Uvalde Trading Post Online

Der Tag, an dem ich mit den Newton Boys ritt, beruhigte Newton Boys in den Roaring Twenties auf Banken und Zügen. Jim und Janetta Newton die hart arbeitenden Eltern der Jungen und sieben anderen Kinder arbeiteten hart, um Essen auf dem Tisch zu halten. Jim Newton, bekannt als ein Zyklon Bauer, zog seine Familie von Ort zu Ort immer auf der Suche nach etwas Besserem. Von den elf Kindern scheint es, dass nur vier sich schlecht, gut schlecht in den Köpfen des Gesetzes. Die Brüder sahen Bank und Zug beraubt nur ein wenig anders als die gemeinsamen Leute. Sie beraubten Banken und Züge, um Geld zu verdienen und überlegten es nur ein Geschäft, genau wie Sie oder ich in das Büro gehen und auf den Scheck warten. Sie haben nie jemanden getötet und wollten nicht alles, was sie wollten, war das Geld. Die vier schlechten Äpfel waren Willis, Doc, Jess und Joe. Zurück im Jahr 1909 nahm Willis und Doc eine kleine Baumwolle, die nicht ihre war und wegen dieser kleinen Vorfall, wurde die Texas State Penitentiary ihre Heimat für zwei Jahre, bis sie entkommen. Sie wurden später begnadigt, aber entschieden, dass, wenn jeder dachte, dass sie Geächteten dann Geächteten waren sie. Willis zog den ersten Zug Raub gerade westlich von Uvalde. Am 31. Dezember 1914 startete er einen Zug in Cline, Texas und stieg in Spofford, Texas in Kinney County aus. Als er den Zug in Spofford ausstieg, waren seine Taschen etwas schwerer, ca. 4.700,00 schwerer. Willis setzte ein Leben des Verbrechens fort. Bruder Joe kam 1920 zu Willis und 1921 traten Brüder Jess und Doc dem Familienunternehmen mit Willis, dem Ringführer der Gruppe, bei. Und wüssten Sie es nicht, dass die Newton Boys den größten Zugraub in der Geschichte begangen haben. Es war am 12. Juni 1924, als sie den Postzug in Rondout, Illinois, beraubten. Der Take für dieses kleine Business-Abenteuer belief sich auf über drei Millionen Dollar. Der Raub war für ein paar Tage erfolgreich. Eine streunende Kugel traf Doc in das Bein, das sie alle verlangsamte. Das Gesetz holte Doc, Willis und Joe ein paar Tage nach dem Raub ein. Jess entkam nach Texas, aber ich habe nie die 35.000, die er mitgenommen hat, zu genießen. Während in San Antonio, Texas Jess wurde etwas betrunken und beschlossen, dass für die sichere Aufbewahrung würde er sein Geld zu begraben. Er grub ein Loch auf die Oberseite eines Hügels und ließ dann das Geld darin fallen, was alles mit einem speziellen flachen Felsen bedeckte, um die genaue Lage zu markieren. Mit seinem Geld jetzt sicher, entschied er sich, seinen Weg nach Mexiko zu feiern. Ein paar Meilen außerhalb der Stadt hatte er einen Wechsel des Herzens und entschied, dass das Geld mit ihm sicherer wäre, also ging er zurück, um es zu bekommen. Aber wo in der Heck war dieser Hügel. Also für alle Sie Glücksuchenden, irgendwo in San Antonio auf einem Hügel unter einem speziellen Felsen ist 35.000 mehr oder weniger von Jess Newtons Geld. Das Gesetz fand nie das Geld, aber sie fanden Jess Dieser Heist wurde ihr letztes Business-Abenteuer. Alle vier, wieder einmal, fanden neue Häuser in Leavenworth Gefängnis. Doc hing dort seit sechs Jahren herum, während Willis es vier Jahre alt hieß. Joe diente ein Jahr und Jess diente neun Monate. Das Roaring Twenties verblasste in den Sonnenuntergang. Die Newton Boys Arta sorta dachte über das Leben ein sauberes, produktives Leben. Willis hat einmal gesagt, Joe schämte sich, was wir getan haben und hätten wahrscheinlich einen guten Baptisten gemacht. Und Joe hat versucht, sein Leben herum zu drehen. Er zog nach Uvalde, Texas. Er arbeitete auf