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

Gold Dust West Casino RV Park, Carson City NV

Stay Date:  Nov 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 7
A relatively quiet and secure park located on the far side of the Gold Dust Casino parking lot. All paved sites, close together with a minuscule grass area and small trees. Maneuvering with a large rig can be a bit tricky, and the pull through sites are a bit too short for the tow to remain attached. Registration is a walk across the parking lot to the casino hotel registration desk. Very friendly staff at the casino and a good restaurant with daily specials. Verizon Cell and Aircard worked well, and the park's free Wi-Fi and cable TV were also very good. If full, this park would be very cramped, but we were here during the off season and there was plenty of room. Convenient access to highway 395 and Carson City downtown.  An OK place for $30/night with Good Sam discount.  Gold Dust West Casino

Sparks Marina RV Resort, Sparks, NV

Stay Date:  Oct 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 10
Professional, friendly staff, immaculate facilities, and great location - one of our favorite RV parks. Level paved sites with a small shade tree and artificial turf, quiet at night, and with good free cable TV and Wi-Fi. Beautifully maintained pool, hot tub, recreation room, and laundry. As good as it gets in Reno, or anywhere else.  Convenient to shopping, dining, and of course, casinos.  Not cheap, but worth the price at $38/night.  Sparks Marina RV Resort

Gowen NGB Campground, Boise, ID

State Date:  Oct 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
A great place to stay while visiting the Boise area. A small park on the National Guard Base on the South side of the airport, the seven sites all have concrete pads and paved access. The sites are short for big rigs, but there's plenty of room to extend into the asphalt parking area. Good hookups and a free laundry down the street. There's a fair amount of airport noise during the day, but it's fairly quiet at night. Easy access from I-84, and big rigs will have no problem accessing the main gate. Verizon cell and air card worked well. No internet or cable available, but clear shot to satellites and good broadcast TV. Reservations recommended since you will need to pick up a key for the power box, either at the billeting office or the main gate if after hours. A bargain location at $10/night.  Gowen NGB Campground

Meadows RV Park, New Meadows, ID

Stay Date:  Oct 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD - 6
Located at the base of the climb to McCall, this park is acceptable for an overnight but is a bit timeworn. A long dusty entrance road leads to the park, and interior roads and sites are dirt with a bit of scrub grass. Sites are close together with little space for an awning or lawn chairs. Hookups were convenient and Verizon cell and air card worked well. No cable but open sky for the satellite. Friendly host was very helpful. Beware the speed bumps, especially on exit; it's difficult to hit it straight on and will rearrange your cabinets for you. We'll pass on this park the next time in the area.  Full hook-up site for $26/night.  Meadows RV Park

Bear Den RV Resort, Grangeville, ID

Stay Date:  Sept 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
An exceptional place to stay; with the Passport America rate this is truly a bargain. Friendly owner, long, terraced but mostly level pull-through, convenient hookups, and good free Wi-Fi. The laundry is without doubt the cleanest we've seen, and is well equipped. Verizon cell and air card worked well. Small trees provide some shade, and the park is reasonably quiet and dark at night. A great stay in a beautiful area, we'll stay here again.  Passport America rate $16/night.  Bear Den RV Resort

Powell Campground, Bitterroot Mountains, ID

Stay Date:  Sept 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 10
One word describes this place: perfect! Located in the heavily forested Bitterroot Mountains, yet easily accessible with paved interior roads and sites. We were lucky to have one of two pull-through sites, extra long with a large clearing for the table and fire ring. No cell or Aircard service, but some sites (ours included) allowed a clear shot to the satellite. Quiet, dark, and peaceful at night. Close to the Lochsa River and surrounded by high, tree-covered mountains, and within walking distance of the lodge and small store. A magical place; we'll stay here again.  $7.50/night with Golden Access Pass.  Powell Campground

