Monday, 20 May 2019 20:00

Grayland Beach State Park

Written by Rick

Grayland Beach State Park

Our visit to Grayland Beach State Park was picture perfect! It was very hot in the city and the beach was wonderfully cooler at 75 degrees. We had been told by Jackie's sister that the park was really nice, in fact, her favorite. We got there and found out why. The park was beautiful. All the sites were paved, level and very clean. The site with yurts also had very long driveways with room for large RVs. There are three loops along the beach and a few pull-through sites along the road between them. The photo here is what woods is like along the beach. There are a couple of loops as you enter the park before you get to the beach area that is also paved and clean, but the woods are denser and I notice that there were more bugs further from the beach.

Jackie's sister Tammy and her husband Eric were at the campground already when we arrived. They joined us for a hike out on the beach which was wide and flat. Just north of the park, there is a beach access where people can drive onto the beach. Not sure how I feel about that. After dinner (in town at the local tavern) we came back and spent the evening sitting around the camp fire listening to Eric tell stories about their Africa trips.

Overall, I can't say enough good things about the park. According to Tammy and Eric, it is one of the best birder campgrounds around. We are looking forward to our next trip back. To get the better sites along the beach you need to reserve way ahead of time. We got lucky this go round. When I go back, I'd be happy to get the same site again.

It's nice to have long arms when taking a "selfy" Jackie and me on Grayland Beach Washington.

Published in Washington

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Monday, 20 May 2019 19:58

Grandy Creek RV Campground

Written by Rick

Grandy Creek 1000 Trails/KOA Campground, Concrete, Washington

Grandy Creek is a combined Thousand Trails / KOA campground. Half the sites have a blue electrical connection for TT and the other half yellow for KOA. I stopped to put diesel in the motorhome and Jackie drove ahead and got to the campground to find a site before I got there. This actually worked well. It was a Saturday morning and the campground was pretty full. Being that it was a beautiful sunny summer weekend, we expected it to be full and to be full of kids, it was. The park was perfect for that with a huge inflated play area and lots to keep kids busy.

Our site had a full hookup, but not all the Thousand Trails sites did. The campground had just a small rec-room for kids and a store, but no other clubhouse or lodge like a lot of the Thousand Trails campgrounds have. The pool was nice, it had an adults only hot tub and an hour a day for adults only. Most of the campsites are wooded but there a couple of very large fields. Kite flying seemed to be very popular when we were there.

Another big plus to the campground is its location. Just to the east is the Northern Cascade National Park. We drove up to Baker Lake one day and Diablo Lake the next. Both lakes are a beautiful aqua blue color from glaciers. This is one of the most beautiful and scenic areas in the state. It is worth the short drive up to check out the mountains and lakes so close by. Stop at the Visitor’s Center in Concrete to get a map of the area and then stop at the North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem for complete information about the area.

On a side note, we saw three different campsites that had mesh cat "tents" at La Conner and so we thought we'd get one for Abbott because he wants to be outside with us but refuses to go on a leash. It's working fine for him now, but at first, he didn't care for it much. However, the dogs love to be in it. We might need a second one.

Enjoy a beautiful natural setting at the base of Mount Baker with easy access to North Cascades National Park, Baker Lake and of course our very own Grandy Creek running along the edge of the campground. Take a day trip to Bellingham, the San Juan Islands or British Columbia - the beautiful Northwest is at your disposal.

This campground features long Pull-Thru RV Sites (up to 90 feet) as well as Tent Sites and Camping Cabins. Enjoy a game of mini golf, volleyball or basketball, swimming, a hayride and the Jumping Pillow. Hike the campground trails and make new friends in the Family Center or at a pancake breakfast or an ice cream social.

Located at the base of Mount Baker, Grandy Creek RV Campground offers a gorgeous natural setting just a short distance from North Cascades National Park. Complete with planned activities, hiking trails and super, friendly staff, we're confident you will feel right at home at this Puget Sound RV campground. Saturdays are especially enjoyable for the kids - as we offer all-day activities including the popular Jumping Pillow!

