Quail Springs RV Park, Uvalde TX

Stay Date:  November 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD – 8
Uvalde’s not a destination town, but a good stop between San Antonio and the West Texas towns, and this is a great spot to overnight.  Lots of big trees, so ask for a satellite-friendly spot, but if not available, the free cable TV is very good.  Good sized, level pull thru sites and good hookups.  No WiFi but Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  Very friendly hosts, and Escapee discount.  Dark and quiet at night, all the things you want in an overnight stay at a reasonable price of $27 before discounts.  Quail Springs RV Park

Hacienda RV Resort, Las Cruces NM

Stay Date:  Multiple, last November 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD – 7
A true resort, this is a class act, from the beautifully decorated office & store to the groomed sites and landscaping.  Sites are level pea gravel and most are separated by foliage of some sort.  There’s a hot tub, outdoor fireplace to sit around, free popcorn and breakfast, and on Friday, free Margaritas.  Lots of nighttime lighting and significant noise from the Interstate.  Free cable TV and (intermittent) WiFi.  Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  A short drive to Mesilla and La Posta, a historic restaurant which is a favorite of ours.  We like this park, but looking at recent reviews they’ve continued to raise their rates ($50/night) to an unreasonable level, and that’s why we lowered our rating.  If they had a more realistic rate, this place would be a “10”.  Hacienda RV Resort

Apache Flats RV Resort, Fort Huachuca AZ

Stay Date:  Numerous, last stay November 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD – 10
Our favorite military campground.  Located on the back side of the post, it’s in a historically interesting area, surrounded by lush desert, and staffed by friendly, professional hosts.  All concrete roads and pads, sites are large and nicely landscaped.  Free cable TV, no WiFi, but Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  Nice small gym where all the equipment worked, and a community room where pot-lucks are held each week.  Lots of hiking trails, and not much danger of snakes due to well-cared for group of campground cats.  A great stay, but it stays crowded.  $14/day, $85/week makes this an incredible bargain.  Military or DoD ID required  Apache Flats RV Resort

Adventure Bound/Cactus Country Resort, Tucson AZ

Stay Date:  October 3007
Our Rating:  BAD – 6
Located on the far southeastern edge of Tucson but with easy access to major roads, this is an OK park for a stopover or short stay but very overpriced during the winter at $43/night.   Lots of potential; large, gravel sites, good hookups, some shade, but the large number of long term/permanent residents with work trucks and outside storage detracts from the appearance. Free cable TV was poor and free WiFi seldom worked.  Verizon cell and Aircard worked well. A large number of dogs in the park, some of which are tied and left during the day while their owners are off to work create noise.  Cactus Country Resort

Havasu Falls RV Resort, Lake Havasu AZ

Stay Date:  October 2007
Our Rating:  BAD –6
Large expanse of desert gravel with concrete pads for RVs. No shade or grass, and sites are close together. WiFi was very weak and barely usable. Free Cable TV.  Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  Nothing special for the steep overnight rate of $37.  Havasu Falls RV Resort

Gila Bend Air Force Station Famcamp, AZ

Stay Date:  Multiple, last stay October 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD - 7
Certainly not a destination, but a convenient, secure, and inexpensive place to spend the night on the long stretch of I-8 between Tucson and San Diego.  Friendly gate guards and office people; but self check in is also available.  Pretty much a gravel parking lot with hookups, there’s a gym across the street and a free laundry, but that’s pretty much it.  No BX or gas station, dining is across the interstate in Gila Bend.  Good hookups, except that the water is just about undrinkable, but for $7 who can complain?  Good Verizon cell and Aircard, nothing in the way of seeing the satellite, no cable or WiFi.  Some jet aircraft noise during the weekdays, otherwise quiet and dark at night.  Military or DoD ID Required.  Gila Bend AFS

Desert Eagle RV Park, Nellis AFB, Las Vegas NV

Stay Date:  October 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
One of the great Famcamps; spacious, shaded, level concrete pads, great hookups, and free WiFi - all add up to a superior facility. Easy access to major highways.  No cable TV but clear shot to the satellite.  Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  The staff was very, very friendly and helpful; I especially appreciated the escort to the site and that the host stayed to make sure that the hookups worked. While we only stayed a week, a longer stay would start to get a bit pricey at the daily rate of $20. Our only real complaint was the billion-candlepower light right next to our spot, but hey, if you stay in the casinos all night, it won't bother you.  Military or DoD ID required.  Desert Eagle RV Park

