getting trapped inside a park

padredw wrote:
Almost -- twice.

About ten years ago in California, Valley Center, Woods Valley campground. This time my fault: one wrong turn took me into a portion of the campground with no exit for my 34' fifth-wheel. Fortunately residents of that area stopped me just before point of no return and helped me to back out--long way!

Two years later, Stone State Park near Sioux City, Iowa. Had reservations but found no campsite adequate, proceeded to a loop at the end of the campground--loop too small and tight with a small tree right in the center. Took much hemming and hawing but I did just barely get out. Went on to a KOA across the river in South Dakota. Finally did get a refund because there was no one on duty to assist me at the state park.

These are the campground close calls. Many others on the road. Once near Brandon, MS went to visit a friend in a retirement center pulling the fifth-wheel (on the way to Florida). No parking at all, but I turned down the residential street across from it. It turned out to be a cul de sac. It was a narrow street with mailboxes at driveways. Would not want to do that again. Almost destroyed a mailbox and had to back into a very busy boulevard.

A thread like this excites us all and brings back memories mostly of narrow escapes which are our victories.

my opinion is that state parks are the WORST. most of the state parks are much older than the current generation of campers. used to be a small pop-up or tent camping--which a lot of people do and enjoy-- then comes along (maybe since the late 70s?) 30+ ft trailers and tow rig combos well over 60 ft and you quickly mark state parks off your list. I don't think the funding is there to make them any different...no all, but most.