The exit off I-80 was closed, so we had to turn in on a detour 10 miles in advance and drive 10 miles to Chappell on the Lincoln Highway. This was very opportune as we had stopped at the exit near Laramie with Lincolns memorial which covered the history of the Lincoln highway and how I-80 followed its route. My travelling team of young ladies enjoy history, one of them being a history major. The town of Chappell is historic and a step back in time. We arrived near sun set and pulled in behind a local fisherman who saw us pulling up and moved his truck up the road so we could park on the flat spot under the trees. (the locals are SUPER friendly.) and he knew exactly where to park the rig making it spot on level.
The other side benefit I feel of the I-80 road maintenance was only one other RV parked directly around the lake. (and the big parking lot was empty) Either that or this is just a passed on gem. There is a boat dock in the tear drop and you can launch stand up paddle boards from there or your front door.
Cell booster (we-boost) on AT&T brought the signal right up to useable. (useless at this site without it.).. Thanks Wilson! -
Bugs.. yes. and Noise Yes, as other reviewers have noted, noisy as a parking lot or other spot near the interstate, but being able to watch the sun rise over a lake, and jogging the circumference in its pristine beauty is well worth the stop and is absent the drone of tractor trailers and their refrigerator trucks running at other interstate stop.. trains.. yes.
Additional Thanks to the reviewers as well for describing in detail the tear drop and the steep grade, its a good note for any low rigs and we will definitely. be stopping in here again!
For Elk Lodge Members Only
Great stop. loads of space to park right in front of the restored pumps. Get a selfie with your rig and lucilles place. Look through the windows longingly at what appears to be an ice cream shop which I’d have purchased a cone if someone with thumbs was available to answer or open the door locked from the inside. Great photo op! leg stretch, and back in the rig to get on down the road. Hitting a stretch of authentic route 66 from exit to exit is also a treat. Historic roads are fun if not narrow.
Tombigbee state park was a lovely stop - while the state itself was intent on being very hot and wet for early september. Beautiful, quiet and enjoyable. The Camp host was a joy to talk with and the campgrounds beautiful and clean. we stayed at Site 15 which was an easy back in and isolated on the outer loop side from all the rest of the camps. Power hookups are new with both 30 and 50 amp at the ready. Water hookups also available with fire rings, self standing charcoal grills and a clean stone picnic table. Well maintained with a beautiful hike right near the park. would recommend again should I return to the area.