Stay Date: Nov 2018
Our Rating: GOOD – 9
Showing posts with label California. Show all posts
Showing posts with label California. Show all posts
Friday, January 4, 2019
Boulder Creek RV Park, Lone Pine CA
Shady Lane RV Camp, Barstow CA
Stay Date: Nov 2018
Our Rating: GOOD – 6
Entry to the park is narrow and there's not much room to pull up and clear the road if someone is ahead of you. Be prepared to pull off the road to the right prior to the entrance if you see another rig in line. Tight but doable for big rigs; some of the long-term workers park their pickup trucks near the access roads. Gravel, level sites long enough to leave the tow attached to the motorhome. WiFi worked well until the residents returned in the evening, but Verizon cell/data was strong. Cable TV, a few OTA channels in English, and not much to block TV satellites. Fairly easy access off I-5 in a less than picturesque area. An acceptable overnight in a pinch. Overpriced at $38/Night Shady Lane RV Camp
Shady Haven RV Park, Bakersfield CA
Stay Date: Nov 2018
Our Rating: GOOD – 6
Kit Fox RV Park, Patterson CA
Stay Date: Nov 2018
Our Rating: GOOD –7
RV Park at Rolling Hills Casino, Corning CA
Stay Date: Nov 2018
Our Rating: GOOD –8
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Calico Ghost Town RV Park, Barstow CA
Stay Date: March 2017
Our Rating: BAD – 4
We had looked forward to staying here but were disappointed. We chose on our on-line reservation what looked like the largest site available with full hookups, but it didn't live up to expectations. 
Most of the site was rutted and on a slope way beyond our ability to level, with rocks and tree branches lying around. After maneuvering far to the right of the site, we were able to level side to side but the uphill slope meant we couldn't level without our rear wheels being off of the ground. The water fixture had two faucets, but one was broken off and the other didn't work.
The park maintenance responded quickly, but while it worked, it leaked badly creating a large mud puddle. Very crowded on a Friday night with lots of noise from campers coming in late. Verizon cell/data was good, and there were no obstructions to the satellite. There are some good, level sites here, but you can’t tell by the reservation information. Way overpriced at $40 plus $7 reservation fee. Calico Ghost Town RV Park.
Our Rating: BAD – 4
We had looked forward to staying here but were disappointed. We chose on our on-line reservation what looked like the largest site available with full hookups, but it didn't live up to expectations. 
Most of the site was rutted and on a slope way beyond our ability to level, with rocks and tree branches lying around. After maneuvering far to the right of the site, we were able to level side to side but the uphill slope meant we couldn't level without our rear wheels being off of the ground. The water fixture had two faucets, but one was broken off and the other didn't work.
The park maintenance responded quickly, but while it worked, it leaked badly creating a large mud puddle. Very crowded on a Friday night with lots of noise from campers coming in late. Verizon cell/data was good, and there were no obstructions to the satellite. There are some good, level sites here, but you can’t tell by the reservation information. Way overpriced at $40 plus $7 reservation fee. Calico Ghost Town RV Park.
Happy Time RV Park, Dunnigan CA
Stay Date: March 2017
Our Rating: Good – 5
This park is tired, run down, and with lots of permanent residents, many of whom seem to have most of their possessions stacked outside. 
Trash cans were overflowing, roads were potholed, and the interstate noise is considerable. But, the folks were friendly and the hookups, except cable TV worked well. Level, gravel pull-thrus are staggered, with no table or fire ring at our site. 
No WiFi, but good Verizon cell/data, and no obstructions to satellite. The red “RV” sign on the deteriorating tower was an annoyance at night. Easy access to the interstate and truck stop make this an acceptable overnight stay. Worth the $25/night. Happy Time RV Park
Our Rating: Good – 5
This park is tired, run down, and with lots of permanent residents, many of whom seem to have most of their possessions stacked outside. 