Square Dance Center & Campground, Lolo, MT

Stay Date:  Sept 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
An exceptionally maintained campground in the tall pines just outside Lolo. Primarily a park that caters to square dance visitors, it welcomes non-dancers also. Crowded during the summer, we had a choice of a number of sites with full hookups, and chose a beautiful back-in site surrounded by trees and grass, with convenient hookups. Hosts were very friendly and helpful during our stay. Verizon cell and air card worked well, as did the free park Wi-Fi and cable TV. Quiet with little road noise, and dark and peaceful at night. Convenient to Missoula and other Bitterroot Valley locations. We'll stay here again. $26/Night.  Square Dance Center & Campground

River Forks Lodge & RV Park, North Fork, ID

Stay Date:  Sept 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 10
This was a return visit for us; we'll go out of our way to spend a couple of nights at this delightful little park. Parking nose-in gives a windshield view of the Salmon River, forest, and mountains, and the sound of running water makes sleeping at night easy. Nice grass, shade if you want, and as friendly and helpful owners as you'll ever meet. No cell or Aircard, but free phone at the office. A great place to rest and recharge, we'll stay here again. $26/night for full hookups.  River Forks Lodge & RV Park

Challis Valley RV Park

Stay Date:  Sept 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this park. Huge, level gravel pull-through sites, good hookups, and even a table and yard swing at some sites. While a work in progress, our stay was memorable due to the friendliness of the owners. They checked each day to ensure our stay was meeting our needs, and after recommending a restaurant in Stanley, called to make sure they'd be open. Convenient to shopping and the Yankee Fork visitor center, and quiet and dark at night. Verizon cell service was good, but no Aircard service. Some shade, but plenty of clear shots to the DirecTV satellite. With their internet “gas guzzler” special, only $15/night.  Challis Valley RV Park

Mountain View RV Park, Arco ID

Stay Date:  Sept 2011
Our Rating:  Good – 6
A nice park with grass, some shade, and long pull-thrus.  We’d been here before but were disappointed on this visit; the café was closed, so no “free” breakfast, and it was self check-in with no hosts present.  We found a site for our one-night stay, but would have appreciated a discount from the normal summer rate of $32 since the café was closed and everything was do-it-yourself.  Arco is a miserable little town with limited eating choices, and of the two we picked the worst (Pickles) place in town.  An OK place for an overnight but certainly not a destination.  Overpriced at $32/night (with 10% discount!).  We’ll pass through town next time.  Mountain View RV Park

Challis Valley RV Park, Challis ID

Stay Date:  Sept 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
Occasionally we find a park with owners who make your stay so pleasant you want to extend your visit.  This was that kind of park.  While a work in progress, the pull-thru sites were huge, with level gravel, convenient hookups, and even a lawn swing.  The owners stopped by daily to see if we needed anything, and after suggesting a restaurant in the Sawtooth Valley, called them to make sure they’d be open for us.  To top it off, they offered a “gas guzzler” special, two nights for $29.95, which made it an affordable stay.  Great people, and we’ll be back to see them again.  $15/night with the special.  Challis Valley RV Park.

Valley View RV Park, Island Park, ID

Stay Date:  Sept 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 7
Nothing stands out while staying at this park; it's a flat expanse of semi-dead grass and gravel with good hookups. Sites are spaced well apart so there's plenty of room, and the pull-thrus are extra long. Friendly hosts will take you to your site and help park. No cable but clear shot to the satellite. Verizon cell service was good, Aircard slow, and good Wi-Fi was available for $1/day. Road noise is a factor, lots of trucks on the highway day and night are a distraction. With the Passport America rate of $17, this is a good place to stay and we'll visit again. Valley View RV Park

Absaroka Bay RV Park, Cody WY

Stay Date:  Sept 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 8
We enjoyed our stay here; a reasonable rate for accessibility to Cody, Yellowstone, and the Beartooth Highway. Our pull-through site was just long enough for our 40'MH, and there was a space adjacent for tow vehicle parking. Sites are fair-sized, level gravel with grass but no shade. Very good free Wi-Fi, no cable but clear shot to satellite. Verizon cell and Aircard service were good. Owners were very friendly and were eager to please. Excellent large laundry facility with reasonable prices. Road noise, a distraction during the day, tapered off at night and was easy to live with.  With the weekly rate, the $28/night was very reasonable.  Absaroka Bay RV Park.

