Thousand Trails Diamond Caverns.

 Name:  Thousand Trails Diamond Caverns Ky.

Location:  1978 Mammoth Cave Parkway, Park City KY  42160
Sewer:  All (maybe 2 without)
Water:  Yes
Power:  30A or 50A
Cable:  No
WIFI:  In the clubhouse only.  Pay Wifi available
Cellular:  T-Mobile:   Not very good. 
Comments:  Very nice RV resort.

October 2021

This is another hidden gem in the Thousand Trails system.  This beautiful little RV resort is within the boundaries of the Mammoth Cave National Park.

The sites are a little small, but each site has sewer with water and either 30 or 50 amp power.  There is a wonderful pool - unfortunately being winterized while we there.

The staff was very friendly and accommodating. 

The grounds and building were in excellent repair.

As with a lot of TTs these days there were a number of "annuals" but not so much to exclude travelers.  We got in the day we made the reservations.

This park gets a star and promise of a return visit.

 Name:  Gettysburg Round Top (Trails Collection)

Location:   180 Knight Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Sewer:  Mixed.  Most site appear to have some sewer.  On-site holding tanks on some.
Water:  Yes
Power:  30A/50A (we had 30 only)
Cable:  Some
WIFI:  Available at extra charge.  Fast enough to stream.  Free at the lodge
Cellular:  T-Mobile:  Pretty Good
Comments:  Very close to the battleground.

August  2021

First off, this is a trails collection campground.  This means that they are primarily a public (rvonthego.com) campground that reserves some spots for Thousand Trails members.  It is on a hill side - not the famous civil war round tops - but nearby.  If you are a civil war buf, this place, with is close proximity to the National Museum, can't be beat.

It is fortunate it is on the hillside.  We arrived in the midst of the Hurricane Ida aftermath and some of the other local Thousand Trails were closed due to flooding.

The close proximity to I-15 made for more noise than usual.

It appears that most of the spots are occupied by seasonals.  The place kind of fills up on the weekend empties during the week.

The pools and grassy play areas are very well maintained are are quite inviting.  The sites, by and large, were quite nice, but there were some - possibly retired and no longer used - that fell into the category of "you expect me to park in that?".   In our site for example, we believe it was a vacated annual site, the sewer connection was quite strange and required a trip to a hardware store to purchase some rubber sewer adapters.

Thousand Trails Kenisee Lakes

 Name:  Thousand Trails Kenisee Lakes

Location:  2021 Mill Creek Rd, Jefferson, OH 44047
Sewer:  All
Water:  Yes
Power:  50A
Cable:  None
WIFI:  Available at extra charge.  Fast enough to stream.  Free at the lodge
Cellular:  T-Mobile:  Marginal is some parts. 
Comments:  Very beautiful RV Resort

August  2021

Note:  This is a seasonal park, closed in Winter.

This is a very beautiful RV Resort outside of Jefferson Ohio.  Unlike many Thousand Trails the upkeep here is perfect.  It has on site fishing lakes, boats available for fishing and massive green areas for walking, playing etc.  The playgrounds are modern.

This park has a majority of seasonal sites, so getting in can be difficult during peak periods.  

The sheer beauty of this RV resort can't be beat.  We were so struck by it, when we pulled in we instantly got on the computer and extended our stay.

If there is a problem with Kenisee Lakes it is that there is nothing really in the area.  The area has tried to up its tourist value by building modern covered bridges which are, well... ok.  There are a couple of state parks on the nearby Lake Erie, but they are dog hostile and therefore did not get a visit.

Cleveland, with the Rock and Roll hall of Fame is a bit of drive away, but was surprisingly worth a visit.

Michigan to New York

 We decided we were driving too much and took a 10 day stand-down in St Clare Michigan at a Thousand Trails just outside of the town.

We needed it.  The rig had racked up the need for a number of minor repairs and we were very tired.  The stop at the Thousand Trails gave us time to rest, get the rig repairs done (all DIY) and to do some local sightseeing.  We also used St. Clare as a general delivery address to get our mail forwarded to us.

Draw Bridge in St. Clare

We were close to Port Huron, so we went over there and took a lake/river tour on a boat out onto Lake Huron.  Walking around the beautiful town of St. Clare with it's river front boardwalk was also a very highly thought of activity.

We took a trip (quite a distance) to Frankenmuth, which we think is German for "Tourist Trap".   It was worth the trip just to see the the town and to enjoy their little river cruise on a stern wheeler.  They allowed our dog Ginger as a passenger - though boats are not Gingers favorite thing.

This is first place in Michigan we thought was over-priced.  I guess the Disneyland like experience is expensive.

