Where We Are Now

We landed this afternoon at Ely KOA Journey, pretty much right in the middle of Nevada, elevation, 6500 ft. This is just a stop-over for a night, but it really is a nice campground. We plan to drive around this after and check out the town.

   Ely KOA our site

Where We Are on the Map

Where to Next

From here we're heading north to Idaho. Our first stop is a place called Anderson Camp. We plan to spend a couple of days there so we can check out Shoshone Falls and what's left of Twin Falls

 Anderson Camp Stock Photo

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Friday, 01 November 2024

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Tuesday, 21 May 2019 03:31

Sam Houston Jones State Park

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Sam Houston Jones State Park

     Sam Houston Jones State Park, was just a one night stay over, but after going there, I wish we would have stayed longer. The park is beautiful with swamps and a river, cabins, RV, and tent camping. The campground is wooded with mostly paved sites. Most are a bit tight for bigger rigs, but we managed to fit. Walking around the park we saw that the swamp directly across from the campground had been drained. (to restore some of the forest)  As we followed the road we found a large picnic area with plenty of tables along the river bank. There is a boat ramp and we saw someone out in a kayak paddling up and down the river. There is a boat ramp with a warning sign not to swim and a possibility of alligators. Further along the road was several very nice cabins to rent. There was a second swamp, this one not drained with a large wooden bridge crossing it. In the middle of the bridge was an amphitheater. From the bridge looking down into the swamp, we saw dozens of turtles swimming about. (I took pictures, but you need to zoom in to see their heads poking out of the water and their bodies under the surface) As we passed the cabins along our walk around the park we discovered a full 18-hole disc golf course. Had we more time, we would have grabbed our discs and tried it out. Alongside the road, we could see that water had recently receded from there and discovered what we later found to be mounds of mud with holes in them made by crawfish digging into the ground as the water evaporated. Being from the Northwest, this was new. Later we searched You-tube and watched a video of someone pushing his arm (up to his shoulder) in a hole and pulling out a crawfish. A second video showed him using a trap in a creek using dry dog food as bait and catching them by the dozen.

     Overall, we really liked the park, we met some great people there and would recommend two nights if you’re using it as a stopover on your way down the road. It was $39 and some change per night.

 

      Originally named for the Texas folk hero who traveled extensively in the western reaches of Louisiana, Sam Houston Jones was given its current name in honor of the state's 46th governor, who was instrumental in setting aside this tract of land for the public to enjoy for both day-use and overnight visitors.

     Because the caretakers of this 1,087-acre park have worked to keep the land in its natural state, abundant wildlife inhabits the area. Tree-filled lagoons and a mixed pine and hardwood forest combine to create a unique natural environment. The park is located just north of the most productive birding region of Louisiana. The bird watching is always excellent, but at certain times of the year, nearly 200 species of birds can be seen at or within 30 miles of the site.

     The numerous waterways in this area make water sports a natural highlight at the park. Two boat launches are conveniently located on the West Fork of the Calcasieu River, providing access to Calcasieu Lake, about 20 miles away. But it's not necessary to fish to enjoy the water. Rental boats are available those who simply wish to take in the serene beauty of the park's ponds. (No-Wake Zone Advisory)

     The three hiking trails winding through this beautiful park make strolling or serious hiking, pleasurable. Particularly interesting is the old stagecoach road, which hikers may travel to explore the park and the banks of the various tributaries to the Calcasieu River.

Tuesday, 21 May 2019 03:29

Rocky Fork Ranch Resort

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Rocky Fork Ranch Resort, Kimbolton, Ohio

     Fortunately, there isn't a story with the drive to the campground.  However, if you follow your GPS when coming from the south, it will take you down a gravel road with low branches.  When we arrived we were assigned a 30 amp site which we changed to a 50 at no extra charge.  The 30 amp site wouldn't have fit us anyway.  The campground is located on the top of a hill overlooking most of the ranch.  The resort offers everything from shooting ranges to GaGa (whatever that is)  There is also an archery range, a paintball area, an arena for rodeos, a miniature golf course, basketball, horseshoes, disc golf, an outdoor pool, an indoor pool with hot tub, a standard golf course (nearby), tennis court, a nature center, complete with microscopes, golf cart rentals, a store, and more.  Our campsite was nice enough.  It was in the trees with a full hookup.  The roads were a mixture of paved and gravel, but the dust wasn't too bad.  

     While we were there, we drove down to Salt Fork State Park.  It has a campground but we didn't visit that section.  We did, however, find the beach and the park's nature center.  The park looked as if at one point it was a very happening place, but not so much anymore, but then we were there on a rainy weekday.  We did drive through Cambridge and walked around a bit and took a photo of the county courthouse.  Overall, we found Ohio beautiful, but it lacked anything much to do.

