Good Campground near Chinook, WA?

Killertraylor · 05-18-2004, 02:51 PM

I used to camp every summer at Rivers End Campground in Chinook. It is a beautiful campground and meticulously maintained, but I don't care for the owners anymore after they were disrespectful to one of my close friends, so I stopped camping there two years ago. I camped last summer at the KOA, but it is really expensive, and not as nice as Rivers End.

We bought a new 25 foot travel trailer this spring and I'm looking for a nice new campground in the area. We are trying out Cape Disappointment (formerly Fort Canby) in Ilwaco this weekend, but it's very hard to find a spot there when the fishing gets good. Anyone have any input for a nice clean place with water and electricity (sewer is nice, but not necessary) within 5 miles of Chinook? Please don't post places in Oregon as I have moorage in Chinook and therefore need a spot on the Washington side of the river.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Joe

SafetyChain · 05-18-2004, 03:34 PM

Does Don and Jean still own it Rivers End? We used to spend every major holiday there for years, long before I started fishing as heartily as I do now. Along with at least 3-5 other rigs that I would bring with me. I used to love that place. But it was always seemed to like I had to fight to get a site, regardless of how early in the year I would call. They definately prefer to hold spots. I thought I had overcome that based on they could always count on me to fill at least 5 spaces, without cancelling. I haven't been there for at least 3 years now and probably won't go back. And neither will my friends. They seemed to be catering to long term renters. Which I understand, but I have never seen that place completely full to require turning away paying business.

But I do have to say it is a great campground. My kids had a blast and I never worried about them when they were younger. I know they have contemplated selling, I even looked into it but the asking price was way out of line.

Killertraylor · 05-18-2004, 07:12 PM

Yeah - that's who I was talking about. I assume they still own it. Maybe I should give them a call in hopes that they sold it? I camped there every weekend from May through September for 3 years straight and then they wouldn't even rent me a tent site in August unless I reserved the entire month - as in 31 days! That nonsense coupled with the way they treated a friend of mine made me leave. It's a shame too as it's the nicest campground down there that I've been able to find.

CATCH AND EAT · 05-19-2004, 11:14 AM

Is'nt there an Eagles Nest campground near Ilwaco. My neighbor goes to a place up there all the time and just loves it but I'm not sure that is the correct name.

bllelk · 05-19-2004, 12:58 PM

C and E has it right, KT. It's called Eagles Nest and is brand new. You drive right past it as you leave Ilwaco on the way to Cape Disappointment. Looks expensive though.

Killertraylor · 05-19-2004, 04:29 PM

Thanks, guys. I'll check it out this weekend. Can't be any more expensive than the KOA!

Tagster · 05-19-2004, 04:48 PM

Just as a side-note, I am staying at the KOA in Warrenton this weekend and it is $43.00 per night :shocked:

At that rate, it would be cheaper to drive our car over and get a hotel then to drive the f250 over with the camper.

Wow, when I asked the guy why it so much, he very politely asked if I would like to reserve it or not...

Tag

SafetyChain · 05-19-2004, 05:49 PM

$43 a night at a KOA ?

Half fast Toyn · 05-20-2004, 05:53 AM

Thousand Trails membership only campground in Iwaco. Thats where I stay..... they cater to the weekend fisherman, have boat parking and VERY secure. I dont hesitate to leave my fishing rods unsecure in my boat around those 500K motorhomes and I dont lock my camper doors while Im out fishing. They also have a decent fish cleaning station, swimming pool, jacuzzi, club house, and mini store.

Thousand Trails also has parks in Seaside, Pacific City, Newport, Florence, and Bend.....as well as MANY others in other states. I can stay at any of them FREE with my membership. Oh...and Ive NEVER been turned down a place to camp...even if Ive forgot to make reservations and forced into overflow and parked out in a field someplace. I hardly ever stay anyplace else unless Im dry camping out on NF land.