RE: Stone mountain ga
We lived just south of Atlanta 2003-2007 & camped there. Honestly, as CG's go, I've seen much better. Many of the sites are narrow, unlevel as the dickens, and you have to be extremely choosey, especially if you're in anything of any size.
Having said that, SM was one of our favorite places to camp. We had annual memberships and would go to "The Mountain", as we called it, at least 3-4 times/year. Unfortunately, I've misplaced my CG map that had our favorite sites marked. Do a search on this forum for recommendations. The laser show is fantastic, the Christmas lights are gorgeous, the view from the top of the mountain is phenomenal, antebellum plantation is neat and it's just a cool place to hang out & not do anything if you don't want to. The kids & I were talking this summer about how much we miss going to SM.
So yes, "buyer beware" but by all means, do your research and go. We still can't hear "Devil Went Down to GA" without thinking of the laser show. :)
RE: Thanksgiving in Branson
We were at Compton Ridge in June & very pleased. While there, we checked out the other CGs in the area. After looking at them, decided we'll probably go with CR again.
Ewwww.... Branson the day after Thanksgiving. You're brave indeed. :)
RE: Desoto State Park Alabama
We were there in June & absolutely loved it. Can't remember the site # but it looked like it had very recently been renovated. Definitely one of my all-time favs. Can't wait to go back some time.
RE: The "non-essential must-have" items - What's on your list?
For the outside: The comfiest chairs your budget will allow (take away my LaFuma & you're taking your life in your own hands. :D ). Small table to put by said comfy chair. Small squirrel cage fans to keep the breezes blowing & the bugs away. Interior: small space heaters if you winter camp at all. It's a matter of when, not if, you'll run out of propane or the heater will mess up. Blender, cork screw, bottle opener & plenty of cups - 'nuff said. :) Storage bay: Duct tape & a good basic set of tools.
I agree that the weather radio is pretty much an essential for most of the country.
Melissa
RE: Suggestion for Tow Vehicle and RV
I'll only speak from our experience 6 years, 2 TV's and 3 campers later.
Our DK's were 11, 7 and 4 when we started (now 17, 13 and 10). We started out with a 1/2 ton extended cab pulling a used 20' hybrid w/2 fold-outs. Fantastic first experience but in the long-run, a little too much cart for the horse & not quite enough room in the cart. Upgraded to a 3/4 ton short bed diesel with a full crew cab, followed by a 27' hybrid w/4 bunks & one fold-out. The horse never knew the cart was back there, loved, loved the open-air feel of the hybrid, kids loved the bunks but in the 95+ heat of the south, setting up, often by myself, was still a bit of a pain. 11 mos. later, went to the 5er in the sig - 34'5" bumper to pin, super slide, quad bunks. Absolutely perfect for our crew. The 4th bunk is great for extra kid stuff or an extra kid.
DH & I debated eventually going to a 1 ton but now that DK #1 will be graduating in another year, we've about decided the 3/4 ton is fine since we can't see ourselves needing a bigger camper. DH uses it for his daily driver & it's a little cheaper to operate than a 1-ton, it handles the 5er beautifully and the 5er is big enough for extended trips in state park CG's but not so big as to have to avoid any SP's so far.
If it were me, and it's in your price range, I'd go with at least a 3/4 ton vehicle of some sort just to give you some wiggle room in terms of camper choices. Gas/diesel is a personal choice. A truck will allow you to haul more than just passengers when it's not being used as a TV (i.e. yard & building supplies, wood, furniture, etc...). It'll also allow you to move to a 5er from a TT if you ever decide you want to go that route. Ours is a short-bed with a slider hitch for the 5er. Personally, I find it easier to maneuver in a shopping center parking lot than a long bed. The kids find the full crew in the truck more comfortable than my CRV for traveling when we aren't towing and DS #1 is over 6' tall.
Ignore the lunkheads that say bigger is better, diesel over gas, Ford over Chevy, etc... Think 5 years down the road in terms of your kids and camping and your non-camping needs as well. I don't know anyone who stayed with their first camper for more than a few years. As you camp, you learn what you like so give yourself the flexibility to grow when buying a TV.
