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 21:48

Moody Beach RV Campground

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Moody Beach RV Campground, Wells, Maine

     We were informed that there was no way that we could check-in before noon, however when we arrived well before that, there was no problem at all.  A camp ranger loaded us up in a golf cart and took us out to pick a site.  Friends we had met in Florida were there and we were hoping to camp close to them.  The campground has a section of 50 amp sites and a section of 30 amp sites with one row of 50's in the middle.  Of course, our friends were in that row.  The campground was booked solid so we had the choice of the only 50 left (at the far end of the campground) or take a 30 near Jim & Fen.  We opted for the 30.  The site we picked ran parallel to the road which was a first for us.  It actually worked out fine, but it was very tight.  It also put us with our door away from the road so that we when we sat outside we were hidden from everyone.  We enjoy meeting new people so this arrangement wasn't the best for us.  We did, however, meet the folks camping on the next road sharing the same yard.   All in all, it was fine.  The campground has a nice pool and a lot of the usual amenities for a Thousand Trails park, but most were very run down and not used.  (no pickleball)  Overall, the campground was pretty good, the 30 amp sites were all in the trees so that there was enough shade so that only running one AC was fine.  

    The location of Moody Beach is great.  I believe they offer a shuttle to the local beach, there is a fun center just outside the gate and the small town of Wells is a touristy town with lots of shops and restaurants.  On our first night in Maine, we went out for a lobster dinner.  The lobster was the best, but the restaurant wasn't what we expected.  For that kind of money, I expect to be waited on and served on real plates.  However, we were with good friends so it was a fun memorable experience.  One day, we explored the coast to the north up to Portland and one day to the south down to Portsmouth.  We had a couple great days exploring parks, lighthouses, small towns, and taking photos along the way.  At Dyer Point, the rocks looked so much like wood I had to grab a small piece to be sure.  While at Portland Head Lighthouse we spotted a small whale, but weren't able to get a photo of it.  The coast of Maine is absolutely beautiful.  On our next visit to the state, I hope to explore the rest of the coast.  

Coastal RV Camp in Maine
     If beauty and serenity are at the top of your list, then booking a Moody Beach RV Camping trip is the ticket to an enjoyable retreat. Just minutes from Ogunquit Beach, this RV camp in Maine offers activities that represent authentic coastal living. Get extreme with whale watching or deep sea fishing. Shop, hike or walk along the beach. Maine is known for its seafood, so be sure to enjoy the many great restaurants nearby.

      Reserve a spot today at Moody Beach RV Campground in Maine. The beautifully wooded area will provide peaceful views for your entire stay. Tent sites, full hookup pull thru sites and rentals accommodations are available for all of your camping needs.

Read 4851 times Last modified on Friday, 24 May 2019 04:42
Published in Maine
Rick

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