Finn Road RV Park, Essexville MI

Stay Date July 2016

Our Rating:  GOOD – 8

Although in a rural area away from town, this township operated park is worth the drive. Large paved and level back-in sites are well spaced. Hookups worked well, although the sewer connection is 6" above ground and four sites share water connections. WiFi worked well and Verizon cell/data were strong. No cable TV, but ample OTA channels and a clear shot at the satellites from most sites. Be sure and ask for a site with shade if visiting during hot weather, as some sites are in the open. Watch carefully for street signs, since the park is on a back road and poorly marked. Overall, a quiet, worthwhile stay at a very reasonable price of $27/night.  Finn Road RV Park

Maywood Community, Chesterland OH

Stay Date:  July 2016

Our Rating:  GOOD – 8

Finding a decent place to stay in Northeastern Ohio is always a challenge.  Most parks are “seasonal” parks where people set up their trailers for the summer and visit on weekends.  These parks tend to have a few visitor sites, but are generally 30A and without sewer hookups.  Plus, they’re noisy on the weekends when the kids show up.  This time we hit the jackpot in finding this mobile home, over-55 community that has a half-dozen secluded RV spots with full hookups and 50A power.  Sites are all back-in on gravel/dirt, but have a concrete patio, and are shaded by large trees.  It’s a quiet area except for during weekdays when the noise from an adjacent landscaping company can be a little distracting.  No WiFi, but Verizon cell/data were strong.  Only a few sites and strategic positioning will result in a clear shot to the satellites, but there are ample OTA channels.  The owner and his sister were welcoming and gracious, and were easy to deal with.  Convenient to I-271 which gives good access to the Cleveland area, and a short drive to the quaint village of Chardon.  This is a great place to stay, and for $21/night is an amazing bargain.  Maywood Community

Timberwoods Campground, Van Wert OH

Stay Date:  July 2016

Our Rating:  GOOD – 8

Most seasonal campgrounds in this part of the country are noisy and not too welcoming of overnighters.  This park was an exception.  Friendly check in and fellow RVers, and a separate area of pull-thru sites for transients.  Nicely shaded, but no cable or satellite view, and only a few OTA channels.  Good Verizon cell/data and acceptable WiFi.  Even on a Friday with a full park, it was quiet at night.  A bit off the main roads but worth the drive since good parks in this area are few.  We enjoyed our stay, although $38/night was high for the few amenities.  Timberwoods Campground

Carl Spindler Campground, East Peoria IL

Stay Date:  July 2016

Our Rating:  GOOD –7

This is a county park and marina on the river with large trees and lots of seasonal residents.  Check in was easy, and we had an escort to our back-in site which was paved, level, and just long enough for us.  Good hookups, Verizon cell/data was good, but no park WiFi or cable.  A good selection of OTA channels and very limited views of the TV satellites.  Easy access just off the main highway with shopping, dining, and a large casino nearby.  Quiet, shady, and comfortable.  A value at $27/night.  Carl Spindler Campground

Caboose Lake Campground, Remington IN

Stay Date:  July 2016

Our Rating:  UGLY –3

We try to review RV Parks before we visit them, but sometimes one will escape us.  In this case, reviewers commented on the road noise, but most said that while it was noticeable, they didn’t have a problem.  They must have been hard of hearing.  First, the park is located right alongside the interstate, but the bad part is that it’s right at an exit that features a large truck stop.  So not only do you get the normal road noise, but also the teeth-jarring sound of exhaust brakes as trucks slow down on the exit.  To reach our site required a long drive on a road that generated fine dust, all the way to the end of the park and then back to our pull through.  The sites were too narrow to extend our passenger side slide without hitting a tree, but there was grass and a fire ring.  Verizon cell/data worked well, and there were a few OTA TV channels.  But it doesn’t matter – don’t stay here.  The ever-present roar of trucks and exhaust brakes even penetrated our ear plugs and left us exhausted the next day.  All this for $41/night.  Caboose Lake Campground

Checker’s Welcome Campground, Welcome MN

Stay Date:  July 2016

Our Rating:  GOOD – 9

This park is a great value, and even at full price rewards a visit with a quiet, relaxing stay. Long, level pull thru sites under large trees with lots of grass - the perfect place for a recliner, a good book, and a nap. The owners were friendly and helpful, and are quick to provide assistance. No cable TV and few open areas for a satellite, but ample OTA TV. Good, solid WiFi, and Verizon cell/data were excellent. Some train noise in the early evening, but quiet at night. Not a lot to do in the area, but perfect for a relaxing stay. We'll visit again.  An amazing value at the Passport America rate of $20/night.  Checker’s Welcome Campground

County Line Campground, Summit SD

Stay Date: July 2016

Our Rating:  Good – 9

We're glad we stopped at this extremely well maintained park. Checked in and led to our site by the friendly owners, we were impressed with the manicured, long, pull-thru site. Interior roads and sites are level gravel, with conveniently placed hookups. No cable TV, limited OTA TV, but no obstructions to the satellites. Unusually solid WiFi, and Verizon cell/data were very good. Some train noise during the day but quiet at night. Don't be put off when driving through the sad little town of Summit - this park is a gem and shouldn't be missed. We'll stay here again. A bargain at the Passport America rate of $24/night.  County Line Campground