Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Montana Owners Club - Keystone Montana 5th Wheel Forum > HAVE MOC WILL TRAVEL > Campgrounds State, Provincial & Federal
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 02-01-2019, 07:15 PM   #21
Theunz
Montana Master
 
Theunz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Catoosa
Posts: 772
M.O.C. #18384
James, I understand your frustration, I just don't understand you perception of fairness! Let's say you're in line behind a much smaller man at a buffet. You both paid the same price for your meal. When you get to the desserts there is only two pieces of apple pie left, one much larger than the other. You both just love apple pie and want the bigger piece. Should he take the small one just because you are bigger?
No one is saying that you're not welcome at the campground, you just chose to purchase a rig that doesn't conform to existing conditions!
 
__________________
2015 3100RL legacy...2005 Ford F-250 CC SB. Tows like a charm! 4/19 Updated to 2017 Chevy 3500 CC SB SRW -hope it tows as well as my F 250 did!
Theunz is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2019, 04:02 AM   #22
jeffba
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bastrop
Posts: 2,892
M.O.C. #20753
Theunz, Jim will tell you that scrawny little guy did not take just the bigger piece, he took them BOTH.

When selecting a spot, DW will make me circle the loop 3 times finding the right spot. I call it shark mode camp selection. I can't tell you how many times she finds the right spot only to see a ground dweller (tent) on it. My response is dagnabbit we should have left earlier.

We have never not found a spot, but we have been in some "you have got to be kidding me" spots. We have also been forced into spots where I have to block the road to unhitch. (Maybe that ground dweller is one of those waiting and wanting for me to hurry up and finish)
__________________
Mocha, one-eyed toothless, hurricane survivor, Pirate dog
2019 20th Anniversary Edition 3701LK
B&W 20K for Ford OEM Puck
2018 Ford F-350 Lariat CCLB PSD DRW KJ5CQH
jeffba is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2019, 08:26 AM   #23
mtlakejim
Montana Master
 
mtlakejim's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bee Branch
Posts: 2,620
M.O.C. #20693
This is a particularly sore point for me as I have on multiple occasions not been able to camp because there were no large sites available. In Arkansas there are hundreds of federal and state campgrounds where this is a MAJOR issue. A very large number are exactly as I described with 100 sites but only maybe 10% big rig friendly and those always tend to be the prime locations right down by the lake.


I'm just saying that if small rig owners are not going to respect other campers on their own then maybe they need to be forced to do so. There are laws to keep people from dumping trash in a public space, impede traffic on a highway and not smoke in a crowded elevator. Those are all in place because some people don't respect other people. Same thing here. Basically a guy with a tent camping in a 60' 50amp site is saying "I don't respect the needs of other campers who may NEED this spot". And how about this analogy, is it ok for a healthy person to park in a handicap parking spot just because it is open and they don't want to walk the extra 20 yards to the store?


I don't mind if a campground is simply full and there are no spots. That's a different story. But when there are two dozen open small sites are open and tent campers are sitting in the few big sites that's when I have an issue with it.
__________________
James & Irene Wilson
Bee Branch, AR.
2017 Ram 1 ton diesel duallyCrew Cab/Long Bed
2018 Montana High Country 381TH Garage Full of Toys
mtlakejim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2019, 09:09 AM   #24
mtheo
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: merced
Posts: 983
M.O.C. #6171
Sorry to say James but I don't agree with you. We belong to a campground that has about 50% large sites, and the only way to get a large site / also call nicer site is to have a 40' rig. Now everybody pays the same, and those with smaller rigs get shoe horned in to small sites with no place to park their trucks.
What they need to do is double the price of the large site so that those with small rigs might think twice about the large sites.
mtheo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2019, 09:12 AM   #25
Montana Man
Montana Master
 
Montana Man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Carson City
Posts: 2,017
M.O.C. #21963
I think most campground owners are going to rent spots in such a way as to keep occupancy rates high. They are there to make money and they usually afford everyone the same opportunity to rent what they want.

Two of us live in a 4 br house. Should we move to a smaller home to improve the availability of housing for larger families?
__________________
2016 3160, Legacy, Sailuns, Splendide 2100 xc vented, 1 1/2" axle lift blocks, disk brakes. 2014 Ram 3500 SRW SWB 4X4 6.7 Aisin Mega Cab, EBC slotted disks and brakes, Titan fuel tank.
Montana Man is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2019, 09:23 AM   #26
BB_TX
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,134
M.O.C. #6433
Obviously two sides with strong, and legitimate, opinions. I am sorta on the fence. It is certainly frustrating to have a long rig at a campground with sites open, but none in which you will fit. And some of the larger sites occupied by small RVs or tents. I do agree that tent campers should not be allowed to occupy sites designed for large RVs. But do not agree that those with shorter RVs should be prohibited from larger sites. Often those larger RV sites are the more desirable ones due to location or view. And everyone with an RV, no matter the size, should be allowed to stay in one. Not everyone can afford an expensive 40' RV and they should not be penalized for that. But they should be limited to RVs, not tents.
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
BB_TX is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2019, 09:43 AM   #27
mtlakejim
Montana Master
 