Trash cans were overflowing, roads were potholed, and the interstate noise is considerable. But, the folks were friendly and the hookups, except cable TV worked well. Level, gravel pull-thrus are staggered, with no table or fire ring at our site. 
No WiFi, but good Verizon cell/data, and no obstructions to satellite. The red “RV” sign on the deteriorating tower was an annoyance at night. Easy access to the interstate and truck stop make this an acceptable overnight stay. Worth the $25/night. Happy Time RV Park
Stafford RV Park, Stafford CA
Stay Date: March 2017
Our Rating: Good – 7
Check in was with the friendly owner, and due to the heavy rains, the host took us to one of the seasonal sites with 50A power and sewer. Level 
grass and gravel, the site was tight, with no table or room for one, but OK for one night. The park looks worn and could use updating, but the f
olks were very friendly and with the PA discount the price was very reasonable. Good WiFi, Verizon Cell/data, but no cable TV. Noticeable noise from the highway, but otherwise quiet at night. A worthwhile stop for the Passport America rate of $17.50/night. Stafford RV Park
Our Rating: Good – 7
Check in was with the friendly owner, and due to the heavy rains, the host took us to one of the seasonal sites with 50A power and sewer. Level 
grass and gravel, the site was tight, with no table or room for one, but OK for one night. The park looks worn and could use updating, but the f
olks were very friendly and with the PA discount the price was very reasonable. Good WiFi, Verizon Cell/data, but no cable TV. Noticeable noise from the highway, but otherwise quiet at night. A worthwhile stop for the Passport America rate of $17.50/night. Stafford RV Park
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Orange Grove RV Park, Bakersfield CA
Stay Date: Nov 2016
Our Rating: Good – 9
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Palms Oasis, El Centro Naval Air Facility (NAF), CA
Stay Date: Feb 2016
Our Rating: GOOD –8
We were looking for a warm park, and EL Centro NAF filled our needs. Located about eight miles outside the city of El Centro, the elevation is 87’ below sea level. This is a small but busy base, where the Blue Angels acrobatic team spends the winter practicing for their summer season. On arrival, the gate guards opened a side gate for us since the barriers make the normal entry impossible. 
We had reservations, and checked in with the campground host to get a space. There are three sections; a new area (our spot) with landscaping and full-width patios, the larger section, also paved, and the “tarmack”, basically a parking lot with hookups. Our site was great – an end spot so no neighbor on one side, level, and with convenient hookups. 
No obstructions to satellite TV, which is good because there is no cable and while the OTA antenna picked up 27 stations, 23 were from Mexico. No Wi-Fi, but Verizon cell/data worked well. There’s a clubhouse, a bit time-worn, and a laundry with $1 machines. 
The exchange and commissary are very small and only carry the basics. The major drawback here is the noise; besides the Blue Angels there is constant jet traffic as the runway is painted and lit to simulate an aircraft carrier. Flying starts early and can last until 10:00 at night – and it seems like every aircraft flies over the park. But overall it’s a good place to stay, and is reasonable at $20/day or $350/mo, electric included. El Centro NAF RV Park
Our Rating: GOOD –8
We were looking for a warm park, and EL Centro NAF filled our needs. Located about eight miles outside the city of El Centro, the elevation is 87’ below sea level. This is a small but busy base, where the Blue Angels acrobatic team spends the winter practicing for their summer season. On arrival, the gate guards opened a side gate for us since the barriers make the normal entry impossible. 
We had reservations, and checked in with the campground host to get a space. There are three sections; a new area (our spot) with landscaping and full-width patios, the larger section, also paved, and the “tarmack”, basically a parking lot with hookups. Our site was great – an end spot so no neighbor on one side, level, and with convenient hookups. 
No obstructions to satellite TV, which is good because there is no cable and while the OTA antenna picked up 27 stations, 23 were from Mexico. No Wi-Fi, but Verizon cell/data worked well. There’s a clubhouse, a bit time-worn, and a laundry with $1 machines. 
