I think this park has been way overrated in the past. My dad told me it was a four star?!? So yes, the pool area and activities are great. Period. But the sites are pretty rough for what I expected. The pavement was all chewed up and the sites are very uneven. And the landscaping is just overgrown brush. (I think I expected more with the prices.) It's not that high in elevation (although my parents say they've camped there in the snow) but in the summer it gets really hot. Was 102 when we visited. When we asked two different people for hiking maps, they told us there wasn't really anywhere to go nearby and that we had to drive into Ldyllwild for that; too far. But I see the site says there is hiking, so I guess we just missed it somehow. It's a great place to have a bike or scooter as you'll need it to get around. They even have a tram to pick you up for things like bingo and the BBQ. I noticed people using scooters (even though I thought the signs says they weren't allowed). Golf carts also not allowed except for the handicap. Overall it was okay. Seemed best for people who are looking to socialize and do the activities. I guess we don't really fall into those categories so we didn't see the beauty. Can't remember how much it cost to be a guest. But remember that it wasn't cheap and not $10. Want to say at least $35.
This used to be known as Destiny Riviera. It's a decent park. Staff is extremely kind and helpful. They escort you to the site; even offered to help us hook up. Sites are very narrow and close to each other. Most are not able to open awnings even. We went on Memorial Weekend. Were surprised to easily find two adjacent spots. Also surprised at the party vibe. There are a number of permanent sites. They were partying as well as the campers on both sides. Had a DJ all weekend. Heavy drinking and swearing. Everyone was really nice, and a few years ago, we might have been right there with them, but we all have young kids now and it wasn't the environment we were looking for. The River has a party atmosphere in general, so of course, so does the campground. The river itself was decent. Seemed like a great big launch spot. The cabins and permanent site were the only real river front (above). A few sites were just behind those. I wouldn't really call it riverfront camping, just near the river. No tents allowed on RV sites. The beach was small, but did the job nicely. Nice store, but not cheap. Pool was nice, not heated for those who mind. Just off of the freeway, but we never heard any noise from our site. I think we were in space C7. There are two sides to the park, I guess a north side and a south side, we were south (opposite of cabins, and tents). Campfires only permitted if off the ground. Probably wouldn't go back just because I know there are nicer places out there, but ok to stay if nothing else is available. Nor would I go to McIntyre. People said that's the party place to be (at least that holiday it was). Stopped by Mayflower on the way back. The beach was not fantastic, but the park was a lot nicer. Would prefer to stay there. People were tubing which was also intriguing (dangerous maybe??). And a lot cheaper.
First I will say that we did not stay here, but went to preview it before reserving. The good: The area was prettier than I expected, didn't realize that area even existed. Reminded me of the San Gorgonio area a bit. The creek was this place's saving grace. It was awesome how you can camp RIGHT on the creek. Some places say you are on the creek, but these really are. It was fantastic. The bad: No shade, no grass. Went on a Wednesday and the gate was locked, restaurant/check-in was closed. (Also closed Tuesday.) The place was completely empty except the permanent campers who also pretty much take up all the hook-up spots. There were two (of about 9) still available, but I don't think I would camp in those spots. The permanent guys aren't tidy. Plus those sites aren't on the creek. In a row (I guess you could say) behind. Also, the website makes this place look waaaay better than it is. I never did find restrooms or showers. It's basically just dirt along the creek. There were porta potties and a couple of water spiggots scattered about. A number of full and somewhat stinky trash bins. I seriously have no idea how they charge $50 a night. Bizarre. In their defense, there were some heavy rainstorms lately and maybe that had something to do with the condition of the place. Overall: I absolutely love, love, love creekside camping so I'd camp here anyway, but if you aren't the same, this certainly is one worth skipping. I brought my mom and sister. My mom wouldn't stay there and my sister said she "might". We have young kids and they loved playing in the water. While we were there, the water was moving quite fast at only about 3 feet at its deepest. Didn't see any fish, but I'd imagine there are some in there. Could set up a lounge chair right in the water and lounge all day long...
We camp here every Fourth of July and make other trips throughout the year too. Located on the north side of BIshop just off the 395. The sites all sit right along the creek. Hookup sites are on one side of the creek (you can also have tents on the site) and the dry sites are on the other. (The creek is only a few feet wide.) Where you park your RV it is dirt but your fire ring/bbq area is nice green grass all the way up the the creek. The dry sites are all dirt, no grass (as far as I can remember but there may be some sites with grass--we always get an hookup site, plug in the RV and put the tents on our grassy area). Sites seem roomy enough for our liking and we've never seen the park full (Prob just the hookups). Even on the major holiday when it is more filled, it never feels overcrowded. The flush toilets/token showers are quite clean and there is also a laundry facility. 19 of the sites are electric and water. No sewer. Grounds are very well maintained, and you can always catch them working around camp and keeping the green grass well watered. The campground has numerous amenities that rarely seem to get used such as tennis courts, huge athletic fields, horseshoe pits, a playground, archery area, and a small pond for fishing and swimming (No power boats and I'm not a big fan of swimming in ponds but I have seen people in there on occasion. More often, the kids just play in the creek although it is always freezing!) We are terrible fishermen, but can always catch tons of bluegill and they stock the pond with Alpers we catch some times. Fishing there is actually quite decent. You should know that the grounds are quite large and all the amenities listed here in this second paragraph (except the creek) are not right adjacent to the campsites. It's all the same property, but you've got to walk a bit (or a very short drive) to get over to those things. I guess there is an equestrian area just next door. I've seen the horses but that's about all I know. Also, stargazing is fantastic here. Very very hot in the summer, and quite cool in the fall and cold in the winter. Photo of the a campsite. Dry sites would be on the left and hookups on right. http://www.flickr.com/photos/26277985@N00/1985983108/ The only pics I had of the pond: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26277985@N00/1985967096/in/set-72157603116122063?edited=1 http://www.flickr.com/photos/26277985@N00/1985159467/in/set-72157603116122063?edited=1