annecarol

We stayed here because we couldn’t get reservations for a full week at Blackwoods . We were happy it turned out that way because we really enjoyed our time at Seawall on “the Quiet Side”. We preferred the smaller towns here to Bar Harbor. Don’t miss the walk to the beachside picnic area. Loop C is the only loop for RVs and the first row of sites (2-12) are paired up twin sites. Although you are indeed right next to your neighbor, they are arranged so you park street side to street side. Our rate is the Senior pass rate.

The previous reviews pretty well cover this park, but I’ll add a few comments. Note that this park only takes reservations for 2 or more nights, but I checked Reserve America a couple of days before and saw there were lots of sites available, so we showed up and were able to stay for just the one night. We were in the River loop and were quite satisfied with our site. However, after driving the Lakeside loop decided we would try to stay there next time. We hiked right from the River loop on the Tanquil trail which connects to the Historic trail that ends up along the river. The next morning we hiked the Falls trail. Both were great hikes. Note that our rate included a senior discount.

This was a quick overnight spot for us, but we were happy we chose it. We came as a late walk-in, but had a site across from the bath house on a hill with a lovely view. All the sites had a fire ring and picnic table. The bath house was very basic but clean. We didn't use the showers, so can’t report on those. There looked to be lots to do here: hiking, boating, tennis, volleyball and swimming. We could easily come back and spend more time.

Ditto the previous reviews. Our rate reflects the senior pass rate. We were there mid week the latter part of October and had the campground to ourselves. By chance we did run into a ranger after our first night so we could let someone know we had switched sites to be closer to the bath house. We didn’t spend any time there as we spent our time touring Hannibal, which was our reason for being in the area.

Daily rate reflects senior discount. Sites 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15 are right on the water with great views. Site 12 isn’t directly on the water but is higher and so also has a good view of the water. While there we experienced a downpour creating a small stream through our site, but it drained quickly. Great hosts, at registration offering to move us from our reserved site to an available waterfront site. We took more of their advice and drove to Chattahoochee to see the Jim Woodruff dam and eat lunch at Northside Seafood (delicious!). We also took the dam overlook drive on the way back to Snead’s (watch for a sign just west of the bridge between Sneads and Chattahoochee). It all made for a nice half day excursion. We enjoyed the hiking and saw lots of deer, including the smallest babies we have ever seen! We would enjoy coming back to do some kayaking.

Lots of campsites and lots to do here! There are a very few full hookup sites, with the rest being about half electric and half for dry camping. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Sites 103 -171 are deep in a forested area and were gravel. Sites 6 - 97 are the pet campsites, much more open and mostly grass. Sites 172 - 269 seemed to be a mix. Plan to do some leveling. We arrived without a reservation and the entrance booth sign said it was not manned until 3:00. However there was a list several pages long with available campsites and the cost for each one, along with envelopes to pay by the honor system. A ranger did come around later and bring a permanent tag for the post. The bath house was clean, but very basic. Plenty of hot water and pressure. There are numerous trails, a beach area with kayak and bike rentals, playgrounds, and a Visitor Center with information about the CCC which built the dam here that formed lake. During the winter when the campground is closed, the map shows several snow mobile trails. This is definitely a destination park. Note that the directions to the park take you to an entrance, but not the campground. It’s 4 miles further, but signs will direct you.

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This seems typical for northeast state parks: dry camping, mostly tents sites, and old but clean bathhouses with hot showers. At Beaver Pond, the RV sites we saw had almost no privacy. The site was an undefined grassy area with a picnic table and a fire ring. However it was level and left a lot wiggle room to position the RV wherever we wanted it. We were 1 of 2 RVs there that night - and happened to be right next to each other. Not an issue for us. The tent sites looked to be similar. In the summer expect to hear the music and people noise from the nearby beach. Again, that didn’t bother us. The state park beach is a short walk and connects to the public beach area. The state beach closes at 6 and the public beach at 8. A word of warning: If you have an RV wider than a straight Class B, avoid using Gate Hill Rd. The road is narrow with no shoulders and we were within a few inches of being side-swiped by a dump truck.

We really enjoyed our time here! The sites are nice and level with plenty of vegetation for privacy between sites. There were wonderful ocean breezes the whole time we were here. Several evenings we took our dinner to the quiet picnic area a short walk from the campsites (separate from the public day use area). We were fascinated by the land crabs and iguanas on the pathways and around the campsite. We enjoyed hanging out at the small but pleasant beach area and hiking the hammock trail. Also note that it's an easy day trip to either Key West or the snorkeling at John Pennekamp State Park. Interestingly, the bathrooms in the campground area had composting toilets. The shower room was steamy because there was no ventilation and though there was lots of solar heated hot water, it was a challenge to get cool water. Also the voltage was marginal with the ac running. But those are very minor negatives. This was a terrific stay and we hope we can get reservations to return next year!

We paid the senior rate and had a large, level pull thru site. Lots to do here - hiking, ranger led activities, visitor center, views along skyline drive, a lodge with restaurant and gift shop, etc. We loved that the Appalachian Trail was just a couple of campsites away! It was very quiet during the week and completely full on the weekend. The bath house near us was old but adequate, though not air conditioned and the electrical outlet didn't work. There was another one close by but it was closed as they were working on it. The only showers were in a temporary trailer while the permanent ones were being remodeled. The new ones were beautiful, but are for pay. We found the cell service at the amphitheater to be spotty as was the wifi service at the lodge. The campground is on the Skyline Drive which has very limited access but terrific views as you come and go. The star rating for access reflects the idyllic Skyline Drive to get there, not convenience.

The previous reviews are spot on, so be sure to read them all. I’ll just note that the price we paid included $15 for a site, $5 nonresident fee and $7 reservation fee. The ranger on duty was extremely friendly and helpful. This must be one of the best camping values in New Jersey.