The exchange and commissary are very small and only carry the basics. The major drawback here is the noise; besides the Blue Angels there is constant jet traffic as the runway is painted and lit to simulate an aircraft carrier. Flying starts early and can last until 10:00 at night – and it seems like every aircraft flies over the park. But overall it’s a good place to stay, and is reasonable at $20/day or $350/mo, electric included. El Centro NAF RV Park
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Hawk’s Nest RV Park, Tionesta, CA
Stay Date: Oct 2015
Our Rating: GOOD – 7
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Yreka RV Park, Yreka CA
Stay Date: November 2014
Our Rating: GOOD – 7
Not 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 
smaller 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 
of Yreka is nearby and has shopping and a large WalMart. Overpriced at $39/night. Yreka RV Park
Our Rating: GOOD – 7
Not 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 
smaller 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 
of Yreka is nearby and has shopping and a large WalMart. Overpriced at $39/night. Yreka RV Park
Monday, July 21, 2014
Friendly RV Park, Weed CA (Updated)
Stay Date: May 2014
Our Rating: UGLY– 1
This is only our second “1” rating in over 250 ratings since we started full timing. The other was because of facilities, this one is because of another reason – we were lied to by the park host. We didn’t get off to a good 
start when we followed directions to the park and were met by a “road closed” sign. We called the park and the host gave us alternate directions, but it was annoying since we’d spoken to him when we made reservations, and even though the construction was going on at that time, it wasn’t mentioned. So we arrive at the park, are guided to a site, and begin to set up. Opening the electric box I see that the 50A plug is removed and a cover on in it’s place. Questioning the host (we always ask for a 50A, full hookup site), he said he was sorry but “all the 50A wiring has a burnt out line” and none was available (BTW, we didn’t get a reduction in the standard rate). The next day I watched a motor home pull in the site next to us and plug into the 50A power. Hmm, I said. When I asked the owner, he said yes, the power was working fine. So did the next motor home that pulled in on the next site. I 
wasn’t so much that we had to limit appliance usage on the 30A plug, but the idea that we were lied to. Why? Less power consumption for them? Thinking we’d have to use their Laundromat? I was on my way to confront the host when two police cars came 
roaring in and pulled up at one of the long term resident’s site. After a few minutes, they came out with a guy in handcuffs, threw him in the back of one of the cars, and took off. It was then I noticed that even though the host knew we were departing the next morning, he parked a truck and trailer behind us even though there were empty spots everywhere. This meant we couldn’t hook up the tow without pulling out, then shutting down, hooking up, and starting again. So I wont bother with the usual details of this park – it’s apparently up for sale and there isn’t much motivation to provide a service, and anytime I see the town’s entire police force show up and arrest a resident motivates me to stay somewhere else. And you should, too.
Update July 2014 – The above review was also posted on rvparkreviews.com, a web site that has become the gold standard for park reviews. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to control who submits the reviews, and in this case it’s apparent that the staff of Friendly RV Park continue to mislead their customers. In this case, as soon as my review hit the web, three glowing reviews were posted, all within three days. At first glance, they seem OK – but look at the number of other reviews made by each reviewer and where they are. Zero other reviews…..one other reviews…. the real giveaway is the one with one reviews The other review is on the McCloud RV park, which just happens to be owned by the same owners as Friendly RV Park. It’s disheartening to see such dishonesty from an RV Park owner when instead they could have posted a “fake” review stating that the park has been cleaned up of undesirables and the host replaced. Instead, more lies. So a word of caution – always see how many other locations a reviewer has posted before giving credence to a golden or particularly bad review.
