thefotoman

This is one of several campgrounds whose profile we are confronting regularly on our first trip to the northeast: filled or nearly filled with seasonal campers that sit empty, or are used only on weekends. Of course we are at the end of the season here, so it's no surprise that the emphasis is on "unused."

What that means for us though is that this very quiet little campground set in the woods near Pemaquid LIghthouse is a lovely, unpopulated place to be! Management is very friendly, and they have wifi and a one bar ATT signal. Clean bathrooms are adequate. Firewood for sale here. Sites are nicely placed. Electric/water and a central dump station.

Let me confess a partiality towards government-run campgrounds, be they state, local or even national, despite the fact that in the latter category many of them seem as though they haven’t been updated since the CCC built them in the ‘30s. The fact that they’re not profit-driven often makes them a better value. This is just such a park.

It’s a municipal park in a small community outside Lafayette. Although some of the sites are simply grass, several of them are concrete slabs. Ours required no leveling. Water and 30 amp electric is included. There is a dump station. I had a problem with electric and it ended up being with my equipment, but there was a quick and helpful response by Park personnel.

This was a very active summer weekday night at the park, and girls were playing softball right next to the campground. Families were out supporting them and there was a police presence. In all, a great family summer night in small-town America.

As noted below, the park gates are closed at 11 o’clock. Park rangers patrol until that time. A police officer told me the campground area was safe, although there is no camp host. There are several camp sites around the park, so I can’t imagine this place being filled if and when you come here. You simply pick a site and the Ranger realizes you have come and collects the $11.00 in cash. It’s very close to Highway 49, which made it a wonderful stop for a night on our way to New Orleans

Arkansas is the natural state, and after staying in two of their state parks, and two Army Corps of Engineers parks in the state, I can understand why.

Arkansas nature is simply beautiful.

They revere their natural assets and have recently passed legislation to tax themselves so that it can be kept jn pristine condition and preserved. One sees that in campground improvements in Petit Jean, and again here in Davidsonville historic Park, where the campground seems to have been recently upgraded. Sites are paved and level. As others have noted, there is good space between sites. This is not a large campground. The restrooms are new and clean. There is a nearby lake. There is a trail that takes you to an historic area that explains how Davidsonville was the first platted city in Arkansas. Beautiful visitors center. Occasional interpretive presentations. Make sure that you visit two nearby parks as well, Powhatan historical park and lake Charles, the latter of which also has a campground.

That one is larger and some of the sites offer water views, unlike here, but generally speaking, this appears to be the more recently upgraded park, and except for a few sites on the water at lake Charles I’d prefer to stay here again.

This has been such a pleasant experience. The sites are well separated; the pads are concrete, with full hookup capabilities. We had problems with our cable and the friendly owner came out in the rain to determine our problem - then loaned us a cable for the remainder of our stay to fix the problem. The public restrooms are clean and spacious. Laundry facilities are fine. The clubhouse is beautiful and spacious. The grounds are well maintained and pretty. It's very quiet, but it's not that busy here now. There was a discount of 50% for the first night only for a PA membership in May. Four stars with ATT and very sufficient WIFI. Good value for the money!

In short, what else can one expect?

As to local attractions, we had a wonderful time kayaking at Cedar Key Paddling and took a great drive around the Lower Suwanee National Wildlife Refuge. Ate at the Big Deck - good!

If I lived in the LA area I might appreciate this place more, given its closeness (2’ish hours w/o traffic, but it took us over 5, so your time could be anywhere in that range). It also can offer cooler temps at 6000 feet. It’s close to the cute mountain town of Idyllwild. the sites are first come/first served and vary greatly in quality. The 600 section, to which management directed us in response to a question as to the best section, was a big dirt area where some spots had trees and others none. Some sites were small, others looked quite uneven. The bathrooms were dated, poorly lit and not well maintained. We also rented a cabin and had a family reunion. The hot water and toilet in the cabin didn’t work well. We reported it and were told the proper person Wasn’t working saturday, so that was that. The hose at the dump station had a tear in it and no waste basket. Our site had some trash in it on arrival. I doubt they maintain sites on departure. Att was barely one bar; it is better elsewhere in the park. Despite the fact that they know cell coverage varies so much and charge top dollar, they charge additionally for WiFi.

Lots of people come to this big park, perhaps as part of a thousand trail membership. Perhaps they should spend as much time maintaining and upgrading this facility to justify top dollar costs as they do selling memberships.

I usually agree with the star rating given by this very astute community, but I must disagree this time.

For $13 on a senior discount, and only $26 if I was paying for freight, I am in a spacious spot – 119 - on top of a hill overlooking a beautiful lake, with water and electric.

Exactly where are you going to get something comparable to this for that kind of pricing?

There is no soap in the bathroom, which is a negative, and several of the sites appear difficult to access and may not be level.

But on a value for money basis how could this be less than five stars? Happy to come again!

Our gravel site was on the water, which is always so special. The road in needs to be repaved. Bathrooms were secured by code and serviceable. 30 minute drive to Chattanooga. Gentleman at desk was friendly and helpful, over the phone and in person. Noise from nearby interstate, but tolerable. 3 bars of ATT 5G. Site spacing is acceptable. Excellent value.

All the five star reviews for this park are spot on. I just want to emphasize how perfect this bucolic campground is for visiting Nashville. Everything was 20-30 minutes away, and the excellent roadway system makes it that much more convenient. Some highlights: the Hermitage; Cheekwood; Frist Museum, Tennessee State Museum, Grand Ole Opry, Bluebird Cafe, Nashville Parthenon, Martin's BBQ, Assembly Food Hall.

Clean rest rooms. No sewer on site. Out by noon.

Would gratefully stay here again, but this was not an easy reservation, so book early.

Rate reflects 50% senior discount.

Beautiful campground. Very clean rest rooms. No WiFi. Very spacious site. Must turn on all breakers for electric to work- that’s a first! Loved our site 83. Very clean. Friendly staff.

Rather than reiterate the astute comments of other reviewers of this campground, let me supplement some excellent points that were made.

First, we stayed in the Dogwood loop with a 27-foot airstream and there were many sites we could have stayed in comfortably.

There is a small museum on this property to the Civilian Conservation Corps, which may have been one of the most outragously successful federal programs in history. Hiking to see the Santa Fe River disappearing underground with a few water outcroppings is a marvelous experience. The most popular trail to see it Is called River Run Trail, but confirm with the front desk when you check-in. You will be able to walk across a marvelous suspension bridge by going to the trail or just visiting the site of the former town known as Keno, then Leno, then Old Leno, then O’leno. I know: great story!

One reviewer lamented the existence of fire pits; I’m sure that’s a personal thing. We loved the fact that firewood was sold at the office on arrival for five dollars a bag and had fun making two fires out of the one bag.

The restrooms were spacious and well-maintained. The camp host, Max, has been doing his job well there for years and really loves the place.

There is nearby shopping. The rate for this and all my reviews of state facilities in Florida reflect both a Florida Resident and senior discount, a truly great deal if you qualify.