Ten Broek RV Park, Ten Sleep, WY

Stay Date:  Sept 2011
Our Rating: GOOD – 9
One of those delightful parks that you enjoy staying at.  Cool shade, pull thrus, and good hookups.  A friendly ol’ cowboy owner who takes you to your sites, helps you park, and shows you the unusual hookups (water/elec on the right).  We were able to get a site under the trees and still have a clear shot at the DirecTV satellite.  Beautiful green grass and a table at each site.  Located in the quaint town of Ten Sleep with a great little restaurant, the Crazy Woman Café, and close to Ten Sleep Canyon and mountain roads where we saw moose.  A great place to stay, but not cheap at $33/night.  No cable or WiFi.  Ten Broek RV Park.

Wyoming Cam-Plex, Gillette WY

Stay Date:  Sept 2011
Our Rating:  BAD – 5
This is a rally location only, and is part of a large complex.  Sites are located in fields surrounding the complex, well beyond walking distance, and are composed of dead grass and dirt.  Full hookups are available, and some sites have 50A.  Leveling is a problem, and blocks will be necessary at most sites.  No shade or tables, just a place to park.  Gillette is an industrial town with little to offer except shopping and average dining places.  There’s no reason to stop here except for a rally, and having been here we won’t return.  Price depends on rally cost.  Wyoming Cam-Plex.

Ellsworth AFB Famcamp

Stay Date:  August 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
A great park convenient to the main gate at Ellsworth AFB.  Paved entry roads with concrete pads, full hookups, table, and grill.  It would be nice if the grill wasn’t so close to the door, but it’s not a hindrance.  The grass was pretty much dead while we were there, but there are some shaded sites.  The hosts were friendly and helpful, and provided information about the Black Hills attractions.  There’s a laundry building, and the shoppette/class VI store is within walking distance.  Nice commissary but below average BX.  A nice stay, and inexpensive at only $20/night or $120/week.  Ellsworth AFB Famcamp.

Central States Campground, Rapid City SD

Stay Date:  August 2011
Our Rating: BAD – 4
We stayed here because it was close to a Freightliner service facility.  It’s nothing but a field with dead grass, no trees, but pull through electric (50A) and water sites.  There’s no one on site; you call the fairgrounds office and someone will meet you at the campground to take your money and unlock the power box.  If you pay by credit card you’ll have to follow them back to the office.  OK for a quick overnight, but certainly not a destination.  $25/night.  Central States Campground.

Spearfish City Park, Spearfish, SD

Stay Date:  August 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 10
This was our summer home while volunteering at D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery.  Volunteer sites were generous in size with lots of grass, trees, and backed up to Spearfish Creek.  All sites were 50A/full hookups, and the park has free WiFi.  The volunteer sites were paved, but standard sites are gravel and much closer together, although still very nice.  Camp hosts are active, and there is little noise at night and almost no traffic in the area.  The park is located across the street from the hatchery and a large park area with playgrounds and an amphitheater – and everything is beautifully manicured.  A great place in a wonderful town of friendly people. Full hook-up rate is around $30/night.  Spearfish City Park.

