Review of Spruce Row Campground in Ithaca, NY -- We'll likely return to stay again

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by Jim Bessey

Jim and Nick enjoy a quiet game of Gin at Spruce Row Campground

After 6 years of trailer camping all around our region, we decided to try a new camping resort, sight unseen. My wife wanted to see more of the Ithaca region, so I made last-minute reservations at Spruce Row Campground by phone and the pleasant voice on the other end of the line assured me we'd have a fine site, with plenty of room, grass and shade. She was right, and we're all glad we went.

By the third day at Spruce Row, we'd toured most of the roads and trails on foot. We'd also piled all four of us (Layla included) in the truck and had a whirlwind tour of Ithaca (very busy), the Cornell University Campus, and a fine hike along the Taughannock Falls Gorge. When we finally checked out on Friday under a blistering sun, we were sorry to say good-bye, especially to the awesome pool!

Here's our round-up, all on a scale of 1 to 10, with "10" for Awesome:

Spruce Row Campground

2271 Kraft Road

Ithaca, NY  14850

Phone (607) 387-9225

Online: Spruce Row website

Location and Ease of Access:  9

Between State Routes 89 and 96, between Trumansburg and Ithaca above Cayuga Lake

Nearby Attractions: 9

THREE State Parks, swimming and hiking, wineries, the lake, museums, shopping, and the whole city of Ithaca

First Impressions:  8

Nice entry, homey store/office, pool and mini-golf up front. Pleasant staff.

Site Layout, Roads, Grass and Trees:  9

Lots of shade, grass, doggie trails. Roads designed to reduce through traffic.

Campsites: Size, variety, maintenance, hook-ups, tables and fire rings:  8

Plenty of site choices, spacious, easy to pull-thru. Tables and fire rings need upgrading.

Resort amenities: Store, pool, games and activities:  8

Pretty basic store, delightful pool, an OK mini-golf course, minimal activities and game room. Tons of green space for outdoor fun and games.

Spruce Row store (website photo)

Rules and Reg's: reasonable or intrusive?  7

Hate the speed-bumps, pool and dog rules are fine. Seasonal sites a bit unkempt.

Over-all Rating:  8.5

We'd stay there again, and recommend Spruce Row to our camping friends.

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 How about you? Do you have a campground review you'd like to share? If you'd like to submit your review for posting, you can reach me via Comments or by using the link at the top of this page.

Day Three at Spruce Row Campground -- We hit a few roadbumps and make a big splash

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by Jim Bessey

The Cement Pond at Spruce Row (website photograph)

We've spent two nights at Spruce Row Campground and RV Park, just north of Ithaca, NY. Both nights have been gorgeous. The first morning didn't go so well, though.

Make no mistake: this is a lovely campground. It's big and green, has a dandy pool (more on that in a minute), and enough shade to dodge the harshest sun. Oh, but the showers--not so good.

The showers are old, and weren't high budget to begin with. But, for me, as long as there's some hot water I'm okay. A little water pressure never hurts, either. Unfortunately, these facilities have neither force nor heat. Have to admit, that's a risk you take when you go camping. We found a fix for that...

The pool! I read one disparaging review of that pool online, before we arrived. Let me just offer my opinion to the contrary, loud and clear. It's a great pool.

They call it The Cement Pond, like in the Beverly Hillbillies. Turns out, it really is a cement pond. The owners dug a hole the right size and shape and poured concrete to fit. It takes you a minute or two to get used to the idea, but it works very well.

All four sides of the "pond" are step-tapered into the water. The shallow end goes from zero inches to about two feet, and the deep end bottoms out at seven feet. You can perch a lawn chair at the edge and let your feet trail into the water, all the way around.

The water itself was just plain perfect, maybe 80 degrees. It was heavenly. We'd swim a bit, then lounge on one of the sloped sides, then plunge back in again. Loved every minute of it, and I'm headed back soon to cool off again. (We still have temps in the low 90s today.)

