 to January 2, 2011.

Weather During Stay:  Ranged from sunny and warm to sunny and cool/cold, with a day of rain thrown in.  Usually breezy, sometimes windy.  Yuma is often windy is winter and spring.

Site Description:  We rented a gravel site on a gated double lot that had FHU for 4 RV’s, plus trash and recycling bins.  Lots of room, no frills.

The variety of residential options on these lots is amazing, ranging from graveled, no frills lots (like the one we stayed on), to lots with RV sites and patios, to casitas, park models, modular homes, and site-built homes, some selling for upwards of $300,000. 

What they all have in common: RV’s are allowed to park on all lots.  Streets are paved and wide enough to easily maneuver a big rig while turning into a gated lot.

No frills lot in the foothills.	Front wall, gated – a step up.

Rate:  We were told that the average monthly rate January through March is $325, which includes utilities.  Because we stayed prior to January, when the snowbirds flock to Yuma, we were able to rent short-term.  The typical daily rate appears to be $10-15, including utilities.  It is very difficult to find a short-term (less than monthly) rental during the high season.

Phone/radio/TV:  Good Verizon signal here for both phones and aircard.  Our site had no obstacles for our roof-mounted satellite TV, but some of the landscaped sites might have palm trees to avoid. The air antenna picked up several channels, including networks and a PBS station.  NPR on 88.9.

Double wide modular home with RV space and landscaping.	Typical lot that needs some TLC

Elevation/landscape/terrain: Not far above sea level, Yuma is one of the sunniest places in North America.  Foothills Blvd. rises slightly as it heads south from I-8, so the distant view improves as you continue farther south.  Local views are of neighboring rigs and homes; distant views are of arid, very rocky mountains. 

Lighting/noise:  NO streetlights in our area - YAY!  All nighttime lighting is low, on the 3-4 ft. high brick fences.  Very nice.  This is a very quiet area; no disturbing noise at night.

Hiking/Walking:  Walking on the wide roads is safe, easy, and interesting - good for biking, too.  Lots of variety and pretty views.

Typical scene of RV’s and a home on a wide street with palms.	Couple hundred thousand dollar plus home, fully landscaped.

Comments:  Because of the difference in age between the lots closest to I-8 and those farthest away, there is a wide variety of appeal between the older lots and the newer lots.  We stayed in one of the newest areas and enjoyed it, but drove some of the older neighborhoods and found them less appealing and somewhat run down, varying from lot to lot.  If you rent via the internet, be sure to ask for photos of the site, the lot, the neighboring lots and the view across the street.

Plenty of businesses in the area, including a large Fry’s grocery store at I-8 and Fortuna Road, and a post office that accepts General Delivery mail on Fortuna Road.

INDIO ELKS LODGE, INDIO, CALIFORNIA

UPDATED DECEMBER 15, 2011 (FEE INCREASE).

Our Opinion: Recommend, but best before winter “high season“, when the parking feels quite crowded.  Private; you must be an Elk to stay here.

Date of Stay: December 11 and 12, 2009 and December 13-16, 2011.  

Sites: 54 sites, 4 (back-ins along the back wall of the lodge) of which are FHU.  The remaining 50 sites have water and 30 amp E.  All sites are reasonably level, about half on asphalt (all back-ins) and half on gravel (back-to-back sites, which you can pull through if not crowded).  Sites are sufficient for big rigs, but are very “cozy” when all spots are filled – just enough room for slides and a slightly extended awning.  (In the photo below, we have an empty site on both sides of our rig.)  No picnic tables. Dump station on site.

 Rate: For 30 amp E and W, $25 for the first night, $20/night for subsequent nights.  FHU sites are $5 more per night. Less for dry camping – $10?

Phone/radio/TV: Strong Verizon phones and aircard signal.  WiFi available in the parking area; get the password from the lodge. Local NPR on 89.3 FM.  No obstructions for TV satellite.  Several local TV stations available on antenna.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Flat, level parking on gravel and asphalt in a large lot behind the lodge.  This is mainly a residential neighborhood, very quiet. Views are of other rigs, the lodge, and palm trees.   Elevation is not much above sea level.

Lighting/Noise:   Subdued night lighting and little noise at night.

Favorite Sites: In the center of the parking area, there is a little green “park” with grass and a few trees.  If you can snag one of the two sites that put the park on your door side, they give you a little extra space.

Hiking/Walking:  Not much in the area unless you enjoy neighborhood sidewalks.  Good hiking in the nearby arid mountains.

