Elkhorn Campground

OK for overnite stay – restrooms/showers unexpected nice surprise

Most recent stay was overnight July 7th 2017 We camp in a Little Rig "Tear Drop” style RV only 15' long w/o toilet or shower ~ plus we like to eat outdoors using the picnic table and set up our dining canopy for sun and weather protection and thus rely on condition of campgrounds facilities and being nearby our site ~ so our critique is focused in that area.

We did get close to the restroom/shower building – across the roadway from our site#12. The building was newly built with modern fixtures. Restrooms and showers are all in same large room separated by stalls with communal sink area in the open. Showers are full tiled floors and walls, with ample hooks and adjacent changing area with portable stool in a private stall. Missing is a rubber floor mat as you exit the shower that would keep your feet off the wet floor. At the communal sink area, missing are convenience items like paper towels that could be used to help clean up after use – very messy and also need hooks between the mirrors for your hand towels and small shelves for your toiletries stuff.

Over all the camp was well groomed and tidy, with all level sites, a sparkling swimming pool, mini golf, kid’s playground etc. Our site was a W&E only but the camp had a nice dump station adjacent to the restroom/shower building. The roadways are paved as are some sites, while others were gravel and grass mixed. There is some grass covered greenspace between sites, not as tight or crowded as a KOA for example, but still narrow. Some sites like ours were in the hot sun with no tress for shade, while others had ample shade. It rained heavy during our stay for about 2 hours and our site had poor drainage leaving muddy pools of standing water although the sun helped to dry it up somewhat. This was an overnight stay camp for us; for others it might a destination because of activities and the fishing in the river that backs the camp. Also City of Frankfort isn’t far away and there are things to do and places to visit if you’re planning a vacation in the area.

Base Camp near Historic Triangle Jamestown/Williamsburg/Yorktown

Most recent stay was July 2nd thru July 5th 2017 ~ We camp in a Little Rig "Tear Drop” style RV only 15' long w/o toilet or shower ~ plus we like to eat outdoors using the picnic table and set up our dining canopy for sun and weather protection and thus rely on condition of campgrounds facilities and being nearby our site ~ so our critique is focused in that area.

Yes we did get close to the restroom/shower building an older/dated facility showing its age, needing a little updating. Shower stall area had communal changing/drying off area with a long bench, plus hooks and cubby hole shelves for your stuff; all nice conveniences. Shower stalls were separated with a shower curtain, but a convenience item would be to add rubber floor mats to keep feet off wet floor during dry off time. Communal sink area was messy and also needed paper towels that could be used to wipe down area after each use, also needed hooks for hand towels and small shelves for toiletries

This is a county government operated park and the grounds were well groomed albeit it needed maintenance. Interior roadways were asphalt and sites were grass mixed with gravel. However, they were in need of repairs like new asphalt to fill pot holes in roadway and gravel to cover dirt in sites. It rained during our stay and site was muddy and the roadway potholes filled with water [see my photos] All this resulted in unpleasant stay – questioned camp staff and was told work orders were submitted long ago but have been waiting for public officials to authorize funding and assign job to contractor.

Shenandoah National Park-Big Meadows

A great campground within the park

Most recent stay was June 23rd thru June 26th 2017 ~ We camp in a Little Rig "Tear Drop” style RV only 15' long w/o toilet or shower ~ plus we like to eat outdoors using the picnic table and set up our dining canopy for sun and weather protection and thus rely on condition of campgrounds facilities and being nearby our site ~ so our critique is focused in that area

We had reservations in Big Meadow Campground [recommended] and our site B107 was very close to the restroom [several placed throughout the camp]. It had flush toilets, sinks with luke warm water, and electrical outlets. The showers [private lockable rooms] were further away; the only one in camp near the entrance in vicinity of the check-in ranger station. Restrooms were cleaned twice a day [am/pm] but showers once daily [am] and they ran out of hot water every night due to full campground; best to take showers early am and bring extra quarters – in case you can’t finish in allotted time. Each shower room was cheery and bright with modern fixtures. The walls and floors were full on tiled, had a bench and ample # of hooks for towel and clothes but no rubber mats to keep feet dry when toweling off. Overall still a good experience using both facilities

All roadways and sites are paved with mostly level sites though some are not and you’ll need blocks. This is a dry campground (no hookups) although there is ample # of water spigots near all restrooms. The campground is laid out in two loops; 1 has pull-thru and back in sites and has more shade than the other loop with more open back in sites and a separate area for walk-in tent sites which had (4’x 4′ x4′) “bear-proof” food boxes; don’t use your tent or coolers left outside to store food.

The campground is about 3400′ whereas the valley below is around 1000’. Summertime temps can soar to over 100 degrees in the valley, but is usually in the 80’s in the park’s campgrounds. Big Meadow is a great location for a base camp as you explore the park [its very large] to hike the many trails – including the Appalachian Trail which runs through it and be sure to visit the several visitors centers to gather more information of things to do. Don’t miss driving Skyline Drive taking advantage of pulling off the side of the road at the many overlooks and don’t miss the lodge. A camping trip to the Shenandoah is a perfect place to get away from the typical tourist traps laced with commercialism if you want to unwind turn off the phone and enjoy nature along with the peaceful solitude it has to offer

The actual “Big Meadow” area is about a mile away from the campground either by car or paved bike path. That is where there the Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center is along with a camp store. You can get or sign up for park tours and talks there. Big Meadow Lodge is also nearby and a lookout over the valley below. You’ll see great sunsets if the haze clears

Prophetstown State Park Campground

Excellent State Park – 3rd visit now

Most recent stay was June 6h 2017- I'm "late" in posting my review ~ We camp in a "Tear Drop” style RV only 15' long w/o toilet or shower ~ plus we like to eat outdoors using the picnic table and set up our dining canopy for sun and weather protection and thus rely on condition of campgrounds facilities and being nearby our site ~ so our critique is focused in that area

Liked our site #210, was in newer section of park right next to restroom albeit it had no shade trees unlike the older section that did. Modern restroom/shower building; very roomy with ample # of stalls with full tiled walls was clean and well kept. Each stall had bench in changing area and ample hooks for towels and clothes. Nice conveniences but it would be nice if there were rubber floor mats as you exit shower to keep feet off wet floor. Communal sink area had shelves for toiletries beneath each mirror but no hooks for hand towels and no paper towels for cleanup after use leaving sinks somewhat messy.

Overall grounds were well cared for; grassy areas surrounded sites that were large and flat with gravel and level and good distance way from neighboring sites. Minimal vegetation between sites for privacy but time will tell. This state park gets a high rating and will return when in the area.