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.
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
Click on "Top Panel" to see where are and where to next
Our original thought on choosing Natchez Trace to camp at was to visit Nashville, but we never made it there. We had planned on staying for six days and moving on toward Memphis, but the couple (Bud and Melanie) next to us at Diamond Caverns were heading there the day after us so we added four more days to spend more time visiting with them. (Also, Melanie was sewing us new curtains.)
Another couple (Ron & Glenda) that we had met at Diamond Caverns also joined us a week later. On our first day there we checked out the store/cafe and met some of the local people who invited us to join them at their table for breakfast. That wound up being a daily thing. We also met three other couples there, one park ranger and his wife (Thomas & Pam), the other two (Bob & Debi) & (Rick & Kim) had also been at Diamond Caverns while we were there but we hadn't met them yet. With all the truly great people there, we added another four days to our stay.
When we arrived at the campground we went off in search of a full hook-up with 50 amps, but the only one available was in a bad location in the sun and at the time our AC wasn't working. So we then looked for a 30 amp full hookup site and found only a few of them, but they were also in full sun. So we found a great spot under the trees (I had to trim some branches while standing on the motorhome for us to back in) It was 30 amps and no septic hookup, but it was a great spot and there was a full hookup 30 amp spot that Bud and Melanie could use when they came the following day. Our park ranger friend (Thomas) set us up with a pumping service, so after five days we ponied up $10 bucks and got pumped out. When Ron & Glenda showed up, there were a few full hookup sites at the beach and we all moved over there. We occupied four of the seven beach sites for the Labor Day weekend. It was camping at its best. Thomas offered up his pontoon boat to use while he was working and once we took him up on his generous offer, we drove it back to the beach and picked up the rest of the clan and enjoyed a couple of hours out on the lake.
The weekend before Labor Day the campground hosted a charity auto show which featured mostly "Rat Rods". It was an interesting take on restoring old cars. The campground is also located right next to the Natchez Trace. The Natchez Trace is a 444-mile long national park. It's a road starting from Natchez, Mississippi extending north almost to Nashville. No commercial vehicles are allowed on the road and it has a 50 mph speed limit throughout. It followed a trail that pioneers used as they traveled north through the area. The site where Meriwether Lewis is buried is pretty close to the campground. That, and the Amish community nearby are just about the only thing to see near the campground as Nashville is about an hour and a half drive.
From what we understand about the campground is that the previous owners were going bankrupt when Thousand Trails picked it up. There are over 500 sites and it's very spread out. Because of the park's age, most of the sites are 30 amp without septic. Most of the facilities are run down and are in need of a lot of work. There are only seven sites at the beach that are near the lake that are available for "transients", the rest of the lakefront sites are annual sites. Hopefully, with enough annual sites, the park will be able to make the improvements that it desperately needs. The campground also has a lot of cabins, which we didn't learn much about. I think the number one draw to the campground is the people who live there, work there, and live nearby. Everyone we met was so nice. The other nice feature is the cafe that serves three meals a day with the best prices. Jackie and I both ate breakfast there every day for around six dollars together. I'm sure that the campground will continue making improvements and we're looking forward to our next visit.
Natchez Trace RV Camping is a beautifully wooded RV camp in Tennessee that offers camera-worthy lookouts and a relaxing getaway environment. Located right off the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace makes RV camping an adventure. Its position within an 830-acre forested preserve means fewer crowds and more privacy. This nature-focused RV camp features some of the best outdoor resources and recreation in Tennessee: a large 3 mile long lake, pontoon tours, and excellent fishing for bass, shellcracker, crappie and more.
Getting outside of Natchez Trace RV Camping can be just as exciting. Nashville offers many sports and entertainment attractions including music, theme parks, and interesting museums. Other noteworthy day trips include Loretta Lynn's Dude Ranch in Hurricane Mills and the home of President James Polk in Columbia, both of which can be easily accomplished from your home base at Natchez Trace RV camp in Tennessee.
General Policies:
Reservation & Payment Policies:
Helpful Information:
We do not allow pets in some accommodation types; however, we do allow service animals and a service animal may have stayed in a non-pet rental.
