Sandpiper RV Resort on Stewart Beach at Galveston Texas

January 9, 2018July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

You can’t miss the Sandpiper RV Resort after you get off the free ferry and drive towards Seawall Blvd. Sher and I saw the large sign for the park as we headed towards a local CVS store.

When I stopped later at the office, a very nice fellow told me that yes, they did have a back in space available. At $40 (using a 10% senior discount) we decided to stay, considering that I was told that the park WiFi had been upgraded last summer and was very strong.

Paved roads, level concrete pads.

This is a nice park. The sites are all on concrete with paved roads. It has full hook-ups including cable TV and the so-called upgraded WiFi. Yes, that is our only complaint about this park. When we were able to connect to one of the several routers, the load speeds were very slow, and connections kept cutting out. This was very disappointing as the office had said the WiFi was strong.

If you don’t care about having good WiFi then staying at Sandpiper RV Resort is a decent choice.

On the road to Galveston, Texas via the Bolivar Peninsula

January 8, 2018July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / 2 Comments

Today we headed to Galveston Island from the town of Winnie, home to the large flea market known as Larry’s Trading Days. The direct route took us down to the Bolivar Peninsula, a very narrow spit of land with the Gulf on one side. Most of the way the road ran right next to the Gulf shore.

We stopped at the sign for a historical marker and ended up at a fascinating park that was once an artillery battery that was built in 1925. Fort Travis had several gun emplacements and several magazines.

There’s our RV on the ferry

View of Galveston from the ferry

We then went on down to the free ferry that runs daily from the south end of Bolivar across the water to Galveston Island. We had a little delay for the ferry, as we did not make the cut for the first ferry that came to the dock and had to wait for the second ferry boat. The ferry ride was really pretty cool as we saw lots of large ocean going cargo ships.

This is a Pilot boat that leads the huge cargo ships in and out of the harbor

Sher and I are planning on seeing the sights here in Galveston for at least a day or two. We’ll let you know what we see, and we’ll give you all another campground review as well.

Rio RV Park has recovered from Hurricane Harvey

January 4, 2018July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / 2 Comments

When looking for an RV park east of Houston that accepted Passport America Rio RV Park on Turtle Bayou made my short list. We ended up stopping here after our drive from Austin. I did call ahead to make sure there was space available. The Passport America rate was $22.00/night.

The park is right off of I-10 near Wallis. A very nice husband and wife couple are managers. We were escorted to our site, and given a choice. We opted for a newly placed concrete pad, a back-in site.

New, level concrete pad with full hook ups

The hurricane had flooded the lower level of the park. Our hostess said that four (4) units were swept away and the water level was neck high! Our site was part of the reconstruction.

Looking up to the upper level, laundry restroom building on the left

This is a very nice park that is gated at night. Local over the air TV is more than adequate, and free WiFi is available anywhere in the park. The WiFi service is pretty good, however it did slow considerably in the evening. There is a nice restroom and laundry building. We recommend the Rio RV Park. Here is their website.

Home Sweet Home: An RV park in Texarkana, Texas

December 29, 2017July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

Home Sweet Home RV Park just west of Texarkana, Texas is a comfortable full hook up RV park. This is not a large facility (48 sites) but the sites are level on stone. The roads are stone and wide enough for easy driving of any size rig. The park has both back in and pull thru sites. Sher and I recommend this park if you are in the Texarkana area.

The normal rate is $30 a night, but we used our Passport America card and only paid $15. For a park with full hook ups and free WiFi, fifteen bucks is a great deal. The hook ups included cable TV. The WiFi worked well, although I had to re-connect a few times the morning we left. Note that all of the electric shore power posts have 50 amp plug configuration. You’ll need an adapter for your 30 amp plug. There is an on site laundry.

Wide gravel roads and level, stone base sites

This is a unique park in that the office is located in the Tire Store next door. Make sure to call ahead to let them know you are coming. The office is open from 8 to 5:30. We arrived right at 5:30 and were met by the park host. He showed us our spot and said we could go to the office in the morning to settle up. This is a very nice, no frills RV park. The management couldn’t be nicer and willing to help in any way. Here is the Home Sweet Home RV Park website with all pertinent information.

Passport America saves 50% on camping plus get 6 months free membership

December 28, 2017July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

If you have any plans for any kind of camping and plan on staying at commercial parks and campgrounds, you owe it to yourself to invest in a membership in Passport America. This discount club offers half price camping at over 1900 campgrounds across the US, Canada and Mexico. The yearly fee is only $44.00, and if you join through our member number, C-647737 thru January 2018 you will get 6 months free membership.

