The latest news about camping and developments in North American campgrounds and RV parks from Janet Groene.
DISCLAIMER: These news items are believed current at press time but conditions are still changing quickly, not just because of COVID but because of other factors such as highway conditions. Phone the campground. Don’t rely solely on websites, GPS or Facebook. Full facilities and activities may not be open. Seasons and COVID restrictions vary. Get specifics about rates, campground facilities, reservation policies, campsite size and shape and the condition of access routes. No endorsement of any campground or product is implied by this reporter nor this website.
FULL ALERT: Throughout the U.S. and Canada, campsites are being added at a rapid rate but, because of distancing, fewer campsites are available until the pandemic is over. It’s more important than ever to have reservations. Be aware of reservation fees, cancellation requirements and current campground rules.
DATELINE: January 30, 2021
ARKANSAS RV PARK APPROVED
Just south of Route 330 in Fort Smith, approval has been granted for a new, 27-acre RV park near the Arkansas River. Expected to have a boat ramp, 107 paved RV slots, a swimming pool, restroom and a playground, it will also have a resident manager with an apartment, office and retail space. It’s slated to open in 2022. Known for its vibrant downtown and national trolley museum, Fort Smith is a popular stop for RV travelers following the Trail of Tears. For updates on the progress of the unnamed RV park as news becomes available, visit fortsmith.org.
BRITISH COLUMBIA CITY PARK TO REMAIN CLOSED
When the present contract expires on March 31, the present operators don’t care to renew and no plans are in place to continue the city’s operation of the Mount Baker RV Park at Cranbrook. It closed last October and would normally open on April 1. To continue the campground, major expenses are required for a new washroom and an overhaul of electrical, water and sanitary infrastructure at a cost if $1.3 million. The future of the RV park has yet to be decided. The Mount Baker RV Park is not to be confused with Baker Park, which is flooded in each year for ice skating.
CALIFORNIA KOA IS REBRANDED, NOW INDEPENDENT
Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort, formerly Willits KOA, opened under its new name on December 1 as a year-round resort with 50-amp power, seasonal hot tub, spaces to 60 feet, Wi-Fi, cable TV, snack bar, camp store, clubhouse, video arcade, RC track, mini-golf, dog park and catch-and-release fishing no permit required. (707) 459-6179 or visit mendocinoredwoods.com.
FLORIDA CITY APPROVES RV PARK PLANS
Some years ago the land along U.S. 17 in Southwest Florida was platted for a subdivision but that wasn’t to be. Now the 91-acre plot, which is said to include a flood plain, is slated to become a 439-site RV park. No permanent residents will be permitted. The project is so preliminary that further plans, or a name, are not available. Check with the Port Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, (941) 627-2222.
MICHIGAN CAMPGROUND PLANS OPENING SOON
An opening date for this year hasn’t yet been announced but Otter Lake Campground and Lodges in Munising has new owners and plans galore for a family campground filled with fun. Adjoining Hiawatha National Forest in the Upper Peninsular, the 57-site campground is dog friendly and has a playground, electric and non-electric sites, modernized bathhouses, laundry and rental canoes, rowboats and kayaks. RV rates range from $35 for 20 amps to $50 nightly for a lakeside, 50-amp site. Reservations are open at (855) 723-3662.
MINNESOTA CAMPGROUND COMES WITH PIZZA
The Backyard on Amnicon Lake, formerly known as Amnicon Acres, is now open under new owners in Summit. Loyal fans will be glad to hear there is no change in the famous pizza that the place has always been known for. The campground has 48 campsites, a laundry, a small camp store at the bar and 10 slips on the lake. Look for changes and improvements to be made in the spring. (715) 399-8443
MISSOURI KOA HAS SPECIAL WEEKEND IN MAY
Plan to be in Springfield for the May 14 weekend and a special price deal at the KOA. They call it The Big Weekend, a good time to enjoy all the pleasures of a destination campground as well as the awesome galleries of the nonprofit Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium a short drive away. Give it an entire day. There are endless things to see (don’t miss the Penguin Encounter) and three places on the site to eat. At the KOA rent a pedal car, mine for gems, play yard games and enjoy a spacious, full-service RV site. At the same time you’re helping KOA raise funds to send kids with cancer to KOA Care Camps. More info at KOA.com and WondersOfLife.org.
NEW YORK RV PARK, MARINA NOW WITH SUN RESORTS
The Association Island KOA Campground at Henderson Harbor on Lake Ontario has been bought by Sun Resorts, owners of 400 leisure properties including some of the nation’s most popular RV resorts. Known for its sailing, boating, fishing charters and exclusive island setting, the RV campground has full hook-ups. At press time, reservations are being accepted for the 2021 season. (800) 393-4189
OKLAHOMA STATE PARK HAS FALL FOLK FEST
Mark your calendar now and make reservations as early as possible to camp at Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow, during the annual Folk Festival and Craft Show. It’s scheduled for November 12-14. Just in time for the best of fall color, be there for music, old-time crafts demonstrations, an outdoor food court and one-stop holiday shopping for hand-crafted treasures from wood toys to homemade quilts. The park has several campgrounds with water and electric hookup, most with 50-amp service and some with sewer. (580) 584-3393.
PENNSYLVANIA CAMPGROUND HAS NEW OWNERS
On the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River near the historic town of Milford, River Beach Campsites is on 18 wooded acres. The Main Camp has RV sites with water and 30-amp electric, a short walk from the camp store and bathhouse. The Main Camp Seasonal overlooks the river, has water and 30-amp electric, and is also a short walk from the bathhouse and store. Focus at this campground is on river recreation including boat and canoe rentals. The colorful town offers antique shops, art galleries and restaurants. The surrounding Poconos offer hikes through waterfalls and forests on the McDade Trail. No changes have been announced to date. Get current updates at (800) 356-2852
Stay Tuned
Parksville, British Columbia, will soon have a new development with an 84-site RV campground, restaurant and outdoor swimming pool. It’s to be built on the old Beach Resort site.
Read more of Janet Groene’s Campground and RV Park News and updates here.
Janet Groene is the author of more than 25 books including Living Aboard Your RV, 4th Edition, available at Amazon.com. Her new Farley Halladay book, “May Misfire, a Yacht Yenta Mystery,” is available at Amazon.com. See Janet Groene’s weekly Solo Woman posts at SoloWomanRV.
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