Our Rating: UGLY– 1
This is only our second “1” rating in over 250 ratings since we started full timing. The other was because of facilities, this one is because of another reason – we were lied to by the park host. We didn’t get off to a good 
start when we followed directions to the park and were met by a “road closed” sign. We called the park and the host gave us alternate directions, but it was annoying since we’d spoken to him when we made reservations, and even though the construction was going on at that time, it wasn’t mentioned. So we arrive at the park, are guided to a site, and begin to set up. Opening the electric box I see that the 50A plug is removed and a cover on in it’s place. Questioning the host (we always ask for a 50A, full hookup site), he said he was sorry but “all the 50A wiring has a burnt out line” and none was available (BTW, we didn’t get a reduction in the standard rate). The next day I watched a motor home pull in the site next to us and plug into the 50A power. Hmm, I said. When I asked the owner, he said yes, the power was working fine. So did the next motor home that pulled in on the next site. I 
wasn’t so much that we had to limit appliance usage on the 30A plug, but the idea that we were lied to. Why? Less power consumption for them? Thinking we’d have to use their Laundromat? I was on my way to confront the host when two police cars came 
roaring in and pulled up at one of the long term resident’s site. After a few minutes, they came out with a guy in handcuffs, threw him in the back of one of the cars, and took off. It was then I noticed that even though the host knew we were departing the next morning, he parked a truck and trailer behind us even though there were empty spots everywhere. This meant we couldn’t hook up the tow without pulling out, then shutting down, hooking up, and starting again. So I wont bother with the usual details of this park – it’s apparently up for sale and there isn’t much motivation to provide a service, and anytime I see the town’s entire police force show up and arrest a resident motivates me to stay somewhere else. And you should, too. Update July 2014 – The above review was also posted on rvparkreviews.com, a web site that has become the gold standard for park reviews. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to control who submits the reviews, and in this case it’s apparent that the staff of Friendly RV Park continue to mislead their customers. In this case, as soon as my review hit the web, three glowing reviews were posted, all within three days. At first glance, they seem OK – but look at the number of other reviews made by each reviewer and where they are. Zero other reviews…..one other reviews…. the real giveaway is the one with one reviews The other review is on the McCloud RV park, which just happens to be owned by the same owners as Friendly RV Park. It’s disheartening to see such dishonesty from an RV Park owner when instead they could have posted a “fake” review stating that the park has been cleaned up of undesirables and the host replaced. Instead, more lies. So a word of caution – always see how many other locations a reviewer has posted before giving credence to a golden or particularly bad review.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Boulder Creek RV Park, Lone Pine CA
Stay Date: Nov 2011
Our Rating: GOOD – 9
Located south of Lone Pine in a quiet area, this park affords great facilities, ample sites, and most of all, great views of Mount Whitney and the Sierras. Sites and interior roads are dirt, a bit dusty but level and with numerous trees for shade and privacy. Good hookups included free cable with a limited number of channels, and free WiFi. Verizon cell and Aircard service was good. A large, comfortable clubhouse is complete with indoor aviary, big screen TV, and coffee and snacks. The staff was unfailingly friendly and professional. A great place to visit on it's own merits but also to tour the Lone Pine area. Don't miss the movie museum, Alabama Hills movie drive, and Manzanar National Historic Site. $35/night with Good Sam Discount. Boulder Creek RV Park
Our Rating: GOOD – 9
Located south of Lone Pine in a quiet area, this park affords great facilities, ample sites, and most of all, great views of Mount Whitney and the Sierras. Sites and interior roads are dirt, a bit dusty but level and with numerous trees for shade and privacy. Good hookups included free cable with a limited number of channels, and free WiFi. Verizon cell and Aircard service was good. A large, comfortable clubhouse is complete with indoor aviary, big screen TV, and coffee and snacks. The staff was unfailingly friendly and professional. A great place to visit on it's own merits but also to tour the Lone Pine area. Don't miss the movie museum, Alabama Hills movie drive, and Manzanar National Historic Site. $35/night with Good Sam Discount. Boulder Creek RV Park