Comments: This is a bargain in a pricy area.  We like to stay for awhile to soak up warmth, hike the arid mountains, eat at good restaurants and ogle the beauty of this super-wealthy area.  Plenty to do around here; close to every kind of shopping including Costco and Trader Joes.

FLORENCE ELKS LODGE RV PARK, FLORENCE, OREGON

Our Opinion: Rave.  This is a beautiful, lovingly maintained Elks RV park.  Private; you must be an Elk to stay here.

Date of Stay: September 18-23, 2009.

Weather During Stay: Rain, sun, cool, warm... typical Oregon late summer weather.

Sites: Forty roomy sites are spread throughout a large RV park, four or five miles north of the town of Florence and the Elks lodge there.  All sites have 30/50 amp electricity and water, and 4 channel cable TV (the 3 networks plus PBS).  Sixteen sites are long pull-throughs, facing north; the remaining sites are back-ins. All are suitable for big rigs, level, and unusually spacious, with room for your slides, awnings, and tow or towed vehicle at your site.  All sites have wooden picnic table. 

A bath house has toilets and showers.  Two dump stations serve the park. Roads and sites are gravel.  Large and small evergreens surround the park and are scattered throughout, so a roof-mounted satellite would present challenges in some sites. Beautiful landscaping throughout the park.

Rate: $18 for electricity and water, dump station use, cable TV and WiFi. 

Phone/radio/TV: Verizon phones and aircard work here, but the signal is rather weak – it was difficult to make phone calls. We opted to use the free, blazing fast WiFi instead of our aircard.  Pick a site carefully for roof-mounted TV satellite (many will work).  Just four cable TV stations.  We didn't check antenna reception.  Local NPR on 89.7 FM.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Level sites in a beautiful RV park separate from the Elks lodge (RV parking with water and electricity is also available in the lodge parking lot). Elevation is near sea level. Views are of large and small evergreens (looks more like the mountains than the coast) with other rigs hidden in the foliage.  

Lighting/Noise: Quiet and dark at night.

Favorite Sites: Many, many beautiful sites here.  Because of our roof-mounted TV satellite, we would avoid 1-6, 22-27, 31, 32, 37 and 38.  Sites 9 through 20 are south facing back-ins, nice to catch winter sun (if it exists).

Hiking/Walking: Walk around the park for a short bout of exercise.  Sutton Recreation area (across Hwy 101) has hikes through the dunes, or head back south towards Florence a short distance to Heceta Beach for miles of beach walking.  For a longer hike, drive several miles north to Heceta Head Lighthouse to hike over the headlands. 

Comments: What a beautiful park!  Wonderful, friendly hosts.  It’s about 5 miles to Florence and the Elks lodge.  We began in site 10 (a back-in), then moved to site 29 (a pull-through) so we could stay a few days longer than our original plan.  Reservations recommended; probably essential during the summer.  For an excellent meal, visit Waterfront Depot in Old Town Florence (close to the bridge), a favorite with locals (for reservations, call 541-902-9100)

BROOKINGS ELKS LODGE, BROOKINGS, OREGON

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

Date of Stay: September 12-13, 2009.

Weather During Stay: Foggy and overcast, with light rain from time to time.

Sites: Seventeen sites (2 pull-through and 15 back in) have at least 30 amps (rumor has it that some sites have 50 amps, but we didn't research this) and water at each site, along with cable TV.  All are suitable for big rigs and unusually spacious compared to most Elks parking, with room for your slides, awnings, and tow or towed vehicle at your site.  All sites have wooden picnic table in decent shape.

About half the sites are on gravel with some shade from perimeter trees; these are fairly level.  The remaining sites are on asphalt and are rather sloping; rigs in these sites are jacked up pretty high. We used blocks under our front jacks in site 7. 

The very nice Brookings Elks lodge is up a hill just east of Highway 101, in the middle of town.  The RV parking area is behind the lodge, away from traffic noise.  Easily accessible dump station and even a laundry room!

Rate: $15 for electricity and water, dump station use, cable TV and WiFi. 

Phone/radio/TV: Strong Verizon phones and aircard signal.  No obstructions to block TV satellite.  Lots of cable TV stations, so we didn’t check antenna reception.  Local NPR on 91.1 FM.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Mostly level parking on the perimeter of the large parking lot behind the lodge.  Elevation is near sea level, but high enough to be out of reach of a tsunami! Views are of the row of rigs across from you, green trees, and the back of the lodge.

Lighting/Noise: Quiet at night; reasonably unobtrusive lighting.

Favorite Sites: We liked 7, but 1-4 look the most appealing - except that the trees behind them tend to drop dirt and tree litter on your rig.  (Our neighbor in site 6 was complaining about the work of cleaning the tree drippings off of his motorhome.)   The shade would be welcome on a hot day.