einer Ranch, in einer Metzgerei, einfahren und er tat ein kleines Pferd, um das saubere Leben zu leben. Um die späten 1950er Jahre entschied mein Vater, dass wir ein anderes Ranchpferd brauchten und es musste es sein, dass ich reiten konnte. Viele der Ranchpferde waren einfach zu salzig für ein zehnjähriges Mädchen zu handhaben. Wir mussten noch einen anderen finden, den du für ein paar Monate herausfinden könntest und dann einfach fangen, auf Schuhen werfen und mich in den Sattel stecken, ohne mir Sorgen zu machen, dass ich in die Mitte der Weide geworfen werde. Daddy überprüfte mit einigen der lokalen Pferdehändler. Er hat endlich diesen Pferdehändler in Uvalde gefunden, der einen großen, sanften Sauerampfer gelding zum Verkauf hatte. Die Reise nach Uvalde schien schrecklich ruhig zu sein. Daddy schien zuversichtlich, dass dies ein Pferd sein würde, das er kaufen würde, weil wir den Pferdeanhänger mitwirken. Der Nervenkitzel eines neuen Pferdes begeisterte mich immer und ich war wahrscheinlich von der Wand abgetreten, als wir in Uvalde ankamen. Dann begann mein Vater mit der Vorlesung über meine Manieren und sagte nichts und er würde mit mir auf dem Heimweg reden. Es schien mir, dass ein Mysterium nur zur Hand sein könnte. Wir überquerten die Straße durch die Lagerhöfe und zogen zu einem Haus dort am Rande von Uvalde. Daddy ist rausgekommen und ich bin gerade hinterher gegangen. Der Pferdehändler, ein älterer, weißhaariger Mann, schüttelte Daddys Hand und sagte hallo zu mir. Wir gingen hinter seinem Haus und dort in der Feder stand ein riesiger Sauerampfer mit einer flaxen Mähne und Schwanz. Ich wusste sofort, dass, wenn wir dieses Pferd kauften, ich auf den Zaun klettern oder einen Schub haben würde, um auf ihn zu kommen. Ich ging zurück zum Pickup für meinen Sattel und versuchte, an Namen für das neue Pferd zu denken. Nach dem Sattel hat mich Daddy an Bord geworfen. Ich ging diesen sanften Riesen um die Feder für ein paar Runden und zog ihn dann in einen Trab, umzukehren und ihn auf dem Weg zu stoppen. Dann sind wir in einen sanften Galopp gezogen. Ich erinnere mich an den Pferd Trader sagen, Das Mädchen sicher kann reiten. Wir haben diesen großen Sauerampfer gekauft. Ich dachte, er sah ein wenig wie Trigger aus. Ich habe angefangen, ihn zu nennen, aber entschied, dass Nugget gut genug wäre. Daddy leitete leise mit dem neuen Pferd im Trailer nach Hause. Ganz plötzlich fragt er, ob ich etwas über den Pferdehändler wüsste. Nun, natürlich habe ich nicht und dann begann die Geschichte zu entfalten. Der Pferdehändler war kein anderer als Joe Newton. Der Joe Newton, der Geächteter, Häftling, Zugräuber. Ich konnte nicht glauben, dass ich jetzt der Besitzer eines Pferdes war, das zu einem echten, lebendigen, ehrlichen Geächteten gehörte. Ich ritt Nugget viele eine Meile danach und ich habe immer vorgetäuscht, dass ich ein Teil der Newton Gang war. Wenn alles gesagt und getan wurde, könnte man sagen, dass die Newton eine erfolgreiche Bande waren, die zumindest in ihren Augen erfolgreich war. Sie beraubten gut über achtzig Ufer und sechs Züge. Die Summe von ihnen nahm mehr als die Dalton Gang, Butch Cassidy und die James Brothers zusammen. In ihren Köpfen haben sie nie wirklich etwas falsch gemacht, es war nur Geschäft. Doc hat im Jahre 1978 einen Banküberfall verurteilt. Er starb 1974. Jess starb 1960. Joe starb im Alter von 88 Jahren im Jahr 1989. Willis starb 1979 im Alter von 90 Jahren. Die Jungs nannten Uvalde nach Hause und weiter und Es ist ironisch, dass der Film ihres Lebens Uvalde gebürtig, Matthew McConaughey. Ich bin mir sicher, dass