Monday, April 12, 2010
Rolling Hills Casino RV Park, Corning CA
Stay Date: April 2010
Our Rating: GOOD –7
A good place to stay whether traveling or while visiting the casino. Self check-in kiosk, gravel road and pull-thru sites, mostly level with good hookups. No trees to block the sky, no cable TV, spotty WiFi. Good Verizon cell and Aircard service. Convenient to I-5, but in back of the casino so little traffic noise. Free shuttle to the casino. Nothing special, but a good, safe, and quiet place to stay, for a great price of $25. Rolling Hills Casino RV Park
Our Rating: GOOD –7
A good place to stay whether traveling or while visiting the casino. Self check-in kiosk, gravel road and pull-thru sites, mostly level with good hookups. No trees to block the sky, no cable TV, spotty WiFi. Good Verizon cell and Aircard service. Convenient to I-5, but in back of the casino so little traffic noise. Free shuttle to the casino. Nothing special, but a good, safe, and quiet place to stay, for a great price of $25. Rolling Hills Casino RV Park
Sunday, November 29, 2009
San Onofre Recreation Beach, Camp Pendleton, CA
Stay Date: Multiple, last stay November 2009
Our Rating: GOOD – 9
Staying anywhere in the Los Angeles area is expensive, but fortunately the Marine base has an outstanding facility right on the beach near San Clemente. Easy access from “The Five”, good paved roads, some paved, mostly dirt/sand sites. The full-hookup sites are across the road from the beach, and the noise can be a distraction, especially on a weekend when the young Marines come to party. Sites are fairly level, no cable or WiFi, but Verizon Aircard worked well. 
Some train noise, but not too much at night. Incredible beach and surf, and if you’re willing to settle for water/electric only, you can park nose-in right on the beach, surrounded by privacy shrubs, with a firepit and the sound of surf to put you to sleep. A busy place, but well run and at $35/day full hookup site, a bargain in this area. Military or DoD ID required. San Onofre Recreation Beach
Our Rating: GOOD – 9
Staying anywhere in the Los Angeles area is expensive, but fortunately the Marine base has an outstanding facility right on the beach near San Clemente. Easy access from “The Five”, good paved roads, some paved, mostly dirt/sand sites. The full-hookup sites are across the road from the beach, and the noise can be a distraction, especially on a weekend when the young Marines come to party. Sites are fairly level, no cable or WiFi, but Verizon Aircard worked well. 
Some train noise, but not too much at night. Incredible beach and surf, and if you’re willing to settle for water/electric only, you can park nose-in right on the beach, surrounded by privacy shrubs, with a firepit and the sound of surf to put you to sleep. A busy place, but well run and at $35/day full hookup site, a bargain in this area. Military or DoD ID required. San Onofre Recreation Beach
Friday, November 20, 2009
Park of the Sierras, Coarsegold CA
Stay Date: November 2010
Our Rating: GOOD – 9
This park is limited to Escapees members and their guests; you rent the site of an absent owner for the $15 plus metered electric. An absolutely gorgeous park with great facilities. The park roads are paved and wind through the oaks and manzanilla. Sites are large and depending on how much the owner has added, very nice with patios, bird feeders, and other touches. The staff and residents are friendly and helpful, and you're invited to all of the activities. Good Verizon cell and Air Card, and most sites have free cable. There’s a good casino down the road. It's almost worth the annual cost of membership just to come here. It's a special place and we'll stay here again. Park of the Sierras
Our Rating: GOOD – 9
This park is limited to Escapees members and their guests; you rent the site of an absent owner for the $15 plus metered electric. An absolutely gorgeous park with great facilities. The park roads are paved and wind through the oaks and manzanilla. Sites are large and depending on how much the owner has added, very nice with patios, bird feeders, and other touches. The staff and residents are friendly and helpful, and you're invited to all of the activities. Good Verizon cell and Air Card, and most sites have free cable. There’s a good casino down the road. It's almost worth the annual cost of membership just to come here. It's a special place and we'll stay here again. Park of the Sierras
