Not as Listed, We Chose to Leave
After being a Hipcamp member for nine years, I finally decided to book a “private” campsite. But... to my surprise, it was nothing like we expected. We’ve stayed at developed and undeveloped campgrounds, so we understand that camping is outdoors and things will not always be perfect.
This was a last-minute reservation, but communication was great at first. Mona confirmed and messaged three hours before our arrival to ask what time we would be there.
The low river was outside the host’s control and was not why we left. The campsite looked poorly maintained and almost abandoned. Thick cobwebs covered the structures and equipment, making it appear they had not been cleaned or used in a long time. There were filthy tables, discarded bottles and containers, a rusty fan, dirty microwave, sketchy swing and an outdoor shower that did not appear usable. We also could not locate the restroom.
An old trailer near the site made us uncomfortable because we couldn’t tell if someone was inside or if it was abandoned. We could see someone watching TV in the owner’s house behind the campsite, but Mona did not respond when I said we had arrived and asked about the restroom.
We had already driven about six hours from Mt. Shasta, but the site made us uncomfortable enough that we did not set up camp and continued driving all the way home. Mona later gave us a full refund, which I appreciate. However, the property’s condition and lack of communication after our arrival were why we left.