Matt dachte, dass dies eine Feder in seiner Mütze war, aber er konnte nie sagen, dass er tatsächlich mit dem Newton ritt. Linda Kirkpatrick Irgendwo im Westen 5. Februar 2009 Spalte Referenzen: legendsofamerica TSHA Online-Newton Boys Gespieltes Interview mit Joe und Willis Die Newton Boys - der Film Die Newton Boys: Porträt einer Geächteten Gang Willis Joe Newton, State House PressEAGLE PASS, TEXAS Geschichte in einem Pecan Shell Namen. Der Name Eagle Pass wurde nach der Migration von Adlern oder einem bestimmten Adler benannt, der zu und von seinem Nest flog, während das Militär entschied, was sein erstes Lager zu nennen. Die Stadt wurde von diesem Lager vorausgesetzt, das zwei Meilen stromabwärts von dem war, was Fort Duncan wurde. Maverick County wurde nach Samuel Maverick, Unterzeichner der Texas Declaration of Independence, Gesetzgeber und der Mann, dessen Name wurde ein Synonym für unbranded Kälber benannt. Eine Zeitleiste von bedeutenden historischen Ereignissen im Eagle Pass 1845. Camp Eagle Pass ist während des mexikanischen Krieges 1849 gegründet. Fort Duncan ist als permanente Installation (2 Meilen Ubersteine ​​aus dem ehemaligen Lager) 1850 gegründet. Trading Post wird von einem San Antonio Kaufmann eröffnet und Piedras Negras ist 1851 gegründet. Bühnenlinie nach San Antonio ist 1855 gegründet. Freiwillige Ranger verfolgen Indianer in Mexiko und verbrennen Piedras Negras 1856. Maverick County ist 1863 gegründet. Renegades Angriff Konföderierten Fort Duncan und Stadtbewohner fahren sie zurück nach Mexiko 1865. General Shelby begräbt eine verbündete Flagge im Rio Grande - eine symbolische Beerdigung der Konföderation. 1868 Bundes-Truppen besetzen die Festung nach ihrer Verwendung durch verbündete Kräfte während des Bürgerkrieges. 1871 Maverick County ist organisiert und Eagle Pass wird Grafschaft Sitz 1875. Bevölkerung erreicht 1.500 - Geächteter John King Fisher inoffiziell kontrolliert die Eagle Pass Bereich 1882. Die Galveston, Harrisburg und San Antonio Railway ist aus Spofford (Kinney County) 1884 gebaut. Bevölkerung erreicht 2.000 1885. Gerichtsgebäude ist gebaut 1900. Die Bevölkerung des Eagle Passes ist 2.729 1920. Bevölkerung erreicht 5.765 1941. Eagle Pass Army Air Field wurde zwölf Meilen nördlich von Eagle Pass Eagle Pass wurde 94 Prozent Hispanic im Jahr 1980. Eagle Pass Landmarks Attraktionen Eagle Pass: Kein Land für junge Männer Entweder oder auf der Suche nach der Coen Brothers Eagle Pass, Texas Forum Betreff: Aztec Theater Meine Erinnerungen an die Azteken wachsen herauf die Resaca im Jardin Nachbarschaft. Wir hatten damals noch nie ein Geld, also für die Wochenenden, wed Camp-out im Park nur über das Wasser und fangen Fisch zum Abendessen. Ich erinnere mich an meine Großmutter, Gott ruhe ihre Seele, brachte mich ein paar Mal auf die Dachterrasse. Wie ein Privileg es gewesen wäre, es in seiner Blüte gesehen zu haben. Ich glaube, meine Mutter hat eine Holzkohle, die ich zurückgelegt habe, als ich etwa 15 Jahre alt war. Wenn ich es finde, versuche ich es zu scannen und es dir zu schicken Danke für die Erinnerungen - George L. Rodriguez, Jr. Chesapeake, Virginia, 31. Juli 2006 Betreff: Prada Marfa Als ich und meine Mutter auf dem Weg dorthin waren Eagle Pass Wir passierten den Shoestore Prada Marfa und wir waren uns nicht sicher, ob es das war, was wir gesehen hatten. Wir wollten einen Wende machen und sehen, ob es wirklich dort war. Nun, auf dem Rückweg war es dort. Wir haben aufgehört und fotografiert. Für uns war es ein Laden in der Mitte von Nirgendwo, aber wir haben es auch genossen. Ich sagte meinem