Reviews written by MPPhillips
NOTE: Per 16 Jul 2020 memo by SECDEF Mark Esper, no political flags or signage apart from the American flag may be flown or displayed in common areas or public spaces on DOD properties. Installation commanders are increasingly enforcing this directive to keep peace in famcamps across the country.
NOTE: Per a 16 July 2020 DOD Memo from SecDef Mark Esper, no political flags or signage is allowed on military installations, whether in housing, barracks or famcamps (all common access areas and public areas).
The best part about the Andrews AFB experience is the friendliness of the camp’s host and others who are squatters there. They stopped to say hello and were very informative. Sites are level, and you pay for your spot by phone and just pull in and verify with the camp host that you’re you. We stopped over for a two-night rest while heading south, and it was not bad for the price. The better stop to see DC, though, is...
Anyone who would call Shaw’s FamCamp an outstanding facility hasn’t been to enough military campgrounds. Situated between an incredibly noisy highway and a flight line, it couldn’t have been noisier. Worse, the sites are crammed in so close together that your slide nearly bumps into the other site’s power post. It was horrid. It was clear there were multiple squatters too. And the worst part? Plugged in our 2020 Entegra Quest 30 amp cord and it blew the breaker and...
Once I finally made it past the multiple [unnecessarily pop-up] ads on what used to be a great website, I decided it was time to update the reviews for Seymour Johnson FamCamp. (Editor's note: Unfortunately, the ads are required to pay for the website and keep it free for everyone.) There are 24 total sites here now, with the first 6 set aside for temporary, 14 day, stays. There the rate is $25/day. Oddly enough, as another reviewer noted, the...
After full-timing it for 5 years, I can say I’ve been to many, many DOD campgrounds, so I’m aware of what’s possible. Spent three nights at Fort Drum in “Officer’s Loop,” the new stretch of RV sites there. It was peaceful, and the staff I spoke to (Steve and Abby) weren’t just polite they were delightful to talk to. Nevertheless, there is nothing but a hook-up site for the $35 you pay to be there. Perhaps they have plans, but...
Where do I begin to clarify what’s going on at DM? This place has become so corporatized that you can barely tell you’re on a military installation. Like all profit-driven enterprises, they pack as many people into what has become a tight place as they possibly can. It’s like buying a seat on an airplane these days. Suffer through kiddo. I speculated to friends at the dog park (where aggressive dogs—and pit bulls—go unchecked) that the crowd was a result...
Almost the only thing good about Laughlin Famcamp is that it’s a stopover. Others have commented about the large sites with privacy fences, but what good is that if there’s little else in the way of campground amenities? There’s no shower or laundry facility in the campground. If you do have laundry, you can go to “Laughlin Manor” lodging facility across the road and up a hill, where you pay $10.00 for the privilege whether you have one load to...
Wow, I'm really disappointed. I'm not even there yet for my 9/1 reservation and received a voice mail stating that ALL of the water to BAFB Famcamp is off and would likely be for 30 days. I'm beginning to regret the rave I wrote last summer when I left this campground. It's hard to imagine how the camp hosts could have a good experience living and working there if the base leadership regards their residential water source as this...
Like other visitors, I'm taking the time to post a review because of the outstanding work done by Victoria, the WPAFB Famcamp host. As others have pointed out, Victoria and unpaid volunteers who are (I think) homesteaders really do work very, very hard and make this place feel pleasant, safe and friendly. In fact, one day I suggested to Victoria that she take a break! They are currently in the process of moving all of the long-term folks, like...
It is rare that I feel inspired to write a glowing review of a FamCamp, but this one should rightly win an award for Best 2015 FamCamp overall! It's not just that Elisha and Charlie are the friendliest, most accountable and hard working site hosts; it's not just that the scenery (see pics) and site spaces are expansive and beautiful; it's not just that northern Colorado offers lots to do; or that Buckley AFB is new and quickly expanding into...
Okay, so. There's lots of painful truths to learn about FEW Famcamp before you get here, not least of which this year is the daily dark clouds and electrical/rain storms each and every day since at least early June. The FSS CC can't possibly value retirees or the Famcamp--and apparently is okay with slum-like conditions here. Several people I've talked to here have registered complaints in writing and in person. First, there are 2 washers @ $1.75 a load and...
Agave Gulch is losing its FamCamp host this month and things won't be quite the same. Pam/PJ has worked very hard to maintain order in this huge community of retirees. It's easy to guess how challenging this is, particularly if the FSS/CC won't remove unsuitable guests. Having traveled extensively with my RV (12 military Famcamps in the last 18 months), I know that Davis-Monthan is the best run, hands down. I hope they find someone equally capable to preserve this...
Just a heads-up: The per diem rate at Peregrine Pines is now $24.00, not $22. Also, some other reviewers have noted the difficulty in finding a level site, but this is mostly for Class A & other RVs using automatic levelers. Graduation day for AFA's new academic year is 28 May 2015, a Thursday. Makes sense to call in March to arrive at least a week before that date, especially since this Famcamp remains open year round. Limit is 30...
What a shame. Sharpe Famcamp will only be open for another 2 weeks. It was a convenient stopping point off the I-5 corridor. When I arrived, the gate guards told me right away that the entire installation will close on 9/2/14 but that the camp will be open until then. The rate was still $15/night but as others have mentioned it's understandably a ghost town. It's also situated in the middle of a highly industrial area. Glad I found a...
I'm writing this review during my third summer of visiting TAFB Famcamp. The low rating I am giving it here has nothing to do with Corina, her husband Jim, or their assistant, Caitlin, all of whom work hard and clearly under-supported by the Force Support Squadron commander. It's VERY obvious the Famcamp has become a low priority to the FSS leadership. Where do I begin? Look left, look right, the golf course, the adjacent ball park, the duck pond park...