Camp with 360-degree views in the Sacramento Mountains!
We loved this campground and were absolutely blown away by the views! Nestled beautifully at the base of the Sacramento mountains, the sites are tiered so you’ll get an almost perfect view of the mountains in the back and sides with full valley (and sunset) view in the front. Although “officially” rated for 35-max, you can definitely fit bigger in here and our 40-footer was amply comfortable in site #2 (which we also deemed one of the nicest sites in the campground, by the way). All sites are well-separated, gravel surface with picnic table, fire-pit and selection of 30Amp/water or primitive. Upper sites are, in general larger and more flat than some of the lower-loop sites. A few have shelters too. Location is perfect for visiting White Sands and nearby Alamogordo. Overall we had a blast hiking the trails, soaking in the views, oohing at sunsets and just relaxing in the shadow of the gorgeous mountains. A wonderful campground and I’d recommend it for everyone.
NOTE/ Our $4/night rate reflects rate paid with New Mexico Annual Camping Pass
More pics and info here:
http://wheelingit.wordpress.com/2011/04/23/sp-campground-review-oliver-lee-memorial-state-park-alamogordo-nm/
Extra Info: Verizon full signal both for smartphone and aircard. Sites cost $10/night for developed (non hook-up), $14/night for water/electric (30 Amp). Camping fees can be covered with New Mexico Annual Camping Permit. 7 sites reservable, other 37 first-come-first-serve. On-site dump station.
A unique and gorgeous campground within the rocks!
This campground is ALL about the rocks and it’s 100% worth it for that alone. The City of Rocks is a surreal cluster of gorgeous rocks located in the middle of nowhere half-way between Deming and Silver City. There’s a small selection of 10 very nice, huge (enormous) electric sites with 30Amp/water just outside the rocks and then there’s 45 sites of varying size within the rocks themselves. The road around the loop is very bumpy and for bigger rigs the best sites seem around #2 (at front), #16, 17 (reservation) or #27-29. For medium-sized rigs there’s alot more choice. There’s also several miles of hiking trails, a lovely overlook and hours of fun getting lost within the rocks. We had a blast hanging out here and would recommend everyone to experience this unique spot at least once in their lives.
NOTE/ Our $4/night rate reflects what we paid for electric hookups using New Mexico Annual Camping Permit
More info and pics here:
http://wheelingit.wordpress.com/2011/04/27/sp-campground-review-city-of-rocks-nm/
Extra Info: Amazingly we had full 3G Verizon signal for both the smartphone and aircard. Sites cost $10/night for developed (non hook-up = 45 sites), $14/night for water/30Amp electric (10 sites). Camping fees can be covered with New Mexico Annual Camping Permit. 8 sites reservable, others are first-come-first-serve. On-site water spigot, but NO dump station.
The main interest at Koreshan is the historical Koreshan Settlement which is on-site and I do think it’s worth the stop to have a look. The Koreshanites believed the entire universe existed in a hollow sphere and built an elaborate colony in Estero led by their charismatic leader, Dr. Teed where they researched their beliefs and educated their followers. All the original buildings are preserved and it’s a fascinating little visit. Other than that the campground is nice but only so-so. Sites are a tad close for our liking and some are rather small, although access is decent everywhere. There are good facilities and a nice, little nature-trail. There’s also a river on-site which lends itself to fishing and canoeing. This place doesn’t really have enough of a draw for us to come back, but we enjoyed the stay and historic visit and would recommend it as a one-time stop-over for others.
More info and pics here:
http://wheelingit.wordpress.com/2010/12/02/sp-campground-rating-koreshan-state-park-estero-fl/
Extra Info: Verizon aircard and AT&T both workes. Sites are reservable $26/night with 30AMP & water. On-site dump station. Laundry.