Fully rested and repairs on the rig complete, we left St. Clare and proceeded along I-90 with a goal of getting to upstate New York.  We stopped at another Thousand Trails in Ohio, Kenisee Lakes.

This Thousand Trails is notably simply for beauty of park.  A lot of Thousand Trails are...ummm..rustic.  That is needing work to modernize or restore the amenities that are getting worn.  

That was not the case with this one.  Everthing was in pristine condition, with the grounds well maintained.  

We pulled in and did something we had never done before:  we extended our stay just as we checked in.

While at Kenisee Lakes we decided to back track a bit and drive the car to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. 

Long Live Rock!!

This was quite an interesting stop, with all the artifacts and history of the some great and some not so great musicians of the past.  It had a pretty liberal interpretation of the Rock and Roll since Johnny Cash's Tour Bus was parked out front as one of the exhibits.

Cleveland surprised us.  They apparently have done some serious urban renewal - particularly around the water front.  We were time limited (Dog are not allowed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Ginger was back at the Campground) and didn't get to explore much, but next time we are in the Cleveland area, we will.  This was a far cry from the "Mistake by the Lake" designation Cleveland used to have.

We we returned to Kenisee Lake we discovered that part of its charm is that there is nothing to do in the area.   There are some modern covered bridges in the area and some state parks by the water front, but the state parks are dog-hostile and therefore not visited by us.

We then continued our run along I-90 to upstate New York and Niagara Falls. 

Thousand Trails St. Clare Michigan

 Name:  ThousandTrails St. Clair

Location:  1299 Wadham Road, St. Clair, Michigan  48079
Sewer:  Some
Water:  Yes
Power:  20A/30A/50A
Cable:  None
WIFI:  Available only in the lodge
Cellular:  T-Mobile:  Fair. 
Comments:  Very pleasant TT near the Great Lakes

August  2021

This park is located just off of I-94 in St Clair Michigan and is home to a lot of seasonal RVs.  It is a very pleasant park, though section A is pretty close to the Interstate.

The park is older (like many of Thousand Trails offerings) but is apparently undergoing a lot of renovation.  There are signs throughout the park touting the "site upgrades" and the "exciting future amenities".

It is lush, with lots of lawn and very reasonable sized RV slots.  The lodge and pool are newer and well maintained.  A lot of the seasonals are there for the weekends only and the place has lots of kid running around.  On the weekdays it is very quite.

The staff is what makes this a notable ThousandTrails.  They seem to be very focused on providing a memorably stay for their quests.

While we were there, amongst many other things, was live music (two nights), a car show and most importantly, donuts on Sunday morning.  During the live music shows, a TT staff member dressed up a Big Foot and kept the kids amused while the parents enjoyed the music.

We were also surprised at the improvements that the seasonals did to their sites.  It is obvious that some of them had been there many years and were planning to be there many more.

Full hook up sites are a bit rare due to the large number of seasonals, but they are obtainable - particularly if one is willing to "get on the list" and move when a site becomes available.

The nearby towns of St Claer and Port Huron are both worth a visit.

We spent 10 days in the Park and we have marked it for a future return visit.

Thousand Trails San Benito

 Name:  ThousandTrails San Benito

Location:  16225 Cienega Road, Paicines, CA 95043
Sewer:  Yes
Water:  Yes
Power:  30A/50A
Cable:  None
WIFI:  Yes - very good.  Roughly $2.00/Day (we could stream video)
Cellular:  T-Mobile:  None.  AT&T is reported to be ok.
Comments:  Large RV Resort in the Central California

July 2021

This is a large RV resort located sort of near Hollister California.  It advertises 627 sites, but not all of which are RV capable.  Most sites have sewer connections - but a few do not.

Power is 30A with a large number of 50A.  There is water to every site.  There are quite a few pull-thrus.

There are a fair number of sites designated for "Tent" camping.  These seem to be sites that have "infrastructure issues", most likely electrical.  

Since it away from the ocean, it does tend to get a bit warm, so 50A for 50A capable RVs is probably a good idea.  Though in this authors opinion, the prettier sites are 30A.

like many of TTs campgrounds, this one is a older, but it appears ELS is spending money to refurbish the campground.  They recently re-paved some of the access roads, they've renovated and in the process of renovating the bathrooms.  While we were there the "Adult" Lodge and the "Adult" pool were closed for renovation.  We note new fire rings in a lot of the sites.

The family lodge and family pool were entirely sufficient given the low occupancy rate (not sure if the low occupancy is due to Covid or $4.10/gal regular)

We found the staff to be very friendly and accommodating.   They were very helpful when we needed to store the rig temporarily to go handle a family emergency.