The Alabama cabin is the perfect getaway for the Crimson Tide fan. This newly remodeled cabin has everything for you to completely unwind. This cabin has 2 full beds and a nice size bathroom with a shower and is nicely decorated in Alabama colors. Be sure to enjoy the wildlife here while sitting on your deck.
The deluxe cabin sleeps 4 people and is located near the beach. These rentals include two full size beds. The back porch has a ceiling fan and patio table and chairs overlooking the lake. No pets.
The deluxe cabin sleeps 4 people and is located near the beach. These pet-friendly rentals include two full-size beds. The back porch has a ceiling fan and patio table and chairs overlooking the lake.
Welcome to the Fishing Cabin! Your perfect getaway for making memories. Screened in deck overlooking Chief Creek Lake right next to Natchez Trace Parkway. Fully stocked cabin: Towels, linens, pots, pans, stove, refrigerator, and a flat-screen TV. Sleeps 6 and 1 1/2 bathrooms
The newly remodeled Hunting Cabin is a perfect place for the family. It sleeps 6 and has 2 full bathrooms and the deck on the cabin overlooks Chief Creek Lake. Pack up the kids and food. The rest of your supplies is furnished in this cabin. A fully stocked kitchen, linens and towels, stove, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, and a flat-screen TV are here waiting on you. You and kids will make lifetime memories here.
Gather up the family and friends for a one of a kind experience at our lodge. Overlooking Chief Creek lake, this huge lodge has five bedrooms and three baths. With eight full-size beds, you can sleep 16+ people. Be sure to spend time out on the large gazebo right on the lake. With the gazebo's gorgeous, wrap-around deck, the lodge is the perfect place for outdoor weddings, family reunions or just making memories.
Phone Reservations Only - Please Call 888-551-9102 to Reserve Today .
The Nashville Cabin is the perfect place to get away and just relax. It has all the amenities of a home decorated in the music industries motif. Fully stocked kitchen, stove, refrigerator, towels, linens, microwave, and a flat-screen TV. Screened in the deck for you to enjoy the scenery and wildlife surrounding Chief Creek Lake located next to the famous Natchez Trace Parkway. Sleeps 4 with a large handicap bathroom.
The Pavilion has tables and chairs to seat 75. With a kitchen area, sink, refrigerator and more, it is an ideal location to host your wedding, reunions or party.
These three-bedroom cabins sleep 8 people and include two queen beds, two full-size beds in each room as well as one twin bunk. The large screened back porch has a patio table and chairs. Linens included. No pets.
Steps away from the lake and near a large grassy expanse, the big red barn is a great option for your wedding, reunions or party. This unique barn comfortably holds 75 and has a bonus loft space.
Venture back to the days of Route 66. This newly remodeled cabin takes you back to when times were more relaxed but has all the modern amenities. Lay back and relax on the 2 full-size beds that sleep 4 people, while watching your favorite movie on the flat-screen TV. After your shower in our spacious bathroom, go out on the screened-in deck and enjoy your favorite beverage.
These rental cabins sleep 4 people and are complete with linens and kitchens. Numbers are limited, so reserve one today. Call for availability.
These rental cabins sleep 4 people and are complete with linens and kitchens. Numbers are limited, so reserve one today. Call for availability.
Escape to the newly remodeled Tennessee cabin next to Natchez Trace Parkway. Perfect for the dedicated Vols fan!! Decorated with official orange and white Vols furnishings. The Tennessee cabin has 2 bedrooms with queen beds and sleeps, 4 people. The extra-large bathroom includes a full-size closet and a large handicap walk-in shower. This beautiful cabin features, AC/Heat, full kitchen, w/refrigerator, stove, microwave, toaster, coffeemaker and all necessary utensils to cook up a meal. After watching the game on the flatscreen TV, gather on the screened-in deck overlooking Chief Creek Lake. Memories made here will lure you back again and again.