As for the bumps...well. I understand about Slow Down and Speed Limit 5 mph. Every campground has trouble with drivers in a hurry. But this place has some serious speed bumps. Even carefully easing the truck and camper over these rattles things loose inside both vehicles. Some are about 8 inches tall; I measured. Ouch!

So that's where we're at. A couple small complaints, and one great big Oh Yeah! for the pool. Anyone for water polo?
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How about you? Do you have a campground review you'd like to share? If you'd like to submit your review for posting, you can reach me via Comments or by using the link at the top of this page.

Day One at Spruce Row Campground, Ithaca, NY -- our first time here, so far so good!

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Nick and I have a game of Gin at our Spruce Row campsite

My wife decided it was time to try a new campground, and she wanted to tour the Ithaca region a bit this year. I did a Google search for "campgrounds near Ithaca NY" and here we are. First impressions: it's big and shady and not too shabby at all.

Of course I checked a few user reviews first, but they ranged from "love this place" to "never again." We just had to see for ourselves. We waited to make reservations until late last week. It's the 4th of July holiday week, so we could've been shut out. Instead, we have a pretty nice site. Grassy, shady, and big enough for truck and camper and us.

The layout is typical. All the services and amenities greet you on arrival, with campsites laid out in a series of roads farther back. Decent roads, too, mostly good gravel. Registration was fast, friendly and easy. Good little store inside. The whole place is just filled with trees of all sorts. I love trees!

So far we're settled in nicely. Our new camp doggie, Layla, has had a fine walk on a maze of grassy trails marked for her use. The campers around us are courteous, though one did have his music cranked a little too loud for a while.

We'll check out the showers and pool today, our first morning here. Take a longer walk around the whole place--it's quite a spread, with over 200 sites both seasonal and transient. Then we'll become Ithaca tourists and have a look around this beautiful Finger Lakes destination. I see a whole batch of wineries, restaurants, and state parks scattered all around us. Should be fun! 
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How about you? Do you have a campground review you'd like to share? If you'd like to submit your review for posting, you can reach me via Comments or by using the link at the top of this page. ~Jim

Myrtle Beach Campground will host 27th annual South Carolina Fossil Fair on Oct 30

News Release--

The Award-Winning Ocean Lakes Family Campground will host Smithsonian Institute s

cientists and offer guests a chance to see fossils from all over the world

Fossils & Dinosaurs from from Ivan Walsh

October 28, 2010, Myrtle Beach, SC: Ocean Lakes Family Campground, located along the Grand Strand of Myrtle Beach, SC, will host the 27th Annual South Carolina Fossil Fair Saturday, Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. This marks the 10th consecutive year that this fair has been held at Ocean Lakes.

Presented by the South Carolina Fossil Association, the fossil fair features museum specialists from the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History’s Department of Paleobiology, who will be on hand to identify fossils brought by participants. Guests can also see fossil and shell collections from all over the world.

Hands-on activities are a big hit at the fossil fair. Learn how to recover fossils at a mock dig site. Dig for shark teeth through materials from the PCS Phosphate Mine in Aurora, NC. Participants can make necklaces with the teeth they find and add beads (supplied). Guests can also tour the Ocean Lakes’ Nature Center Discovery Lab, featuring more than 10,000 shells and fossils, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“This is a great opportunity to speak with collectors and learn more about this educational hobby,” said Barb Krumm, Director of Marketing and PR for Ocean Lakes Family Campground. “The Fossil Fair seems to get more popular each year, especially with Scout troops and school students of all ages.”

Ocean Lakes Family Campground was awarded the title of 2008-2009 National "RV Park of the Year" by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, and is the largest campground on the East Coast, with over 310 acres of campsites and beach house rentals.