Hiking/Walking: Walk down the hill to town.  No good hiking without driving, but there are many nice beach walks a short drive, including Harris Beach State Park a mile or two north. 

Comments: This was our second stay here.  Convenient location in a nice small town with scenic marina and a nearby state park.  Good price for the services and large sites.  Walk to Fred Meyer or Ray’s Place for groceries, and the Fred Meyer had good prices for fuel.

EUREKA ELKS LODGE, EUREKA, CALIFORNIA

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

Date of Stay: September 8-11, 2009.

Weather During Stay: Sun and fog, cool nights, overcast mornings.

Sites: Twenty-four back in sites have 30 and 50 amps, FHU (yes, sewer too) and cable TV.  All are suitable for big rigs, but they are quite narrow.  Your slides will fit, but not necessarily your awning.  Sites are gravel; some are more level than others.  We needed blocks under our rear jacks in site 8.

The RV parking area is down a hill next to the lodge, away from traffic noise, but in easy proximity to Hwy 101.  Very secure.  No dry camping allowed; if all the RV sites are filled, head to Redwood Acres, the fairgrounds, and come back early the next morning!

Rate: $20 for FHU, including cable TV and WiFi. 

Phone/radio/TV: Strong Verizon phones and aircard signal.  No obstructions to block TV satellite.  Lots of cable TV stations, so we didn‘t check antenna reception.  Local NPR on 90.5 FM.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Level parking in a bowl - heavy bushes and tress on one side, a hillside on the other. Elevation is near sea level. Views are of the row of rigs across from you, green trees, and the side of the lodge.

Lighting/Noise: Quiet at night; reasonably unobtrusive lighting.

Favorite Sites: Doesn’t make much different, as all sites are narrow backins.  Pick your row based on whether you want morning or afternoon sun (assuming there IS sun).

Hiking/Walking: No good hiking without driving, but there are many, many nice hikes and beach walks within a short drive.  This photo shows the wetlands at the Arcata Marsh, 15 miles north of the Eureka Elks.

Comments: This was our second stay here.  As before (June of 2006), all 24 sites were full every night.  The price is right for full hookups, and the location convenient.  If the RV parking is this full next time we come, though, we might drive on out to the Redwood Acres Fairgrounds simply to have a bit more space (check with them first to see if they have an event going on).  They have FHU for $25/night.

NAPA ELKS LODGE, NAPA, CALIFORNIA

Our Opinion: Rave. Nicely sized FHU sites in a quiet, convenient area of Napa. Private; you must be an Elk to stay here.

Date of Stay: Late August, 2009.

Weather During Stay: Warm days, cool nights, overcast mornings.

Sites: Of the 12 FHU sites (mostly 30 amp E, but a few 50 amps), most are suitable for big rigs and one is occupied by a host’s rig. Sites are back-to-back in two rows, reasonably wide (room for slides and awnings) on level gravel, with a small concrete picnic table and benches at each site. No pull-throughs.

The RV parking area is behind the lodge, away from traffic noise, with a combination-controlled access gate. Very secure. Dry camping is allowed in the large parking lot in front of the lodge only if all the RV sites are filled.

Rate: $20 for FHU, including cable TV and WiFi.

Phone/radio/TV: Strong Verizon phones and aircard signal. No obstructions to block TV satellite. Lots of cable TV stations. Local NPR on 88.5 FM.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Level parking with trees on two sides of the area and nice landscaping. Elevation is near sea level. Views are of the back of the lodge, trees, a walking trail adjacent to the Napa River (on the edge of the lodge property) and nearby homes.

Lighting/Noise: Very quiet and dark at night.

Favorite Sites: The host is in one of the end sites on one of the rows; the other three end sites are a tiny bit short (though we have seen big rigs in them). We preferred the sites that are not on the row ends. No reservations here, so take your choice when you arrive - after getting the gate combination from the bartender.

Hiking/Walking: A combination lock on the gate at the back of the lodge property offers access to a 1.2 mile walking trail. Turn left on the trail to walk a short distance to Trancas Avenue and a grocery store. Lots of good hiking in the Napa Valley, including Skyline Wilderness Park at the south end of the city.

Comments: The Napa valley is a world-renowned destination. This appealing lodge parking gives us the chance to enjoy it at a reasonable price with great amenities. What’s not to like? There is a Nob Hill grocery store within walking distance, as is the Wal-Mart. Farmer’s market Tuesday and Sunday during the summer (until the end of October) at the Wine Train parking lot about a mile south. Trader Joe’s is approximately one mile west on Trancas, a nearby cross-street.