mtlakejim's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bee Branch
Posts: 2,620
M.O.C. #20693
Quote:
Originally Posted by BB_TX View Post
Obviously two sides with strong, and legitimate, opinions. I am sorta on the fence. It is certainly frustrating to have a long rig at a campground with sites open, but none in which you will fit. And some of the larger sites occupied by small RVs or tents. I do agree that tent campers should not be allowed to occupy sites designed for large RVs. But do not agree that those with shorter RVs should be prohibited from larger sites. Often those larger RV sites are the more desirable ones due to location or view. And everyone with an RV, no matter the size, should be allowed to stay in one. Not everyone can afford an expensive 40' RV and they should not be penalized for that. But they should be limited to RVs, not tents.
My counter to that is: should people who CAN afford a larger rig be penalized for doing so?

I'm not saying that small rig owners don't deserve to camp too. I'm just saying that there should be rules in place at GOVERMENT run campgrounds that make sure that EVERYONES needs are met.

Large RV owners should have the rights to be accommodated just as much as small campers
__________________
James & Irene Wilson
Bee Branch, AR.
2017 Ram 1 ton diesel duallyCrew Cab/Long Bed
2018 Montana High Country 381TH Garage Full of Toys
mtlakejim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2019, 09:52 AM   #28
Theunz
Montana Master
 
Theunz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Catoosa
Posts: 772
M.O.C. #18384
First off James, your analogy is completely without merit, as those requiring the use of handicap parking spaces did not voluntarily choose their afflilication, unlike we who chose to handicap our selfs by purchasing big rigs.
Second, respect has nothing to due with it. Compassion, caring, kindness, perhaps, but these traits are learned and cannot be legislated.
The laws you mention about smoking, trash, and impeding traffic are all on the books because they pose a danger to others.
Again, I feel your frustration, as I'm sure we have all commented on the smallest camper being in the biggest spot. Jeffba has the only reasonable reaction to this senario, "dagnabbit we should of left earlier".
As you mentioned earlier, when many public parks remodel they are putting in longer sites and upgrading to 50 amp service. What we as big rig owners need to do in the mean time is to encourage our state and federal government to keep on investing in these facilities.
You could always explain your delema to the small camper, maybe even offer him some compensation, and see if he will trade you spaces. Just keep in mind that he has every right to occupy that site. Whatever you do please don't tell him that he is not respecting you, I guarantee you he'll gig his heels in deeper than ever!
__________________
2015 3100RL legacy...2005 Ford F-250 CC SB. Tows like a charm! 4/19 Updated to 2017 Chevy 3500 CC SB SRW -hope it tows as well as my F 250 did!
Theunz is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2019, 10:24 AM   #29
bigred715
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Eugene
Posts: 1,050
M.O.C. #5091
In Oregon for state parks you have Reserve America which will gurantee you a spot. you are required to THINK ahead when and where you want to camp. A VERY simple system. If you can't plan ahead your lose. I make reservations for July and September 9 months in advance. All these campgrounds have specific areas for tenters at a reduced price. If you have 12 grandchildren, I hope you don't bring them all at once. I would not want to be next to you. I don't also approve of people who bring more than 2 pets. There should be a limit of 2 pets period. RESERVE AHEAD OF TIME all campers are equal.
bigred715 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2019, 05:45 PM   #30
mtlakejim
Montana Master
 
mtlakejim's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bee Branch
Posts: 2,620
M.O.C. #20693
Quote:
Originally Posted by Theunz View Post
First off James, your analogy is completely without merit, as those requiring the use of handicap parking spaces did not voluntarily choose their afflilication, unlike we who chose to handicap our selfs by purchasing big rigs.
Second, respect has nothing to due with it. Compassion, caring, kindness, perhaps, but these traits are learned and cannot be legislated.
The laws you mention about smoking, trash, and impeding traffic are all on the books because they pose a danger to others.
Again, I feel your frustration, as I'm sure we have all commented on the smallest camper being in the biggest spot. Jeffba has the only reasonable reaction to this senario, "dagnabbit we should of left earlier".
As you mentioned earlier, when many public parks remodel they are putting in longer sites and upgrading to 50 amp service. What we as big rig owners need to do in the mean time is to encourage our state and federal government to keep on investing in these facilities.
You could always explain your delema to the small camper, maybe even offer him some compensation, and see if he will trade you spaces. Just keep in mind that he has every right to occupy that site. Whatever you do please don't tell him that he is not respecting you, I guarantee you he'll gig his heels in deeper than ever!
We are going to have to agree to disagree on this one. Doesn't mean I don't like you. It just means we don't see eye to eye on this one.


