Thursday, November 13, 2014

Tonopah Station RV Park, Tonopah NV

Stay Date:  November 2014
Our Rating:  BAD – 4
Tonopah Station1Based on previous reviews, we didn't expect much, and it lived up to our expectations. Arriving at 3:00, there were only two spots open, most taken up by long-term residents. Tight, sloping sites, just long enough for a Tonopah Station240' RV and small SUV tow. The good news is that our site had a 50A plug - the bad news was that it was upside down, a bit of a problem with our surge guard. But it worked, as did the water, and there was a sewer hookup. Lots of traffic through the area as residents cut through the Tonopah Station3parking lot on their way to the casino and supermarket next door. Lots of bright lights for security so we felt fairly safe, and it was quiet throughout the night. If you plan to stay, get there early; we watched at least a dozen RVs drive through looking for a space. Free WiFi actually worked well, and Verizon cell and data were good. No cable or broadcast TV, but nothing to block a satellite. The casino is historic (old) with a lot of cigarette smoke, and we passed on the restaurant. Not a scenic stop, but fulfills the need for a midway rest between Reno and Las Vegas.  Priced right at $21/night.  Tonopah Station RV Park

Sparks Marina RV Resort, Sparks NV

Stay Date:  November 2014
Our Rating: GOOD – 10
Sparks Marina1Our favorite place to stay when passing through the area.  A true resort, you park under the portico and are escorted to your site, complete with AstroTurf, Sparks Marina2small shade tree and table.  Sites are adequate in size and have room for parking adjacent to your RV.  The staff is unfailingly friendly and professional, and the landscaping is meticulously maintained.  The clubhouse Sparks Marina3has exercise equipment, ping-pong tables, a pool, and hot tub.  An immaculate laundry and small store are also available.  Free cable and WiFi were excellent, and there’s broadcast TV and clear views of satellites.  Verizon cell and 4G worked well.  Located in a quiet area, with a large shopping complex down the street, with many restaurants and a nearby casino.  Can’t imagine any way to improve this place.  Winter rate a bargain at $29.  Sparks Marina RV Resort.

Yreka RV Park, Yreka CA

Stay Date:  November 2014
Our Rating:  GOOD – 7
Yreka RV Park1Not much stands out as impressive at this park, but it has easy access from the interstate, is quiet, and has good hookups and free WiFi. The interior roads and sites are gravel, and most are sloped side-to-side. A bit Yreka RV Park2smaller than average, the sites have a narrow strip of grass and a small tree. The free cable TV was adequate, and Verizon cell and data were strong. Pretty much a cooky-cutter layout and facilities, with a slightly higher than average nightly cost. The town Yreka RV Park4of Yreka is nearby and has shopping and a large WalMart.  Overpriced at $39/night.  Yreka RV Park

Bullards Beach State Park, Bandon OR

Stay Date:  October 2014
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
Bullards Beach2One of the larger coastal state parks with a variety of sites. Loops A and B are the older sites, and most have vegetation to provide privacy, while C loop has more open sites. A busy place all year, and reservations are usually a must during the summer and into fishing season which ends in October. Close to Bandon, with good Verizon cell and data, but satellite TV can be a problem depending on your site. Lots of full hookup sites, and a dump station also. A large volunteer and ranger staff keeps the park meticulously maintained and the restrooms and showers were very clean. Bandon is just down the road and is one of the coast's best maintained little towns, with a quaint "Old Town" and a variety of restaurants. Busy, but quiet at night.   Reasonable at $24/night.  Bullards Beach State Park

Humbug Mountain State Park, Port Orford OR

Stay Date:  October 2014
Our Rating:  GOOD - 9
Host Site2A great park with lots to offer for the family. Sheltered by mountains, the park is generally sunny and warmer when the surrounding area is fogged in, and if camped in the upper loop, is much less windy. A short trail passes under the Highway 101 bridge to a beautiful, secluded beach, and the old highway is now a great walking trail which features great views of the water and an unusual "fern trail". The upper loop is less windy, the lower closer to the beach and has a limited number of pull-through sites. Traffic noise can be bothersome during the day but quiets down at night, and most sites provide privacy from neighbors. Bathrooms are meticulously maintained and hosts and the ranger staff are friendly and helpful. Cell service is spotty, as is Verizon data, but most restaurants in Port Orford feature free WiFi. Close to the Cape Blanco lighthouse, Hughes House, and Coast Guard lifesaving museum. More family-oriented than most state parks we've visited due to being off the beaten path.  Sites with electric (30/50A) and water a bargain at $22/night.  Humbug Mountain State Park