My wife and I are seasoned tent campers, adaptable to most situations and have been traveling in the western US for over 2 months. We arrived at Costello's on Thursday July 29 for what was to be a 6 night stay to explore the area. We left after 4 days due to the poor conditions we found upon arrival and additional problems that occurred during the course of our time there. In our travels this is the first campground we left early.
First, there was no hot water which the host explained he was out of propane, but that it would be working tomorrow. We never saw hot water during our 4 days there. Secondly, there was an issue with the trailer septic system where the restroom is located. When the host was asked about the smell when we arrived he said "what smell" and then said he thought it smelled like someone had used the restroom who had been drinking. The next day he had the septic tank serviced, but the strong sewer smell returned a day later. The water from the trailer was discolored and had a strong smell which reminded me of sulfur we and would not have cooked or drank with this water. Upon arrival he showed us 3 or 4 cases of bottled water in the trailer for our use. We always bring our own water for drinking and cooking. There was another water source in the pump house that appeared much cleaner and we would use it for washing dishes. On Sunday there was no more water at all in the trailer which was needed to flush the toilet. There was also no more toilet paper. The campsite itself was not safe. There were numerous dead trees that presented a significant safety hazard and should have been removed before allowing anyone to set up camp there. We were able to set up our tent on a relatively flat spot, but it was not a level spot and had a significant incline. An old card table was provided that was in terrible condition and not suitable for eating on. Snakes were seen on a regular basis near our campsite and in the surrounding area. The property is located at the corner of 2 roads. Traffic noise was the worst we have experienced. It quieted down some around 10:30, but there was still quite a bit of traffic noise.
The description of the property is not accurate. I think it would be impossible to fish in the creek any time of year as it is just an overgrown mess. The host said he had sanitized the trailer with bleach before our arrival. We could smell no bleach and when we went looking for toilet paper never saw any bleach.
I last talked to the host by phone on Monday, August 2 when we drove into Chehalis. There is no cell service at the property. He would not listen to me and gave me a lecture about "being positive" and then said he was in Tacoma and would be there at the camp in an hour. After this conversation which my wife heard we decided is was best to leave this bad situation. It took us about 2 hours to go back to camp, pack up and leave. We never saw the host.
Prior to scheduling this stay we had read about the property and the reviews. The poor review posted on July 21 was not available at that time or we would not have booked this property. Her review is essentially correct.
Past trips
Tent Camping Paradise in NE Tucson
in La Hacienda Chuparosa, ArizonaFacilities were as described and well maintained and backed by good recent reviews. Julie and Mark were great hosts! Location was good for access to local area and near several attractions. We especially made use of the Coronado National Forest and Mt. Lemmon due to the heat while we were there.
Site 1 - B.Y.O.T.-Bring your own tent sites
in Strawberry Fields Forever!, CaliforniaSite 1 - Yosemite Sierra Observatory(Invite)
in Yosemite Sierra Observatory, CaliforniaProperty as described which we found the hard way is not always the case. This listing is fairly new and the site still being developed. The 2 tent sites were nice. One was shaded and the other out in the open. We had the one in the open. It had excellent views and stargazing at night was great. The host, Ed, was easily accessible and was interested in making our stay as nice as possible. He provided us a lot of very useful information about our entry into Yosemite. The 4 goats were entertaining and not a problem. We even got to the point of putting them up ourselves at meal time without difficulty. My wife said, "You can hardly get mad at them they're so cute". We would definitely stay there again.
Redwood Grove Tent Platform
in Redwood Retreat, CaliforniaCamping with redwoods
Camping property was accurately described by the hosts. This information is not always correct and can cause problems which make recent reviews even more important. We very much enjoyed tent camping among the redwoods. Host were gracious and helpful. They offered suggestions for local hikes and even shared some of their apples and plums with us. We enjoyed the redwood parks and the local state park with its sand dunes where it felt like we had the whole coast to ourselves. It was also interesting to see some of the things they were doing on the farm. The "hemp-crete" used for the new building was particularly fascinating. It was also interesting to see the tiny house and the tree house
Site 1 - Creekside Family Playground
in Creekside Camping, OregonEnjoyed our stay.
Description of property was accurate. This is not always the case and reviews are important to verify property descriptions. We have ran into trouble with this at Hipcamps. These hosts also added a number of extra amenities which improved the camping experience. They were also very invested in doing anything they could to add to our enjoyment. Great hosts! We would definitely stay there again.
fields surrounded by mountains
in fields surrounded by mountains, OregonNice camping on a farm.
Property as described. Working farm setting. Good location near many attractions. We camped at the site nearest the house which had a lot of shade and wi-fi access which worked well. We enjoyed blackberries, peaches and cherry tomatoes grown on the farm. Communication with the host prior to arrival was excellent.