Some of the features that come with membership:
All new International Camping Directory with nearly 1,900 RV Parks and Campgrounds
Personalized embossed 50% discount camping card
FREE trip routing, campground updates & valuable info on-line 24/7
FREE Smart Phone App with complete park listings and “Find Park Near Me” feature
FREE RV America E-Magazine with updates on new parks
A friendly and professional staff who is always happy to serve you!

A welcome sign to see at your next campground!

This is a no-brainer, folks. You will pay for the membership after a couple of nights of 50% off camping fees! On our way from Indiana to Texas we have saved $30 in camping fees and stayed at nice RV parks with WiFi and full hook ups. Remember to join with our referral number C-647737 before the end of January 2018 to get 6 months free membership! Go to the Passport America website for information and to join! You’ll be glad you did.

Tanbark Campground near Nashville accepts Passport America

December 27, 2017July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

About 45 miles west of Nashville, Tennessee on I-40 you will come across the Tanbark Campground. It is very close to the interstate Exit 163. We found the campground on the Passport America website. We got to the grounds at about 5 in the afternoon on the day after Christmas. We had left central Indiana on our way to Texas and were hoping for some warmer weather. Alas, the overnight low was to be 20, according to our host and campground owner Richard Reifer.

The office building with the restrooms

Our site was very close to the office, gravel base and very level. With the temperature being low, we did not have water hook up, though the spigot did function if I needed water. We did not need or use the restrooms or laundry. No cable, but over the air TV from nearby Nashville provided ample channel selection. Of note is the very good free WiFi available. As most RV’ers know, free WiFi advertised at most RV parks is somewhat of a myth. Not so at Tanbark: the WiFi was strong and we both had our laptops in use with no slowdowns or interrupted service.

The sites are fairly close together. Our was on gravel but was level. Roads are well maintained gravel.

While we stayed only one night, your PA card is valid for three nights except on holidays. The PA rate is $14, and checks or cash are the only accepted payment means. This is a comfortable, reasonably priced facility. There is gas and food at Exit 163 which is most convenient. Yes, we would recommend Tanbark Campground. The phone # is 615-441-1613, and here is their website.

Deer Ridge Camping Resort is one of Indiana’s finest

July 21, 2016July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

Welcome sign

Nestled right off I-70 at Exit 153 the RV traveler will find a delightful campground. The Deer Ridge Camping Resort is close to Richmond in the far eastern part of the state, between Indianapolis and Columbus, Ohio.

This RV park is one of those campgrounds that immediately makes you feel at home. The owners are always there to insure that you want for nothing during your stay. With 30 years of camping under their belts, both Scott and Pat know what makes camping a fun and safe experience.

The nuts and bolts: all roads are gravel in excellent condition, sites are mostly grass with picnic tables and many fire rings are available. Layout allows for easy maneuvering for even big rigs or long fivers. All sites have water, sewer and electric. Rates are reasonable and all discount programs are honored and vets get a 15% discount.

Inviting you to a summer swim

Critters at the mini-golf course

Amenities include lovely playgrounds for the kids, a fun animal themed mini-golf course, large pavilion and one of the cleanest swimming pools we have ever had the pleasure to use. The main building houses a couple of pool tables, restrooms, laundry and plenty of books to read. 24 hour WiFi is on in the lounge. Within the building you will find the office/store. Also be sure to note the nostalgic decorations in the lounge. Boomers for sure will get a kick out of the collection.

Well groomed grounds

Showers, bathrooms and pool house

Ice, propane and firewood are available for purchase. Scott personally delivered our firewood to our site and even threw in a pile of kindling which enabled an easy fire start. (The s’mores were great as usual!)

This campground should be on anyone’s list of stops in East Central Indiana. Scott and Pat are gracious, peaceful people who really make you feel part of the Deer Ridge family. You will enjoy your stay, be it for a night or longer. Here is the Deer Ridge website with all details.

Our very nice site near the pool.

At the Meadows Casino near Pittsburgh

April 13, 2016July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / 2 Comments

Meadows Casino main entrance

We were at the Meadows Casino and Racetrack and had just pulled into the property. With our RV we have to be careful where we go with clearence heights keeping us from entering most parking garages as well as the and length and width of our Thor Four Winds not relly suitable for some auto parking lots. We were so surprised when a security guard indicated for us to follow him. We followed and he took us to the special area where RV’s park. It was a long way from the Casino entrance. Talking to each other as we followed the guard, we had decided that it was just too far for us to walk. After the guard stopped and indicated a very level spot for us to park he asked if we were going to spend the night.

Surprised? Well we were as we thought this Casino was only open until midnight. Maj explanined that we had decided to not stay as the walk was too far. This kind security guard said he had no intention of letting us walk! He would take us to the entrance. The security guards also drive the shuttle and all we had to do was call the front desk of the Casino and they would come get us from our RV anytime we wanted. They also took us from the Casino back to the RV.