Overall I have to admit we were slightly dissapointed in this campground especially given all the hype it seems to get, plus the elevated price. There’s no doubt the nearby beach (a few miles away) is lovely and the fact there’s a gorgeous off-leash dog-beach is a huge bonus, but the campground itself was not all there. It’s clearly an older park and the palm and oak trees are well overgrown which means lots of low-hanging branches, tight roads and difficult access for big rigs, despite long (and in general spacious) sites. It took us 40 mins to get into our first site (#93) which was almost at 90 degrees to the road with very tight trees and, once squeezed in, we got a standing ovation from the crowd that had stopped by to watch the show. In the pet section the beginning (sites 87-103) are the tightest and I wouldn’t recommend them for any big-rig. The road and sites are easier to access nearer the back (site numbers 109-116) and on the right-hand lagoon arm (#128-138). Also, I would definitely recommend booking water-side. The back pet-section sites are up against a dead stream and heavy in mosquitoes, and the pull-throughs tend to be very tight. On the positive side there’s decent hook-ups (20/30/50 AMP and water) and for the sites facing the water you have a really nice “sitting area” and view of the lagoon (where the sun sets too). The park does get fully booked on week-ends with locals, and a tad noisy, but is very calm during the week. The rest of the Island is also quite nice with lots of areas to kayak, miles of gorgeous beach and picnic areas. Overall, I would say we loved the dog beach, and we thoroughly enjoyed sitting in front of our RV and watching the sunset on the lagoon, but the tight acess took a few years off my life and for the price it doesn’t get into our favorites.
More info and pics here:
http://wheelingit.wordpress.com/2010/11/29/sp-campground-rating-fort-de-soto-tampa-fl/
Extra Info: Verizon aircard worked flawlessly. AT&T was weak, but worked. Sites are reservable $40/night for water-front with 20/30/50AMP & water. Separate pet section. On-site dump station. Laundry.
Bike some of the raddest mountain bike trails in FL!
We chose this stop mainly to visit one of Paul’s old buddies and ended up really enjoying our stay. This is a very new campground located on 6,000 acres of natural land with over 20 miles of horse-trails, hiking, fishing, kayaking and some of Florida’s most challenging mountain bike terrain (as accredited by the International Mountain Biking Association). The camping sites are laid-out in an open grassy area and are large, flat, paved sites with 50Amp/water and nice separation between campers. Most have an open view of the grounds plus a select few (#27, 4, 5, 6) with lake views There’s a lovely lake and playground area in the middle of the two camping loops. During the week this place clears out and you have an entire wilderness area to yourself. It tends to fill up with locals and horse-campers on the week-end. Lithia is not exactly a destination location, but I have to admit the mountain biking here (built on an old phosphate mine) is an unique draw. We spent a lovely week hanging out by the lake, biking on the trails and spotting wildlife (gator, wild boar and birds). A very cool place and we’d definitely come back to stay.
More info and pics here:
http://wheelingit.wordpress.com/2010/11/18/sp-campground-rating-alafia-river-state-park-lithia-fl/
Extra Info: Verizon data worked flawlessly, AT&T cellphones worked barely. Sites are reservable, $22/night for 50Amp electric/water with selection of back-in and pull-through. On-site dump station.
A relaxing stop along the Silver River in North-Central Florida
This is one of the newer Florida State Parks and I consider it a bit of a hidden gem. The sites are huge (enormous), perfectly flat and with wonderful separation and all the roads are large, paved and with easy access even for the biggest rigs. The park is set alongside the very pretty Silver River which provides canoeing, hiking and biking (no swimming because of the gators however). It's only a few miles to Ocala and the surrounding towns & shopping yet it feels very remote and peaceful. The only negative is that the area (North-Central FL) doesn't have alot of attractions so it's not exactly a destination locaton. The lack of people does, however, mean the campground is pretty empty most of the time. We spent a nice quiet few days here exploring the park, hiking the trails and visiting the on-site museum. A very nice stop and we'd definitely stay here again if we were driving by.
More info and pics here:
http://wheelingit.wordpress.com/2010/11/14/sp-campground-review-silver-river-state-park-ocala-fl/
Extra Info: Verizon data and AT&T cellphones both worked here. Sites are reservable, $24/night for electric/water with selection of back-in and pull-through. On-site laundry and dump station.