Yuma Lakes is a private RV campground owned by Colorado River Adventures. It is also a Coast to Coast campground and typically we are the mercy of the campground to chose our site. On arriving we asked at the gate to be near friends who were already in the campground and it wasn’t a problem. The campground had the same feel as Emerald Cove but without so many boats and ATVs. Most of the campground is gravel with some asphalt streets that have no defined edges. With the exception of the sites that are leased, all the camping sites are 30 amps. Like most campgrounds, people are friendly and easy to meet. The campground puts on many activities from breakfasts to dancing. From what we were told, Internet is available, but far from good. Our AT&T Internet worked well and we were able to stream most of the time. Pedestrian access in and out of the campground available so it was easy to walk the dogs outside of the campground versus using the single dog walk on the far side of the park from where we camped. Overall, we liked the campground, it has plenty of shade for the Yuma sun. I think that the biggest drawback that I had to the park was that it is a ten plus mile drive to get to anywhere.
Type: Deluxe
Good Sam Rating: 7.5/8.5*/7.5
Address:
6275 South Ave 8 1/2 East
Yuma, AZ 85365
Phone: (760) 663-4968
Fax: (760) 663-4945
Reservations Phone: (760) 663-4968
Reservations Fax: (619) 663-4945
Resort Information: In the southwest corner of Arizona, located just 6 miles from Yuma. On a refreshing lake offering canoeing, row boating and fishing as a contrast to the desert beauty of the area. Yuma offers shopping and dining. San Luis and Rio Colorado in Mexico are a short drive away for additional touring opportunities.
Web Site:coloradoriveradventures.com
EMail:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Full Sites: 180
Check-In/Check-Out Times: 9 a.m.- 6 p.m./ 11:00 a.m.
RV Site Minimum Stay: 1 night
Peak: Dec 1 to Apr 1
Open: Sep 15 to May 14
Maximum Electrical Service: 30 amps.
WiFi Available: Yes
Maximum RV Length: 40 feet
Elevation: 0
Amenities: Recreation hall, outdoor pool, hot tub, dock fishing available, boating available, hiking trails, horseshoes, shuffleboard, canoeing nearby, row boating nearby, fishing nearby, shopping nearby, restaurants nearby, tourist attraction nearby. Internet and Wi-Fi access in clubhouse only.
RV Notes: Drive-ups not accepted.
Accepts Pets: Yes
Visitor Mail Accepted: No
I arrived at the resort and was invited to hop in a golf cart and ride with a host to pick a site that would work best for us. The campground is basically a loop around a lake, so I picked a site near the pool and not next door to anyone else. We walked around the park a bit, there are two pools, a hot tub, and a lodge. The park host was very nice and the park seemed well maintained, but we weren't there long enough to get much more than that. People who we had met at a previous park visited at the park and the next day we spent it with them at there home, so we didn't get much of an opportunity to go explore the area, other than to find a post office.
Water views and activities abound at Winter Quarters Manatee RV Resort! This beautiful RV resort in Florida boasts a fantastic central location near Anna Marie Island, Siesta Key, St. Armand's Circle, Ringling Museum and Busch Gardens. This unbeatable area also offers the finest restaurants, beaches and a wide range of water activities including sport fishing.
Winter Quarters Manatee RV Resort provides convenient access to local culture while also offering all the comforts of home within the resort. Come stay at one of the finest RV resorts in Florida. The outstanding facilities of Winter Quarters Manatee RV Resort and our fun staff will make your vacation one to remember.
We pulled into Willow Bay on a Friday morning and were greeted by a friendly young lady who checked us in. She pointed out the four sites that had septic connections and said we were welcome to choose one or any other site for that matter. The four full hookup sites had concrete pads, but there was quite a drop off to back in that our trailer hitch hit the ground preventing us from using any of them. (Later we saw a motor home pulling after dark and simply drove through the grass from another road and pull forward into a site with septic) However, the site we did pick was much better, but since the campground has no dump station, we first tried on of those. Most of the sites are in the grass and are very wide. There is a “green area” along the river to prevent campers from parking too close to the water, which is nice.
If you are looking for a nice place to sit and watch the sun set over the lake, this is the campground for you. While the area is forested with mostly Ponderosa Pines with little underbrush and very dry, the campground is acres of green grass with Willow trees throughout. The sites all have water and electricity and are really nice. There is no AT&T cell service and Verizon is very weak. The campground has no Internet what-so-ever and we couldn’t pick up local TV. This gave us lots of time to kick back enjoy the lake, the view, a gas campfire, and our fellow campers.