For more information about Ocean Lakes Family Campground call 1-877-510-1774, visit
www.oceanlakes.com or find the campground on Facebook. 
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About Ocean Lakes Family Campground--

Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a division of The Jackson Companies, is one of the largest campgrounds the United States. In 2010, it received the Earth Day Award from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control for its iCare Program. It is the 2008-2009 National “RV Park of the Year” and has received that honor four times.

 In 2006, Ocean Lakes received the prestigious South Carolina Governor’s Cup for making a significant economic impact on the state. Ocean Lakes offers nearly one mile of beachfront and features 3,447 sites — of which almost 900 accommodate larger RVs. It was built by Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson and their five daughters, and opened with 30 campsites and one bathhouse in 1971. On an average seasonal day, Ocean Lakes has over 25,000 guests enjoying the amenities that have made it a national vacation destination. It currently holds a 9.5/9/9 ranking out of 10/10/10 from the Trailer Life Directory for its overall operation, recreational offerings, services and appearance.

If you have a relevant Press Release you'd like to submit, you can reach me via Comments or by using the link at the top of this page.

Camping tips: Take your kayak!

   The latest in great camping tips from New York Outdoors Blog...

Kayaking & Camping In the Finger Lakes / Central Region of NY State

Posted: 15 Jun 2010 06:33 AM PDT

By Sue Freeman

One of the things I love about kayaking is the opportunity it affords me to escape into nature, away from motorboats, away from throngs of people, and away from man-made noise. By combining camping and kayaking you can extend the escape and submerse yourself in nature. Some wonderful opportunities for these escapes exist in the Finger Lakes region.

But first, camping needs to be sub-divided into two distinct experiences. The first is the use of campgrounds where you can set up a tent or use a camper and enjoy the luxury of a shower after a day of paddling. As drawbacks, you won’t escape the noise and throngs of people and there is a cost involved. Primitive camping, on the other hand, is free and offers solitude and quiet, but you have to be willing to forgo showers and flush toilets. You choose.

Campgrounds:

1. Stay at Fairhaven Beach State Park and paddle Sterling Creek. Fairhaven Beach State Park is a spectacular 1,400-acre site with nearly two miles of Lake Ontario shoreline. A stay here can combine shoreline walks, hikes on trails, and paddling on Sterling Pond and Sterling Creek. ...

2. Stay at Hickories Park and circumnavigate Hiawatha Island on the Susquehanna River. Hickories Park is a campground owned by the Town of Owego that sits on the banks of the Susquehanna River. Launch from the campground and paddle upstream or down on the wide, slow river. ...
3. Camp at Park Station Recreation Center and paddle Park Station Lake. Park Station Recreation Center in Erin offers 6 miles of hiking trails, a RV and tent campground, and a 100-acre man-made lake to paddle or fish.

Primitive Camping:

1. Tent camping is allowed at the locks along the Erie Canal. Simply ask permission from the lockmaster. Camp at Lock 30 Canal Park in Macedon and you can paddle through history. ...
2. Become an explorer on a 21 mile loop using the Erie Canal and Clyde River and camp along the shore in the Galen Marsh Wildlife Management Area. A true sense of adventure is helpful for this trip.
3. Long Pond in Smithville offers 10 primitive campsites at its north end that are free and on a first-come, first-served basis. ...

Maps and details for each of these camping/paddling adventures and others can be found in the guidebook “Take A Paddle – Finger Lakes New York Quiet Water for Canoes & Kayaks.”


 Reprinted from the New York Outdoors blog, hosted by Sue & Rich Freeman
Please see the original article for the full text descriptions of each camping venue.  _______________________________________________
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Campground reviews: Cheerful Valley Campground of Phelps, NY

by Jim Bessey editor

Beautiful scenery, a wide choice of campsites, and a friendly family atmosphere make Cheerful Valley a fine choice for western NY camping. Our Rating: * * * * (of five)
 

Down by the winding banks of the Canandaigua Outlet, in a lush little valley east of Phelps NY, lies a pleasant family-owned camping resort named, appropriately, Cheerful Valley Campground. It's a twisty, grassy, shady glen filled with big trees and a wonderful variety of campsites. Located just off the New York State Thruway near Exit 42 and centered between Lyons, Geneva and Waterloo -- Cheerful Valley attracts visitors from all over the United States. Campers will find everything from swimming and fishing, to horseshoes and volleyball, to music and movies in this quiet rural getaway.

