Saturday, July 21, 2007

River Fork Lodge & RV Park, North Fork ID

Stay Date:  July 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD – 10
One of the best stays we've every had. Forget the big-company parking lots, this park has North Fork RV Park2 only 8 sites right on the bank of the Salmon River, and if you have enough electric cord and hose, you can pull straight in like we did. The view from the windshield is like a postcard; all river, trees, and mountains, without a structure or person in sight. The sound of the river along with the sight of Great Blue Heron, Osprey, and even an American Avocet make sitting outside an experience not to be missed. No restrooms, pool, mini-golf, or other facilities, just beautiful grassy sites and wonderfully friendly owners. Since there's no cell phone coverage, they provide free long distance phone calls from the lodge office. Some sites have a clear view of the satellite.  We're the only RV here; there's not much traffic on US 93 this time of year, but we understand that in the spring and fall fisherman and hunters keep the lodge and park filled.  Outstanding owners – they went out of their way to make our stay memorable – about $28/night is a steal.  River Fork Lodge & RV Park

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Mountain View RV Park, Arco ID

Stay Date:  July 2007
Our rating:  GOOD – 9
This is a very nicely maintained mom-and-pop type park with level gravel sites, trees, and grass. The view of the mountains is very nice and it's in a quiet location and very dark at night. The free WiFi was very strong throughout our stay. Free cable TV and most sites have a clear view of the satellite.  Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  The owners are friendly and very helpful. They also run a small cafe with a free breakfast for RVrs - but try the sweet potato pancakes; they're only $2.95 and well worth it. Sitting in the cafe is like being with old friends, everyone is very friendly - ask about all of the dollar bills glued to the ceiling. This is the way all campgrounds should be run.  $27 for a nice pull-thru site.  Mountain View RV Park

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Hill AFB Famcamp, Ogden UT

Stay Date:  July 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD – 7
Not one of the best military campground, but a good value at $14/night for full hookups.  The manager claimed we hadn’t made a reservation until I showed him a copy of the email.   Pull thru sites are cement and of good size.  No cable TV or WiFi, but clear shot at satellite and Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  Our site faced the track behind the gym, which had stadium lighting on until the wee hours, so it was like trying to sleep during the day.   Restricted to one gate due to security, it’s a long drive to the Famcamp.  We’re not sure it’s worth the trouble.  Military or DoD ID required.  Hill AFB Famcamp

Friday, July 13, 2007

Lakeside RV Camping, Provo UT

Stay Date:  July 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD – 7
Nicely shaded, fair-sized sites, and lots of large trees. Off the interstate and except for the airport noise, very quiet. Side-by-side hookups were OK, and the free WiFi was very strong.  Free cable TV and most sites do not have a clear view of the sky due to the trees.  Free WiFi and Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.   A busy place as it is a popular stopping place judging by all the rigs that came in and left the next day. Very well stocked store and professional staff. We enjoyed walking the trail along the river in back of the park. Some of the permanent residents need to be moved out or cleaned up; but these were generally located in the area not used for overnighters.  $29.50 for a full hookup pull-thru site.  Lakeside RV Camping

Thursday, July 12, 2007

OK RV Park & Canyonlands Stables, Moab UT

Stay Date:  July 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD – 7
This is a Passport America park and is a good value for the price. Off the highway & quiet, you have to drive on dirt roads through a stable area to get to the RV area. All dirt road/sites, fairly level with a grass island. Good 50A power was a plus since it was 102 degrees. Sites are a tad short for a 40' and tow but the egress is all in the same direction so it doesn't pose much of a problem. Free cable TV and WiFi, clear shot at sky, and Verizon cell and cable worked well.  Some permanent campers but is was quiet and the lady in the office was very friendly and helpful. A good, inexpensive place to spend the night or base your visit to the Moab area. Nothing to do for kids - too hot outside, anyway.  Passport America rate was $17/night.  OK RV Park & Canyonlands Stables

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Sleeping Ute Mountain Casino & RV Park, Towaoc CO

Stay Date:  Juy 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD –7
Located behind the Ute Mountain Casino, the RV park has easy access, level gravel sites, and full hookups. The cable TV was exceptional; over 100 channels with almost all of the premium channels included. Good shot at satellite. The free WiFi was down for one day but worked well the next. Verizon Cell and Aircard worked well.  Some shade provided by small trees and a grassy island between sites was nice; the sites are well spaced and we had plenty of room for slides and awning. The office staff was friendly and helpful. Although 11 miles from Cortez, this parks provides solid hookups and a secure environment. The casino restaurant was reasonable and had very good food.  Priced right at less than $25/night.  Sleeping Ute Mountain Casino & RV Park

Monday, July 9, 2007

Little Creel RV Park, Chama NM

Stay Date:  July 2007
Our Rating:  BAD – 6
We spent a week here and were somewhat disappointed with the quality of the "resort". The web site greatly misrepresents the park; while it shows riverfront sites with patios, there are only four in the park; and the patios are very worn. All of the other sites are close to each other with either dead grass or weeds that were not mowed during our visit. We paid for a "waterfront premium site" which apparently means that you're within 100 yards of walking to the river. No cable TV or WiFi, Verizon cell and Aircard were marginal.  Lots of trees, so bring your portable satellite dish. The park is very popular and was crowded during our visit; but was quiet at night, even during the Fourth of July. An adequate location if you're visiting the area and riding the Cumbres/Toltec Railroad; but don't expect solitude, this is a very popular vacation spot and if you visit during the summer you'll need reservations.  Pull thru sites are reasonable at $28.  Little Creel RV Park