 

Type: Premier

Good Sam Rating: 7.5/7/8.5

Address: 
74978 Broadhead Rd
Kimbolton, OH 43749
Phone: (800) 370-1645

Reservations Phone: (855) 432-8457

Resort Information: Nestled in the wooded hillside of Southeastern Ohio. Next door at Salt Forks State Park is fabulous fishing and one of Ohio's premier 18-hole golf courses.

Reservation Requirements: 5-day cancellation policy.

Web Site: travelresorts.com

EMail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Full Sites: 49

Partial Sites: 249

Pull-through Sites: 11

Rental Units: 3

Check-In/Check-Out Times: 1:00 p.m./ Noon

RV Site Minimum Stay: 2 nights

Rental Unit Minimum Stay: 2 nights

Open: Jan 1 to Dec 31
Peak: May 15 to Sep 15

Maximum Electrical Service: 50 amps.

WiFi Available: No

Maximum RV Length: 40 feet

Amenities: Clubhouse recreation hall, indoor pool, outdoor pool, health, and fitness center, archery, shooting range, volleyball, tennis, basketball, stables, horseback riding, paddle boats, driving range and mini golf, paintball, fishing nearby, golf nearby (18-hole). Tourist attractions nearby: Pro Football Hall of Fame, The Wilds, Longaberger Basket Co., Holmes County Amish Country, Roscoe Village.

RV Notes: Please give the exact length of camper, if your camper has slide-outs. Site includes water and electric. We only accept Coast Trip Points. Nov 1-May 15 water not available to sites.

Rental Notes: Rental units available. Trip Points accepted. Contact the resort directly.

Restrictions: Pets allowed with prior approval in limited units at an additional charge.

Accepts Pets: Yes

Pet Restrictions: Limit 2 pets - (cats or dogs only)

Visitor Mail Accepted: No

Tuesday, 21 May 2019 03:26

Rimrock Meadows Resort

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Rimrock Meadows Resort, Palisades, Washington

      Rimrock Meadows is a private park and membership is required to use it.

     After getting diesel in Wenatchee, WA our GPS gave us a couple of options of getting to Rimrock Meadows, one was twenty miles shorter so we took it.  After driving halfway there on this route, the road turned to gravel.  Then when we were at the turnoff to the park, the sign for the park was set to be read from the other direction.  With our tow car attached, we couldn’t back up and little did we know it was another eight miles before we found a place big enough to turn around.  So much for short cuts.

     Once there, the park host showed us the sites and we picked one with morning sun and afternoon shade.  From what we could tell, the rec area with pool, camping, park setting and other amenities, were incentives for people to purchase acre lots and park their RV’s and build small outbuildings.  Being Coast to Coast members, we could camp there for free ($5 for a site with full hookup) The park is an oasis in the middle of the desert.  It has shade trees, lots of green grass and one of the nicest pools we’ve come across in our travels.  (the first one deep enough to dive in) 

    I think that the one drawback for the park was that there was nothing close by to visit.  However, it was worth the hour plus drive to the Grand Coulee Dam and learn some of the histories of the dam and the area.  Most interesting was that ten thousand years ago a glacier in the pan handle of Idaho formed a dam the created a huge lake (Lake Missoula) behind it.  Eventually, the ice dam gave way and the lake behind it caused a massive flood covered most of central Washington and Columbia River.  It is believed that there was 400’ of water covering Portland, Oregon.  For a period of time, the Columbia was routed over what is now called Dry Falls.  Dry falls is more than 3 ½ miles long, the largest waterfall in history.  Pictured is a comparison to Niagara Falls and a crop from Google Maps.

 

 Rimrock Meadows

Type: Classic

Good Sam Rating: 7.5/7/6

Address: 
4177 Tumbleweed Way
Ephrata, WA 98823
Phone: (509) 632-9800

Reservations Phone: (509) 632-9800

Reservations Fax:

Resort Information: Resort lies on the eastern slope of the Cascade Mountains and on the edge of the Moses Coulee, one of the West's most interesting geological phenomenon. The campground and Olympic-sized swimming pool provide a variety of family activities.

Directions: From Seattle: I-90 E, Ex 151/Hwy 283 to Ephrata. In Ephrata, L at 1st Ave NW. Approx 17 mi NW to Sagebrush Flats Rd and Coulee Meadows Rd (same rd). L on Sagebrush Dr (gravel), 1.5 mi to resort. From Hwy 2: S on Moses Coulee Rd, 20 mi from Waterville and Coulee City. The main entrance is framed by 4 basalt columns on each side of the rd. From I-90 Spokane: Hwy 17 Ex in Moses Lake and follow signs to Ephrata. R on Basin St and L on 1st Ave NW and follow directions above.

