56 replies to this topic

[Stromtrooper]

We reserved site #282 (online) at Twin Harbors State Park to go surfing in Westport for the weekend.

 

Our site was horrible with ultra bad smoke and overcrowding to the max. 

 

We went to front desk for site change / refund. Front desk informed us that vans and campers and FWC's were not allowed at tent sites and that we must park amongst the RV's. 

 

My Tacoma and FWC take up the same amount of space as any of the tent campers' cars jeeps edsels pickups minivans or vans. 

 

Rule was made by the Park Manager and may not be in place state-wide but is a steaming pile of BS either way. 

 

Thanks to the park employee who did issue us a refund for our site and reservation fee. 

 

Anybody else have issues with this kinda thing? We have a call in to the Manager - keep you posted. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Bill D]

A Four Wheel Pop-up Camper is a camper.  This is why we get to use RV only campgrounds.

[rando]

Unless you are planning to sleep in a tent, I don't think this sounds that unreasonable.   Vehicle length is not the only factor here - often only some of the sites have a suitable place for a tent, which is why they are designated tent sites. 

[Bombsight]

Seems as though the smoke issue could be rectified via park service but the crowd issue is just a jagged pill. You either want it or you don't.

 

How was the surf?

[Bill D]

Unless you are planning to sleep in a tent, I don't think this sounds that unreasonable.   Vehicle length is not the only factor here - often only some of the sites have a suitable place for a tent, which is why they are designated tent sites. 

 

Agreed.  It's not a pleasure pitching a tent in a site that does not have a flat soft spot designated for a tent.

 

RVers often run generators, bring bicycles, toys, children, dogs, tiki torches, patio lanterns , outdoor picnic table shelters etc. etc.  Often it is a totally different vibe than tent camping.  This is the reason that I personally chose none powered sites at campgrounds with RVs.  It's closer to tent camping, but has level hard pack, suited for a vehicle to be parked on.

 

​I don't think it's anything to get frustrated over, there are simply different sites suited for different usage.  And the goal of the park is to try to accommodate everybody.  Not an easy task during the peak season. 

[Seth]

A good campground host should be negotiating with the owners of smokey campfires! It's kind of a horrible experience to be in the path of the smoke.

[BillTheHiker]

Maybe travel with a small tent and pitch it, but sleep in the camper.

[DavidGraves]

We have encountered the same thing in a Texas state park.....was sort of a pain to have to sleep in an asphalt parking area with other "RV'S".

 

It may have been that the crowding in your case and ours prompted the strict interpretation of the rules.....think of it from another tent campers point of view.

 

On the other hand, go for remote camping, respect the land and never tell the crowds where you have been !

 

David Graves

 

a VERY crowded north Oregon coast.

Edited by DavidGraves, 09 July 2017 - 07:44 PM.

[Advmoto18]

Over crowding at coastal PNW campgrounds is just to be expected this time of year.

 

We were down wind from the only camper within miles north of Trout Lake in May.  Of course, once we had our site all setup and enjoying the scenery, our neighbor, 200 yards away, fired up the smokiest, stinkiest material possible.

 

So crowded, or not, try to avoid down wind of your camp fire neighbor.

[Outnabout]

We just returned from a trip to Canada. No problem camping in any site and the campgrounds were clean and well patrolled. It seems that camping in California is getting worse in regards to parties, generators, dirty restrooms, and lack of proper management.