I can tell you this issue is why a lot of local campers put tents up on sites to reserve them days in advance of parking their rigs on the sites. I don't think that is right either but what else can they do?
__________________
James & Irene Wilson
Bee Branch, AR.
2017 Ram 1 ton diesel duallyCrew Cab/Long Bed
2018 Montana High Country 381TH Garage Full of Toys
mtlakejim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2019, 07:51 PM   #31
Theunz
Montana Master
 
Theunz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Catoosa
Posts: 772
M.O.C. #18384
We are going to have to agree to disagree on this one. Doesn't mean I don't like you. It just means we don't see eye to eye on this one.

Agreed
__________________
2015 3100RL legacy...2005 Ford F-250 CC SB. Tows like a charm! 4/19 Updated to 2017 Chevy 3500 CC SB SRW -hope it tows as well as my F 250 did!
Theunz is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2019, 01:50 PM   #32
StageCoachDriver
Montana Fan
 
StageCoachDriver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Reno
Posts: 291
M.O.C. #22620
The smallest Monty in 35', the 305RL Monty HC. That's too big for many national parks and most don't have reliable 50 amp power.
StageCoachDriver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2019, 04:14 PM   #33
Blackshadow
Established Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Howard City
Posts: 20
M.O.C. #14521
Send a message via AIM to Blackshadow Send a message via MSN to Blackshadow Send a message via Yahoo to Blackshadow
Hi, we have a 13-14 375FL, and camp primarily federal, state, county or city campgrounds when not volunteering. We fit into Fishing Bridge at Yellowstone just fine, with all 5 slides out. The only place length was tight was at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, but think we could have reserved earlier for a larger site. It was all good.
Large sites can be found right on the lake at Lewisville Lake City campground near Dallas, $8. a night for seniors or Pictured Rocks National Lake shore, Michigan, Munising City park right on Lake Superior.
The biggest problem we have when we pull in with our Monty, is people coming out of the wood work to "help" us park it. However, when we volunteer, our big entertainment is watching people try to park their rigs, finally my husband will go over and offer to park it for them, which he does in about 2 minutes flat.
It all works out. Have fun.
Blackshadow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2019, 05:52 PM   #34
phillyg
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SWFL
Posts: 964
M.O.C. #17801
FL state parks are conservative WRT to their site sizes. I've only found two sites where I couldn't get in with a 40 footer, and that was because of tree trunks right at the site entrance, not the actual site. I lie about my length because the reservation system will prohibit 40' if the park says max length is 36'.
__________________
2016 Montana 3711FL
2005 Ford F350, 6.0 diesel, short bed
Demco Hitchiker Auto Slide hitch
phillyg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2019, 08:51 PM   #35
Tamu320
Established Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Rexville
Posts: 16
M.O.C. #23100
So.... what I'm hearing everyone say is..... size matters?
Tamu320 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2019, 09:45 PM   #36
Mark N.
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Ogden
Posts: 638
M.O.C. #13862
I sold my 3400RL after 5 years and this was a very large part of that decision. Too many places we love that we couldn't get into. We weren't happy always pulling into tight quarters RV parks because of 40 ft long and terrible ground clearance. I sold for SOB, only 30" long, much, much better clearances all around and off road suspension.Much happier.
Mark N. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2019, 10:59 PM   #37
Tamu320
Established Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Rexville
Posts: 16
M.O.C. #23100
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark N. View Post
I sold my 3400RL after 5 years and this was a very large part of that decision. Too many places we love that we couldn't get into. We weren't happy always pulling into tight quarters RV parks because of 40 ft long and terrible ground clearance. I sold for SOB, only 30" long, much, much better clearances all around and off road suspension.Much happier.
What is SOB?
Tamu320 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2019, 05:55 AM   #38
BiggarView
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: home base IL, OTR anywhere
Posts: 532
M.O.C. #19382
Send a message via AIM to BiggarView
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tamu320 View Post
What is SOB?
Some Other Brand... on here it is a tongue in cheek way of saying not a "Montana".
__________________

2017 RAM 3500 Laramie CCLB Dually CTD Aisin, OEM auto level rear air-ride, B&W hitch
2020 3813MS Legacy Cobalt FBP, MORryde 8K IS & pinbox, PI EMS,DIY mods by in-house "craftsman", RV security system Mk1 Beagle Alerter
BiggarView is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2019, 06:22 AM   #39
Tamu320
Established Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Rexville
Posts: 16
M.O.C. #23100
Thanks. I know I've been called an SOB before, but wasnt sure how that applied to the forum lol.
Tamu320 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2019, 06:31 AM   #40
margerush
Montana Fan
 
margerush's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Riverview
Posts: 178
M.O.C. #20713
We toured a state park just down the road from our brick home in our RAM 2500 Mega Cap. Campsites are large, cleared, some have space for tow vehicle to park next to 5er. I looked at this parks photos on campsitephotos.com. Photos didn't show the narrow, curved road with overhanging trees to get in & out of the campsite with a 3160RL (13.5' tall).
margerush is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Montana RV, Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:09 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.