Sunrise Valley RV Park, Mina NV

Stay Date:  October 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD –7
We stopped here for an overnight stay based on previous reviews and were not disappointed. Large pull-thrus, big trees, and a nice view of the mountain. Owner was very friendly and accommodating. A bit of road noise but probably the only decent place to stay between Reno and Las Vegas.  Free WiFi worked, as did Verizon cell and Aircard.  No cable TV, but long pull thru sites allow you to get a shot at the satellite.  A refuge in the nothingness of central Nevada at $30/night.  Sunrise Valley RV Park

Desert Rose RV Park, Fernley NV

Stay Date:  October 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD – 8
Probably the nicest Passport America park in the desert West- too bad it's Fernley,NV. But it is quiet here, and the $17 daily deal for 3 nights is wonderful. Nice concrete sites with grass patches and small shade trees between, great cable TV, free WiFi although we used our Verizon Aircard. Quiet and dark at night.  Hosts here are friendly and care about guests. This is worth going out of the way or stopping awhile , or as a cheaper,quieter base for Reno. Would be nice to have a pool or fitness room or picnic tables, but we appreciated having a simple, clean and quiet place instead. Desert Rose RV Park

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.

Bandon RV Park, Bandon OR

Stay Date:  August 2007
Our Rating:  Good –7
Nice, average park along the highway in Bandon.  Very friendly owners, Free WiFi and cable, no obstructions for satellite.  Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  All gravel with fairly long pull thru sites, too close together to use awning if you have four slides.  Some road noise, but not too bad. Convenient to Bandon shopping.  Escapees rate of $26/night. Bandon RV Park.

Port of Newport RV Park, Newport OR

Stay Date:  August 2007
Our Rating:  BAD – 5
Large asphalt parking lot with a little grass, but conveniently located on the water in Newport.  No trees, no tables, just a spot with free WiFi and cable TV.  Verizon Aircard and cell worked well.  Not much you can say about the place after you’ve said “asphalt”.  Way overpriced at $43/night.  Port of Newport RV Park

Driftwood RV Park, Boardman OR

Stay Date:  August 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD –7
A good place for an overnight stay; paved, level sites are large and the pull thrus will accommodate any size rig with the tow vehicle attached. Large trees throughout the park; free cable and WiFi were very good. Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  The indoor pool and spa are impressive; good thing they're indoors since the wind howls here. The office staff was very friendly and helpful. Local roads to the park were rough and there isn't much to see in the area. As a bonus, a local lady had placed fresh produce in the game room on a "donation" basis.  Perfectly average, but a good place to get off the road for $30/night.  Driftwood RV Park

Clearwater Crossing RV Park, Orofino ID

Stay Date:  July 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
This is a very nice, newer park on the banks of the Clearwater river. The owner and staff were very friendly and went out of their way to make our stay pleasant. The entry road crosses railroad tracks and is paved once you enter the park. Most sites are back-in, and are large, level gravel backing up to the river bank. The pull thrus are parallel to the road and I'd take a back in instead. Cable is available for $1 a day but there is a clear view of the satellite. The free WiFi worked well, as did the Verizon cell and Aircard. The only drawback, and a minor one, is the railroad siding behind the park. Although not very scenic, the siding is seldom used and was only a visual drawback.  A comfortable stay for less than $25/night.  Clearwater Crossing RV Park

River Fork Lodge & RV Park, North Fork ID

Stay Date:  July 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD – 10
One of the best stays we've every had. Forget the big-company parking lots, this park has only 8 sites right on the bank of the Salmon River, and if you have enough electric cord and hose, you can pull straight in like we did. The view from the windshield is like a postcard; all river, trees, and mountains, without a structure or person in sight. The sound of the river along with the sight of Great Blue Heron, Osprey, and even an American Avocet make sitting outside an experience not to be missed. No restrooms, pool, mini-golf, or other facilities, just beautiful grassy sites and wonderfully friendly owners. Since there's no cell phone coverage, they provide free long distance phone calls from the lodge office. Some sites have a clear view of the satellite.  We're the only RV here; there's not much traffic on US 93 this time of year, but we understand that in the spring and fall fisherman and hunters keep the lodge and park filled.  Outstanding owners – they went out of their way to make our stay memorable – about $28/night is a steal.  River Fork Lodge & RV Park