Web Site:rimrockmeadows.com

EMail:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Full Sites: 24

Partial Sites: 15

Pull-through Sites: 5

Check-In/Check-Out Times: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m./ 2:00 p.m.

Open: Apr 1 to Oct 20

Maximum Electrical Service: 50 amps

WiFi Available: Yes

Maximum RV Length: 40 feet

Elevation: 1700

Amenities: Recreation hall, Olympic-size outdoor pool, kiddie pool, tennis, horseshoe, hiking trail, playground, basketball, ice available, candy, snacks, group activities, picnic tables, dump station, laundry, propane, TV lounge, tenting sites, tourist attractions nearby. Nearby: Moses Coulee geological phenomenon, Lake Chelan, Lake Roosevelt, Jamison Lake, Columbia River, and Grand Coulee Dam, all within an hour drive.

RV Notes: Rate includes 30 amp partial RV site. Additional charges: 50 amp full sites $10/night, Wi-Fi is available for a fee. Limited cell service. Closest goods and services are in Ephrata.

Pet Restrictions: Pets must be on a leash and are not allowed in the buildings or in the Courtyard area near the pool.

Visitor Mail Accepted: No

Monday, 20 May 2019 22:42

Ridgeview Resort

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Ridgeview Resort, Bullhead City, Arizona

     Our visit to Ridgeview was great.  The campground is very well maintained and improvements are evident.  We visited in the offseason as the park was fairly empty.  When we arrived the park set us up with a nice site, which offered evening shade, which is always a plus when the temperature is above 100 most of the day.  The sites are a mixture of sand and gravel and the roads are all paved.  To look around at the surrounding desert, you have to appreciate the amount of work that had to go into the campground to make it the resort that it is.  The facilities are very nice, especially the pool and spa.  

     The resort sits on a hill overlooking the Colorado River with Laughlin, Nevada just on the other side.  While at the campground we visited the casinos a couple of times but didn't do well.  We also took a 45-minute drive up to Oatman, an old mining town where wild burros roam the streets.  The old path of Route 66 runs through the town and it has become a fun tourist destination.  

 

  Sunrise Adventures Ridgeview Resort is located less than a mile from the captivating Colorado River in Bullhead City, Arizona and is directly across the border from Laughlin, Nevada, where ten casinos offer 24-hour gaming, restaurants, and exciting entertainment and much more. The resort is located less than two hours from Las 

 

     Winter, spring, summer or fall – the Bullhead City/Laughlin area is the area of all seasons. The area is known for 360 days of sunshine a year that allows numerous outdoor recreation activities year-round, which makes Ridgeview RV Resort one of the premier RV destinations in the country!  Vegas, and one hour from the famous London Bridge in Lake Havasu City. The Resort offers countless amenities like a large Clubhouse where various family and fun activities are held, a swimming pool and jacuzzi to relax after a long day. There’s Shuffleboard, Hiking Trails, Vacation Rentals and much more!

     In addition to the Colorado River, you also have the opportunity to play on the pristine waters of Lake Mohave that is located minutes north of the Resort. With the abundance of water play space on the Colorado River and Lake Mohave, there is a wide variety of activities available near Ridgeview RV Resort.

     Bullhead City and Laughlin both offer some of the best Shopping in the area with Malls and various stores located minutes from the Resort. If golf is a highlight of your Ridgeview Resort vacation, then we have you covered at one of the many golf courses the Bullhead City/Laughlin area has to offer. With year-round sunshine and several courses conveniently located minutes from the resort, Ridgeview RV Resort is an ideal place to tee up for the perfect RV golf getaway.

 

Monday, 20 May 2019 22:39

Red Desert Rose Campground

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Red Desert Rose Campground

   Part of our trip included taking my sister Sandy and her Husband Charles from their daughter Anna’s home in Boise, to one of their other daughter’s (Carrie) graduation from the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado.  As they were in a hurry to get from one place to the other, this only gave me a single night stop over somewhere in Wyoming.  I chose Rawlins because it was about two-thirds of the way and I chose the Red Desert Rose because of its 1960’s quirky sign.

     As it turned out, the Campground was great. Not much to look at, but the most friend staff ever. We were escorted to our site and then offered a courtesy car. This was a first. They said that there was no need to disconnect our dinghy, we should use their SUV. I disconnected the car anyway because my sister and her husband took off early the next morning to get to an award ceremony for their daughter. Later we walked into Rawlins and had some really good Tai food.

 

   If you reserve a site with a full hookup, you are pretty much set to be in one particular row.  The campground was far from full, but that row was.  So, I opted for a site without a septic connection in a better location for me.  The next morning, for a couple of bucks, I was able to slide into one of the empty sites and dump my tanks.  I will return to the campground again and will recommend it based on how friendly the staff was.  Plus, I liked the quirkiness of the place.

