Hung Out To Dry!

[aztex]

Hi,

Well I find myself in Temecula CA at a KOA. I came to CA to get out of AZ heat and start a full time adventure. THREE places I checked out were outrageously misrepresented! I can't believe how I'm constantly told they places are great and I even explain my desires and it's as-if they think I wont notice?! 

I'm at the point now I'll spend $1000+ on a decent monthly but not finding anything nearby. Covid and 4th of July making it more challenging..

Any suggestions where to head to find nice open RV parks? I'm still adapting my business to the road so need to be near at least a post office to ship every other day from.

I was thinking up into Utah may be my best bet but that's only because I'm familiar with the area a little bit. Up into northern CA Oregon another option...

 

Any advice appreciated!

 

 

[mptjelgin]

"Hung Out To Dry" and "outrageously misrepresented" are pretty strong descriptions, especially for multiple places.  I recall that you are just getting started on your full-time journey and were not satisfied with your first arrangement either.  Perhaps your expectations are unrealistic? Your language indicates that you are taking this personally and getting upset. Things that the full-time RV lifestyle requires more than anything else are flexibility and tolerance. 

Bucolic campgrounds with wonderful neighbors, excellent sites,  lots of open space, etc. are not common, and those that exist can be very popular and/or expensive.  And, a campground that is excellent one year can be very different the next depending on clientele, ownership, etc. 

We use Campground Reviews (formerly RV Park Reviews) and have had decent luck with it, especially parks that have multiple reviews. But you need to first decide what region you want to be in, and then dig into the reviews and try to find what appeals to you.  For us, KOA's are fine for overnight or two-night stops, but generally are geared toward families and children and that can make them loud and busy, especially on weekends and during the summer.  State Parks can be great during the week, but have become impossible for us to access on weekends, and can be chaotic. 

You may be better off trying to find a small, Mom-and-Pop campground with a limited number of sites and few amenities to attract travelers. But be realistic about what is available and be as flexible as you can be.  I doubt that many campground owners are out to deceive you or to intentionally misrepresent their parks to you.  But you may be looking for something that doesn't exist or is rare. 

 

[aztex]

26 minutes ago, mptjelgin said:

"Hung Out To Dry" and "outrageously misrepresented" are pretty strong descriptions, especially for multiple places.  I recall that you are just getting started on your full-time journey and were not satisfied with your first arrangement either.  Perhaps your expectations are unrealistic? Your language indicates that you are taking this personally and getting upset. Things that the full-time RV lifestyle requires more than anything else are flexibility and tolerance. 

 

 

Thinks so? I spoke with managers and was clear on what I wanted. Was told it's amazing I'll love it! No problems

 

When I arrive...

First night in someone OD's on heroin

Numerous very old ratty trailers. Like 1950's models...

Told not to leave items out as there is a lot of theft.

Managers constantly complain about ONE tenant...the one next to me!

Wife beaters and child molesters for neighbors

Homeless sleeping in RV park

Homeless unhinged encountered every walk out side park

Fireworks M-80's every night.

 

The ones today had the same vibe coupled with VERY small narrow spaces...no "yards". Maybe 6 foot from your front door to other RV...

 

I've been out before and encountered many nice places. Mostly in the desert so out of the question for summer time.

 

Not taking it personally at all! I was told by three parks they had great situations and when I explained what I wanted said they had it and simply did not! I drove 200 miles today in a circle basically....I really don't want to spend the $$$ on the word of the manager they have a great place and searching for an opportunity to find some/anything better than run down parks.

[Zulu]

35 minutes ago, aztex said:

I spoke with managers and was clear on what I wanted. Was told it's amazing I'll love it! No problems

 

35 minutes ago, aztex said:

I was told by three parks they had great situations and when I explained what I wanted said they had it 

 

I think I see the problem.

