Poor communication & rigid checkout
I wanted to like this campsite—when we set up on July 4th it felt cozy, level, and the porta‑potty was clean. Unfortunately, the stay turned into a stressful scramble because of the host’s delayed replies and rigid attitude.
Communication timeline
• Jul 4 7:36 PM – I texted the host asking: What time is check‑out? Where should we put trash? Is any non‑potable water available on site?
• No response that night. With other campgrounds I’ve used being noon check‑out, I (wrongly) assumed the same here.
• Jul 5 10:12 AM – Asked to add one more night (holiday weekend, nowhere else). Only then did he answer: “spot unavailable.” I immediately apologized, explained we were an hour away and would clear out before 12 PM.
• His only replies, repeated:
“Checkout is 11 AM. Follow the rules.”
“Just return to the camp and remove your gear before 11 am. These are the rules.”
No suggestions, no ack that his own overnight silence was confusing. A little flexibility or even a constructive suggestion (“I can give you until 11:30” / “There’s a $50 late fee”) would have solved everything. I accept I was 39min late, but had he answered the night before, I would have left on time. Even after my sincere apology and offer to pay extra, the tone stayed ice‑cold.
Site facts
• No water – outdoor spigot bone‑dry; bring every drop. (I ask if there water, host not reply)
• No trash bins – we packed everything out; (I ask if there bin, host not reply)
• Loud creek & frogs; earplugs essent