Off-site adventures are at your fingertips! Take a day trip to Bellingham, the San Juan Islands or British Columbia. Don't wait! Book your stay at Grandy Creek RV Campground. We offer a variety of accommodations, including long pull-thru RV site, as well as tent sites, and two-room cabins. Thousand Trails

Published in Washington

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Monday, 20 May 2019 19:56

Grand Canyon Trailer Village

Written by Rick

Grand Canyon Trailer Village RV Park

Trailer Village RV Park, what can I say. The best thing about the RV park is its location, right in the middle of the West Grand Canyon Rim National Park. The RV park and the National Park are better described separately. The RV park has over 100 pull-through sites of varying length and facilities. We did manage to reserve a site long enough for our coach, but we had to cheat and park the dinghy off the driveway and in the camping site. Actually, most of the sites had about ten feet before the next site began and it sort of felt like a parking lot, although there were trees. The biggest issue I had, (and I’m sorry to admit this) is that there was no cell or Internet service. At least not via AT&T. However, we did find plenty to do without the internet. But at the end of the day, it would have been nice to send pictures back to friends and family. (with 5 million people visiting the Grand Canyon every year, you might think that the Internet would be a no-brainer) But like I said, the park’s greatest asset is its location. From there, we could walk to the rim and follow it to the west to the end of the “tourist area” and take the free shuttle back to the campground. On the second day, we walked the east end of the rim trail from the campground. If you have a couple of days to spend in the park I would very much recommend this RV Park for its convenience.

The one thing I can’t express enough about the Grand Canyon is its overwhelming awe power. When we saw the canyon for the first time, it was truly intense. The size and the beauty that just can’t be caught in a picture. This is a place that everyone should put on their bucket lists. We couldn’t get enough of it and fortunately the rim trail is several miles long. Long enough to get out of the public from time to time and just enjoy its beauty for ourselves. Not only is its beauty a great part of its attraction but the history of the canyon itself is very interesting as well. We also took our car along the rim to the east twenty-five miles to Desert View Watch Tower. Along the way we found several spots to stop and take photos of the canyon. Unfortunately, we got there too late in the evening for things to be open, but just in time for the sunset. The park is well maintained, most trails are paved and except for the east end of the rim trail, bicycles are not allowed. The one thing I did notice about the tourists in the park is that they were more than willing to step off the trail and hang out over the canyon for the perfect photo shot. It was pretty scary to watch at times. The other thing about the park is that they don’t sell bottled water. You have to buy their twenty-dollar souvenir water bottles and fill them with spring water from several different locations throughout the park. However, they are not working until summer, so while there, in late May we were hard-pressed to find drinking water short of going back to the campground. Overall, we loved the park and plan on returning often. I would recommend buying $80 one year National Park pass that’s good for four people. It’s $30 to enter the park each visit.

GRAND CANYON RV'ING AT ITS FINEST

This is the trip your RV was made to go on. Trailer Village® RV Park is the only in-park RV park with full hookups and it's incredibly close to the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Set within a high desert landscape, the Trailer Village RV Park is a paved pull-through site perfect for vehicles up to 50 feet long. Best of all, it's open year-round.

FULL RV HOOKUPS INSIDE THE GRAND CANYON

Important information:

Check-in time: 12 p.m.
Check-out time: 12 p.m.
Quiet hours: 10 p.m. - 8 a.m.
Charcoal fires only. No wood fires allowed.
Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Please clean up after them.
Due to water shortages, washing your vehicle is prohibited.
All trash must be placed in dumpsters.
Satellite users: The Grand Canyon's ZIP code is 86023

Hours of Operation (Registration Kiosk)

Jan. 1 to March 25 = 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
March 26 to Oct. 21 = 7 a.m. - 9 pm.
Oct. 22 to Dec. 31 = 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For guests arriving after the Registration Kiosk has closed for the day:

If you have a guaranteed reservation, a notice will be posted on the welcome building door with your last name, reservation number, and the site number you are assigned to.
If you do NOT have a reservation, there will be a sign posted at the welcome building with available sites listed (if any).