Above all, and if you learn nothing else from this place, tow safely. Rule #1 - never believe the car dealer when he says the vehicle will pull it. Rule #2 - never believe the RV dealer when he says the vehicle will pull it. Rule #3 - refer to Rules 1 & 2. Know the towing specs of the TV and TT before you ever sign on the dotted line.
Happy camping.
Melissa
RE: How long do you stay in a travel trailer?
Congrats on the new camper. You'll love it.
The best thing we ever did was buy our first one 6 years ago this Christmas. The summer after we got it, (a 20' hybrid w/2 foldouts and no slides), I took the 3 DK's (ages 11, 7, and 5 at the time) out on a 2-week trip by myself. Also had a 50 lb. dog & a guinea pig. Lots of rain. Tight but fun. That fall, we upgraded to a 27' Jayfeather hybrid w/one fold-out, 4 bunkbeds in the back & no slides. Loved the Jayfeather but kept it for only 11 mos., mainly because by then we had a bigger TV that could pull something that was less work to set up. We got our current camper - the 5er listed below in Sept. '05. The superslide and quad bunks are perfect, especially since the DK's are now 17, 13, and 10. We've done 2-week camping trips, had 18 members of our camping club in it for breakfast in Dec., and DH is currently living in it while stationed in KS.
Personally, if you can afford it, I can't see a single reason not to own a camper and use it as much as possible. Your kids are only kids once and the memories they'll make with you will be as precious to them as they are to you. Ours love to reminisce about the trips, especially those with our camping club.
Happy camping!
Melissa
RE: Best RV Route From Dallas To Branson, Mo
Whatever you do, don't even consider going south out of Branson & picking up "Scenic 7" south out of Harrison to Russellville & I-40. It's gorgeous buts a PITA if you're towing. We take an extra hour out of our way & save that route for a Sun. drive w/o the 5er. To come home From Branson, we head over to Springfield and west then south down 71 to 540 then on to I-40. 540 is a very easy and scenic drive. The Bobby Hopper tunnel on 540 south of Fayetteville is no big deal & over before you know it. Fuel stops between Fayetteville & Alma are pretty much non-existent.
RE: Desoto State Park, AL
We were just there June 22-26 and absolutely loved it. I think we were in 69, 70, or 71. That loop seemed well-spaced. Sites were paved, pretty level, full hook-ups. You can tell they recently renovated the sites. It was probably the nicest park we've stayed in, and our standards are quite high. The laundry room on that loop was spotless and was equipped with front-loading W/D. The office has a computer that you can use free of charge, which was very nice. Staff was great. Make sure you see the falls. If you love cute old towns, go to Mentone, which is close. There's a wonderful little cafe that is perfect for couples or a girls lunch. Food is made fresh and the owner is wonderful. I don't know that I'd take my 2 boys. We were camping with friends so my girlfriend & I went for lunch one day, loved it so much that we took our DD's (18 and 12) back the next. PM if you want the name of the place.
I can't say enough about the place. Out of 5 stars, I'd give it a 5. We'd love to go back.
RE: Campgrounds in Cherokee, NC
We stayed at the KOA back in '04. We were back behind the primo sites and waaaaaayyyy to close. Our neighbors awning was inches from our slide. The primo sites were better spaced but still too crammed for our taste. We won't go back.
RE: What campground to use in Branson MO.
We just stayed at Compton Ridge about 3 weeks ago & loved it. It's a little older but we really liked it. The kids loved the pools. Table Rock is a close second. We typically prefer SP's but will choose CR over Table Rock simply because of the pools and the proximity to SDC.
Melissa
RE: Between W Memphis and Little Rock?
T Ricks is fine in a pinch. It's located behind a Citgo. We use it frequently as a fuel stop & it's great; easy to get into & out of. For overnighting, not so sure; fine if you do the Wal-Mart parking lot thing, as it's literally a stone's throw from the interstate. Personally, I'd be worried about the security. I will say that other than the proximity to the interstate, it doesn't look like a bad o'night stop.
Why not push all the way to LR if possible & stay at Burns Park?
Melissa
