Monday, July 21, 2014

Friendly RV Park, Weed CA (Updated)

Stay Date:  May 2014
Our Rating:  UGLY– 1
Friendly RV Park1This 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 Friendly RV Park2.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 Friendly RV Park3wasn’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 Friendly RV Park4roaring 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, June 14, 2014

Mill Casino RV Park, North Bend, OR

Stay Date:  May 2014
Our Rating:  Good – 8
Mill Casino1This is a favorite stop when passing through the Coos Bay/North Bend area.  The park, adjacent to the casino, has paved interior roads and sites, with both pull-thrus and back-in sites.  Back-in sites are cheaper, and numbers 27 and 28 have a view as good as any of the pull-thru sites.  Nice landscaping, a friendly staff, and good security make this a quiet stay, and there’s a shuttle on call to take you to the casino which has an excellent restaurant.  Verizon cell and data worked well, and the park WiFi was also good.  A dependable, comfortable stay at $34/night.  http://www.themillcasino.com/accommodations/rvpark.cfm

McKinley RV Park, Waldport, OR

Stay Date:  May 2014
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
McKinley2This is a park that can be rated outstanding or just average depending on your site location. For us, an early season visit meant a pull-in river view site which made it outstanding. Sites without the view are nice, and all are cement with large pads, convenient hookups, and enough room not to feel crowded. The park Wi-Fi was excellent, McKinley1and the cable TV worked well. Verizon cell and data were good, and there were no obstructions to the satellite. Office check-in was friendly and efficient, and the office store is well stocked. Waldport isn't very large, but has a market and a number of restaurants. The view from the first row is well worth a stay here, and we'll return.  About what you’d expect for the area at $32/night.  http://mckinleysrvparkandmarina.com/

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Seven Feathers RV Resort, Canyonville, OR

Stay Date:  May 2014
Our Rating:  GOOD – 10
Seven Feathers2Seven Feathers has become our stay of choice when traveling on I-5 through Oregon.  Across the highway from a casino of the same name, the park is truly a resort, with amenities, customer service, and landscaping that would make Disneyworld jealous.  Check-in is under a covered portico with an escort to your site.  The pull through sites are long enough to keep the tow attached without a problem, and are level concrete with adjoining Seven Feathers1pad and table.  Sites are not large, but are adequate and have manicured grass, flowers, and trees.  Cable and WiFi both worked very well, satellite TV was good, and Verizon cell and data were strong.  The indoor heated pool, hot tub, exercise room and media room are all comparable to a fine hotel, and there’s even Concierge service.  A shuttle will pick you up for a trip to the casino or restaurant, and we always find the buffet to be superior for the price.  Too bad all RV parks that call themselves “resorts” can be this nice.  Reasonable at $35/night.  Seven Feathers RV Resort

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Sunrise Valley RV Park, Mina NV

Stay Date:  April 2014
Our Rating:  GOOD – 8
Mina RV Park1This is the best…..and only RV park in Mina, a convenient stop when traveling from Las Vegas to Reno/Sparks.  In the middle of nowhere, it’s an oasis with shady sites and good hookups.  The pull-thru sites are extra long Mina RV Park2with a picnic table and fire ring (although I don’t know where you’d find wood), and hookups work well.  No cable, but no obstruction to satellite, and good WiFi.  Verizon cell and data were marginal and barely worked.  Mina RV Park3Nothing in this town of less than a hundred, so plan on eating in.  A nice place to stop with a friendly owner.  A nice stay at $27.50/night.  Sunrise Valley RV Park

Sparks Marina RV Resort, Sparks NV

Stay Date:  April 2014
Our Rating:  GOOD – 10
Sparks Marina1Sparks Marina RV Resort is in our top three when it comes to the quality of amenities – although the sites are not large, they’re designed so that you can have plenty of room sitting under the tree on the artificial turf on the forward portion of your Sparks Marina2site.  Exceedingly professional and friendly staff, with escort to your site and assistance in setting up if needed.  Nice office/store, exercise room and pool, with free cable and WiFi that worked until the park became Sparks Marina3crowded.  Good Verizon cell and 4G, and no obstructions to the satellite.  Ideally located – just off I-80, but quiet, and near a huge area of shopping and dining.  Our preferred place to stay anytime we’re in the area.  Reasonable during the winter rate (Oct-Apr) at $176/week, otherwise a bit pricey.  Sparks Marina RV Resort

Desert Eagle RV Park, Nellis AFB, NV

Stay Date:  April 2014
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
Nellis2Not all military campgrounds are built by people who understand RVs, but Desert Eagle is the exception.  Easy to access from I-15, the park is across from the main base near the housing Nellis1area and hospital.  After easy check-in, we were escorted to our site, a long, large concrete pull-thru surrounded by trees.  The sites are spaced widely, and with the trees the sites have a sense of privacy seldom experienced.  Hookups worked Nellis3fine, Verizon cell and 4G were good, and the park WiFi generally worked well.  No obstructions to the satellite, and good broadcast TV.  There’s daily jet noise, but little or no flying at night, so no interruptions to a quiet night’s sleep.  Friendly staff, great commissary, good location – one of the best military parks around.  No weekly rate but still very reasonable at $22/night.  Desert Eagle RV Park