Once again, we reached the end of our winter paradise in South Central Texas. Rotodome Ranch got some more upgrades and now resides in the rear-view mirror for the time being. This chapter simply visits 4 of the 5 RV parks we usually stay at enroute. The 5th, Pontiac, IL 4H Campground was done previously. Fifty Shades of Retirement: Search results for pontiac 4H campground (richhilts.blogspot.com)
Our first day out we traveled 450 miles to Marlow, OK the home of our oldest grandson. We always stay at Town and Country Park, just 2 miles south of town on US 81. Town and Country RV Park (marlowrvpark.com) This is one of the nicest, friendliest parks we have visited. Small venue, close to town, and a very good staff. This is where we spent a month last October while we had the RV axle replaced. For Barb, it's only about 2 miles north of one of her favorite casinos. As you can see from the park map, they even have their own stocked fishing pond. Each site is full hookups water, electric, and sewer. The park also has WiFi. Great facilities.
Town and Country Central Office/Laundry/Showers
Ample laundry facilities
One of 2 very nice bathrooms
Small venue, but very clean
Prices are extremely reasonable at $33/night, $180/week, and only $300/month. As I said, it's one of the nicest parks we have ever stayed for reasonable prices.
A short 80 mile drive to the NE our second stop of the trip results in our staying at Lake Thunderbird State Park SE of Oklahoma City. It is a bit out of the way (27 miles to town) 11 miles south of I-40 on Peebly Road. We stay at the Little Axe CG. but the scenery is super chill with some very good fishing if you wish. There are shopping, eating, and gas options within 4 miles to the east. Lake Thunderbird State Park | TravelOK.com - Oklahoma's Official Travel & Tourism Site At Little Axe there are a variety of level, concrete pad sites both on and off the water. Each provides water and electricity. Sewer dump is located on the access road. They offer a small laundry room (only 2 washers/dryers) and 4 shower/toilets in the main building. This is only an issue during busy weekends or holidays. There is also a new facility nearly next to us offering 4 shower/bathrooms. No WiFi here unless it's yours.
A very nice state park campground with clean facilities, and a very polite and helpful staff. We have stayed here many times in the past, including holidays and celebrations where folks can get loud and rowdy. This has never been a problem. Sites are $32 per night. There is a 14-day stay limit. Oklahoma City offers a cornucopia of shopping, dining, and other opportunities. We use this visit as a chance to restock a few items and visit friends. The lake itself is quite scenic and offers chances for swimming, fishing, and even a romantic stroll at sunset.
From Little Axe, OK to Neosho, MO is a 220-mile cruise. This stop coincides with our occasional visit to Barb's cousin, Stephen. We stay at the Hickory Creek Campground, a facility maintained by the Neosho City Parks Department. Hickory Creek RV Park | Neosho, MO (neoshomo.gov) This is located just 1 mile north of Neosho on US Business Hwy. 60
Located in a large grassy area with a good gravel road for access, this park offers semi-level grass sites with electricity and water and a central dump station on the access road. Stand-alone camping. There are no services, just camping. It is quiet here and yet close enough to town services, including Walmart, etc. It is also a short venture back to catch US 60 to head east or west. It is a good overnight stay, just $25/night. Reasonable, but they offer nothing other than a place to park. There are no bathrooms or showers.
It is clean and well-tended. It can be a bit soggy during extended rains. The city parks are regularly patrolled, and crime is not an issue. There is no WiFi here unless it's yours.
Hickory Creek RV Camp
Hickory Creek RV spot #8
Day 4 from Neosho to Bloomfield, MO spans 292 miles, easy driving on US 60. Barb visits her sisters here and we have stayed at several different places during our tenure. We have stayed at Malden Industrial Park (MANY Sandburs), Dexter RV Park (in town and easy access), as well as Lake Wappapello National Recreation Area (a very nice area and park on a beautiful lake currently undergoing construction/improvements).
Just recently I discovered a small RV park located just north of Dexter at Bloomfield. This is where her sisters live. Easy, cheesy. After several phone calls I finally got ahold of them and reserved a site for our weeklong stay, an amazing reasonable $100.
This is basically a gravel lot behind a 'Flea Market', but it is large and level, with full hook up electricity, water, and sewer. The best part is this located just 3 miles east of her sister's house. There are no community showers or laundry. Stand-alone camping. I was in for a surprise upon arrival as the campground was available, but the phone # out of service. I just setup and decided to wait. The owner came the next day and registered us.
There are now trees behind this row offering shade
A very basic RV parking area, not really a park, but more of just parking, utilities, and peace/quiet about 1/2 mile north of a small town with a few services. It is close to Barb's sister's house and only 6 miles from Dexter with all the stores and services. there is a nice Food Giant about 1/2 mile south in town. We did experience quite a few ants while here and constantly brushed ourselves and equipment off when entering or packing. There is also no WiFi here unless it's yours.
Since the leg into Pontiac, IL was so long we decided to stay 2 days and even divide up the last leg (379 miles) into 2 parts. We stayed the last night at Van Buren State Park in South Haven, MI. Michigan State Parks can vary a bit in price, but all have one thing in common for RV spots. Electricity only. You can water up at any of the many spigots then park. There is also a central dump station on the way out. A little inconvenient, but livable.
The sites are fairly large, ensconced in the trees and the entire park is butted up against the dunes of Lake Michigan. Very pretty, especially in the spring. Cost is $39 per night. There are no weekly or monthly rates. There is no TV signal and WiFi/cell signal is spotty.
Welcome to America, there are plenty of campgrounds, but many of them aren't equal. If they're seriously bad, I'll identify it.
NOTE: We've had our share of RV repair issues over the years and this trip was no different, in fact it was the worst. Even at this stop I had to use some self-tapping screws to reinforce the front edge of one side wall that was coming apart. In all fairness we've had it for 10 years, putting over 100,000 miles on it, including a trip to Alaska and Mexico. There will be some RV shopping this summer, I'm sure.
From here it's 195 miles home.
"I love places that remind me how small me and my problems really are"
Tuck Nae
WiFi provided by AT & T Wireless
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