Bruder darüber und er glaubt nicht, dass es wirklich dort ist. - Marisa Flores, 11. Mai 2006 Als Sie in Eagle Pass waren, überqueren Sie die Grenze und gehen nach Guerrero. Etwa 25 Meilen auf dem Fluss von Piedras Negras, um die Mission San Juan Baptista zu besuchen. Diese Mission war die ursprüngliche Mission und das Hauptquartier, von dem die Väter in ihrer Formation und Regie der Missionen in Texas einschließlich der Alamo betrieben. Es ist jetzt eine Ruine, aber die mexikanische Regierung hat einige Versuche gemacht, sie zu retten. - Mit freundlichen Grüßen, Bick Eubanks, 24. Juni 2002 quotNearby ist der Ort der Schlacht von Dove Creek, obwohl es auf privatem Land ist. Dieser Kampf fand im Januar 1865 statt und betraf ein Bündnam der verbündeten Grenze und eine große Anzahl von Kickapoo-Indianern, die auf dem Weg nach Mexiko waren (wo sie heute bleiben).quotI fand das oben in deiner Beschreibung von Sherwood. Während es wahr ist, dass der Kickapoo in der Nähe von Nacimientos, Coahuila, Mexiko lebt, leben sie auch in der Nähe von Eagle Pass, Texas und in Kansas und reisen zwischen allen Orten frei. Ich genieße wirklich Texas Escapes und danke für deine engagierte Arbeit an ihm. - Ehrerbietig, Bick Eubanks, 22. Juni 2002 Unser besonderer Dank gilt dem lokalen Historiker Al Kinnsal und dem Fort Duncan Museum, um uns viele Fotos in unserem Eagle Pass zu bieten. Texas Escapes. In seinem Zweck, historische, gefährdete und verschwindende Texas zu bewahren, fragt, dass jeder, der ihre lokale Geschichte und vintagehistorische Fotos teilen möchte, kontaktieren Sie uns bitte. American Indianer Eine Geschichte erzählt für Tausende von Jahren. Für europäische Entdecker war Nordamerika eine neue Welt. Für amerikanische Indianer war es ein alter, der bereits mit den Geschichten ihres Lebens gefüllt war. Ab dem 16. Jahrhundert würden sich beide Versionen der Welt für immer ändern. Die Geschichten von Texas begannen mit der Ankunft der spanischen Entdecker in den 1500er Jahren. Hunderte von verschiedenen Gruppen von einheimischen Völkern mit einer Vielzahl von Sprachen, Bräuchen und Glauben lebten auf dem Land für mindestens 11.000 Jahre vor der Ankunft der Europäer. Für die amerikanischen Indianer war Texas schon lange ihre Welt. Das Land, das Leben und sogar die anderen einheimischen Völker, denen sie begegneten, waren bereits vertraut. Es waren die Entdecker, die neu waren. Wir müssen vorsichtig sein. Naguatex Caddi Starten der Geschichten Zu der Zeit, als die Forscher in die neue Welt kamen, hatten amerikanische Indianer in Texas lange Bögen von Geschichten und Kulturen geschaffen. Von der Golfküste bis zum Panhandle, von den piney östlichen Wäldern bis zu den unfruchtbaren südwestlichen Ebenen hatten sich die Eingeborenen als Händler, Jäger, Lebensmittelsammler, Handwerker und Heiler etabliert. Sie hatten auf dem Weg, was das Land verlangte, Sie hatten geschmiedete und gebrochene Allianzen, konkurrierten um Ressourcen und handelten seit Jahrhunderten miteinander. Amerikanische Indianerstämme wie die Karankawa, Caddo, Apache, Comanche, Wichita, Coahuiltecan, Neches, Tonkawa und viele andere hatten bereits umfangreiche Kapitel in der Geschichte von Texas im 16. Jahrhundert geschrieben. Einer von ihnen gab der Geschichte einen Titel und einen anderen einen Konflikt. Wir haben Fremde gesehen. Männer mit Abdeckungen, die in die Sonne schimmern. Reitet seltsame Tiere so groß wie ein Mann schön und schrecklich. Naguatex Caddi In der Caddo-Sprache, taysha bedeutet quotfriendquot oder quotally. quot Die Spanier schrieb es tejas. Wir nennen es Texas. Als