Edited June 30, 2020 by Zulu

[2gypsies]

The Escapes has a co-op park in Aguanga, right next door to you.  It's $200/week.  Unfortunately, it's closed to visitors because of the virus but keep it in mind for the future.

https://jojobahills.com/cms/

[Kirk W]

You are in an area that is expensive as compared to the national average. It is also near a very large city and in a heavily populated area. As a result, the best locations do fill early and/or are reserved far into the future. It has been our experience that when we travel to that area, we always reserve our site several months before we plan to arrive. If you do not do so, you usually find only the places that aren't popular still have sites. Our favorite place to stay in that area is Yucaipa Regional Park, but the first openings that I could find are in August. Of course, even though we like that park it doesn't mean that you would. 

[mptjelgin]

You are attempting to stay in one of the most expensive areas in the county and campgrounds in those areas can be rough. For many folks they are the only affordable option and so you are finding not "RV'ers" as much as you are folks who are just hanging on. What you are describing hasn't been our experience at all, but we tend toward rural situations. 

If it works for you, I recommend getting well away from any significant population centers and seeing what you can find.  Frankly, anywhere other than where you are currently is likely to be less expensive and give you more options. 

[Twotoes]

The Pachenga Casino has a nice RV Park right there in Temecula. It used to be $50 per night but I haven’t lived there in 6 years. Also just down I-15 off of Hwy 76 is Paula Casino. They also have an RV Park for about $50 a night. I have never been there but it has great reviews. 

[TXiceman]

My first recommendation is to get out of California.  There are plenty of better RV parks for a lot less in other areas of the country.  We are in a pretty nice KOA in Claremore, OK for $485 a month, including electric.

Ken

[aztex]

Thanks!

I'll explain again I did due diligence. The park I was moving to had poor reviews ALL based on previous manager so none about the environs. My "friends" assured me a peaceful park like atmosphere which it was almost comically NOT even close! I had signed a month to month lease and expected to be there through November with side trips. I arranged two more in as soon as I had had enough and both fell well short of descriptions. I used Yelp! for reviews and now obvious the management company salts theses with 5 stars...

4th of July weekend in SoCal is the issue. Hostile to ONP and full up expensive or closed parks.... I think I can weather the weekend at the KOA I'm at but was looking to head out of or to northern CA IF I can determine some/more than one options. I don't want to be driving in 1000 mile loops!

Money sort of an issue but I'm resigned the fact and can afford ~$1500 mo if pressed due to current conditions.... 

A

[bobsallyh]

aztex, as some posters have already stated, get out of Cali.

Reviews, I doubt we have ever used a review for a stay or a drive-by at an RV park. Everybody has a different opinions on wants or needs for an RV park.

Any advertising for an RV park will rarely match what you actually see when you get there. A throwback to Good Sam and Woodall's books from years gone by.  

[2gypsies]

You state you can afford up to $1500/m.  It appears you want more of a upscale resort park.  If you'd look at parks at a LOT more reasonable cost I think you could easily find a nice one for $600/m or less.  They are out there.  Why do you want to stay in California?  There are many more reasonable places to stay in cool temperatures for the summer.

[richfaa]

Boy have we been fortunate we have never encountered a RV park such as you describe  in our 14 years of long timing covering over 100K miles and 48 states.

[Barbaraok]

On 6/30/2020 at 8:18 AM, aztex said:

Thanks!

I'll explain again I did due diligence. The park I was moving to had poor reviews ALL based on previous manager so none about the environs. My "friends" assured me a peaceful park like atmosphere which it was almost comically NOT even close! I had signed a month to month lease and expected to be there through November with side trips. I arranged two more in as soon as I had had enough and both fell well short of descriptions. I used Yelp! for reviews and now obvious the management company salts theses with 5 stars...

4th of July weekend in SoCal is the issue. Hostile to ONP and full up expensive or closed parks.... I think I can weather the weekend at the KOA I'm at but was looking to head out of or to northern CA IF I can determine some/more than one options. I don't want to be driving in 1000 mile loops!

Money sort of an issue but I'm resigned the fact and can afford ~$1500 mo if pressed due to current conditions.... 