While there we drove into Spokane to shop and visit Northern Quest Casino and Resort. (they are currently building a new RV campground there) Also, we followed the lake / Spokane River to the dam which formed the 23-mile-long lake. The dam was built in 1915 and at the time had the highest dam spillways in the country, however, didn’t allow for salmon to pass further up river to Spokane and Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Willow Bay Resort - Advance Resorts of America
Resort ID: 2175
Type: Classic
Good Sam Rating: 4/4.5/6
Address:
6607 Hwy 291
Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026
Phone: (509) 276-2350
Fax: (509) 276-5320
Reservations Phone: (800) 445-9519
Reservations Fax: (360) 466-1398
Reservations EMail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Resort Information: Willow Bay Resort is located on Long Lake. The resort features on-site boat launch, multiple docks, boat storage, clubhouse with HD satellite, hiking trails, boathouse, laundry facilities and 24-hour security. At Willow Bay Resort and Marina swimming, waterskiing, and trophy bass fishing are right in your front yard.
Directions: I-90 at Spokane take Division Ex 281. Follow 3 mi N to Hwy 291 (W Francis Ave). Turn L and continue approx 20 mi to resort.
Web Site:araresorts.com
EMail:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Partial Sites: 100
Pull-through Sites: 20
Open: Jan 1 to Dec 31
Maximum Electrical Service: 50 amps
WiFi Available: No
Maximum RV Length: 45 feet
Amenities: Activity center, picnic tables, beach, game room, hot showers, ice available, laundry, library, movie rentals, recreation hall, tenting, TV lounge, badminton, boating available, boat ramp, paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, fishing available, horseshoe, hiking trails, volleyball, water skiing, gambling casino nearby, shopping nearby, tourist attractions nearby, boating nearby, fishing nearby, golf nearby, winter sports nearby.
Accepts Pets: Yes
Pet Restrictions: No aggressive or barking dogs
Visitor Mail Accepted: Yes
After a two and a half hour drive from Virginia Beach (70 miles), we were happy to finally get to Williamsburg. There's an unmanned gate with a keypad to let you in. Once the arm lifts, you follow the arrows on the road to the very center of the campground to the office. The office gave us a choice of a couple of sites that didn't work out and then another couple. On the second go-round, we decide on the least sloping site. We still wound up with tires off the ground to level. The campground was fine, but felt crowded and could use work on some of its sites. The office staff was extremely nice and very helpful. The pool was nice and the lodge was fine, but the games all cost money to play. Being there in June, the humidity was such that it wasn't comfortable to sit outside. But with it being so close to Williamsburg, Yorktown Battlefields, & Jamestown, we really didn't spend much time in the campground.
Williamsburg was very educational. They offer 50% off on their annual passes for veterans, so it was cheaper to buy an annual pass than a three-day pass without the discount. They also give 10% off on everything for veterans. Colonial Williamsburg is separate from the town, there are no cars and everyone working there is playing a 1776 character. Some of the actors were outstanding, especially the barber. We did find that eating there was very expensive ($7 for a hotdog) and sit-down dining was even more expensive. However at the end of the Colony is a William & Mary College store that has a coffee shop/cafe in it, which was very reasonably priced. I visited Williamsburg in the early 70's and sent my sister a photo of me in a tri-cornered hat and she sent me a photo from that trip.
We also visited the Yorktown battlefield. It is a national park so with your park pass it's free. I believe it was $14 per person without one. We took the free one hour "Ranger Tour" in which a Park Ranger walked you outside the visitor's center and told you the story of the Battle of Yorktown. This was very well done and interesting. Then we took the driving tour of the park that shows the locations of earthworks, redoubts (outposts) the surrender field, the home where the surrender was signed and other interesting historic spots. We also walked the town of Yorktown that has a nice beach waterfront area along the York River. After Yorktown, we decided to drive over to the site where the Jamestown settlement was. We checked out the glass blowing demonstration where the glassworks ruins were found, but when we got to the settlement, it was raining so we opted to skip it. With your national parks pass it was only $5. I guess we will have to come back.