 From their website

WELCOME TO RED DESERT ROSE CAMPGROUND!
Your "Home Away from Home" in the
bustling little town of Rawlins, Wyoming

Experience the difference a family-owned campground can make, as you explore beautiful Southern Wyoming — where the deer and the antelope really do play!

When you’ve tired of the crowds, come and enjoy the beauty and excitement of Southern Wyoming. From High Desert to Alpine Lakes and Forests, find it all within a day trip from Red Desert Rose Campground.

Looking for housing while employed nearby? Red Desert Rose is an ideal Workforce Housing solution (short or long-term). We're here to ensure you have a great stay… and we're Family

FREE WiFi throughout the campground!
60 Channel Cable TV in designated sites
Sparkling clean Restrooms & FREE Showers with 24-hour access
20/30/50 amp electric and Picnic Tables at all sites
24-hour access to Laundry Facilities
Tent Site BBQ Grills
On-Site Propane
Horseshoes, Mini Golf and Pedal Carts (for a minimal fee)
Covered Group Area w/BBQ and Picnic Tables
Rally Room
Playground
Fenced Puppy Park
Free Coffee in office

Monday, 20 May 2019 22:35

Ponderosa Falls RV Campground

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Ponderosa Falls RV Campground, Cheney, Washington

     Ponderosa Falls is not a public campground, it is a KM resort which welcomes Coast to Coast members.

    We arrived at the campground around 9:30 am on a Saturday and had to wait until ten for the office to open.  The office assigns sites based on availability and size of rig.  They were very friendly and suggested a few sites that we either empty or going to be available by noon and welcomed us to go check them out before deciding.  We found a great site that was to be available that morning, so we opted to wait for them to pull out.  They did but without their trailer.  After a couple of hours of waiting, we picked another site, which turned out just fine. (without the grass) Most of the sites had full hookups and varied in size with plenty of both pull-throughs and back-in sites, along with a few cabins.

     The campground had a very nice lodge with some weekend meals.  It also had a very small indoor pool, a weight room, and laundry.  Outside there was a basketball and pickleball court, horseshoes, a kid’s play area, and one of the better miniature golf courses we’ve seen.  Each hole had three holes to choose from.  For little kids, there was a small paddle boat pond. 

     Just a few miles away was the Northern Quest Casino.  We checked it out and saw that it had headliners like Donny & Marie.  The gaming floor was nice as well. We also drove into Spokane to walk around.  The city has some neat history, but what I enjoyed most about the city, is that it’s the site of the 1974 World’s Fair.  I was there when I was twelve and some of the old pavilions are still standing.  Over the years the city has let the area go, but are currently rebuilding it.  I look forward to seeing it again when the construction is complete.  The Spokane River runs through the center of the city with several natural waterfalls.   

Ponderosa Falls Resort 

Type: Deluxe

Good Sam Rating: 7/7.5/8.5

Address: 
7520 S Thomas Mallen Rd
Cheney, WA 99004

Reservations Phone: (509) 747-9415

Resort Information: Nestled among beautiful pines in the foothills of Eastern Washington, this year-round resort offers the very best in amenities and local attractions. It is famous for its style of camping where the fun never ends.

Directions: 10 minutes W of Spokane. From I-90: Ex 272, S to 4-way stop by Petro truck stop. Go straight, through the housing development. At next stop sign, see our sign and turn R. Where the road turns to gravel, see our carved rock sign and turn R.

Web Site:kmresorts.com

EMail:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Full Sites: 168

Pull-through Sites: 47

Check-In/Check-Out Times: 1:00 p.m./ 11:00 a.m.

Peak: Apr 1 to Sep 30
Open: Jan 1 to Dec 31

Maximum Electrical Service: 50 amps.

WiFi Available: Yes

Maximum RV Length: 40 feet

Elevation: 2400

Amenities: Indoor/outdoor pool (heated), sauna, hot tub, fitness room, kiddie lagoon with paddle boats, sports center kiosk, basketball court, pickle ball court, volleyball court (sand), horseshoes, 18-hole mini golf, game room (adult and children), group activities (scheduled in season), laundry, outdoor movies in season, big rig pull-through, pet walk, cable TV, playground (4), meeting & kitchen facilities, Wi-Fi, BBQ grill, community fire pit.

RV Notes: Additional charges: Cable $2/night, electric $2/night. Reservations required.

Pet Restrictions: All pets welcome. Please leash your pet, pick up after them and do not leave outside unattended.

Visitor Mail Accepted: Yes

Visitor Mail Restrictions: Packages accepted, no regular mail.

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