Carl and Peg Carlson, 2nd-generation owners, took over day-to-day management about five years ago. They've been adding improvements ever since. This year, we found a brand new round-log play area next to the newly renovated pool. Utilities have been upgraded, and the grounds look fantastic. About one third of the more than 150 campsites are rented full-time by campers who take very good care of their sites. Plenty of open lots await weekend and vacation visitors.

There's room for no-hook-up tenters, pull-through motor homes, pop-ups and trailers, and plenty of choices for larger groups (with advance reservations). Cheerful Valley even includes two rental cabins situated between the main office and the pool area. The terrain varies from hilly or terraced to shady meadow, and from somewhat secluded to open and festive. A range of full-service sites are scattered throughout the campground, so that campers aren't confined to specific areas dictated by their choice of accommodations. Two sets of modern restrooms and hot showers are provided.

The campground follows the curve of a lush valley leading down to an wide bend on the Canandaigua Outlet... keep reading

  Reprinted from the original hosted on Helium. Copyright 2010 -- Jim Bessey, all rights reserved. Reprints available.

See this review as it appears on Helium.com
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Where have you been? If you've recently stayed at a campground you liked -- or even one that disappointed you -- we'd love to host your review. Contact me for more information.

Last minute camping update: Any vacancies for Upstate NY campers this holiday weekend?

Our favorite campgrounds are all full!

We've had a spectacular week of Perfect Camping Days and Nights, all leading to what promises to be a rare fine-weather three-day weekend. Usually it's tough to plan much of anything for Memorial Day Weekend here in western NY. This year we knew in advance that all three days would be nearly idyllic.

As a result, it's now close to impossible to secure a last-minute campsite at any of the camping resorts we've tried in years past. Here's a round-up of the state of campground affairs among our favorites:

Holiday Hill Campground: Sarah says "we're almost full," only 2 rental trailers remain

Pricing: $98/day with 3-days required.
Upcoming events: new Pig Roast for July 9 - 11.
Our Rating: **** (of five)
1-800-719-2267 * 7818 Marvin Hill Rd., Springwater, NY 14560


Canandaigua/Rochester KOA: Ruth and Victor note: "we're completely full"

Upcoming events: full slate of activities for 4th of July holiday weekend.
New features: a canine recreation area with obstacles and more.
Our Rating: **** (of five)
1-800-KOA-0533* 5374 Farmington Townline Road, Farmington, NY 14425

Cheerful Valley Campground: Peg offers: "We have a few no-hookups sites available"

Pricing: $105 for all 3 days (required).
Upcoming events: (Sat) fishing derby, Finger Lakes Wine tasting (Sun) Kickball early, Dance later
New features: some campsites upgraded from last year.

Our Rating: **** (of five)
(315) 781-1222 * 1412 Route 14, Phelps, NY 14532

Sugar Creek Glen campground:  Mary Ann thinks, "We may have one or two sites" (cancellations)

Pricing: [call] 3 days required
Of note: don't miss the waterfalls and hiking trails.

New features: several new campsites on the creek, with beaches!

Our Rating: ***1/2 (of five)
(585) 335-6294 * 11288 Poags Hole Rd., Dansville, NY 14437

Jellystone Park of Western New York: [no report, assume resort is full]


 New features: answering machine mentions "new water zone"
Our Rating: ***** (of five)
(585) 558-9644 * 5204 Youngers Rd., North Java, NY 14113

Jellystone Park of Central New York: unnamed employee notes, "we're full" [hang-up]

 New features: hoping the pool is open this year [Editor]

Our Rating: **** (of five)
(315) 963-7096 * 601 County Route 16, Mexico, NY 13114

Bedford Creek Marina and Campground:  Tammie says, rushed, "we're completely full."