Mountain View RV Park, Arco ID

Stay Date:  July 2007
Our rating:  GOOD – 9
This is a very nicely maintained mom-and-pop type park with level gravel sites, trees, and grass. The view of the mountains is very nice and it's in a quiet location and very dark at night. The free WiFi was very strong throughout our stay. Free cable TV and most sites have a clear view of the satellite.  Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  The owners are friendly and very helpful. They also run a small cafe with a free breakfast for RVrs - but try the sweet potato pancakes; they're only $2.95 and well worth it. Sitting in the cafe is like being with old friends, everyone is very friendly - ask about all of the dollar bills glued to the ceiling. This is the way all campgrounds should be run.  $27 for a nice pull-thru site.  Mountain View RV Park

Hill AFB Famcamp, Ogden UT

Stay Date:  July 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD – 7
Not one of the best military campground, but a good value at $14/night for full hookups.  The manager claimed we hadn’t made a reservation until I showed him a copy of the email.   Pull thru sites are cement and of good size.  No cable TV or WiFi, but clear shot at satellite and Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  Our site faced the track behind the gym, which had stadium lighting on until the wee hours, so it was like trying to sleep during the day.   Restricted to one gate due to security, it’s a long drive to the Famcamp.  We’re not sure it’s worth the trouble.  Military or DoD ID required.  Hill AFB Famcamp

Lakeside RV Camping, Provo UT

Stay Date:  July 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD – 7
Nicely shaded, fair-sized sites, and lots of large trees. Off the interstate and except for the airport noise, very quiet. Side-by-side hookups were OK, and the free WiFi was very strong.  Free cable TV and most sites do not have a clear view of the sky due to the trees.  Free WiFi and Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.   A busy place as it is a popular stopping place judging by all the rigs that came in and left the next day. Very well stocked store and professional staff. We enjoyed walking the trail along the river in back of the park. Some of the permanent residents need to be moved out or cleaned up; but these were generally located in the area not used for overnighters.  $29.50 for a full hookup pull-thru site.  Lakeside RV Camping

OK RV Park & Canyonlands Stables, Moab UT

Stay Date:  July 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD – 7
This is a Passport America park and is a good value for the price. Off the highway & quiet, you have to drive on dirt roads through a stable area to get to the RV area. All dirt road/sites, fairly level with a grass island. Good 50A power was a plus since it was 102 degrees. Sites are a tad short for a 40' and tow but the egress is all in the same direction so it doesn't pose much of a problem. Free cable TV and WiFi, clear shot at sky, and Verizon cell and cable worked well.  Some permanent campers but is was quiet and the lady in the office was very friendly and helpful. A good, inexpensive place to spend the night or base your visit to the Moab area. Nothing to do for kids - too hot outside, anyway.  Passport America rate was $17/night.  OK RV Park & Canyonlands Stables

Sleeping Ute Mountain Casino & RV Park, Towaoc CO

Stay Date:  Juy 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD –7
Located behind the Ute Mountain Casino, the RV park has easy access, level gravel sites, and full hookups. The cable TV was exceptional; over 100 channels with almost all of the premium channels included. Good shot at satellite. The free WiFi was down for one day but worked well the next. Verizon Cell and Aircard worked well.  Some shade provided by small trees and a grassy island between sites was nice; the sites are well spaced and we had plenty of room for slides and awning. The office staff was friendly and helpful. Although 11 miles from Cortez, this parks provides solid hookups and a secure environment. The casino restaurant was reasonable and had very good food.  Priced right at less than $25/night.  Sleeping Ute Mountain Casino & RV Park

Little Creel RV Park, Chama NM

Stay Date:  July 2007
Our Rating:  BAD – 6
We spent a week here and were somewhat disappointed with the quality of the "resort". The web site greatly misrepresents the park; while it shows riverfront sites with patios, there are only four in the park; and the patios are very worn. All of the other sites are close to each other with either dead grass or weeds that were not mowed during our visit. We paid for a "waterfront premium site" which apparently means that you're within 100 yards of walking to the river. No cable TV or WiFi, Verizon cell and Aircard were marginal.  Lots of trees, so bring your portable satellite dish. The park is very popular and was crowded during our visit; but was quiet at night, even during the Fourth of July. An adequate location if you're visiting the area and riding the Cumbres/Toltec Railroad; but don't expect solitude, this is a very popular vacation spot and if you visit during the summer you'll need reservations.  Pull thru sites are reasonable at $28.  Little Creel RV Park

