Trying to post with no luck, just get an error message. Well this one works but tried to copy and paste here and it will not work.. Can you copy and paste out of Microsoft Word? Hey it works now, anyway here is my post.
We took the MH up to Northwest AR this weekend to use as a base for some craft shopping as this was spring craft fair weekend. As it turned out it was a little too hot for us on Saturday so we called it a day early and decided to head out to Horseshoe Bend COE park on Beaver Lake and spend the night. Years ago our family would meet here for a week long reunion and campout but it has been about 30 years since I last stayed here. My have times have changed. Back then most of the boats on the lake were small fishing boats and some ski boats that would run 30 to 35 mph. Saturday afternoon the lake was buzzing with boats and personal water craft running around. I would guess a lot of them running 60 to 70 mph and loud. The campground was totally different as well. Don’t get me wrong, I am not judging here, just making an observation. This is a huge campground, very nice and right on the water and there were only 4 sites left when we arrived. Most sites have electric only and some have water and electric. Back in the day it was mostly tents with a few travel trailers and the occasional MH. This weekend there were still lots of tents but mostly travel trailers and some motorhomes. Maybe I don’t remember how it was then but what I noticed most was the change in the people. Most camps had dogs, lots of dogs, lots of big dogs. Only about half had them were on a leash. I saw a Pit Bull mix and a German Sheppard both running around their camp without a leash. Their owners were with them and for the most part they were staying close by but several times they would run up to strangers and check them out. The ranger came thru several times and as far as I could see he drove thru without stopping. The only thing I saw him checking was the parking permits (every vehicle in the park must have a $4 parking pass). There were also a couple of camps with labs and they were playing with the dogs on the beach (no leash) having them retrieve on the beach and in the water. There was loud music and lots of outside lights. I saw one guy with an older model Chevy and camper trailer. He had his carburetor off and was rebuilding it right on the ground in the road in front of his pickup. I stopped and talked with him to see if he needed any help. He was very friendly and I talked with him for 10 or 15 minutes. About 8:30pm I heard him start it up (loud pipes), he tune on it for about 10 minutes and after that he was pretty quiet. As I stated this is only an observation, no one was bothering me and everyone seem to be having a grand ole time. Around 9 or 10 o’clock things seem to calm down and the night was quiet and peaceful.
Before we bought our MH we had a Travel Trailer. We spent a lot of time boondocking in the national forest and riding ATV’s. We also went to a lot of the AR State Parks and took the kids hiking and made a few trips to the Branson area and stayed in a private campground. Now it is just me and DW. We bought our MH to travel the US and because of its size (and me getting older and wanting more comforts) we mostly stay in FHU campgrounds. I just thought this park was different and not at all like I remembered it.
Yes, camping has changed but so have most of the things in my life. Including me! Some changes are for the better, some not-so-good. I still love to camp and I'll bet you will enjoy your travels in your motorhome. lizzie
LOL... a sign of the times. Born in a southeastern state with 2.5 million people. Today... over 19 million residents... not counting the parade of visitors. Only a few places left serving as a distant reminder of what it used to look like a half century ago.
I reckon 50-60 years from today, the folks hitting retirement will be looking back on us and our time in retrospect, with fond memories about how simple and good it used to be. Welcome to the "geezer" club. With a little luck, most will gain admission.
I can remember as far back as 1975, camping with my parents and siblings. We were always beholden to the parochial school schedule, so our vacations were always over holidays and 'high season'. So maybe that's why my memories of campgrounds are that they were every bit as crowded as they are now.
I can remember our first time at Ocean Lakes, Myrtle Beach (actually, that was the only time I've been there)... must have been back in '78 or thereabouts. I couldn't believe how huge and busy the place was. Learned all sorts of new four letter words hanging around that beach arcade...
I can remember Mom going through the big, dog eared campground directory, looking for places to stay along the route, and getting completely stumped somewhere in KY. I'm pretty sure it was a State park, and they were completely booked- even overflow parking. We had arrived very late, so we boondocked overnight in the road leading up to it, in a torrential rain... I thought the trailer was going to float away.
I started a thread asking for recommendations on where one could go to 'get away from it all'. We still can around here in MI, but you have to head out to the more remote areas (like the UP).
IME, here in MI, it seems to be cyclical. We've been to SP's that are jammed one year, then only partially filled the next. Economy maybe? I dunno. But the camping holidays (Memorial, Labor, Fourth) are always booked solid... DNR posts the occupancy reports on their website.
I guess my point is, there might be more campers, but there's also more CG's and land to camp on. You might have just hit on a crazy weekend, when everybody got the camping Jones at the same time....
yes times have changed. camping is 'in' more because of the nice travel trailers/fifths and MHs. people love fun and recreation and big toys. and many more are doing it.
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