Costello's Creek Camp
in Costello's Creek Camp, WashingtonPoor camping experience.
My wife and I are seasoned tent campers, adaptable to most situations and have been traveling in the western US for over 2 months. We arrived at Costello's on Thursday July 29 for what was to be a 6 night stay to explore the area. We left after 4 days due to the poor conditions we found upon arrival and additional problems that occurred during the course of our time there. In our travels this is the first campground we left early.
First, there was no hot water which the host explained he was out of propane, but that it would be working tomorrow. We never saw hot water during our 4 days there. Secondly, there was an issue with the trailer septic system where the restroom is located. When the host was asked about the smell when we arrived he said "what smell" and then said he thought it smelled like someone had used the restroom who had been drinking. The next day he had the septic tank serviced, but the strong sewer smell returned a day later. The water from the trailer was discolored and had a strong smell which reminded me of sulfur we and would not have cooked or drank with this water. Upon arrival he showed us 3 or 4 cases of bottled water in the trailer for our use. We always bring our own water for drinking and cooking. There was another water source in the pump house that appeared much cleaner and we would use it for washing dishes. On Sunday there was no more water at all in the trailer which was needed to flush the toilet. There was also no more toilet paper. The campsite itself was not safe. There were numerous dead trees that presented a significant safety hazard and should have been removed before allowing anyone to set up camp there. We were able to set up our tent on a relatively flat spot, but it was not a level spot and had a significant incline. An old card table was provided that was in terrible condition and not suitable for eating on. Snakes were seen on a regular basis near our campsite and in the surrounding area. The property is located at the corner of 2 roads. Traffic noise was the worst we have experienced. It quieted down some around 10:30, but there was still quite a bit of traffic noise.
The description of the property is not accurate. I think it would be impossible to fish in the creek any time of year as it is just an overgrown mess. The host said he had sanitized the trailer with bleach before our arrival. We could smell no bleach and when we went looking for toilet paper never saw any bleach.
I last talked to the host by phone on Monday, August 2 when we drove into Chehalis. There is no cell service at the property. He would not listen to me and gave me a lecture about "being positive" and then said he was in Tacoma and would be there at the camp in an hour. After this conversation which my wife heard we decided is was best to leave this bad situation. It took us about 2 hours to go back to camp, pack up and leave. We never saw the host.
Prior to scheduling this stay we had read about the property and the reviews. The poor review posted on July 21 was not available at that time or we would not have booked this property. Her review is essentially correct.
Site 2 - Casual campspots at Three Peas Farm
in Camping at Three Peas Farm, WashingtonWonderful farm camping
Property was as described. Hosts were wonderful. Since it is a working farm you get everything that goes with it. There can be more noises on a farm, but it was also much quieter than some campgrounds and without all the people. Our campsite was lovely and very secluded. It was a convenient location from which to explore the area and there was a lot of that to do!
#4 Tents& Campervans ok Elect Hook
in LOCKE HAVEN TENTS & Camper Vans., WashingtonHost was incredible at making everything comfortable. Sites are accurately described. Sites are mostly out in the open with trees behind. You can drive to the site. No picnic tables at the site, but there are chairs around the campfire and a table with chairs in the kitchen. The kitchen was nice to have which and included propane, a 3 burner stove. and a sink with cold water only. There was a fire pit right outside the kitchen for the entire campground for a community event of sorts. Porta john was well maintained.
Shangri La Push
in Shangri La Push, WashingtonLiving good at shangra la push.
Excellent tent camping experience. Tent sites were good size with good privacy. Noise was not a problem for sleeping. Some road noise, but that will be hard to avoid on the peninsula given the limited roads available. Porta johns were well maintained as was the more modern restroom. Charging station was a nice addition for camping. Good location for exploring local area. Hosts were the best. When in the area would definitely stay again.
Private Scenic Park for family/RVs
in Reiki Ranch RV Camping, WashingtonNot relaxing.
Poorly maintained porta potties as well as not enough of them. Some problematic long term campers. They were quiet at night, but lots of yelling at their children during the day. Overall, not a very relaxing or comfortable environment.
Eagle Rock, Naches River-Tent Sites
in Eagle Rock Resort Campground, WashingtonGreat staff! We were tent camping during the brutal heat wave and they helped by allowing us to sit in the lounge. They also provided several suggestions for nearby activities. Good food and drink menu. Clean restrooms. Good location for exploring local area. You could hear the Natchez River from our tent. You can also walk to it, but it is very swift so be careful. This campground is being developed and will likely be even better in the future.