TRF Campgrounds - constructive input

[Rani Zemirah]

But some of those clans actually USE generators...

[Breandan]

A dumping station with a pay-to-dump setup- either via an attendant, or the automated purchased-code systems like Flying J and Love's truck stops have- would be A) handy for RV and trailer campers, and B ) provide a little extra revenue to cover the campground expenses. I had to drive all the way to the Flying J on Richey to dump my tanks ($10, not too bad), and would rather have paid $15 for the convenience of dumping right there and taking the trailer straight home.

[*Teach*]

A dumping station with a pay-to-dump setup- either via an attendant, or the automated purchased-code systems like Flying J and Love's truck stops have- would be A) handy for RV and trailer campers, and B ) provide a little extra revenue to cover the campground expenses. I had to drive all the way to the Flying J on Richey to dump my tanks ($10, not too bad), and would rather have paid $15 for the convenience of dumping right there and taking the trailer straight home.

We are looking into buying a trailer (praying for next season) and that is one of the things that has me dragging my feet. I agree, I would gladly pay $15 for the convenience of a dump station. I would also pay for water for my shower tanks instead of what having a loaded trailers weight may do to my gas mileage.

*I would also pay for rum out there too... but thats a different story*

[LadyJessica]

A dumping station with a pay-to-dump setup- either via an attendant, or the automated purchased-code systems like Flying J and Love's truck stops have- would be A) handy for RV and trailer campers, and B ) provide a little extra revenue to cover the campground expenses. I had to drive all the way to the Flying J on Richey to dump my tanks ($10, not too bad), and would rather have paid $15 for the convenience of dumping right there and taking the trailer straight home.

We are looking into buying a trailer (praying for next season) and that is one of the things that has me dragging my feet. I agree, I would gladly pay $15 for the convenience of a dump station. I would also pay for water for my shower tanks instead of what having a loaded trailers weight may do to my gas mileage.

*I would also pay for rum out there too... but thats a different story*

You could always fill the water tank in Plantersville or a few other surrounding areas rather than hauling it all the way down here.  it's just a 20 minute detour.

[Glaodian]

I camp with a RV.  Now i only run my generator a couple of hours here and there to charge my batteries.  So a ban on generators would really suck.  But also, telling folks that this is camping it and that all should rough it is not right either.  We all camp in our own ways.

That said, modernizing parts of the campgrounds would be expensive, but it would also pay for itself.  I used to go up to Alto to Shiloh Ridge ATV park every year.  They offer some water and power sites with out charging a fortune.  Usually $40 on the big group weekend.  You dont build up a business expecting a return in a year.  TRF has been here for many years and upgrading the camp grounds will provide a return in the investment over many more years to come.  Doing away with the ravers alone will bring in more campers.  And I am sure TRF could gather up volunteers to help work on the campgrounds as well.  Though I no longer work as an electrician, I for one, would volunteer as a TX licensed electrician to help bring power into the campgrounds.

[dreamwalker]

How many shore power hook ups would we be talking about per se? Would they be available to all(tenters) not just RV's and trailers? If there are too few available that would lead to some disgruntled grumbling.

As for getting rid of the Ravers (forgive me) do they stick out in appearance so much that you could weed them out based on appearance alone? I think security and some system proving that not only you've purchased a pass but you've been inside the Gates as well. Would have to be something pretty fool proof.

[Glaodian]

The way they have it setup at Shiloh Ridge is one power pole every 20 or so yards apart.  4 very large sites share 1 pole.  1 site is large enough for basically 4 to 5 crew cab trucks parked side by side with 3 - 12 man or better sized tents setup in front of them.  This I know because we always filled up our sites.  These sites could be spread though out the camp grounds.

[Rani Zemirah]

I don't want power poles.  That sort of thing just invites people to plug in all their electronic crap.  Might as well just invite the ravers back in if you want to listen to everyone's amplified music.  And that will also vastly increase the camping fees!  When it gets up to $10-20 per night, per person... we won't be making the trip down.  We camp because it's cheap, it's within walking distance to the gates and most of all because we can spend time with people we care about... and everything else is unimportant to us.  But when it becomes a major expense to just be in the campgrounds, it won't be worth the added expense for us.  We're already driving 1000 miles round trip, so extra money usually isn't in the budget to begin with. 

[xed]

I agree on all fronts, only we drive about half that distance.
Do we really need more electricity at the campgrounds?

I understand that everyone has their own ideas about camping and whatnot, but as soon as you install electricity like has been proposed, there will be no escape from the flood lights and stereo systems.  At that point, those of us who go camping to escape the electronic hum of our daily lives and enjoy a bit of nature will be out of luck.  You can't block light pollution from a neighboring camp.

Last time we went out, for pirate weekend, I could clearly see the arm of the Milky Way across the sky.  It's enough to bring one to his knees.

EDIT: New Moon for Celtic Xmas!

[Lady Laura]

The no-generator-zone idea has been tossed around by my friends and we really always thought that would be a great way to keep the peace.  RVs seem to do better on the flatter, treeless land between the quickie mart and the drum circle anyway.

[Rani Zemirah]

There are lots of clans that have one or two RVs, though, and the rest are tents.  Do we really want to tell people they can't camp with their clan because they have an RV? 


Maybe the noise rule could have an upper decibel limit for generators, though, after midnight? 

[Breandan]

we should focus on critical issues such as security and safety rather than personal pet peeves, though, lest we get distracted from the core of the discussion. Just sayin'

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

What he said. 

[Rani Zemirah]

But Breandan, this thread is here for the sole purpose of identifying the problems that people have encountered, and the discussion of possible solutions.  You are a trained security operative, so that is your focus, but there are other issues that merit discussion, as well. 

[Bonny Pearl]

I don't believe segregation of trailers and tents is the answer.  We have trailers and we use them for camp walls so people don't drive through our camp and run over tents or people.  I would like to be able to camp with our fairemily in our traditional area and not be forced to go out further.

Everyone has their idea of what camping is.  We use our vacation time for camp and faire, so since I don't go to The Caribbean and have room service, I sure as heck am going to have some luxury on my vacation time.