Published in Arizona

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Monday, 20 May 2019 19:54

Gateway to Cape Code RV Campground

Written by Rick

Gateway to Cape Cod RV Campground, Rochester, Massachusetts

Gateway to Cape Cod falls in the category of a campground vs. a resort. The camping sites were large, treed, and all have fire rings and a picnic table, so it gave you the camping feel from the get-go. The section that we camped in was mostly people camping and not residing in the campground, which added to the camping feel. The campground also has many resort-like amenities, like a pool, tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts. (although the courts were far from level) There is a snack bar/restaurant opened for three meals on most days and there seemed to be plenty of activities going on. On the downside, the rec-room and the mini-golf course might need of some TLC and the dirt roads had several potholes that you could swim across. Overall, the campground had a warm welcoming feel to it and is definitely one we would return to. As it happened it was also a great place to meet new friends.

The campground is located at the base of Cape Cod and is only a half an hour drive from Plymouth to the north and New Bedford to the south. Both towns are rich in history, which is always fun for us. While we were in Plymouth the Draken was in town our tour. The Draken is a replica of a Viking ship used a thousand years ago. We also drove out to Provincetown (P-town) at the very tip of the cape. (the spot where the Pilgrims actually first landed in Nov. of 1620) As it turns out Provincetown is home to and a destination point to a large LGBT community which made for a very enjoyable if not colorful visit. We will have to return when we have more time, we made the mistake of driving out there on a Saturday and the slow traffic ate up most of the day.

A peaceful hidden gem Cape Cod RV resort
Explore The Cape with a visit to our Cape Cod RV Resort. Conveniently located near ocean beaches, Gateway to Cape Cod features RV Camping access to beautiful, wooded sites and an array of amenities and activities to enjoy. Explore the scenery along bike paths, spend a day splashing in the ocean, fish along the shores or get out on the water in a kayak or canoe.

Gateway to Cape Cod RV Resort is a true hidden gem. It's close to attractions like Plymouth Rock yet away from the hustle and bustle. Our friendly staff looks forward to helping you create a memorable vacation, whether you prefer to unwind by the campfire or pursue more adventurous activities. Our Cape Cod RV Resort encompasses the essence of a true Cape Cod vacation.

Published in Massachusetts

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Monday, 20 May 2019 19:53

Foss State Park

Written by Rick

Foss State Park, Foss, Oklahoma

As we continued our drive west across Oklahoma we picked another state park near I-40. The park is located about 13 miles west of Clinton or 5 miles north of Foss depending on which direction you're driving on I-40. We reserved a pull-through site right on the lake for a couple of nights. We got there to find that all the sites were very nice and all paved with plenty of room. There are a few campgrounds in the park and we chose Cedar Point for its lakefront sites. We also found that this campground has a marina, a laundry, disc golf, kayak rentals, and showers.

On our second day there, we took a short drive back into Clinton and checked out the Indian Casino just east of town. It wasn't bad. They offered $10 or free play and in the end, I was up $5 and Jackie $20.

Foss State Park is located in western Oklahoma on Foss Lake. Recreational activities include hiking, biking, disc golf, horseback riding, fishing, boating, swimming, and camping. Facilities include 108 RV campsites, 10 of which have full-hookups and 98 that are semi-modern. All sites offer 30 amp or 50 amp service plus water. Big rig sites, shaded sites, and 103 tent sites are also available. In addition to the tent and RV sites, the park also offers two fully furnished cabins, one of which is ADA compliant, available for reservation at the park's main number. While Foss offers an equestrian camp featuring a multi-purpose trail for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking, horse rental is not available. Plan your next group retreat or family reunion to Foss Lake and take advantage of the park's five palapas at Sunset Beach, air-conditioned enclosed shelter meeting space, picnic areas, group picnic shelters, grills, fire rings, comfort stations with showers, lighted boat ramps, boat storage, boat rentals, playgrounds, swimming beach and seasonal marina.

