Sadly,my first and last visit. Other vets may have had a different experience that was more positive. In my opinion they were way overpriced nor did they present themselves as a Disabled Veteran friendly business. They were a last minute addition to my trip mainly based on the reviews and location on the beach and was very appreciative they could accommodate me. Upon arrival it appeared I would enjoy the short stay. I was told by the escort he even cleaned the site up himself just for me. Gee, I thought, how nice. Really? I know and understand all about heading into spring break and high demand time slots, but honestly, what I paid for two nights would pay for a month at a state park in Florida or Texas with a nicer site, better service, and less crowding.
I tried it anyway and regret it; thinking now that I should have passed them up and stayed at a FDOT rest stop instead. Site was small, had food/grease all over until I cleaned it up because I didn’t want my service animal to lick and eat grease left in the sand and on the pavement. I requested beach access and was put into a very tight space that was flooded in front with water runoff. Later, I was told if any weather was predicted, the pump they had set up would drain it nicely in and hour or two. I guess I should have been lucky to be just a minute from the beach which I paid a premium for, but because I have a service dog, I was not allowed to use. After a lengthy inquiry if the park was in ADA compliance and if they needed to see any of my service animal documents, it was apparent they may not understand local or national laws. I was told if I persisted in asking for clarifications, I could talk with another person in management. When I declined, I was encouraged to leave and go elsewhere, with a smile. I don’t know if that included a refund or not, but since I upset the manager in asking something he did not know much about, I presume it would not, given the lengthy terms and conditions stating why refunds are not given for any reason short of a bonafide and verified emergency requiring park authorization and acceptance prior any refunds. Again, really now? Lets get real...I’m aware of my responsibilities as a disabled veteran and a person whose uses a service animal to assist me my daily life. I try not to draw undue attention to my multiple disabilities by using my service dog as a way to “get over and break the rules” by portraying a emotional or companion support pet as a service animal. I clean up after him if he makes any sanitary messes and always have official registered documents, like AKC good canine citizenship and TSA certifications needed for review. I was made to feel so unwelcome as a disabled veteran, I chose to not ask anything more of any staff. I decided not leave my trailer for my entire stay for fear of creating any more issues and bucking the system. I’ve traveled worldwide over a million miles, multiple times, on more than one airline and enjoy top tier platinum elite status at the largest luxury hotel chain in the world, I don’t think I’ll ever enjoy that level of service at camp gulf, but your experience may differ from mine.