It is within striking distance of Pinnacles National Park, Fremont Peak State park and the Hollister ORV area.  Slight longer to Monterey with is various attractions.

There is partial week store in the RV park and a "general store" in Paicines that looked pretty small.  Tres Pinos seemed to also have a small general store, so major provisions should be bought in advance in Hollister which is a bit far down Highway 25.

One of the fun things about this park, is the wildlife.  We are not talking about the partying septuagenarians,  but the local creatures.  The deer were not quite hand tame, but they had little fear of humans and were content to maintain a minimal distance.

Lots of quail...

a bunny or two...

A couple of feral pigs...

We didn't get a picture of the bobcat we saw, they are nocturnal and don't care for humans that much.  We didn't see any of the foxes or racoons that reportedly inhabit the area

A travel note:  We will be storing the RV at San Benito for a few days and then doing what we call a "Kamikaze run" to the Winnebago GNR in Forest City Iowa.  We will do 80 from California to Salt Lake City and then we will decide if the approach to Forest City will be from the Northern route or the Southern route.

 Name:  ThousandTrails Ponderosa

Location:  7291 State Highway 40, Lotus, CA  95651
Sewer:  Some
Water:  Yes
Power:  30A/50A
Cable:  None
WIFI:  Not yet (Maybe soon?)
Cellular: Overloaded

Comments:  Beautiful river side RV park in the California Gold Country.

Date:  Winter 2020

This park is a short distance from the location of the original Sutter's Mill gold strike that set off the 1849 California Gold Rush.  It is located between  Highway 50 and Interstate 80 along CA-49 (Coloma Road).

A word of advice:  CA-49, in general, is not RV friendly.  This was the old wagon trail used to supply the gold miners and small gold rush towns until it was paved by the state.  It is known for being quite twisty turny.  When going to this RV park it is strongly recommended you approach from Highway 50 in the south.  This is an easy driving mountain route to RV park.  The approach from the north can be done, but in our 37 foot motorhome with toad there were some white-knuckle moments when coming down from Interstate-80.

Once in the park there are sites above the American River - some of which have sewer and sites along the river.  The sewer sites, like a lot of TTs are hard to get.  But the prettiest sites are along the river without sewer and TT charges an extra $5.00/day for those.  Sites set back from the river, but still very close to the river don't have a surcharge.

Most sites have water and power (30amp with some 50amp), though there are some "rustic" sites that appear to have neither.

We found that staff here to be very friendly and helpful.  Unfortunately Covid kept us for interacting with them very much or enjoying the pool or clubhouse.

We did a lot of dog-walking along the river.

The nearby Sutter's Mill  is a state historical park with reproductions of the mill and some restored pioneer village.  We were told that the docents there put on demonstrations of pioneer skill and crafts.  Unfortunately due to Covid, all the exhibits were closed.  It looked like it would a be fun place to take the kids

To the south along an easy section of CA-49 is the rustic town of Placerville (aka Hangtown), the center of the CA goldrush.  This town is worth the trip for the shops and rustic buildings.  In addition there is a "farm trail" you can drive that has wineries and local produce.

We have quite enjoyed both our stays here and plan to return.  

ThousandTrails: Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort.

Name:  ThousandTrails Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort (ENCORE)
Location:  Scotts Valley, California
Sewer:  Yes
Water:  Yes
Power:  30A
Cable:  None
WIFI:  Yes - slow.
Cellular:  Good
Comments:  The location is what makes this campground

This is an ENCORE park in Scotts Valley, California nestled in near the old Seagate Corporate HQ.   As an ENCORE park it has limited availability to Thousand Trails members with certain enhancements.  In this case, they reserve 10 spots for Thousand Trails.   There is a small section reserved for tent campers.

Scotts Valley is a small town once famous for being the home of Seagate Technologies and Borland Software.   Both these businesses are now gone - Seagate to nearby Cupertino and Borland to that great computer store in sky.  But the bones of those once great companies remain.  The RV park is nestled in near the old Seagate Headquarters at 917 Disc Drive.  Hmmm.

 Scotts Valley today seems to be a bedroom community for Silicon Valley workers willing to brave the rigors of the CA-17 commute.   Grocery stores (Nob Hill and Safeway) and other amenities usually found in suburban locations are near the RV park. 

In the park itself, spots are very narrow and short and paved.  With a 37ft Motorhome we barely fit with impinging of the white line that we were warned both verbally and in writing about.   The toad just barely fit behind.

There were small sections of grass at each with a nice serviceable picnic table.  There is a pool and hot tub available to all residents but due to the covid 19 restrictions, we did not avail ourselves.  The park has a large laundry room and the prices are very reasonable.  The park is well maintained.