HOQUIAM ELKS LODGE, HOQUIAM, WASHINGTON

Our Opinion: Neutral.  Suitable as an overnight when traveling Hwy 101.  Private; you must be an Elk to stay here.

Date of Stay: August 4, 2009 (our second stay in three years).

Weather During Stay:  Cool and overcast.

Sites: Six very narrow, level sites on gravel/grass.  Big rigs will find plenty of length, but not much width; with slides out, you will barely be able to open your door in your site.  No room for an awning; these seriously narrow sites are suited for parking only!  Each site has 30 amp E and W.  Both the electric box and water pipe are locked; keys available in office.  There is an awkwardly placed dump station (locked; the key is on the key ring with your site’s utility box keys) right next to a wooden fence on one side of the lot.  No picnic tables.

Rate: $13 per night, 30 amp E and W. 

Phone/radio/TV: Strong Verizon phones and aircard signal.  No TV stations using the TV antenna.  Local NPR on 100.9.  No obstructions for TV satellite.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Flat, level parking on gravel and brown grass in a lot behind the lodge.  This is a mixed residential/commercial neighborhood, rather poorly kept. Elevation is near sea level.  Views are of other rigs, brown grass, and the unappealing surrounding neighborhood. 

Lighting/Noise:  Typical residential noise and lighting.  

Favorite Sites: Either Site 1 (closest to the fence) or site 6 (which we had) on the other end of the row of 6 sites.  These sites have a little more width since they have a neighbor on only one side and space to move beyond the site of the utility box.

Hiking/Walking:  Not much. Hwy 101 runs through downtown a few blocks north, with sidewalks.

Comments: We use this lodge as a reasonably convenient, safe, inexpensive overnight stop when traveling Hwy 101.  The folks at the lodge are friendly, but the overall feeling of Hoquiam is rather dismal - it’s charms are not readily apparent.  This does not appear to be a good choice as a base camp for sightseeing, but works for us as an overnight.

TILLAMOOK ELKS LODGE RV PARK, TILLAMOOK, OREGON

Our Opinion: Recommend.  A convenient and appealing spot to stay for a few days of sightseeing in the area.  Private; you must be an Elk to stay here.

Date of Stay: August 2-3, 2009

Weather During Stay:  Cool, a mix of sun and fog.

Sites: 18 level dry camping sites arranged in two rows on an open grassy field, surrounded by tall trees, down a hill from the main entrance.  There are a couple of  picnic tables here and there.  Restrooms are up the hill, along with additional open space for boondocking (not marked as sites).  No water or electric at sites, no dump station.  There is an on-site host.

Rate: $8 per night for dry camping. 

Phone/radio/TV: Strong Verizon phone and aircard signal.  Sites in the row on the north have the best chance for unobstructed TV satellite.  No TV stations using the TV antenna.  Local NPR on 91.1.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Flat, level parking on grass surrounded by trees. This Elks Park is NOT located at the lodge (which is a few miles north in Tillamook).  Elevation is sea level.  Views are of other rigs, grass, and surrounding forest.  Very appealing. 

Lighting/Noise: Very quiet and dark at night. 

Favorite Sites: There isn’t much difference.  We picked a site in the north row for our roof-mounted satellite.

Hiking/Walking: Strolling around the park is pleasant, but short.  Hikes and beach walks are located less than 10 miles away, on the Three Capes Scenic Loop drive.

Comments: This is a very attractive area for dry camping, though we might avoid it if the weather was rainy (the parking is on grass).  The lodge has just started a year long project to add 25 sites with water, electric and possibly sewer, plus a dump station.  That will be great!  For now, dry camping in this quiet green spot works well for us for a few days of local sightseeing.  Close to the Tillamook Air Museum, Tillamook Cheese Factory, and hikes at Cape Mears and Cape Lookout.

LINCOLN CITY ELKS LODGE, LINCOLN CITY, OREGON

Our Opinion: Recommended. A lovely green park 2 miles inland from the beach. Private; you must be an Elk to stay here.

Date of Stay: July 27-August 1, 2009, and stay over the July 4th holiday in 2007.

Weather During Stay: The Pacific Northwest is experiencing a heat wave, with excessive heat warnings issued by the weather service. Our highest temperatures were in the low 80’s, dropping to more usual normals (upper 60’s and low 70’s) later in our stay.

Sites: Approximately 40 RV sites on level grass in two parking areas. Each site has (unreliable) 30 amps and water. The majority are suitable for big rigs, and sites are reasonably roomy even when all sites are occupied. All sites are back-ins.