Published in Oklahoma

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Monday, 20 May 2019 19:51

Fort Myers Beach RV Resort

Written by Rick

Fort Myers Beach RV Resort

We pulled into the park on a Saturday morning to find no one in the office, but we did find a package with campground information, our name, and site number. Once at the site, we found it to have no power. We picked another site close by which worked out. The resort was more of just an RV park. There is a pool and a few other amenities, but not really resort material. It looks like they are adding new power locations for sites, but they are located right at the road and too far to reach from your RV and they impede pulling forward out of your site. The roads are very narrow and are all one-way roads with every other alternating. The sites are set up like pull-throughs, but with the one-way roads, you need to pull forward into them and back out of them. The park is nice enough and the people we did meet were very friendly, however, we never did meet any staff.

The park is located very close to the beach, which is why we chose it in the first place and Fort Myers Beach is very nice. While out on the pier we got a close look at pelicans diving from the pier's handrails to catch fish. We also got to watch a pair of dolphins swimming about. Near the pier is a nice area with shops and places to eat.

A tropical Fort Myers RV campground in Florida
Tropical paradise is the norm when you book a stay at Fort Myers Beach RV Resort. Our impeccably landscaped grounds, clean facilities and unbeatable Ft. Myers location make this Florida RV park a place to remember. Speaking of unbeatable location, guests at our Fort Myers RV campground have access to nearby islands like Sanibel and Captiva. Spend a day exploring the beaches of Southwest Florida or stay put and relax at the resort.

At Fort Myers Beach RV Resort, an array of activities and amenities are available to all of our guests. Swim laps in our heated pool, work up a sweat in the fitness center or spend a day at the spa. For bookworms, find something to read in our library.

Get ready to sit back, relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine and tropical breezes. The staff at Fort Myers RV Resort looks forward to hosting your next Florida getaway.

Published in Florida

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Monday, 20 May 2019 19:50

Fiesta Key RV Resort

Written by Rick

Fiesta Key RV Resort

Our trip to the Keys took us across Florida on 41 (Aligator Alley) Unfortunately, it was during quite a downpour. Finally, when we got to US-1 the rain stopped and our trip south through the keys was sunny and bright. When we arrived we were assigned a site too small for our RV and the park was flexible enough to move us to another spot. Being May, the resort was less than a 1/4 full. The section that we were assigned had been rebuilt after the last hurricane, so everything was new and nice. However, no one caught that they installed the water and electrical on the wrong side of each site. In the resort is a bar and grill called the Lobster Crawl which is very nice. I understand that on Friday and Saturday nights, there is live music, but we arrived on a Monday. The pool is beautiful and elevated a bit giving you quite a view of the ocean. The resort is located about a third of the way down the keys, which worked great for us to drive the car the last hour and a half down to Key West. I would definitely visit here again. The resort is part of the Thousand Trails (Trails Collection) but with new restrictions put on the Trails Collection resorts, we reserved it through our RPI membership which actually was a couple of dollars cheaper. My only complaint about the park is that when other RV friends of ours decided to meet us for lunch, the park wouldn't let them drive their coach in, even though there was plenty of room to park near the Restaraunt for an hour or so.

The drive to Key West is beautiful and a bit frustrating. The speed limit changes often and there are several speed traps along the way, yet people are so impatient that they are willing to pass anywhere. In Key West itself, tourist rent scooters and are zipping about town, (no helmets) without a care or thought of pedestrians or traffic. The town is fun, with lots of shops, bars and places to eat. We visited the furthest point south, which I don't think is, Fort Zachary Taylor, Mallory Square, and just walked about town. Two cruise ships were in port, so there were lots of tourists. I'm looking forward to a return trip some year.

Find your paradise in the heart of the Florida Keys at Fiesta Key RV Resort! Enjoy the tropical feel of our spacious 28-acre resort located on our own private island. Surrounded by the incredible Gulf of Mexico, Fiesta Key has an on-site marina, and plenty of areas where you can take in the ocean views, or relax and enjoy the sunset. We offer full amenities, and fun vacation activities to keep you busy throughout your vacation. Hook up your RV, check into one our rentals or pitch your tent! Popular nearby attractions include Long Key State Park, the Dolphin Research Center and Bun n' Mary's Dive Center. Don't miss out on this fabulous RV resort located in one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States!

