On our maiden vacation voyage, we spent 03-07 JUL at the Cliffside campground on Whidbey Island NAS and very much enjoyed it - what a beautiful place! We plan to return at least once a year!
2012 Ford F350 Super Duty
2013 Voltage 3200 EPIC II
Two GSDs and toys
Didn't know it was back in operation, didn't they close down to remodel? Any hassle getting on base? Funny how it works out sometimes, you come here from dry side to the wet side, and we go to your side to get dry out sometimes.
(edit) I must of had my wires crossed. Looked at another site and maybe they didn't do a remodel or closed down 1/2 do upgrade something and been open 100% all the time.
* This post was
edited 07/09/12 11:47pm by path1 *
(To cheap to buy new)
1990 37 ft 5th wheel that hasn't moved since 1996 (our best home)
1997 33 ft trailer (winter home in much warmer climate)
2005 25 ft M/H (our "stand up B" for traveling)
path1 wrote: Didn't know it was back in operation, didn't they close down to remodel? Any hassle getting on base? Funny how it works out sometimes, you come here from dry side to the wet side, and we go to your side to get dry out sometimes.
It is funny, not just dry to wet, but sometimes cooler. Also we are always on the less busy side of I-90 which is nice for us.
Couple things on Cliffside - I'm not sure when they re-opened, but it was not too long ago. We stayed in the north loop and it did not have a laundry room or Wi-Fi. There was a laundry room in the south loop a short walk away and they promised Wi-Fi in 90 days. Cell service was very spotty too (FYI: If you have a data plan on your phone you may want to turn off roaming because you are so close to Canada - you can really rack-up $$$ on data roaming charges).
One big FYI - RVs must come through the Charles Porter gate which is closed after-hours and on weekends/holidays. Please take note of this phone number because you must call it if the gate is closed to get onto the air station - 360-257-3893. There is a phone at the gate if your cell phone is not working. No problems getting on the air station with vehicle sticker and our military IDs.
For more info and to see a map of the loops - https://www.navylifepnw.com/site/321/Cliffside.aspx
path1 wrote: Didn't know it was back in operation, didn't they close down to remodel? Any hassle getting on base? Funny how it works out sometimes, you come here from dry side to the wet side, and we go to your side to get dry out sometimes.
It is funny, not just dry to wet, but sometimes cooler. Also we are always on the less busy side of I-90 which is nice for us.
Couple things on Cliffside - I'm not sure when they re-opened, but it was not too long ago. We stayed in the north loop and it did not have a laundry room or Wi-Fi. There was a laundry room in the south loop a short walk away and they promised Wi-Fi in 90 days. Cell service was very spotty too (FYI: If you have a data plan on your phone you may want to turn off roaming because you are so close to Canada - you can really rack-up $$$ on data roaming charges).
One big FYI - RVs must come through the Charles Porter gate which is closed after-hours and on weekends/holidays. Please take note of this phone number because you must call it if the gate is closed to get onto the air station - 360-257-3893. There is a phone at the gate if your cell phone is not working. No problems getting on the air station with vehicle sticker and our military IDs.
For more info and to see a map of the loops - https://www.navylifepnw.com/site/321/Cliffside.aspx
Thanks for the info. Do you have to go thru the inspections like trucks do when you take an RV thru a military base gate?
Whidbey Island NAS brought back memory's !! I was stationed there in the mid 50s
Got married in Oak Harbor in 58 (still married) Sorry, never had chance to stay
at Cliffside RV Campgd, we stay a month each year at La Conner
GaPete wrote: Thanks for the info. Do you have to go thru the inspections like trucks do when you take an RV thru a military base gate?
It depends, but mostly yes, plan on going thru the truck inspection. I've seen a handful, mostly that use separate gates for the FAM-CAMP or housing, where it's not required.
FYI, for those that missed it, this is a DOD campground and only open to DOD types
2008 F350SD V10 with an 2012 Arctic Fox 29-5E When someone tells you to buy the same rig they own, listen, they might be right. When they tell you to buy a different rig then they own, really pay attention, they probably know something you don't.
Thanks for the info. Do you have to go thru the inspections like trucks do when you take an RV thru a military base gate?
IMO Yes most inspect like a truck, Some gaurds go thru like we're bad guys, others just ask simple questions and wave you thru. Most need to see (even with DOD decal, Id card, insurance etc..My headache is some bases have set hours of "truck" gate will be open and after it is closed and your out of luck. With me it is not so much getting inspected as making sure you are at the "right" gate to be inspected for access. Many DOD locations are now "upgraded" with sharp "S" curves and such that using the wrong gate makes a real hassle to get turned around to find the right gate. Sort of like driving a large motorhome thru the drive up ATM would be a hassle. Google maps sure comes in handy for getting to the right gate, once you've called and found out which gate is the right gate to be inspected. Usually enough info on the mil camp web site in remarks somewhere or a phone number but not always. If not call the famcamp and ask which gate to use. To us fam camps, some are real good gems and others not so good. Some have really raised their prices.
Thanks for the info about which gate and phone number. I'll keep it.
Quote: On our maiden vacation voyage
And how did everything perform? Made it up the pass alright or should did your rig pull it like nothing back there?
GaPete wrote: Do you have to go thru the inspections like trucks do when you take an RV thru a military base gate?
I have not been inspected when going onto mil installations. Not saying some won't do it, but none of the 4 bases I've stayed at in the last 8 months did.
AF bases only needed to see my ID. Navy wanted ID, ins and issued a temp pass.
2011 GMC 3500 Dually
New to me 2006 Jayco Designer 38RDQS
2 Boxers and a Maine Coon
Thanks all for the gate info. I will be leaving Monday for a 7k mile trip and would like to stay at Fam-Camps where convenient.......bu not if it is more PITA than it is worth.
Guess we will give it a try and see what happens. The one I really want to use is at Nellis. Want to use it as a base for a week or so.
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