U S Corp Campgrounds

[leonard]

I have a question that maybe someone can answer. When planning a vacation in another part of the country, how do you know if a Corp of Engineers campgrounds can handle a camper with slideouts and is 36 feet long? Locally we have beautiful corp campgrounds that are plenty large but I hate to make a reservation in another state for the summer and find out that it will not accomadate our camper.

Anyones help is greatly appreciated. (I'm dutch enough to enjoy the cheap golden agers rate)

Leonard

[padredw]

Leonard, I can't give you a comprehensive report but the Corps parks here on Lake 'o the Pines in East Texas could handle your rig without difficulty. We have also stayed at a Corps park in southern Alabama where there would have been no problem. There is a series of publications which lists all the Corps parks and information about them. The series is divided into regions of the United States. You should be able to get copies at your local Corps of Engineers park.

It sure is nice to have that Golden Age Passport, especially entering National Parks.

[tbhd]

Leonard

One of the Christmas presents Santa Claus brought us this year was the "Camping with the Corps of Engineers" book. It is out of publication but can be ordered through most major book stores. It is also available on e-bay I believe. Just make sure its the latest edition (5th edition). It lists all the campgrounds, directions and what facilities that are at the campground. BUT it does not list what size the sites are or what size trailer they can accommodate. It does give the telephone number for each campground though that you could call ahead and find out.

Happy camping.

Sharon

[TheCoachPotatoes]

Try this website.

http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/camping.cfms

We also have the book Sharon mentioned. We bought it at Camping World. From everything I've heard most of the ones that have water and electric are big enough to accomodate larger rv's.

[awaywego]

Leonard,
Try this website I think it will tell you what you want to know.
This show all the parks, sites, amenities and size of unit it will take.

http://www.reserveusa.com/

[jrgwdenner]

We use Reserveusa to get info on the campgrounds and each specific site. They list the length of each site and what amenities are offered. You can make your reservation there, too.

[Longwell]

Thanks for the great reference to the website.
It's just what we need.
Larry

[patodonn]

As per above, call ahead before making the reservations. In general, if the website and/or the COE book says there is a length limit, 36 ft is fine, and, if they can handle 36 ft, thee is almost never a width problem (slide-outs).

Besides the solving the length/width problem, talking directly to them gives you a good idea of which sites are most desirable for your individual needs. If you are making res. on-line or by phone, you can specify what sites you want, if you have already done that groundwork.

We stayed at several COE and State Park sites this past year in our 38 ft 3655FL (plus 2 bikes on the back = 40 ft total)...never had a problem...but, we did call ahead before making the res.

Enjoy the COE facilities...some are really great!!

[TheCoachPotatoes]

Is there a charge for making reservations on line? Also, is it necessary during the winter months to make reservations. I know not all campgrounds are open so my thinking is the volume of business during colder months may also be less. I would definately call ahead, to find out if it is necessary.

[ggranch]

Leonard, While not many COE parks are as nice as the ones you have in Pella (Howell Station and Whitebreast are two I have used) most will accomodate the biggest of rigs somewhere. The Trailer Life Directory gives the site sizes also. No ratings for public CGs though. If you have a rough itenerary, you could ask on this or other forums about the conditions at parks you might use.

[jrgwdenner]

There are usually openings during the middle of the week at the campgrounds but I would recommend a reservation for the weekend. It costs you $10.00 to cancel a reservation. During the summer months the campgrounds are very busy and reservations can be made up to 8 months ahead of time. In the best spots, the reservations will be filled quickly eight months ahead of time when they become available.

[SAndreasen]

We've been to many COE camp grounds. We have always found them clean, well managed and lots of space. ususally you have to fill your fresh water tank because sites only have ele. With a golden eagle passport cost is really cool too - 1/2 price usually $8.00 a night.