A

Well, first mistake was using Yelp.  You want to use https://www.campgroundreviews.com, for a start and sign up for Passport America.  Why Temecucula?   You'd be much better off in Hemet, Banning,  etc., places just north of you.   Get out of the LA area.  In fact for the amount you are willing to pay try Valencia Travel Village  on the north side of LA.   And loads of places going north. 

[aztex]

1 hour ago, richfaa said:

Boy have we been fortunate we have never encountered a RV park such as you describe  in our 14 years of long timing covering over 100K miles and 48 states.

The mix up was my "friends" describing it as an RV resort but it's a ratty old trailer park that's been there for decades. It has ~20 RV spots mixed in.

I thought I "knew" my friends and they understood my desires but they seem a bit addled to be kind.

1 hour ago, Barbaraok said:

Well, first mistake was using Yelp.  You want to use https://www.campgroundreviews.com, for a start and sign up for Passport America.  Why Temecucula?   You'd be much better off in Hemet, Banning,  etc., places just north of you.   Get out of the LA area.  In fact for the amount you are willing to pay try Valencia Travel Village  on the north side of LA.   And loads of places going north. 

The management had changed and the consensus was the old managers were VERY poor so ALL the complaints were against them not the park. I can't imagine how bad they could be for their behavior to over shadow the glaring issues I encountered! So reviews were meaningless.

Temecula is not bad. The KOA is quite nice albeit expensive. Even though full of kids playing it quiets down by 10pm and kinds having fun in the woods doesn't bother me in the least. MUCH nicer than Hemet or Banning! It's like actual camping and I'd stay but heavily booked though July.

I'll try your suggestions... Thanks!

[ARGO]

Maybe your "friends" don't want you to camp near them?

[Barbaraok]

AZTEX

I'm confused, I thought the problems you listed were at the KOA that you now find to be just fine?    I'm missing something here.

[hemsteadc]

You sound a lot like me when I first retired and started out.  I found many RV parks to be disgusting places where I could hear my neighbor snoring, blue tarps and old cars, people getting up at 5:30am to go to work, poorly maintained...etc. 

That's when I got to work fixing up my rig to boondock.. lots of solar, big inverter, lotsa battery, a way to carry water.  You can find many state parks and places just outside of a  city that you may find much more appealing than RV parks, but you won't find full hookups and it will be a bit more work. If you can avoid the full hookup need you'll be able to find much more desirable living.

Of all  the negatives of an RV park, I found listening to people's vehicles idling at dawn to go to work the most depressing.  

Edited July 2, 2020 by hemsteadc

[aztex]

48 minutes ago, Barbaraok said:

AZTEX

I'm confused, I thought the problems you listed were at the KOA that you now find to be just fine?    I'm missing something here.

I'm sorry... The Temecula KOA is wonderful! A bit family oriented so 100's of kids and large groups but well behaved and a beautiful oak grove with large spaces and strong wi-fi.  A remote feel but only 5 miles from all facilities you'd ever need. It has a nice holiday summer camp feel to it! A few different areas that vary from wide open no shade to heavily wooded so it would depend on time of year and desire if you'd like it but I'd give it 5 out of 5 stars! Spaces are very big and theres as big a Class A right across from me with room to spare!

The gripe was an "trailer park" in Yucaipa. I almost could have toughed it out but my "friends" the managers constantly complained about the problems to me making it all the worse. I was privy to all the scuttlebutt and problems. I'm not sure why they thought a good idea to complain to me....! #1 on their hit parade was right across from me and tended to stare at my RV all day....

41 minutes ago, hemsteadc said:

You sound a lot like me when I first retired and started out.  I found many RV parks to be disgusting places with people packed in like sardines, noisy, blue tarps and old cars, people getting up at 5:30am to go to work, poorly maintained...etc. 

