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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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 19:33

Cultus Lake RV Campground

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Cultus Lake 1000 Trails RV & Camping Resort

     As luck would happen, we arrived at the campground on a Sunday of a three-day Canadian holiday, so the campground was quite full.  We drove into the campground and found no place to disconnect the dinghy and had to squeeze through the maze of cars and RV with the coach, car attached.  Working our way to the back of the campground we didn’t find a single site deep enough to fit us until we got to an area that was backed up to the storage area which was previously designated for tents.  The site was in a zoo of cars, boats, tents, and RVs, I was about to pass it up when Jackie decided it would be our spot.  She had walked ahead of the coach to find a site while I was working my way through the maze.  The campers around the site offered to move cars and boats and even guide us in.  Based on the friendliness of the people around, we took a very tight spot with only 15 amps.

     The campground was such a zoo and with a lack of phone and internet, we contemplated leaving the next morning.  We didn’t.  For a fee, the campground offered the internet and gave us a password that was good for just one device and 24 hours.  On our second day, I got smart and set up my directional antenna and connected with a repeater and a router, which allowed us to connect any of our devices.  On the last day of the holiday, the campground had thinned out a bit and it was more welcoming.  We took advantage of the pool and explored the area a bit.

      Our first venture out we went to Bridal Veil Falls and then to Hope to see the Othello Tunnels (being that it was BC Day, the tunnels were so crowded we passed on visiting them.  Jackie wanted to do lunch at a real authentic Canadian restaurant, so she picked Tim Hortons, where we were expected to have a donut with our sandwiches.  From there we headed to Harrison Hot Springs which was a neat touristy town with a beach, swimming lagoon, shops, and restaurants.  Because of the smoke, we couldn’t see much of the beautiful landscape also, I had hoped to visit Devil’s Gate, but it was too close to the fires.

      On a second outing, we drove just a mile or two from the campground to Teapot Hill trailhead.  Round trip to the top and back was just over three miles and a thousand foot elevation change.  The hike was very enjoyable because, on your way up the hill, previous hikers had left teapots of every variety semi hidden along the trail.  I don’t really know what I’m going to do with 50 plus teapot photos, but oh well. We passed people of all ages, everyone having fun spotting teapots, forgetting the steepness of the climb.  We even met one young lady with a teapot of her own to hide. 

      The visit turns out to be a success, smoke, holiday, and all.  Most of the people we met in the campground loved it and come back to it over and over.  On our way back across the border, we got some extra fun when we were detained for a half hour or so,  while the border guards decided that even with a common name, I was safe to allow back into the states.

 

   A Fraser Valley RV campground providing a fun getaway for all ages

     Come to Cultus Lake RV Resort and we'll make sure you have an outstanding time! From endless nearby hiking trails, water activities and the picturesque location of Fraser River Valley, Cultus Lake RV Resort is the perfect retreat for all ages. Avid fisherman can try their hand in the renowned Vedder River, the mighty Fraser River or Cultus Lake. Excursionists will love the shopping, miniature golf, water parks, ice cream and more found a short drive away in town.
     On-site activities won't disappoint, as swimming in the heated outdoor pool and enjoying the indoor game room are great for both children and adults. Additionally, this Fraser Valley RV campground offers a diverse set of sites, ensuring each guest will enjoy their experience to the fullest. Take your pick! Be close to the pool, near the river, in a wooded area or away from it all. Even better, our 24-hour ranger is always on site to take make your stay better in any way possible.
     Less than 20 minutes down the road is the city of Chilliwack. Here you can enjoy the perks of a big city without the big city crowds. Catch a movie, watch live entertainment, dine out or pick up some groceries to take back to the resort. Book your Cultus Lake RV Resort camping trip today!
Read 2698 times Last modified on Friday, 24 May 2019 03:49

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