Roughing It Right: A Candid Review of Our CampSite Experiences

Shakeout Trip

Looking for honest campsite reviews? Read about our experiences at various campsites, from amenities to surroundings, in this candid blog post.

NATIONAL PARKS

​Grand Canyon Mather Campground: Site 44

​A good location for visiting the South Rim and no issues accommodating total rig length of 45 feet.  Heavily wooded, deployable solar would be beneficial for penetrating heavy foliage coverage.  Batteries held up during 11-hour breaks between generator cycles.  The campground was a bit busier than expected over Thanksgiving weekend. 

Site Characteristics

Yosemite Upper Pines Campground: Site 42

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A good location for hiking to Vernal and Nevada Falls.  We completed the round trip via the Mist trail which has some rocky/steep scrambling to the John Muir Trail which was shorter and mainly a gradual descent through switchbacks.  During winter, this is the only RV/Trailer campsite open so it can get busy on weekends with tent/car campers too.  No issues parking trailer with ample parking for tow vehicle. The campground is heavily wooded so deployable solar might be handy for those without a generator.

Site Characteristic

RV PARKS

Coyote's Keith RV Park, Clayton NM: Site 11

Located off Highway 87, the park has full hookup and easy pull through sites.  Flat open terrain and a good overnight stop along the highway. Easy to make reservations through website and an honor system for paying camping fee using provided envelopes and a drop box when management is not onsite.

J&J RV Park, Kanab, UT: Site 29

Located on east end of town with full hookup and easy pull through/back-in sites.  Good basecamp option for visiting Wire Pass Trail and/or the wave if you win the lottery. There are two nice grocery stores a few minutes into town and Escobar's Mexican Restaurant seemed to be local favorite. There was a waiting line for a table, however, we were no willing to wait.

Knox Butte RV Park, Albany OR: Site 42

Located off Interstate 5, the park has full hookup and relatively easy back-in sites.  Park was heavily congested but suitable for brief overnight stop.

HARVEST HOSTS

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​Humming Desert Alpacas, NM

Host very accommodating, no issues backing-in or running generator overnight.  We were provided with an informative discussion on the operation of the micro ranch.  There is a tight cattle guard entrance into the community that is even tighter exiting due to the cliff drop off on the driver's side when swinging out to align and clear gate.  Mixed feelings about the overall experience.  NM weather is not similar to Alpaca native habitat, therefore the animals are likely stressed during hot summer months.  Also, we absolutely support small businesses but not necessarily a fan of feeling obligated to purchase something as part of the experience.    

Mid America Air Museum, KS

Planned stay but could not make it time to visit the museum.  Did a drive-by the following day and will likely stay next time we are passing though the area.         

MILITARY BASES

FamCamp McConnell AFB, KS: Site 2 

Hardstand pull through sites that filled up quickly as nighttime approached.  Good overnight stop. 

FamCamp Kirtland AFB, NM: Site 28

Spacious RV park with several hardstand pull through sites.  Good location for restocking and minor maintenance/repairs.  Costco and Home Depot only 15 minutes away out the Eubank Blvd. Gate.  Also, our new favorite Mexican cuisine restaurant is only 25 minutes away.

Desert Eagle RV Park, Nellis AFB, NV: Site 164

Huge RV park with 222 full hookup sites.  Excellent staff and well maintained.  Snowbird haven and quite full during winter.  The park host several social events thanks to the large semi-permanent community.  The premium sites are very spacious and the standard sites comfortably accommodating.  Site 131 is a good standard site if no premium sites available.  Catch Thunderbird overflights and the strip is only 25 minutes away.    

FamCamp Edwards AFB, CA: Site 28

We will likely not return to this base for the following reasons.  First, the site is several miles off the highway (CA-58) and the Outdoor Recreation (OR) staff were not terribly friendly - very transactional.  Entrance for the OR office is not well marked and the building parking lot is not conducive for parking with a trailer.  During our visit, the main full hookup site was not available due to ongoing construction, so we boondocked in the gravel overflow lot.  According to the website, construction is scheduled for completion in December 2023, so possibly the new year will bring better experiences. 

FamCamp Beale AFB, CA: Site C2

Like Edwards AFB, a bit of a haul from the interstate, but a tranquil space to catch a beautiful sunrise overlooking grasslands and rolling hills (website header image).  Overall, the park appeared fairly well maintained albeit a bit full with permanent party and long-term guests.  Home to U2 reconnaissance aircraft, plenty of opportunity to watch them fly pattern work if you are an aviation enthusiast. 

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