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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Wednesday, 25 December 2024

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Sam Houston Jones State Park, Lake Charles, LA

Our Visit

      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.

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Sam Houston on the map blue burned

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 forests)  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.

Campground number eighty-six. 

  • April 18, 2018 -  1 day
  1. Campground Information
  2. Their Description
  3. Amenities
  4. Policies .
Website:
  crt.state.la.us
Type: State Park
Address: Sam Houston Jones State Park, 
       107 Sutherland Rd,
        Lake Charles, LA 70611
Phone: (337) 855-2665

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 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 Office of State Parks has partnered with Sasol in Lake Charles on the Longleaf Legacy Project,  to preserve the iconic tree's rich history, restore the splendor of local forests, and ensure the resiliency of such habitats for generations to come.  The project includes the restoration of over 70 acres of longleaf forest in the park and companion educational programs for local teachers and families.

Sam Houston Jones State Park is home to more than 70 acres of longleaf pines, the oldest living southern pine species. They were once one of the most abundant tree species in the United States, stretching across 90 million acres from Virginia to Texas. Over time, land-use practices such as logging, farming, development, urban encroachment, and fire exclusion have diminished the longleaf pine, leaving less than 4 million acres of longleaf forest and less than 10 percent of their original presence in Louisiana.

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. (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.

 

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Hours of Operation:
Site is open daily.

Gate Opening Times:
Sunday through Thursday

  • open at 6 a.m.
  • close at 9 p.m.

Friday, Saturday and days preceding holidays.

  • open at 6 a.m.
  • close at 10 p.m.

Entrance Station Hours:
Sunday through Thursday

  • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, Saturday and days preceding holidays.

  • 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Entrance Fees

  • $3 per person
  • Free for seniors (62 & older)
  • Free for children (3 & under)

Camping
A $6 non-refundable fee will be assessed on each reservation transaction made online, via phone, or as a walk-in.
( map of sites 23-43)  ( map of sites 44-62)

9 Premium Campsites (pull-through sites with water and electrical hookups) $33/night plus tax, Fri-Sat
$30/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Apr-Sept
$25/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Oct-Mar
26 Improved Campsites (water and electrical hookup) $28/night plus tax, Fri-Sat
$25/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Apr-Sept
$20/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Oct-Mar
Backcountry campsites (maximum capacity of 6), 5 available on a first-come, first-served basis $9 per person/night, plus tax
Primitive camping area (maximum capacity of 20) $20/night plus tax
America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes (formerly Golden Age & Golden Access Passports) (Available through the National Park Service. Click here for more information)
Holders of the Passes, whose state of residence also honors the America the Beautiful pass, are entitled to a 50% reduction on camping fees at Louisiana State Parks. (Passport holders are allowed one site per passport).

Additional Information About Overnight Facilities

Monday, 20 May 2019 15:01

Briarcliffe RV Resort Inc.

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Briarcliffe RV Resort, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

     From the get-go, we liked this place.  (after the swamp that we had just left anything would be better)  Briarcliffe turned out to be much better than expected.  As a Coast to Coast member, there was a $3 resort fee and $5 for 50amps per night.  It's open to the public for $72 a night.  All the sites are paved, back-in and we didn't see any bad sites.  The pool was really nice and it has a small restaurant.  The park is divided between full-time residents and RV'ers which is nice to have them separate.  It is one of those parks where you can sit outside every night and enjoy the evenings.  People are out walking, but mostly driving golf carts and are very friendly.  It was easy to meet new friends.  Great atmosphere with the exception of a couple of campers flying their flags, but it is South Carolina and I guess it's to be expected.  There are places to express your politics, family campgrounds shouldn't be one of them.  (sorry for the rant) Briarcliffe will definitely be a campground that we will return to.  It is truly one of the better RV resorts out there and we've seen a few.

     Myrtle Beach is a really fun town with lots to do and even more to eat.  The beaches are great!  We spent several days just walking the beach and doing a little swimming in the waves.  The water is a perfect temperature to hang out in for hours.  One day when we were out there, a school of small skates (I counted eight) swam by between us and the shore.  We also spent an afternoon on a casino cruise ship.  It takes you out to "International Waters" then opens its casino for a few hours and brings you back.  The whole trip was five and a half hours and set us back $33 and included a decent buffet.  With Jackie winning $550 on a slot machine, it was a good day.

    The best part of the visit to Myrtle Beach was finally getting to meet Brandon and his girlfriend Kate.  I met Brandon on Facebook (he share the same name as my nephew).  We've been friends for a couple of years and meeting him and Kate in person was great.

 

 

Type: Deluxe

Good Sam Rating: 10/9*/9

Address: 
10495 North Kings Hwy
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Phone: (843) 272-2730

Fax: (843) 272-5188

Reservations Phone: (843) 272-2730

Reservations Fax: (843) 272-5188

Resort Information: On the Intracoastal Waterway in Myrtle Beach, known for its beaches, entertainment, shopping, and recreation. Over 100 golf courses in the area. The resort is in walking distance of Barefoot Landing Shops, Alabama Theater and House of Blues.

Directions: Hwy 17 between Myrtle Beach Mall and Barefoot Landing. From Hwy 501 S: Hwy 22 to Hwy 17/N Myrtle Beach. Ex to N Myrtle Beach. The resort is on L approx 1 mi N of Myrtle Beach Mall. Driving S on Hwy 17: Resort 2 blocks past Barefoot Landing on R.

Web Site: briarcliffervresort.com

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

Full Sites: 174

Check-In/Check-Out Times: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m./ Noon

Rental Unit Check-In/
Check-Out Times:

Rental Types:

RV Site Minimum Stay: 1 night

Rental Unit Minimum Stay:

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

Maximum Electrical Service: 50 amps

WiFi Available: Yes

Maximum RV Length: 45 feet

Elevation: 0

Amenities: Recreation hall, large outdoor pool, mini golf, playground, basketball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, laundry, fitness, cable TV, group activities, church services, gift shop, hot showers, ping pong, ice available, RV supplies, golf nearby, shopping nearby, nearby beach. Wi-Fi access in the campground. Tourist attractions nearby: Barefoot Landing shops, Alabama Theater, House of Blues.

RV Notes: Additional charges: 50 amp $5/night, resort fee $3/night, tax 12%, golf cart $5/day licensed driver only with proof of insurance ($50,000), additional vehicles (after RV and tow) $2/day 18 ft or under, $2.50/day 18 to 30 ft. No tents, self-contained RVs only. Call resort for add'l details. Office hrs Sat-Sun: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Accepts Pets: Yes

Pet Restrictions: Unruly, misbehaving, obnoxious pets will be removed from the property. Not allowed in bldgs. Must be on leash max 10 ft.

Visitor Mail Accepted: No

Visitor Mail Restrictions: General Delivery, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29598

Read 5115 times Last modified on Friday, 24 May 2019 03:39
Published in South Carolina
Rick

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