New features/activities: "please check our website"

Our Rating: ***1/2 (of five)
(315) 646-2486 * 16750 Allen Drive, Sackets Harbor, NY 13685


Skybrook Campground: unnamed employee notes, "we're full" [hang-up]

Upcoming events: Rolling Hills Rally, hosted by Skybrook Campground, Sat August 13
Our Rating: *** (of five)
(585) 335-6880 * 10861 McCurdy Road, Dansville, NY 14437


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We've stayed at every one of these campgrounds at one time or another over the past six years. Some, we've enjoyed several times. All come recommended. The Ratings are relative; every park is at least "good."

With the current uncertainty surrounding NY's State Parks, you might find yourself visiting a privately-run camping resort for the first time. We were apprehensive at first, years ago, because we had grown used to staying at Hamlin Beach State Park. Private campgrounds are as different as people are. Call ahead, ask questions, and tour the websites before you make a reservation.

If you have a campground you'd like to see added to this list, please contact me via Comments or by using the link at the top of this page.

Campground reviews: KOA's of British Columbia

By Amanda Fox, guest author

[Editor's note - Amanda is a prolific writer and channel steward at Helium.com]

In British Colombia you will find four KOA campgrounds which each offer something a little different. They are all located in the southern region. The northernmost KOA you will find in fact is in Clearwater. What follows is a brief overview of their operations, amenities, and the extras you can expect to find at each.

The southernmost KOA campground you will find is the Victoria West KOA, which is just off the U.S. border near Vancouver. It opens for business on May 15th and closes on September 15th, which makes for a rather short operating schedule. The campground offers tent sites, one and two room cabins, RV slots with 50 amp service, a swimming pool which operates from June first to September second, and free WiFi service.

This is a forested mountain setting campground riddled with fir and cedar trees. Hiking trails to views of the Strait of Juan De Fuca are available, as well as a host of local stops so you don't have to miss high tea. Whale watching and fishing excursions can be arranged through this KOA. It is a charming, quiet campground which is well suited for families with little ones.

The Sicamous KOA offers tent sites, RV slots (100-foot length) with 50 amp service. One and two room cabins are also available (book well in advance). The season of operation here runs from May 1st to October 1st, with the swimming pool opening from May 23rd through September 5th.

The campground is just off Trans-Canada Highway 1, only a few minutes from Shuswap and Mara lakes. This is a great KOA for water lovers as there are plenty of activities centered on the lakes. They also offer regular campground activities like pancake breakfasts and ice cream socials. Fireworks and nature walks are also a part of the package at this a very popular KOA.

The Revelstoke KOA operates between May 1st and October 15th and offers accommodations similar to Sicamous. RV sites are 120-foot length, and teepee rental sites are available for something different. The heated pool is open from June 1st until September 4th.

Here you will find a beautiful mountain backdrop that wonderfully offsets the two playgrounds. This is a bit of a luxury KOA in that, in addition to the now standard KOA offering of WiFi service, cable television is also available. You'll also be treated to a duck pond and a meeting hall on site. Mt. Revelstoke and Glacier National Park are the biggest draws in this area and well worth the time to explore. Golfing, whitewater rafting, hiking, fishing, and ATV tours are all available in the area, as well all the local amenities.

The Clearwater/Wells Gray KOA opens for operation on May 1st and closes down on October 12th. RV slots with 50 amp service and 100-foot length are available, as well as tent sites and one-room cabins. The pool opens on May 19th and closes on September 9th. This is known as the waterfall park. Wells Gray Provincial park has over 250 cascades, featuring Helmcken Falls.

Hiking at the park is also available. Nearby you can canoe, mountain bike, river raft, kayak, or take a more relaxing lake cruise. The pool is heated. Sand volleyball, mini-golf, and a selection of other games are also available. This site won the 2007 KOA President's Award!

