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.

 

 Day Use Fee Symbol burnedOpen Year Round Symbol burned30 amp Symbol burned50 amp Symbol burnedWater Symbol burnedCampfire Symbol burnedTenting Symbol burnedCabin Symbol burnedHandicap Symbol burnedHiker Biker Camp Symbol burnedRestroom Symbol burnedShower Symbol 3 burnedPicnic Area Symbol burnedPicnic Shelter Symbol burnedPlayground Symbol burnedDump Station Symbol burnedPets Symbol burnedFirewood Symbol burnedHiking Symbol burnedBike Path Symbol burnedBird Watching Symbol burnedWildlife Viewing Symbol burnedScenic Views Symbol burnedDisc Golf Symbol burnedFishing Symbol burnedBoat Ramp Symbol burnedBoating Symbol burnedPaddling Symbol burnedKayaking Symbol burnedBeach Access Symbol burned

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

South Carolina

South Carolina (3)

Tuesday, 21 May 2019 04:08

The Oaks at Point South

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The Oaks at Point South, South Carolina

      I don't even know where to begin with this campground.  It is a Thousand Trails park so that we figured it was nice enough to book for a week giving us time to visit Savanah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina.  Because of a visit to the hospital in Florida, we cut two days off the front of our stay, then after getting there, we cut two more days off of the end of our stay.  We stuck it out for three days so that we had time to spend a day in Savanah and a day in Charleston.  Both cities are beautiful and worth a long visit, but not while at this campground which is halfway between the two cities.  When we arrived at The Oaks, it was flooded.  A lot of the campsites were underwater and not usable.  Some were underwater and had RV in them.  A few like ours had enough gravel that we could get in and out of the coach without swimming.  But if you stepped off the gravel...  (like when I hooked up my utilities) you sank in the muck.  With so much standing water, the mosquitoes ruled the day preventing you from staying outside longer than necessary.  There are RV's that have been there for years rotting away, some partially covered with plastic tarps. The lady who worked in the office was very friendly but seemed clueless to the condition of the park.  When we asked about it, she said that the park was located in the "lowlands" and that was to be expected.  (We drove to the KOA park next door and it was very nice)  One positive note, the small pool was well maintained and looked inviting. Thousand Trails needs to do a lot more than just adding gravel to this park.  We will never return there.  

     While we were there we drove an hour south to Savanah and took a free walking tour of part of the city.  The young lady that was giving us and four others the tour was very knowledgeable about the city and its history.  I can't say enough about how beautiful the city is.  The squares, parks, and buildings are amazing.  We definitely want to return and spend more time in the city.  The stairs in this photo were typical of the many row houses throughout the city. I can't express enough my good impression of this city.  The following day we drove an hour north to Charleston.  It too has a fascinating history, only we didn't do a tour.  (next time we need too)  We walked down Market St. then turned onto "Rainbow Row" (a street lined with colored row houses)  At the end of the street was a seawall that paralleled some of the nicest biggest homes that I've seen.  This led us to White Point Gardens, a public garden beside the water that offers paved paths, military statues, canons & picnic areas.  At the southern tip of the gardens is Oyster Point where locals gather daily to fly large Confederate flags (and other flags as well) in protest of something.  I'm not sure what though.  The people on the other side of the street protesting the protesters told us that it was because 12 years ago South Carolina removed the Confederate flag from the capital building.  However, I think there is more too the story than that.  

 

Lowcountry RV camp near historic Savannah

     Experience the beauty, relaxation and the perks of nature at The Oaks at Point South RV Resort. Within 45 minutes of this Lowcountry RV camp, you'll find attractions like Hilton Head, historic Savannah, Georgia, and the Atlantic Ocean. Our campground also boasts a convenient location near Interstate 95, allowing all of our guests to enjoy everything South Carolina has to offer.

      Back at the resort, guests can look forward to an array of activities. Test your hand at mini golf, go for a swim, enjoy fishing or hit the trails for a hike. We're pet-friendly, so don't forget your four-legged friends!

Monday, 20 May 2019 20:18

Huntington/Firefox KOA

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Huntington / Fire Fox KOA, Milton, West Virginia

     We don't usually stop at KOA campgrounds, but this was the only campground in West Virginia along our route that worked without going too far out of our way.  The campground has long pull-through sites but were very close together.  If everyone would have parked their cars or trucks in line with their RV then it would have worked.  For some reason, they didn't.  After speaking with the camp host the prior night about two trucks that would need to be moved for me to pull forward to get out, both were still parked the next morning so we had to figure something else out.  I still had the dinghy attached and didn't want to disconnect to back out.  The large 5th-wheel a site over from me was also blocked by the same two trucks and frankly, our front in.  If I backed up some, then he could fit. (I was still on my jacks)  The folks on the other side of him parked their truck behind him half in his spot so he couldn't back out.  So I quickly got things stowed away, he backed up as far as he could so that I could pull forward in front of him and head out the wrong way up the street.  That worked, I hope that he got out as well.  

     Other than the tight sites, the campground was quite nice.  It had a sandy beach on one of the three ponds with large floating toys for kids to play on.  It had a few nice rental cabins along one of the ponds.  The tent sites were set up really nice and you could even rent sites that featured patios complete with furniture and a nice fire pit.  Overall the campground was pretty decent, better than other KOA's that we have visited.  It's a great one or two-night stop-over right off the freeway.  We would return if our travels bring us that way again.  

      WELCOME TO THE BEST CAMPING IN WEST VIRGINIA. YES, WE ARE OPEN ALL YEAR AND RV'ERS, CAMPERS, AND TENTERS ENJOY OUR FULL HOOK-UP SITES. WE ALSO HAVE SIX CABINS, BOTH RUSTIC AND DELUXE!
     Welcome to wild and wonderful West Virginia! This KOA is on the western edge of the state where Southern hospitality is still in fashion and every camper is a special guest. Enjoy the beautiful campground amenities and helpful staff. This KOA can accommodate any camping unit - from the smallest pup tent to the largest big rig. Drop in for an overnight stay or plan your vacation for several days. The campground is conveniently located adjacent to I-64 in the western Metro Valley region of West Virginia between Huntington and Charleston. Plan a trip to local attractions such as the Blenko Glass Company or take an excursion to the Mountain Lakes region. Make this KOA your base camp to enjoy all the tri-state area has to offer. Max pull thru 80 feet. Your hosts: Brent and Sheila Andrews, owners.
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

Campground Menu

 

Our Route

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Our Travels

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