There are a couple of picnic tables here and there, and a convenient, double, dump station. Two moderately clean restroom buildings with showers are available.

Rate: $18 per night for electricity and water. Dump included in camping fee, although a donation is welcomed.

Phone/radio/TV: Strong Verizon phones and aircard signal. About half the sites (especially those in the south parking area) have no obstructions to block TV satellite. No TV stations using the TV antenna. Local NPR on 89.3.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Flat, level parking in a green park next to a small river. The Elks Lodge is several miles away in Lincoln City; this park is owned by the lodge and used for parties, weddings and BBQ’s - and RV parking. Large expanses of mowed green grass with groves of HUGE trees shading about half the park. Kids’ playground, small enclosed pavilions. Elevation is sea level. Views are of other rigs, grass, trees, and a forested ridge that separates the park from the beach a couple miles to the west.

Lighting/Noise: The lodge is far from any busy streets so, unless the park is being used for an event, it is very quiet at night. We park in the south parking area (more open for satellite reception) where there is NO night lighting - absolutely dark. There may be some night lights in the east (closer to the road, more shaded) parking area.

Favorite Sites: Parking is in two separate areas, with about half the spaces in each. Parking in the east area, along the perimeter of a large gravel oval, is more shaded, nice in summer - but care would be needed to insure satellite reception. Parking in one of the two rows of sites in south area is in full sun - usually a good thing, but it can be hot in the summer. We have been in site 26B on both visits.

Hiking/Walking: Walking around the park is very pleasant, but limited in length. We drive the few miles over to the beach, where walking is unlimited. There is a wonderful trail about 10 miles away in the forest, Drift Creek Falls - well marked if you decide to go.

Comments: Reservations are accepted at this lodge, and recommended in the busy summer months. This is an appealing park that would rate a RAVE if the electricity was reliable. Our EMS box kicks our power off each morning and afternoon when the voltage in the park drops below 104 as all the campers turn on their coffeepots and electric heaters in the morning and AC or microwaves in the evening. We run on the inverter until the voltage climbs again - not a problem, but an annoyance.

This park has a host, an older man who is no doubt a member of the Lincoln City Elks Lodge. He lives on-site in a mobile home. A female relative (niece?) with NO people skills and what appears to be a drinking problem is “assistant manager”. We heard several complaints about her erratic and unsociable behavior during our stay, and experienced it ourselves.

REDDING ELKS LODGE, REDDING, CALIFORNIA

Our Opinion: Recommend. This is our usual stop for an overnight or two when traveling the I-5 corridor. Private; you must be an Elk to stay here.

Date of Stay: May 20, 2009.

Weather During Stay: Hot. High close to 90 degrees, cooled quickly as the sun set. Low around 55 degrees.

Sites: 20 RV sites on reasonably level asphalt on the perimeter of the large parking lot. Each site has 50/30/20 amps and water. All are suitable for big rigs, but parking is very tight if all the sites are occupied - room for slides, but not awnings. All sites are backins.

There are a couple of picnic tables here and there, and a convenient dump station. Dry camping is allowed only if all the sites are occupied.

Rate: $20 for electricity, water and cable TV. Dump included in camping fee.

Phone/radio/TV: Strong Verizon phones and aircard signal. No obstructions to block TV satellite. Several TV stations using the TV antenna, and cable TV is at each site. Local NPR on 89.7 and 90.9.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Flat, level parking with large trees in the lot and around the perimeter. Elevation is 550 feet. The lodge is next door to a senior center; views are of lots of cars in the lot (at times), other rigs, the lodge and the senior center.

Lighting/Noise: The lodge is far from any busy streets so, unless the lodge is rented for an event (we suffered through an all-night party during one stay), it is quiet at night. Occasional trains run fairly nearby. Bright night lights are on 3 foot tall pedestals behind the sites - could be worse!

Favorite Sites: They are all similar. About half face west (hot, hot, hot in summer); the other half face north. No reservations here, so take your choice from what is available when you arrive.

Hiking/Walking: Excellent walking is the reason we stop in Redding. The lodge is on the banks of the Sacramento River, with a wonderful walking/biking trail (this photo) that goes miles in either direction. Walk east along the river about 1 ½ mile through parks and greenspace to the famous Sundial Bridge (not this photo) at Turtle Bay, with it‘s lovely arboretum. Great!

Comments: This lodge is well away from I-5, in a convenient and appealing residential location. The river and walkway is a high point for us, but the lodge itself is also very pleasant, with a huge lawn sloping from the lodge down to the river. Their large swimming pool was closed for repairs on this trip - too bad. We have done a sightseeing daytrip from here to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Truly a convenient stop with plenty to do in the area.