No matter which KOA you choose you can't go wrong. There's plenty to do at each, and with affordable rates it won't break the bank to stay at any of them. Remember to book in advance whenever possible for cabins, and that kids 5 and under stay free. The only thing that stands in the way of you and a good time at these great sites is you. The four KOA's of British Columbia offer everything you need to have a great camping experience.

Reprinted by permission from Amanda Fox.

See this story as it appears on Helium.com
Read Amanda's profile at Helium.com
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How about you? Do you have a campground review you'd like to share? These will be a regular feature here as we move forward. If you'd like to submit your review for posting, you can reach me via Comments or by using the link at the top of this page.

Campground reviews: KOA of Canandaigua, NY

When we say that a campground has something for everyone, that might be seen as a tired cliche. It's just a statement of fact, however, in the case of Canandaigua's KOA Kampground.

KOA USA has modeled itself as the McDonald's of campgrounds: "you always know what to expect, wherever you may go." While honoring the premise, I'll politely disagree with the reality. Every camping resort is the sum of a whole slew of variables, and not all of them are easily repeated regardless of location.

Location:

Let's begin by noting that Canandaigua NY is a beautiful resort destination, no matter where you stay. This area is a magnet for boaters, wine lovers, horse racing fans, bikers and hikers, and so much more. This KOA is surrounded by attractions. The site itself, while not located on any of the area's lakes, offers a small forest of trees, a creek, and a lovely central pond. (We always choose a site along the north shore there.)

First impressions:

Most franchise campgrounds start out with a somewhat tacky entrance, and this one is no exception. The Jellystone resorts we visit present this same face to incoming campers. Once you get past the main office, pool, mini-golf, caf, and arcade pavilion you'll find a far more serene camping experience awaits. Despite its commercial front, this KOA even offers wooded no-services tent-sites for the more adventurous. This is no roadside RV Park.

The staff:

The people make the real difference. Canandaigua's KOA is locally owned by some of the nicest people I've met. It's a busy place, but they're always happy to see you walk in the front door to register. And if you have any problem at all, the staff will jump through hoops to find a solution for you.

Amenities:

As for the basics, you'll find everything you might want. The camp store is bright and well-stocked, and you can buy prepared food at the Kafe out back. The pool is big enough, well-policed, and offers sun or shade as you like. Restrooms and showers are modern and cleaned faithfully every day.

Your kids will enjoy the video arcade or miniature golf; or they can rent cars or boats to pedal. Courts for shuffleboard and horseshoes are up front, by the pool. There's room farther back for volleyball and basketball, too. Back in the woods there are biking and hiking trails, an obstacle course, tree house, and zip-line. You can even fish in the pond (catch and release).

Campsites:

In the end, it's all about your campsite. This KOA offers over 120 sites in seven distinct sections, ranging from full-service to primitive. The big rigs park in pull-throughs, with smaller set-ups like ours scattered throughout the campground. You can camp in circular groups, or choose a corner spot under a big tree. If you came with only a car and sleeping bag, you can stay in comfort in one of the dozen assorted Kabins or Kottages (very nice!). Tent campers can choose from grassy middle-of-it-all sites to a secluded clearing in the woods.

Conclusion:

Whether you're touring the country in a giant Class-A motor home or carrying a tent in your Honda's trunk, you'll find a fine site to spend the night or a week at KOA Canandaigua in New York. Stay the whole time, roasting marshmallows over a campfire; or head out for an all-day tourism spree. Bring your whole baseball team, or just one good friend. There really is something for everyone here.

Rating: 4 out of 5 "Recommended"

copyright 2008 - all rights reserved

See this article at Helium.com
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How about you? Do you have a campground review you'd like to share? These will be a regular feature here as we move forward. Use this one as a style guide, if you'd like to submit your review for posting here. You can reach me via Comments or by using the link at the top of this page.