Saturday, April 30, 2011

Heartland RV Park, Hermosa SD

Stay Date:  April 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 8
Rate is based on the "winter" rate. A convenient place to stay for exploring the Black Hills and Rapid City. This is a large, open park with a few small trees, mostly level gravel sites, and grass between average-sized pull-through sites. Very good free WiFi and limited, but clear cable TV. Verizon cell and AirCard worked well. Friendly staff and nice office area. Close to the road, but noise was largely limited to the daylight hours. One apparently permanent resident had two dogs tied outside, that occasionally barked to distraction, but otherwise quiet and dark this time of year.  Probably much less quiet and pleasant during the tourist season.  $18/night winter rate, $35/night during the summer.  Heartland RV Park

Lamar Sportsman’s Campground & Horse Motel, Lamar CO

Stay Date:  April 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 6
This park is an old KOA which, although in the process of renovating with new owners, still has some of the problems of an older design. Sites and roads are difficult to maneuver in/out of with big rigs without driving over or through adjacent sites. The gravel sites were fairly level, and hookups were good; however the free internet would not connect. Verizon Aircard worked well. Close enough to the highway to hear the many trucks, but tolerable. Lamar is not a destination, just a stop on the road, and for one night this is the best park in the area.  Nightly rate of $24.  Lamar Sportsman’s Campground

Cactus RV Park, Tucumcari NM

Stay Date:  April 2011
Our Rating:  Good – 8
Cactus RV ParkA good place to stop if using Passport America; rate includes 50A service charge. The park is nothing fancy, but if you arrive early enough you can get one of the sites sheltered by trees to help block the ever-present wind. The owners are very friendly and guided us to the site. Hookups were very good and centrally located. Verizon Aircard worked, but very slow; Cactus RV Park2however, the free park wireless worked well. Dogs barking in the surrounding neighborhood were an irritant but not overly intrusive. Just down the street from Del's, the town's best restaurant, a clean, friendly place to eat.  PA rate $18/night.  Cactus RV Park

Fort Bliss RV Park, El Paso TX

Stay Date:  April 2011
Our Rating: GOOD – 9
Ft Bliss RV ParkEl Paso doesn't offer much in the way of quality parks, but even if it did, this park would stand out above the others. Paved interior roads, concrete sites and pads, sparkling restrooms, and a beautiful community center make this place special. Check-in was quick and friendly, and using our Golden Access pass resulted in a $12 day fee. Hookups are all centralized and work well. If given a choice, opt for the old section, which has trees and some shade; the new section has small trees and no picnic tables yet. Ft Bliss RV Park2The post is a short drive and has an amazing shopping area, the "Freedom Center", with huge PX, numerous shops, a 10-screen theater with first-run movies for $5, and restaurants, including a Buffalo Wild Wings. El Paso isn't exactly picturesque, but Sunland Park on the West side has good shopping and a casino. Surprisingly, the city claims it is the safest large city in America even though the border to Juarez is very close. No problem in the park, it's fenced and patrolled by military police. A great stay - the best in the area by far. Daily rate $14, $2 off per day with Golden Access (Geezer) Pass  Fort Bliss RV Park