Most of the residents of this RV resort are permanent.  It is a sad commentary on the price of housing in the area that these permanent residents, in 2020, are paying $550.00 per week.

The close proximity of CA-17 makes for constant noise though we did not find it oppressive.  We found the staff to be excellent and very accommodating.

What makes this RV resort notable is it proximity to Santa Cruz and the Monterey bay area.  It is at most 10 minutes away from the beach resort town of Santa Cruz and the world famous beach boardwalk.  Most of the attractions of the Santa Cruz were close due to the covid-19 outbreak.'

Thousand Trails: Lake of the Springs

Name:  ThousandTrails Lake of the Springs
Location:  Oregon House, California
Sewer:  not likely
Water:  Yes
Power:  50A in some sites
Cable:  None
WIFI:  At the lodge - slow.
Cellular:  Non existent
Comments:  A true RV resort very appropriate for families with children.

In Oregon House California between Yuba City and Grass Valley is Los Verjeles Dam.  Built in 1918,  this worthwhile structure on Dry Creek is the dam for Lake Mildred or as Thousand Trails likes to call it, Lake of the Springs.

With 556 individual spots, Lake of the Springs is a very large RV, cabin and tent resort that is also open to the general public.  The lake is of course the main draw, as is a very fine lodge.

Once you enter the resort from the Ranger Station, you drive up the mountain ridge past the I and G sections.  These sections are somewhat desert like and probably the least desirable sections in the resort - however they do have a number of sites that are occupied by annual campers.  Probably due to cell phone coverage.

At the peak of the hills you will notice a "cell phone" parking area.  In the cell phone parking area you can - if you have the right carrier (AT&T?) - get a marginal cell,     There is no cell phone coverage in the rest of the resort.  The lodge, further down the hill has marginal WiFi.

If you are in Motorhome with a toad, the recommendation is that you drive all the way down to the resort grocery / ice cream store, disconnect the toad in the large parking lot and then go site scouting.

It appears that most sites have 50Amp power and water and there is a smattering of sewer sites scattered about, mostly near the rest rooms.  The exception is "X" section which was reportedly built for PG&E crew which is all sewer sites and as result usually full.   Thousand Trails seems to be slowly converting the sewer sites to Cabins.

There are plenty of facilities for activities for individuals and groups including a large group BBQ areas and a rarity among Thousand Trails Resorts, a baseball diamond.   They had a very fine children's playground.   Boats can be rented for roaming around on Lake Mildred.

 We were there during the Covid-19 outbreak and lot of the facilities, including a very fine looking pool area and the lodge restaurant were closed.

We were there for Fourth of July weekend - we needed to get the dog out of the madness of the Sacramento fireworks.  The lower sites near the lake were full, but the upper sites near the ridge had plenty of openings.

The staff was pleasant and helpful.

Because of the cellular service and lack of wifi, I would not recommend this campground for anyone work camping - there is an Indian Casino in Oroville that is probably re appropriate.  But if you are looking for a getaway Thousands Trails, this is one.

N

Thousand Trails Yosemite Lake

Another weekend jaunt this time to the Famous Yosemite National Park.

Name:  ThousandTrails Yosemite Lake
Location:  Groveland, California
Sewer:  Yes
Water:  Yes
Power:  30A with 50A in some sites
Cable:  None
WIFI:  Available for fee
Cellular:  Non existent
Comments:  A lot of folks consider Yosemite Lakes the Crown Jewel of the ThousandTrails.  Yup.  I wish all Thousand Trails were as well maintained and managed as this wonderous place.   Spacious sites, very green.   About 8 miles from the Yosemite gate.  The lodge is not be missed.

Thousand Trails Turtle Bay (Manteca California)

A weekend jaunt from our home base in Sacramento to the nearby town of Manteca.

We stayed at the Thousand Trails Turtle Bay.

This is a small (they say they are the smallest) Thousand Trails along side the San Joaquin River.   It is down some narrow roads not far from the site of the now defunct Manteca Oakwood Lake Resort and it's famous water slide.  Sadly nothing remains of the famous water park except perhaps the old RV park which seems to be full of permanent RVs.

A quick summary which I may cross post to the Thousand Trails facebook group

Name:  Thousand Trails Turtle Bay
Location:  Manteca, California
Sewer:  Some.  Have to request a sewer site
Water:  Yes
Power:  Appears to be 30Amp only
Cable:  None
WIFI:  Available for fee
Cellular:  Good. (T-Mobile)
Comments:  Spacious sites, very green.  Appears to have a large day-use business of people picnicking and fishing (stripers).  Friendly staff.