Experience paradise in the heart of the Florida Keys at Fiesta Key RV Resort! Tropical breezes wash across the grounds of our 28-acre resort located on our own private island. Surrounded by the breathtaking Gulf of Mexico, Fiesta Key RV Park offers plenty of ways to enjoy the Florida sunshine. In addition to the gulf, you can take a dip in our pool or spa. An on-site restaurant offers convenience while a bar on the beach and, WiFi hotspots are added bonuses.

Hook up your RV, check into one our rental cottages, or pitch a tent! Don’t miss out on this fabulous RV resort located in one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States! Popular nearby attractions include Long Key State Park, the Dolphin Research Center and Bun n’ Mary’s Dive Center.

Published in Florida

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Monday, 20 May 2019 19:43

Diamond Caverns RV Resort

Written by Rick

Diamond Caverns RV Resort & Golf, Park City, Kentucky

We pulled into Diamond Caverns just as another Mandalay was pulling out. We chatted with them for a few minutes and they suggested taking the spot that they had just left, they said the neighbors were nice. So we did and they were. The campground office is outside of the campground across from the driveway and the sales office is located where you would think to park and register. But I guess everyone is used to people being confused so it isn't a big deal. There is also a golf course and condos associated with the campground but that's a couple of miles back toward the highway. Once in the park we found our spot and plugged in, which tripped the 100 amp breaker feed six other 50 amp sites down the row. Like most parks, the electrical has a lot to be desired. We were able to get everyone back up and running and only tripped the breaker a few more times during our ten-day visit. The park has a mixture of 30 and 50 amp sites. Most of the pull-thru sites were 30 amp. The facilities were a bit worse for ware. Overall the park is nice enough, but really needs a lot of repair and upkeep. We had the great fortune of meeting several new friends there and with that, the worn conditions of the park mattered less.

There is very little phone service and even less Internet. We purchased a week from the private contractor who set up some directional antennas to feed the park. (unfortunately, none pointing toward us) So even after paying $25 for a week, it was still iffy for streaming, but okay for email. The Internet in the "Spa" was better and free. What used to be a spa is now a lounge, library and weight room and they still refer to it as the spa. The other thing about the campground is, that it's located near a gun range. We heard shooting the whole time we were there, but on the weekend it was non-stop shooting from 7 am until dark.

During our stay, we did have a thunderstorm come through and strike close enough to cause a surge that caught our microwave on fire filling the coach with smoke. It went out on its own and seems to be working just fine. That was enough for me to install a permanently mounted surge protector. (one of the perks of being a retired electrician) It didn't take long to install and has a built-in time delay before its contact close allowing surges to dissipate before it closes. However, I found the low-voltage trip feature gets lots of use in these il-wired parks.

While we were there, we took a tour of Diamond Cavern. It's a wet cave, so it has a lot of geological features. It's located right at the entrance to the RV park. We also went to Mammoth Cave Visitor Center and learn the history of the cave and the area. We had planned to tour part of the cave, but I was dealing with vertigo and we never went, but plan to return. A half an hour drive south of the campground is Bowling Green where we donated to Camping World and visited the Corvette Museum. That was worth the $10 admission if you're into Corvettes and by law, being that I'm a male in my mid-fifties I have to be. One of the most interesting things about the museum is the sinkhole that swallowed eight Corvettes a few years back.

18 Hole Golf Course at Diamond Caverns RV Resort & Golf
Diamond Caverns RV Resort & Golf Club offers the best in family vacations and southern hospitality. With a unique family atmosphere.

We offer full hook-up sites, including water and electric. Additionally, Diamond Caverns RV Resort has 2 bedroom accommodations equipped with a nearby pool. Book your next getaway with this Mammoth Cave RV campground.here, this RV Resort near Mammoth Cave National Park has 743 acres designed for relaxation and exploration plus an 18-hole golf course. Diamond Caverns RV Resort boasts walking, hiking, and biking trails, along with other area attractions.

Published in Kentucky

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Below is a link to the Thousand Trails Campgrounds that we have visited.

- Indicates Trails Collection Resort

Our Route

Click on map for a larger, slower view.

Our Travels

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Where We Are Now

Where We Are on the Map

Where to Next

Rick n Jackie

Our Visit

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Campground number one hundred twenty-one.