Big Oak River Camp, Camp Wood, TX refused to return deposit

[trailernovice]

About thirty of us had a March 2020 group trip planned to Big Oak River Camp, in Camp Wood, Texas...we were forced to cancel because of the coronoavirus outbreak...owner refused to return deposit despite the unexpected and unforeseeable need to cancel in light of group-gathering prohibitions and government guidance re. travel

[dedmiston]

I'm declaring this topic all talked-out.

I'm sorry you lost your deposit and I'm even more sorry that your trip was called off. It's a real punch in the gut to do all the planning and get all psyched up for a trip and then have it cancelled.

Hang in there and be safe.

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

The Texas Governor's office has requested people report instances of groups holding large meetings, and 'profiting' from refusing to give refunds for cancellation.

The calls go to a state office for consumer complaints.

Though the Governor's website is currently down, apparently the noon daily update on the virus has overwhelmed the server ability.

[dodge_guy]

Well it would be good business for them to return deposits maybe minus a $20 fee considering the current man made craziness!

[ford_truck_guy]

I agree , DO NOT call the Governors office,,, They are up to their armpits with state wide issues. The LAST thing they need is someone who got their panties bunched up because they feel they are not being treated fairly.

Either suck it up and go camping.... DO NOT walk around hugging and kissing everyone, OR stay home and be happy and thankful for your health and your families health

[Seattle_Steve]

I realize that psychologically it stings to pay for something and not get it. But in the big picture, you were going to pay the money anyway, so somewhere along the line you decided you could afford it. You are out less money by not going than you would be if you did go. (No gas, travel expenses, etc.) So if you could afford to go, you can afford to NOT go. This is an unusual event. Bite the bullet and move on with your life. Dwelling on it will just hurt more.

[dedmiston]

Don't call the Governor. The Governor's Office has bigger fish to fry. Don't make things worse.

[B_O__Plenty]

Call the Governor??? Get real. The rules were laid out. Lick your wounds, get on with your life. I'm in an RV park right now, life here is just fine. No different than if I was at my house.
B.O.

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

Call the Texas Governor's office.

Likely the campground will be able to file claims for loses due to COVID-19 based on legislation just passed and signed into law. But the process is going to take a while to be implemented.

And when they call your group and ask you to come back and help them rebuild their business after this is over - no matter if you eventually get your money or not - tell them to take a long walk off a short pier.

-------------------------

So, unless 12,500 people are already dead, we are not supposed to take a disease as serious.

Get real. We did not treat H1N1 as serious, and it should be criminal charges for government officials, and business owners, who said business as usual.

Frankly, many of us in RV groups are older. Those of us over age 65 are high risk of catching this, and 10 to 15 times more likely to DIE if we do catch it. It is not worth taking the chance that I die, or my wife dies.

[ScottG]

I think it's bad business to keep your money, especially in this enviroment but my suggestion is for you all to reconsider. Go anyway and take precautions. I honestly don't think the risk is significant.

[steveh27]

azdryheat wrote:
Rules are rules.

Coronavirus is not a killer virus worthy of mass hysteria. I live in Arizona and we have 27 cases of Coronavirus and zero deaths. AZ did loose a child but to the H1N1 virus. We didn't have a panic attack when that pandemic hit in 2009.

H1N1 had 60.8 million cases, 275,000 hospitalizations and 12,469 deaths. Any businesses close? Any churches close? Any RV parks close? Were there empty shelves in the stores? The hype over the current virus needs to go away, it's not that big a deal. Get over it.

This is just starting here. Wait 4 weeks and see how bad it is. Could be the worst since 1918. The restrictions are an attempt to try and prevent that.

[SDcampowneroper]

Every hospitality industry has cancellation policies. They developed them depending on past trends of occupancy, the length and amount of time for refunds, amounts of, are fluid only by the business and by your choice agreed to when you made the reservation.
Unforseen circumstances such as a natural disaster where the business cannot fulfill service do warrant refund, or rescheduling of the event such as concerts or sporting.
to cancel within the period of time you agreed to for penalty through no fault of the provider is at your expense. Parks do not have that luxury to reschedule. They are at the whim of the seasons weather and events around them.
RVing and camping is the safest form of travel. No air, cruise,subway, restauarant NO close proximity with strangers. Your gathering is your family and friends. You fear your own group gathering, not the others in camp because you have distancing from them
Should the camp bear the cost of your fears however founded?
Max
no longer a camp owner

[azdryheat]

Rules are rules.

Coronavirus is not a killer virus worthy of mass hysteria. I live in Arizona and we have 27 cases of Coronavirus and zero deaths. AZ did loose a child but to the H1N1 virus. We didn't have a panic attack when that pandemic hit in 2009.

H1N1 had 60.8 million cases, 275,000 hospitalizations and 12,469 deaths. Any businesses close? Any churches close? Any RV parks close? Were there empty shelves in the stores? The hype over the current virus needs to go away, it's not that big a deal. Get over it.

[BB_TX]

jdc1 wrote:

garym114 wrote:
Their Policy:
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancellations more than 30 days before scheduled check-in date will receive 50% refund. Cancellations less than 30 days from scheduled check in date will forfiet payment received.

Well....there we have it folks.

Doesn’t get any more clear than that. Why even question it?

Would be a much larger hit to him than to each of you.

[Lwiddis]

Such terms are not uncommon for a group making reservations individually.