Becca S.has mixed feelings towards this listing.
We stayed at Dina & Justin's house for our annual family camping trip. There was 12 of us with 2 campers and one car camp. We were half kids and half adults and 5 dogs. So we were a big and active group.
The things we were pleasantly surprised by:
100% the pond. It's well kept, fun, and was absolutely the highlight for all of us, especially the kids.
Their kids, dogs, and chickens were around most of the time that we were there which was fun for our kids.
We were the only ones there so we were able to set up how we wanted to and were able to spread out as much as we needed.
There was a remarkably small amount of bugs.
What we wish we knew before we booked:
-Based on the pictures, we didn't know how close we would be to their house. We assumed that we would be in their back 40, but we were actually in their front yard, which was fine for us, but if someone is looking for a more 'camping' experience, they may be slightly disappointed.
-We asked 3 times before traveling what time they preferred us to arrive. We never got a response so we just showed up and there wasn't anyone there to show us where we should set up. We got it figured out, but it was a little bit of an awkward start.
-The amenities: although wifi and showers are listed, we weren't given information on either one. Wifi didn't matter to us, but if someone is expecting access or needing it to work remotely, that would be something to know ahead of time.
The shower, although listed on the provided amenities, we asked twice where it was and we were simply told 'In the basement'. Dina seemed reluctant to show us where they were for some reason and since her kid's bedrooms were also down there we weren't comfortable just opening doors so we didn't end up being able to access them.
Overall, it was a good stay, but if the pond weren't there, we would have had a hard time justifying the cost. I think if we were doing an adults only trip, we may have been disappointed, but it's a good place for family groups.
Past trips
Plymouth Rock (3)
in Linden Camprground, IllinoisPOND CAMPING
in Aasen Family Farm Pond, WisconsinWe stayed at Dina & Justin's house for our annual family camping trip. There was 12 of us with 2 campers and one car camp. We were half kids and half adults and 5 dogs. So we were a big and active group.
The things we were pleasantly surprised by:
100% the pond. It's well kept, fun, and was absolutely the highlight for all of us, especially the kids.
Their kids, dogs, and chickens were around most of the time that we were there which was fun for our kids.
We were the only ones there so we were able to set up how we wanted to and were able to spread out as much as we needed.
There was a remarkably small amount of bugs.
What we wish we knew before we booked:
-Based on the pictures, we didn't know how close we would be to their house. We assumed that we would be in their back 40, but we were actually in their front yard, which was fine for us, but if someone is looking for a more 'camping' experience, they may be slightly disappointed.
-We asked 3 times before traveling what time they preferred us to arrive. We never got a response so we just showed up and there wasn't anyone there to show us where we should set up. We got it figured out, but it was a little bit of an awkward start.
-The amenities: although wifi and showers are listed, we weren't given information on either one. Wifi didn't matter to us, but if someone is expecting access or needing it to work remotely, that would be something to know ahead of time.
The shower, although listed on the provided amenities, we asked twice where it was and we were simply told 'In the basement'. Dina seemed reluctant to show us where they were for some reason and since her kid's bedrooms were also down there we weren't comfortable just opening doors so we didn't end up being able to access them.
Overall, it was a good stay, but if the pond weren't there, we would have had a hard time justifying the cost. I think if we were doing an adults only trip, we may have been disappointed, but it's a good place for family groups.
Wake Up With the Roosters - Tent
in Mn River Valley Sanctuary, MinnesotaEd's place was a great spot for a weekend getaway. We were car camping so it was perfect since the ground was still a little soggy. The property was definitely private and we had several visits from Ed's friends while we were there. The spot is perfectly positioned to watch the sunset. I wouldn't call this property family friendly since there are some open areas with debris that kids could get into, but for us grownups it was just fine.
We appreciated being able to bring our little dog and have him off leash on the property, Ed was good about keeping his older dog away from our dog, the younger dog was very sweet once we were all settled, but could be a problem if you had a highly reactive dog. Although the listing mentioned a flush toilet, it was actually a very clean outhouse, which we didn't mind at all, but is probably worth mentioning in case others are expecting a flush toilet for some reason.
Overall, we enjoyed the stay very much and would recommend to anyone who is looking for an experience very different from campground camping, which is why we are all here anyway, right? :)
in Great River Bluffs State Park, Minnesota
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in Whitewater State Park MN, Minnesota