After pricing Willard Bay State Park Campground, we opted for the $25 a night Willard Bay South Marina and Campground. It was pretty much one big parking lot, but the sites were well spaced, most having a covered picnic table in the grass. There was plenty of shade trees so it was a lot better than I imagined from the satellite view. Each site had full hookups, which was nice, however, the sewer system ran below the parking lot and there was a vented manhole cover just a few feet from our door. This was two problems, the smell, and the number of bugs that circled around it. Since we were staying for just two nights and weren’t planning on sitting outside much because of the mosquitos, we didn’t change sites. We probably should have, judging by the number of gnats that found their way into the coach by the second night.
While there we drove down to the historic 25th Street in Ogden, only to find that everything was closed on Mondays. So, after looking at the map, Jackie suggested that we check out Antelope Island State Park. It was a great park which featured antelope, buffalo, and lots of birds. There was a couple of campgrounds a visitor center, and a burger stand, which featured buffalo burgers. We were assured that the buffalo came from South Dakota. We didn’t go for the buffalo, but both our hamburgers were outstanding. We learned the history of the island and of the Great Salt Lake and how the level of the lake changed over time. Perfect, if you’re into that sort of thing like we are. The Visitor Center also had this cool birdhouse.
Overall, the park nice enough and would be great if you had a boat. (just don’t park near a manhole cover) On the upside, we did see a pair of great horned owls and a couple of beautiful sunsets. On the way out, you exit through the park gate and then there is about a mile of straight two-lane road and halfway down the road is a second gate which has two concrete bollards sticking up right in the middle of the road splitting the lanes. If you’re not paying attention….
(from Utah State Parks) Boat, swim, water ski, and fish on the warm waters of Willard Bay. Camp under tall cottonwood trees that frame the night sky. During winter months, Willard Bay is a wildlife watching area for nesting eagles. Two areas, North and South Marinas, offer all the amenities for a weekend at the Bay.
When we pulled in and walked into the office we met the owner and another couple who were living there. Our timing was good because those folks turned out to be some of the nicest people. They invited us over for a Saturday morning breakfast and we got to know them better along with several other campers. We picked a 30amp pull-through site. It was tight and on grass, but not too bad. We walked around the park which was nice, with lots of trees, a couple of ponds complete with ducks. We did notice that most of the campers were older and many lived there full time. There's a pool, but not heated, horseshoe pits, a laundry and not a whole lot else in the park, except for some really nice people.
We did find that if you're willing to drive a little from the park, there are beautiful white sandy beaches and many other outdoor activities. We drove down to Pensacola Naval Air Station and visited the free Air Museum. It was one of the best air museums that we've seen and it was free!
Type: Deluxe
Good Sam Rating: 8/7.5/7.5
Address:
24280 Patterson Rd
Robertsdale, AL 36567
Phone: (251) 960-1195
Fax: (251) 960-1196
Reservations Phone: (251) 960-1195
Reservations Fax:
Reservations EMail:
Resort Information: Located on I-10 22 miles west of Pensacola, Florida and 27 miles east of Mobile, Alabama. Miracle Strip beaches and other historic sights all within a short drive. Area attractions: Six golf courses, the Naval Aviation Museum, excellent deep sea and freshwater fishing, hunting, canoeing and other water sports.
Web Site: wildernessrvpark.com
EMail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Full Sites: 71
Pull-through Sites: 71
Dry Sites: 6
Check-In/Check-Out Times: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m./ Noon
Open: Jan 1 to Dec 31
Peak: Jan 1 to Apr 30
Maximum Electrical Service: 50 amps
WiFi Available: Yes
Maximum RV Length: Unlimited
Elevation: 0
Amenities: Recreation hall, outdoor pool, fishing available, horseshoes, pavilion, picnic tables, bird watching, laundry, propane, golf nearby (6 courses), fishing nearby - deep sea and fresh water, beach nearby, tourist attraction nearby, Nearby: Miracle Strip beaches, Naval Aviation Museum, water sports. Wi-Fi and Internet access in the clubhouse.
RV Notes: Additional charges: 50 amp $2.20/night including tax. Wi-Fi access in the campground.
Accepts Pets: Yes
Pet Restrictions: No more than 4 pets per rig.
Visitor Mail Accepted: Yes
Below is a link to the Thousand Trails Campgrounds that we have visited.
- Indicates Trails Collection Resort