That's when I got to work fixing up my rig to boondock.. lots of solar, big inverter, lotsa battery, a way to carry water.  You can find many state parks and places just outside of a  city that you may find much more appealing than RV parks, but you won't find full hookups and it will be a bit more work. If you can avoid the full hookup need you'll be able to find much more desirable living.

Of all  the negatives of an RV park, I found listening to people's vehicles idling at dawn to go to work the most depressing.  

I'm not quite there yet. I could stay where I am at Temecula KOA with no power but a bit warm and I have yet to install Easy Start on AC so would have to address that. If the weather was milder I'd give it a shot. I have a 2200 watt generator and 140w Zamp panels. 

Since I have to drive to a PO to ship items almost daily I wouldn't want to leave my rig unattended which also complicates things...

I'll work it out.... It's just being forced on me now. I have plans for the fall but again the desert heat preventing me from moving too soon.

 

Thanks!

[hemsteadc]

26 minutes ago, aztex said:

Since I have to drive to a PO to ship items almost daily I wouldn't want to leave my rig unattended which also complicates things...

Jees.. I don't think a thing of that.  

[2gypsies]

1 hour ago, aztex said:

 

Since I have to drive to a PO to ship items almost daily I wouldn't want to leave my rig unattended which also complicates things...

 

Millions of RVers leave their RVs when boondocking.  Honestly, I've never heard of breakins and we did for 16 years.  We've taken off early morning for siteseeing and returned many hours later.  No issue.   People are more honest than some think.  The problem is when you're in cities.

[hemsteadc]

45 minutes ago, 2gypsies said:

 The problem is when you're in cities.

Yes.  The more people around, the greater chance for criminals to be around.   Criminals are lazy.. they don't go out of town looking for RVs to burgle. The only time I've ever lost anything was in a city, while asleep.

Edited July 2, 2020 by hemsteadc

[Kirk W]

7 hours ago, aztex said:

Since I have to drive to a PO to ship items almost daily I wouldn't want to leave my rig unattended which also complicates things...

The only time that my RV was ever broken into was in 1998 when it was parked next to our house in Ft. Worth and we were inside of the house, asleep. 

[aztex]

On 7/2/2020 at 7:21 AM, Barbaraok said:

Well, first mistake was using Yelp.  You want to use https://www.campgroundreviews.com, for a start and sign up for Passport America.  Why Temecucula?   You'd be much better off in Hemet, Banning,  etc., places just north of you.   Get out of the LA area.  In fact for the amount you are willing to pay try Valencia Travel Village  on the north side of LA.   And loads of places going north. 

BTW...

What ever possessed you to "recommend" Banning?! Being 4th pickings were slim so I chose Banning on price. Oh my! What a mistake! That is one run down little town packed full of trouble! EVERY store I tried to go into was fronted by people with their not too friendly hands out! Needed to hit a Harbor Freight and in front was one wacked out dude playing with the automatic door doing some weird dance! Fireworks last night, the 4th of July, started at 5pm and lasted until 2am or at least that's when I finally fell asleep.

I'm guessing any CA town has a LOT of these issues. Every one I visited had similar nonsense. I spoke with a homeless guy at a park in Escondido. He seemed ok and learning his story he was a contractor and the bottom fell out this year so he's sleeping the the park! It's taking it's toll and I'm not sure he'll recover... Way too slim a margin of error in these LA, SD Inland Empire communities!

But...Ladies and gentlemen....avoid Banning! The KOA is fine but don't plan on doing anything in Banning unless you like that sort of excitement!

[podwerkz]

On 6/29/2020 at 10:02 PM, aztex said:

 

When I arrive...

First night in someone OD's on heroin

Numerous very old ratty trailers. Like 1950's models...

Told not to leave items out as there is a lot of theft.

Managers constantly complain about ONE tenant...the one next to me!

Wife beaters and child molesters for neighbors

Homeless sleeping in RV park

Homeless unhinged encountered every walk out side park

Fireworks M-80's every night.

 

 

Oh heck, sounds like you made a wrong turn into slab city....

Edited July 6, 2020 by podwerkz