Rose Valley RV Ranch, Silver City NM

Stay Date:  June 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
We spent a month here and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. As full timers, we spend a lot of time at RV parks, and this one is special. Large, long gravel pads and patio areas are surrounded by rustic fencing and provide privacy. 50A power is very strong (important since it gets hot here during the day) and the water quality is very good. Free WiFi worked well and the office was quick to reset it the one time it failed. Free cable TV, and a clear shot at the satellite.  Verizon cell and Aircard worked well. The park is located only about three miles from a quaint downtown and just a mile from a Wal-Mart Supercenter. The Laundromat is spotless as is the office. Really nice folks in the office; very helpful and friendly. No pool or playground, but that's the way we like it; in our entire month there was no noise, rowdiness, or children cutting through our site. A great place to stay and explore the cliff dwellings, ghost towns, and Gila Wilderness, for a nightly rate of $28.  Rose Valley RV Ranch

Rusty’s RV Ranch, Rodeo NM

Stay Date:  May 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD – 8
A positive exception to the cookie-cutter campground. Huge sites on the high desert with great views of the Chiricahuas. Very friendly staff, nice office and very clean laundry. Free and very strong WiFi. No Verizon cell service.  No cable TV, but lots of sky to find the satellite.  Two ponds with ducks and fish provide relief to the desert environment, but be aware this is windy country. A great place to base for visits to Cave Creek Canyon and some of the country's best birding. Make sure you're stocked up on groceries, because it's a looooong way to any town of size.  Not for everyone, but you ought to visit once for $24/night.  Rusty’s RV Ranch

Yuma KOFA Escapee RV Park, Yuma AZ

Stay Date:  April 2007
Our Rating:  REALLY UGLY – 3
We’re Escapees, and never expected to stay at a park with such a bunch of rude, unfriendly people.  On check-in, we waited while the office girl ignored us while eating her lunch.  This is one of the parks where you rent the site of an absent owner, and ours was a concrete back-in.  Hookups were good, Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  The park has a rule that you can’t use your washer.  Cost is plus electric, which with the a/c running all of the time came to $22day.  I’d be embarrassed to say I was an Escapee if lived in this park, maybe it’s the area that makes people so rude.  Yuma is a huge snowbird location, but we avoid it; nothing but sand, rocks, and blowing dust.

Cochise Terrace RV Resort, Benson AZ

Stay Date:  February 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD – 8
Primarily a snowbird park (who’d want to be here in the summer?), this is a well organized, comfortable park.  If you’re going to stay in Benson, than this is the only place where you won’t hear the trains.  Paved roads, pea-gravel well-groomed back-in sites, not much shade.  Local ordinances require that your sewer hose NOT touch the ground.  Free cable, pay WiFi, easy shot to satellite.  Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  Nice pool, exercise room, and clubhouse.  There’s also a “dance hall” and occasional entertainment.  Plenty of planned activities during the winter, and generally friendly folks, but as in all snowbird parks, cliques exist.  Quiet and dark at night, occasional coyotes (don’t let your pet run free), and a short drive to the Wal-Mart and dining.  No longer a bargain unless you have Passport America, and even then it’s $27/day.  Cochise Terrace RV Resort

Mission RV Park, El Paso TX

Stay Date:  January 2007
Our Rating:  BAD –5
There aren’t many choices in El Paso, otherwise we probably wouldn’t have stayed here.  At check in, the indifferent office lady ignored my request for a larger back-in site and put us into a gravel parking lot with power poles.  To add insult to injury, she put all the arrivals next to each other, leaving dozens of empty spaces in a row.  Located in an industrial area, no ambiance, no shade, no tables, lots of noise from the freeway.  Free cable TV and weak WiFi, good Verizon cell and Aircard service.  Save your $35 and stay in a Wal-Mart parking lots, or better yet, pass through El Paso and stay in Las Cruces.

Lost Alaskan RV Park, Alpine TX

Stay Date:  January 2007
Our Rating:  Good – 9
Alpine is a neat town with a number of RV parks, and the Lost Alaskan is the class of the lot.  Professional staff, nice office & store, and reasonable prices $30/night.  Level, gravel sites are adequate in size and have small shade trees and grass.  Free cable TV, but only a few channels, and free but intermittent and slow WiFi.  Good shot at satellite, and Verizon cell and Aircard worked OK.  Nice pool and facilities, and quiet and very dark at night.  In this area, all of the outdoor lighting is shielded in support of the McDonald Observatory (a must visit), and the stars are as bright as you’ll ever see.  Great view of the mountains, lots of quail, even a coyote howl at night.  Lost Alaskan RV Park