Sunday, September 26, 2010

Wolfie’s Campground, Zanesville OH

Stay Date:  September 2010
Our Rating:  GOOD – 8
We were pleasantly surprised by this campground.  After an intimidating drive down a winding road, we entered the campground, located on top of a hill.  A few long pull thru sites, others moderately long.  The long ones, which we occupied, are also satellite friendly while the others may not be (be sure to ask).  Fairly level gravel sites, with grass in between, free WiFi.  Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  Nice facilities, nothing fancy but everything clean and well-maintained, and the office folks were friendly.  Quiet and dark at night.  Zanesville is not a particularly scenic town, but the surrounding countryside is very pretty.  Reasonably priced at less than $30/night.  Wolfie’s Campground

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Barcamp State Park, Belmont OH

Stay Date:  September 2010
Our Rating:  GOOD – 8
A surprising large and well maintained park.  After looking at the on-line site that only had sites listed to 35’ RVs, I called the office and the very friendly lady stated that there were plenty of sites that would accommodate our motorhome.   Interior roads and sites were all paved, but not very level.  Most sites back up to the woods, so satellite is not much of a problem.  30/50A only, no water or sewer, but with Passport America the $10 rate is a bargain.  There’s a lake for fishing, hiking trails, and programs during the summer.  Off the beaten path, it has a lot to offer for an overnight or an extended stay.  Barcamp State Park

Monday, September 20, 2010

Sara’s Campground, Erie PA

Stay Date: Sept 2010
Our Rating:  GOOD – 7
This is difficult campground to rate; ours is based on the time of year, which probably is very important at a place like this.  Almost a calamity – the GPS, using the campground address, told us the campground was on the left, and it was – but only the office and gate for the permanent residents.  Had we turned left, we would have had to unhook the tow and spend an hour trying to turn around.  Fortunately, we saw the small sign on the right, and pulled in to meet a relieved host on a golf cart.  He escorted us to a site and told us to register after hooking up.  We ended up on a concrete pad with multiple-user power boxes.  There were four plugs; one 50A, the rest 30A.  The 50A was already in use, so we settled for the 30.  There was good free cable TV, thankfully because the park is completely tree-covered.  No WiFi, but Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  The park is a helter-skelter arrangement of seasonal and transient RVs, complete with add-on rooms, outside furniture, etc.  It was quiet and reasonably dark at night, and for the Passport America rate of $20/night, it wasn’t a bad stay.  No reservations taken, so during the summer you’ll have trouble getting a large site.  Sara’s Campground

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Findley State Park, Wellington OH

Stay Date:  September 2010
Our Rating:  GOOD –8
A large state park set on a lake, well laid-out with nice facilities.  Paved interior roads and pads, but although the web site lists many for a 40’ motorhome, there are not many that are an adequate fit.  The site we chose resulted in the rear touching the trees, the nose just a foot off of the road.  The sites are large, with fire pit and table, and shaded in the rear, so we had a clear shot at the satellite.  30/50A electric only, $25/night (no discounts).  Nice lake with boat rentals, hiking trails, and organized programs during the summer.  Marginal Verizon and Aircard service.  Quiet and dark at night; a nice place to stay, but be aware of the short sites.  Findley State Park

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Maple Lakes Campground, Seville OH

Stay Date:  August 2010
Our Rating:  GOOD –9
One of the best parks in the area, this large (300+ sites) mostly seasonal park has extremely well maintained and extensive facilities.  Located in wooded, rural farmland, entry is through a secure gate.  Interior roads and sites are gravel with a few pull thru sites, but mostly back-in.  Free WiFi was intermittent, no cable TV but ample shots at the satellite. Verizon cell and WiFi worked well.  Large sites with table, fire ring, and lots of grass.  Some have gravel patio areas.  Pets must be contained on your site; no walking dogs unless you drive them to the exercise area.  Perhaps a bit unreasonable, but it was nice to be in a park without dog droppings everywhere.  Generally very friendly residents and staff.  Nice pool, ball fields, laundry, and store.  Can be very busy and noisy on weekends, as pavilions and ball fields are rented out, and there’s no attempt to enforce the 11:00 quiet time.   Good access to I-71 & I-76  for Cleveland and Akron.  Reasonable for the area at $39/night, $480/month (includes electric).  Maples Lakes Campground