This was a wonderfully relaxing campground and we genuinely enjoyed our stay here. The campground itself is in heavy oak forest with sites on cleared-out areas. They’re very basic to look at, but have all the amenities with WiFi, cable, full hook-up and some larger pull-through’s for those that need them. Some campers are a tad tight, but the trees give separation and a relaxed natural feel. Facilities are great, spotlessly clean and there’s even a laundry on-site. The best part is that you’re only a minute’s drive (or short bike) from the fishing pier and gorgeous driftwood beach. Jekyll Island also has biking trails, restaurants and shops so you’ve got access to “civilizaton” if you want it. There’s quite a few people who spend winter here and with the great monthly rate ($475 all-included with cable, WiFi, hook-up etc.) there’s many who come back year after year. We spent the week-end walking on the beach, chatting to the neighbours, biking the Island and enjoying the nature. We’d definitely come back.
More info and pics here:
http://wheelingit.wordpress.com/2010/11/06/sp-campground-rating-jekyll-island-ga/
Extra Info: Free WiFi and cable. $32/night for back-in full hook-up (winter rate of $475/month all-inclusive). Small central store, laundry, propane and dump station on site.
Well, if you love beach it really doesn’t get much better than this! This park is completely enclosed by the State Preserve. So, you’re smack in the middle of a gorgeous coastline surrounded by forest and wilderness. The beach is literally right in front of the campground so no-one is more than a minute walk from the water, and amazingly, it’s almost completely deserted (most mornings we had 4 miles of beach almost entirely to ourselves). You’re also only ~15 miles from “civilization” on St Helena and within a short drive to historic and trendy Beauford.The sites are basically just cleared-out forest spots so they can vary a bit in size, firmness and access. Towards the back of the park (away from the beach) the sites are firmer but the roads are *very* tight with trees and not for the faint of heart if you’re driving a big-rig. The front (beach) area is sandier, but more open access. Most sites are heavily forested, although there’s a few open spots and some of the spots at the very front have beach-views. All have water/electric (either 30 or 50 Amp) with picnic table and fire-pit. Overall it’s an older park (w/ older facilities), but in the most amazing location and very pet-friendly. We’d come back again and again just for the beach and gorgeous surroundings.
More info and pics here:
http://wheelingit.wordpress.com/2010/10/30/sp-campground-review-hunting-island-state-park-sc/
Extra Info: No connectivity here, but we were able to get on-line with Verizon using our external antenna and amplifier. $26/night for water/50AMP electric sites (special monthly winter rate of $300/month after Thanksgiving). Small central store and multiple dump stations on site.
You really can’t get a much better deal than this! For $5/night you’re in a secluded and peaceful forest campground. It’s right off Hwy 26 and close to Whitmire, SC yet feels like it’s way out there. The campground is basic and primitive, nothing but forest ground and vault toilets here, but the surrounding area is lovely with over 30 miles of horse/bike/hike trails and lots of space for yourself and your furry friends. The campground attracts hunters and horse-men, so there’s plenty of room to fit big-rigs. This is a very basic campground, but it’s wonderfully peaceful. Great dry-camping spot and one to keep on the list!
More info and pics here:
http://wheelingit.wordpress.com/2010/10/23/nf-campground-rating-brick-house-sumter-national-forest-whitmire-sc/
Extra Info: Amazingly both Verizon datacard and AT&T phones worked. Primitive sites only (no hookups). $5/night. NO water or dump.
This is a gorgeous, deep-forest campground with lovely flat and shaded sites just ~6 miles from downtown Asheville, NC and right next to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The sites offer a selection of either water/sewer or electric hook-up and there’s always a set of first-come-first-serve for those non-reservation folks like ourselves. The whole area is part of Pisgah National Forest and is a hiking and biking paradise with miles of different trails right on your doorstep interspersed beautifully with forest, the lake, streams and creeks. To top it all off Asheville and the surrounding area is super dog-friendly allowing dogs on all trails and in restaurants with outdoor spaces. So, you can have an expresso downtown in the morning, go for a bike-ride with pooch in the afternoon and relax by your campfire in serene forest in the evening. Another keeper-campsite for us, for sure!
More info and pics here:
http://wheelingit.wordpress.com/2010/10/20/nf-campground-review-lake-powhatan-pisgah-forest-asheville-nc/
Extra Info: No connectivity here, but we were able to get internet w/ Verizon using our external amplifier and antenna. Selection of reservation and first-come-first-serve sites. Sewer/water or 50 AMP hook-ups. Sites are $23/night for sewer/water, $25/night for electric. Central dump and potable water. Fishing pier and swimming beach on Lake Powhatan.