We thought this was great as the Security Guards were patrolling the parking lots and that way they knew we were there. We did spend the night and really had fun at the casino and race track which is part of the casino. The casino is huge with tons of slots and live dealer table games. There are plenty of smoking and no smoking areas as well.

The Meadows Casino and Racetrack is on I-79 south of Pittsburgh in Washington, Pennsylvania. There is also a hotel on the property. Check out the Meadows website here. Stop here on your way to Pittsburgh. It is a great facility and very RV friendly.

An impressive view of the Casino. You can see the back stretch of the harness racing track above the right parking garage.

Little Farm on the River RV Resort

April 8, 2016July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

Our campsite next to the Ohio River

Sher and I were fortunate to have a couple of days with our 10 year old granddaughter while she was on Spring Break. She wanted to camp, so I booked a night at the Little Farm on the River RV Resort. Located on the Ohio River between Lawrenceburg and Vevay, Indiana, this park is really a gem on the waters.

Little Farm RV park is divided into two seperate camping areas. One is right next to the river while the other is about 300 yards away and is the site of the office and store. There is a great one acre catch and release fishing pond near the office. The views of the Ohio River from the river sites are up close and personal.

The staff at this park is stellar. They delivered our purchased firewood right to the firepit. Dave even threw in enough kindling pieces to insure a great fire start. My were those S’mores delicious! Our site was level and had full hook-ups. Roy is the onsite maintenance manager and is also very knowledgeable in RV service and repairs. There are very few RV issues that he can’t handle on site.

Enjoying the campfire & making S’mores

It was fun watching the coal barges on the river

We chose to have a site on the river. What a treat to camp on such a quiet site. The stars were out in force, the night sounds lulled us to sleep. Another bonus of the river sites comes several times when the barge traffic passes slowly up river.

This park hosts several rallies each year. In addition there are fun activities and events scheduled around all the fair weather holidays including Halloween. Fishing Derbys are held each Saturday. Kids and adults alike will enjoy corn hole tourneys, arcades, biking and hay rides. Seems like there is always something exciting going on at the Little Farm on the River RV Park!

Reservations are suggested, please check the website here. Ask about Passport America discounts when you make your reservation. Plan on a stay at this friendly, safe and fun RV park if your travels take you near Cincinnati,

Indianapolis or Louisville. You won’t be disappointed.

One of two large, clean bath and laundry buildings

River Plantation RV Resort in Sevierville, Tennessee is an RVC destination

March 15, 2016July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

Office/Lodge and store

The River Plantation RV Resort is one facility that truly lives up to the use of “resort” in its name. As part of the RVC Outdoor Destination group of campgrounds it provides a nearly perfect place to stay when visiting the attractions of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville as well as nearby Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.

The first thing you will notice about this park is the friendliness and sincerity of the staff. From manager Mike Hale to the rest of his staff you will be greeted and taken care of with respect. River Plantation offers a genuine, real concierge service. You will feel appreciated and safe in this RV destination.

The park is located in the valley and is bordered by the Little Pigeon River. Even though it is on the Parkway the sounds of the traffic do not reach your campsite. The park is remarkably quiet for being so close to the main drag. All of the sites are level and on paved or good gravel roads. You will love how deep and wide the sites are. The smallest spots are a full 60′ deep and range up to the big 120′ spaces for the big rigs and trailers. All are full hookup with 30 and 50 amp service. Site amenities include a concrete patio, picnic table and fire ring. Free WiFi and cable tv is also included. Two sizes of cabins are also available.

Large well spaced sites

The Conference Center

Other site features include two new pools and hot tub, a large arcade room, open air pavillion for get togethers and picnics, propane filing station and an on site RV and truck wash. The bath houses are immaculate and the laundry rooms are fitted with new industrial size machines.

There is a large conference center on site that is home to many RV rallies. There are usually over a dozen rallies held in the park and conference center each year. Many of the motor coach and RV clubs use this great facility each year for their meetings.

Cabins and beautiful landscaping

Arcade/game room

This park is the perfect place for everyone from retirees to families with kids. It is a safe environment for the kids to ride their bikes and just be kids on vacation. Moms and Dads will appreciate sitting around a campfire. You’ll see folks walking their dogs or just walking. During our stay Sher and I enjoyed this relaxing place after days filled with activities and shows at Pigeon Forge which is just a few minutes away.

This is the best RV park in the Seviervile-Pigeon Forge area. It is clean, well managed, up to date, Good Sam approved and reasonably priced for a weekend stay or longer. Reservations are strongly recommended for this popular RV resort. Click River Plantation website for all the details.

Comfy firepit waiting for you!