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Green Acres RV Park, Redding CA
Stay Date: November 2010
Our Rating: GOOD – 9
This is a hidden gem - your $25 gets you a large, level cement pad, great hookups, cable TV, excellent Wi-Fi, and a shady, quiet location. Mostly permanent residents and nicely landscaped. No restroom facilities. Verizon cell and Aircard worked well. Don't let the drive through the used car lot fool you; this is a quality park. Some train noise at night but not bad. Green Acres RV Park
Our Rating: GOOD – 9
This is a hidden gem - your $25 gets you a large, level cement pad, great hookups, cable TV, excellent Wi-Fi, and a shady, quiet location. Mostly permanent residents and nicely landscaped. No restroom facilities. Verizon cell and Aircard worked well. Don't let the drive through the used car lot fool you; this is a quality park. Some train noise at night but not bad. Green Acres RV Park
Monday, October 1, 2007
Trailer Lane RV Park, Weed CA
Stay Date: October 2007
Our Rating: BAD – 4
This is a tired little campground located in trees right between I-5 and railroad tracks. Nice lady at the office, level sites and good hookups; however, the noise, sandy soil that stuck to your shoes, and old campers made this a place we would not return. Bad enough that it's located within 100 yards of I-5, that part of the highway is on a hill so you're treated to exhaust brakes, too. But then the trains drowned out the trucks every once in a while. We did get to pick some of the apples growing wild in the park (with permission), but it was still way to expensive for what they offer at $25.
Our Rating: BAD – 4
This is a tired little campground located in trees right between I-5 and railroad tracks. Nice lady at the office, level sites and good hookups; however, the noise, sandy soil that stuck to your shoes, and old campers made this a place we would not return. Bad enough that it's located within 100 yards of I-5, that part of the highway is on a hill so you're treated to exhaust brakes, too. But then the trains drowned out the trucks every once in a while. We did get to pick some of the apples growing wild in the park (with permission), but it was still way to expensive for what they offer at $25.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Camp Roberts Famcamp, Paso Robles, CA
Stay Date: March 2006
Our Rating: REALLY UGLY – 3
It’s difficult to complain about a place that only charges $10 a night, and in California yet; but this place was a hoot! Drive into the WWII Army Post and take a trip back in time…..lines of two-story barracks on each side of an old parade ground, miles of tank tracks on rolling hills, and a Famcamp that hasn’t changed since Patton was a Lieutenant. We drove the 2 1/2 miles through the crumbling ruins to find a weed-covered field with power boxes on telephone poles. Then came the search for a spot that both the power and water worked. After three or four attempts in the rain, we finally found a spot in the weeds that had both working, and settled in for a five day stay. Five days of loooong drives to get anywhere made us realize that aside from the wineries (which were VERY expensive), there really wasn’t much to do. The staff in the office will tell you an urban legend that they’re going to build a new campground, but almost five years later nothing’s change. If you have to stay in the area, bite the bullet and stay elsewhere.
Our Rating: REALLY UGLY – 3
It’s difficult to complain about a place that only charges $10 a night, and in California yet; but this place was a hoot! Drive into the WWII Army Post and take a trip back in time…..lines of two-story barracks on each side of an old parade ground, miles of tank tracks on rolling hills, and a Famcamp that hasn’t changed since Patton was a Lieutenant. We drove the 2 1/2 miles through the crumbling ruins to find a weed-covered field with power boxes on telephone poles. Then came the search for a spot that both the power and water worked. After three or four attempts in the rain, we finally found a spot in the weeds that had both working, and settled in for a five day stay. Five days of loooong drives to get anywhere made us realize that aside from the wineries (which were VERY expensive), there really wasn’t much to do. The staff in the office will tell you an urban legend that they’re going to build a new campground, but almost five years later nothing’s change. If you have to stay in the area, bite the bullet and stay elsewhere.
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