I can't believe I haven't seen this post before. Usually asleep I guess.
We live near Centralia, MO. (20 miles north of Columbia). Most family camping is done in our '03 Cruiser 27RL.
We really enjoy MO state parks. Make a week trip to Pomme de Terre every year since '84, and a June trip every year for a family rerunion at Long Branch near Macon.
Bought a tent camper to pull behind our GL1800 Honda motorcycle last fall. Been tent camping on the bike for a few years, but decided to go with just a bit more luxury.
Hi, we are planning a family reunion June 6-10 08 at Branson, MO. I am the only one
going to be there in our motorhome, others are staying at Holiday Hills resort. I am not familiar at all with Branson. I would like info on which
is the closet RV Park to Holiday Hills, Will I be able to get something close
to there an the water? or is it recommended not to get by the water due to
mosquitos? We plan our day (BBQ) at Moonshine Beach. Any help appreciated. tks
KPSmithSr wrote: Hi,
Florissant here, North West of St Louis. Fairly new to RVing, we have been to Arlington River Resort a couple of times when we visit our son at UMR. Heading to Fort Wilderness at WDW for the International Food and Wine Festival. Looking forward to trying some of our campground around Mo this next year.
You're the first person I've seen mention Arlington River. I didn't think anyone else knew about it Were you aware if was flooded and pretty much destroyed a couple of months ago? They must be rebuilding as now their website makes no mention of it. Great place to stay.
We're from Eldon about 15 miles north of Lake of the Ozarks BTW.
Hello everybody, We are from ST Joseph just north of KC. Came across this thread after lurking around this forum for the last couple of years and since have finally joined. We just upgraded to our first 5er a couple weeks ago and have yet to take our maiden voyage, which is planned next weekend. We camp all around NW Missouri. I agree the state parks have really spoiled us compared to others. Big Lake, Lewis and Clark, Wallace, and Watkins Mills we frequent quite often. We also have come to love Mozingo Lake in Maryville, MO. Beautiful lake and a great campground. We have yet to make it to the bigger lakes camping but hopefully that will be in our near future.
Robin, happily married with son, daughter, and a Boxer (I like the dog the best)
2001 Gulfstream Mako 28BH
2005 Chevy 2500HD
jorojory wrote: Hello everybody, We are from ST Joseph just north of KC. Came across this thread after lurking around this forum for the last couple of years and since have finally joined. We just upgraded to our first 5er a couple weeks ago and have yet to take our maiden voyage, which is planned next weekend. We camp all around NW Missouri. I agree the state parks have really spoiled us compared to others. Big Lake, Lewis and Clark, Wallace, and Watkins Mills we frequent quite often. We also have come to love Mozingo Lake in Maryville, MO. Beautiful lake and a great campground. We have yet to make it to the bigger lakes camping but hopefully that will be in our near future.
Welcome to this site!!
I agree our state parks are top notch, with the exception of one park. St. Francois State Park which is south of St. Louis has some staff members that could use some training in the proper methods of dealing with the public. I have seen camp hosts and staff members who were very rude at times in dealing with the public. I visit parks all over the southern part of the state, and this is the only one where I have encountered this. I have since decided not to visit this park anymore and not to spend any money there. I also share my experiences with others so they can be prepared for the gruff attitude at that park, and can even go elsewhere to avoid it like I do.
Otherwise, all other Missouri State Parks I have visited have been friendly and very pleasant to visit.
2005 Surveyor SV-291 Tows smooth as silk!
1995 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie SLT 4x4 5.9L V8 low miles, It ain't pretty, but it's paid for!
jorojory wrote: Hello everybody, We are from ST Joseph just north of KC. Came across this thread after lurking around this forum for the last couple of years and since have finally joined. We just upgraded to our first 5er a couple weeks ago and have yet to take our maiden voyage, which is planned next weekend. We camp all around NW Missouri. I agree the state parks have really spoiled us compared to others. Big Lake, Lewis and Clark, Wallace, and Watkins Mills we frequent quite often. We also have come to love Mozingo Lake in Maryville, MO. Beautiful lake and a great campground. We have yet to make it to the bigger lakes camping but hopefully that will be in our near future.
Welcome to this site!!
I agree our state parks are top notch, with the exception of one park. St. Francois State Park which is south of St. Louis has some staff members that could use some training in the proper methods of dealing with the public. I have seen camp hosts and staff members who were very rude at times in dealing with the public. I visit parks all over the southern part of the state, and this is the only one where I have encountered this. I have since decided not to visit this park anymore and not to spend any money there. I also share my experiences with others so they can be prepared for the gruff attitude at that park, and can even go elsewhere to avoid it like I do.
Otherwise, all other Missouri State Parks I have visited have been friendly and very pleasant to visit.
surveyorjp-
While I agree 100% of voting with your dollars, and not spending dollars at places that make you feel like they are doing you a favor, I hope you will go one more step in this.
I encourage you to write, not email, and send by USPS a letter of complaint to:
The Director of Missouri State Parks
Doug Eiken
1659 East Elm Street
Jefferson City, MO
65101-4176
573-751-9392
and send a copy of the letter to:
Missouri State Parks District Offices
Southern Missouri Historic
Delecia Huitt
2901 Highway 61
Festus, MO
63028-4221
636-931-5200
In your letter, be as specific as possible, dates, times, people's names and titles, etc. Even if it is somewhat dated information, like last years camping season, this needs to be reported.
And I can assure you, something will be done. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, which runs the state park system, does not put up with rude, inconsiderate or hostile employees. Period.
I encourage you to follow up on this to the ears of the people who can bring about effective change.
Disclaimer: Neither I, nor any of my family, immediate or extended, are employee's of Missouri DNR.
Rick and Gloria
2004 KIA Sorento - Fulltime 4x4 - V6
2003 Fleetwood Mesa
Thanks for the information Rabone. Actually I did send an email, and filled out a survey and listed my complaints. I only had actually one instance where I was the person who was treated unfairly, but at other times while in the park, I witnessed others being treated poorly as well. It was never anything severe, but the tone of the conversation was always unpleasant. I haven't camped there now in over 2 years. I didn't get names of employees, which was my fault, so I really have nothing to add to my complaints at this time. The park may be better now, but I know my BIL stayed there last year and they felt some of the staff and camp hosts were rude at that time as well.
The state parks I frequent now, like Montauk SP, Sam A. Baker SP, Washington SP, and St. Joe SP, have always treated me fairly and politely. I enjoy visiting these parks very much and will continue to do so.
I do appreciate the addresses though, and have copied them for future reference.
* This post was
edited 05/24/08 10:16am by surveyorjp *
Fozzy2007 wrote: Love Missouri, I Live near Bolivar on Pomme De Terre lake. I love Roaring River SP and Bennett Springs SP. I love to camp by the lakes as well.
Missouri has the best parks to me in the Nation, the best facilities and showerhouses as well. Try to even find a picnic table, lantern hanger, or fire ring in other states...
I do wish there was a camping club for missouri campers...
There is a yahoo group for camping..... not sure of the name, it's been a awhile, but search in yahoo groups