Heartland RV Park, Hermosa SD

Stay Date:  April 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 8
Rate is based on the "winter" rate. A convenient place to stay for exploring the Black Hills and Rapid City. This is a large, open park with a few small trees, mostly level gravel sites, and grass between average-sized pull-through sites. Very good free WiFi and limited, but clear cable TV. Verizon cell and AirCard worked well. Friendly staff and nice office area. Close to the road, but noise was largely limited to the daylight hours. One apparently permanent resident had two dogs tied outside, that occasionally barked to distraction, but otherwise quiet and dark this time of year.  Probably much less quiet and pleasant during the tourist season.  $18/night winter rate, $35/night during the summer.  Heartland RV Park

Lamar Sportsman’s Campground & Horse Motel, Lamar CO

Stay Date:  April 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 6
This park is an old KOA which, although in the process of renovating with new owners, still has some of the problems of an older design. Sites and roads are difficult to maneuver in/out of with big rigs without driving over or through adjacent sites. The gravel sites were fairly level, and hookups were good; however the free internet would not connect. Verizon Aircard worked well. Close enough to the highway to hear the many trucks, but tolerable. Lamar is not a destination, just a stop on the road, and for one night this is the best park in the area.  Nightly rate of $24.  Lamar Sportsman’s Campground

Cactus RV Park, Tucumcari NM

Stay Date:  April 2011
Our Rating:  Good – 8
A good place to stop if using Passport America; rate includes 50A service charge. The park is nothing fancy, but if you arrive early enough you can get one of the sites sheltered by trees to help block the ever-present wind. The owners are very friendly and guided us to the site. Hookups were very good and centrally located. Verizon Aircard worked, but very slow; however, the free park wireless worked well. Dogs barking in the surrounding neighborhood were an irritant but not overly intrusive. Just down the street from Del's, the town's best restaurant, a clean, friendly place to eat.  PA rate $18/night.  Cactus RV Park

Fort Bliss RV Park, El Paso TX

Stay Date:  April 2011
Our Rating: GOOD – 9
El Paso doesn't offer much in the way of quality parks, but even if it did, this park would stand out above the others. Paved interior roads, concrete sites and pads, sparkling restrooms, and a beautiful community center make this place special. Check-in was quick and friendly, and using our Golden Access pass resulted in a $12 day fee. Hookups are all centralized and work well. If given a choice, opt for the old section, which has trees and some shade; the new section has small trees and no picnic tables yet. The post is a short drive and has an amazing shopping area, the "Freedom Center", with huge PX, numerous shops, a 10-screen theater with first-run movies for $5, and restaurants, including a Buffalo Wild Wings. El Paso isn't exactly picturesque, but Sunland Park on the West side has good shopping and a casino. Surprisingly, the city claims it is the safest large city in America even though the border to Juarez is very close. No problem in the park, it's fenced and patrolled by military police. A great stay - the best in the area by far. Daily rate $14, $2 off per day with Golden Access (Geezer) Pass  Fort Bliss RV Park

Caballo Lake RV Park, Caballo Lake, NM

Stay Date:  March 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
A well-maintained, great little park on the shores of Caballo Lake (although the lake is down and it’s a long walk).  The pull-thru sites are a bit short, but wide, and the 50A sites have small trees and shrubs.  Lots of birds and quail running around.  Convenient to I-25 (one mile) but fairly quiet at night.  Very informal, a host will meet you or give you instructions if you call as the office is not staffed.  Good hookups, fairly level gravel sites, and a great price – $15/night plus electric and tax.  Caballo Lake RV Park

Enchanted Trails Camping Resort, Albuquerque, NM

Stay Date: March 2011
Our Rating: GOOD – 6
This is an interesting park, with antique cars and trailers, old appliances and posters in the laundry and game room, and a nicely landscaped office/activity area. When we needed to change from a monthly to a weekly rate, the manager, who was very friendly, quickly changed the rate and provided a refund. There's a lot to like about this park; however, the sites are the front to back type, so you share your "yard" with your neighbor. In our case, we had a long term neighbor with a lot of trash, although since the sites are dirt/gravel, it's not a comfortable place to sit outside. A great place for a short stay, convenient to I-40 but fairly quiet, and reasonably priced.  High above the city, so expect a lot of wind, and of course, dust.  Reasonable at $26/night.  Enchanted Trails Camping Resort

