mkc
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Re: Memphis Bound looking for RV park
Danpaine wrote: Hi Folks. We're visiting Memphis in May, and are looking for a decent RV park not too far from downtown, and we're visiting Graceland, too. Any tips appreciated. Thank you. If you're literally there for "Memphis in May" (or during it), which is a HUGE BBQ competition, make sure you have reservations.772Views0likes0CommentsRe: Harvest Hosts
wapiticountry wrote: Harvest Hosts doesn’t publish the host locations because that is literally the only thing they have to sell. I would bet almost all the hosts would offer the exact same accommodations to non members if they called and asked. Those hosts expect you to buy their products, that is how they were sold on being hosts in the first place. It is marketed as a way for those businesses to increase their sales. If the hosts get a string of non buyers just looking for free stays those hosts will become ex-hosts. They aren’t RV centric charities, they are small businesses looking for new customers. This is literally the business model for Harvest Hosts. They "sell" the concept to the host sites as a means to bring in new retail traffic that otherwise wouldn't visit. And they promise the host property that visitors will spend at least the value of an RV site at the host property in exchange for a one night stopover. No promise or guarantee of any hookups are required. The host sets the rules regarding pets and generators (both generally not allowed, especially pets if there's a farm dog). Harvest Hosts then "sells" the concept of these unique locations to dry camp/boondock to RVers. Most of the sites are off the beaten path or at least not along a travel route. Not really for overnight stops if you're enroute somewhere, but that's what Harvest Hosts suggest the sites are intended to be. RVers see "free camping*" and miss the asterisk that says you should spend as much as you would on an RV park night at the host site. It's never been our style of stopover and we don't care for the business model.924Views0likes0CommentsRe: OH to CT- I-80 or I-90?
K_and_I wrote: Matt, thanks for responding. Google maps actually does take 81 to 84 and in. We have taken that in the past (several years ago and found it to be rough enough to make the I-90 tolls through NY worthwhile. But it's been a few years since we've taken I-90 as well, and I wondered if it has deteriorated since. You mention you have done this trip before, so you likely are aware, but RVers shouldn't use Google Maps for routing in the Hudson Valley/NYC/LI area without paying close attention to the route. Google Maps can route you on a parkway, and RVs are not allowed on them in NY and CT.1.6KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Recommendations for a Fall trip to Maine
fwed wrote: Make reservations -- the sooner the better. By early October, we're ready to shut down for the winter. Many CGs here will close by October 15. Actually, almost all campgrounds and parks in Maine are closed as of Columbus/Indigenous Peoples' Day. Many close earlier. The season for Maine campgrounds sharply declines after Labor Day. The parks we've worked at closed October 1st. Most of the state parks closed after Labor Day weekend. Note that the state parks do not have any utilities at the sites.956Views0likes0CommentsRe: Fall color trip - East Coast States
speediq99 wrote: Thank you for the suggestions. We have never towed on the Eastern US. Any concerns with roads and a 42ft 5th wheel? Any better routes than others? Depending on your furthest-northeast plans, get a Motor Carrier's Atlas and research low clearance/restricted routes/weight limit bridges. When in doubt, "drive" it virtually using Google Maps satellite and street view. If a campground/RV park has directions on their website and tells you not to follow your GPS, there's a reason for it. You're not permitted (and won't fit, height-wise) on anything labeled "Parkway" in NY and CT, so don't rely solely on Google maps for routing in those states. If you are using I90 in either NY or MA, it is a toll road. You will pay 4H or 5H rates, depending on the number of axles (I90 in NY will cost close to $90 from PA border to MA border). Depending on your dates and how far NE you plan to go, most RV parks and campgrounds in Maine close by Columbus/Indigenous Peoples' Day, many by Oct 1.767Views0likes0CommentsRe: NH to Florida in January
Kyedog wrote: I have decided I want to spend a couple months in Florida this winter. I would like to leave NH in January and go home in March. Do you already have reservations secured? It's typically "challenging", to say the least, finding spots in Florida January-March.354Views0likes0CommentsRe: Advise around Dallas/Ft. Worth
We used to live in Denton. Another vote for I20 south to 635 to I30 if you prefer interstates or catching 82 no further east than I35W if you prefer secondary roads. Avoid I30 in Dallas and 380 from I35 east through McKinney. The latter is nothing but traffic lights, shopping centers, and master planned communities that will slow you down.368Views0likes0CommentsRe: East coast trip heading south
lucy6194 wrote: Going south in January. Cape Cod to key west. Anyone done the i81. Basically more concerned about weather than anything. I81 south through PA can be very dicey if there's precipitation, particularly in the area of Ravine (Frackville to I78). Watch the weather and plan accordingly.643Views0likes0CommentsRe: Ever hear of this camping company? Harvest Host
valhalla360 wrote: It's not necessarily a scam but you misunderstand their purpose. They are not intended to provide sites for you to stay a week in the wilderness. The idea is a winery/brewer/golf course/etc... offers to let you spend the night (typically without utilities) in a field or back lot with the expectation you patronize the business. That is EXACTLY how HH markets to host properties and the intent of the program. It's to bring retail business to the host properties. The properties aren't RV parks nor do they have RV sites, but are perhaps situated that an RV could reach them and fit in a cleared area of the property so that boondocking is do-able. HH recommends you spend a similar amount to a site fee at a campground when you stay at a host property. That's also part of their marketing to the host property - camper X would normally pay $30 for a campground, but they will spend that $30 at your gift shop instead if you allow boondocking overnight and then leave. HH sites are not RV parks, and if one wants a multi-day stay, one is better served by looking for a campground/RV park.723Views0likes0Comments
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