Valley of the Fires State Park, Carrizozo, NM

Stay Date:  March 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
With the Golden Access pass, this has to be one of the greatest bargains you'll find. Paved access roads, paved sites, covered pavilions with table and grill, and panoramic views of the lava beds and mountains make this little park a gem. The pull-thru sites are easy to access loops, but none are remotely level; better choice are the back in sites; they also provide a better view. Our first attempt at a pull-thru resulted in a breaker that continually tripped. The host blamed it on our motorhome, but when we moved to a back-in site the power was fine. Not much in Carizozo, but there is a great nature trail through the lava beds at the park, and Capitan and the Smokey the Bear Museum and White Oaks ghost town are easy drives. Nightly rate $18 for water and 30A electric, $9 with Golden Access Pass.  Valley of the Fires State Park

Boot Hill RV Resort, Alamogordo, NM

Stay Date:  March 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 6
We really like the owners, and the staff is very friendly and helpful. But $31/day for the weekly rate is just too much for a gravel parking lot, without trees or picnic table, poor water (not their fault), and significant road noise. The park has no septic system, so all waste water goes to holding tanks which the owner empties and trucks to the sewage plant, hence the washer fee. Or you can use the limited laundry at $2 per load, wash or dry. Sites are large and hookups are convenient, but sorry, we can stay at other places in town for less with the same or better amenities.  They advertise entertainment have a covered area, but the venues seem to be limited to evangelical or other religious events. Rate is the weekly rate of $125 plus $20 fee to use our on board washer plus $33.50 in electric at $.15 per KH.  Boot Hill RV Resort

Trailer Village RV Park, Roswell, NM

Stay Date:  March 2011
Our Rating:  BAD – 5
While convenient to downtown Roswell and with friendly owners, we were disappointed with our stay. The pull-thru sites are adequate in length; however, they are very close together and privacy is at a premium. In our case, the slides with attached storage extended over the patio area, and because the picnic table was bolted to the cement we were unable to open any compartments in that area. The security lights are extremely bright and annoying; the whole coach was lit throughout the night. Perhaps the neighborhood dictated them – I noticed our long-term neighbor had his BBQ chained to his RV.  On our second night, the wind shifted and we were treated to the smell of a feeder lot, so although it was pleasant outside, we had to close the windows and turn on the air. It's a shame; it would be a nice park with a little more attention to detail. $27 a night, Trailer Village RV Park

Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

Stay Date:  March 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 7
An old KOA, composed of gravel and dirt sites with a few trees.  Not very scenic, but the sites were long and the hookups worked well.  On check-in we were greeted with a friendly staff and given a bag of presents – product samples and coupons.  A small gift, but a nice touch.  The park selling point is it’s convenient location; close to Carlsbad Caverns and town.  The price is too much for a non-discounted stay – we used Passport America for two days and the stay was reasonable.  $22/night for 50A service.  Carlsbad RV Park & Campground.

Fort Stockton RV Park

Stay Date:  March 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
This park continues its place as the best stop in the area, and was filled during our stay. Long pull through sites, some trees, and an excellent cafe make this a preferred stay for many travelers. Free Wi-Fi worked well. Nice pool, hiking trail, and office/laundry. Very friendly and professional check-in, but reserve early in the day if you hope to get a site.  It’s a few miles East of town, but don’t worry, you’re not missing anything by avoiding Fort Stockton.  Reasonable at $27/night.  Fort Stockton RV Park

Alamo Fiesta RV Resort

Stay Date:  March 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 7
Easy access to I-10, otherwise a pretty average park. Friendly check-in followed by a lengthy trip through the park to be able to maneuver into our pull-through site. Site was part concrete, part asphalt, not too level, with low tree branches that scraped the roof. Free cable and Wi-Fi. Close to the interstate with noticeable road noise. A bit pricey at $32/night, but it’s convenient to Fiesta Texas and other attractions.  Alamo Fiesta RV Resort