die europäischen Entdecker ankamen, hatten sich einige Caddo-Gemeinschaften am Roten Fluss und in Ost-Texas von ihren Heimatländern in Louisiana, Arkansas und Oklahoma angesiedelt. Es gab so viele wie 25 verschiedene Caddo-Gruppen, die durch Sprache und Bräuche verbunden waren, einschließlich der Hasinai-Allianz, die sich größtenteils in Ost-Texas besiedelten. Als die spanischen und die späteren französischen Entdecker auf den Caddo stießen, erlebten sie aus erster Hand den langen Bogen der bereits etablierten indianischen Geschichte und Kultur. Caddo-Gruppen lebten in besiedelten Gemeinden mit komplexen sozialen und politischen Strukturen, fortgeschrittenen landwirtschaftlichen Praktiken und organisierten spirituellen Zeremonien und Ritualen. Im 16. Jahrhundert hatte der Caddo einen Ruf für heftige Krieger, außergewöhnliche Handwerker und sehr erfahrene Händler entwickelt. Es war diese letzte Qualität, die die Europäer am meisten faszinierte. Es würde auch kommen, um den Caddo zu dezimieren. Caddo Dorf. Bild mit freundlicher Genehmigung von Texas Historical Commission. Eine veränderte Welt Bis zum Ende des 17. Jahrhunderts waren spanische und französische Forscher in einem rasenden Rennen verlobt, um Flaggen in Texas zu pflanzen. Land in Nordamerika bedeutete neue Ressourcen, neue Macht und neue Reichtum für das Mutterland. Die Euopäer waren auch in einer wahnsinnigen Rasse engagiert, um die Caddo als Deal Broker für ihre Flaggenpflanzung Ziele zu behaupten. Als sie es sahen, bot der Caddo ihnen zwei deutliche Vorteile an: 1) ihre Roten und Ost-Texas-Heimatländern befanden sich in den Haupthandelsgebieten und 2) Caddo-Führer wurden von anderen Indianer-Stämmen und der zunehmenden Zahl von verpflanzten Europäern anerkannt Versierte und erfahrene Händler. Der Caddo erwies sich in der Tat als Vermittler, und während des 17. und 18. Jahrhunderts zogen eine wachsende Zahl von europäischen Gütern und Siedlern in Texas, zusammen mit Cholera und Pocken. Es wurde geschätzt, dass vielleicht 95 der Caddo-Bevölkerung in großen Epidemien zwischen 1691 und 1816 dezimiert wurde. Obwohl die Hasinai weiterhin in Ost-Texas durch die 1830er Jahre zu leben, zogen andere Caddo-Gruppen auf die heutige Oklahoma und Kansas, um Krankheiten zu entkommen und Angriff von anderen amerikanischen Indianern. Heute leben die Caddo hauptsächlich in Caddo County, Oklahoma. Das Dorf am See wurde ein Ort des Weins. - Cecile Elkins Carter, Caddo Historiker Die Apachen dominieren fast alle West Texas waren die Lipan und Mescalaro Apachen. Der Name Apache ist vielleicht aus dem Zuni-Wort apachu gekommen. Bedeutet feind Oder aus dem Ute Namen für Apaches, Awa39tehe. Apaches gehörten zu den ersten Indianern, um Pferde zu reiten. Dies erlaubte ihnen, ein Nomadenleben nach den Büffelherden von Ort zu Ort zu leben. Das Land ist immer stalking Menschen. Das Land macht die Menschen richtig leben. Das Land kümmert sich um uns. Annie Peaches, 1977 Apache Erzählendes Leben als Apache Für Lipan und Mescalero Apachen war die Basis ihrer sozialen Struktur die erweiterte Familie. Während Stammesführer immer männlich waren, wurden die Lifeways des Stammes oft von den Weibchen und ihren Familien geprägt. Zum Beispiel, als ein Apache-Mann heiratete, ging er mit seiner Brautherz-Familie zu leben. Er jagte und arbeitete mit ihren Verwandten. Wenn seine Frau starb, war es Tradition, dass der Apache-Ehemann mit seinen Schwiegereltern bleiben würde, die ihm oft eine neue Braut geben würden. Der Apache der Panhandle Plains handelte weitgehend über den Südwesten und tauschte Steinwerkzeuge von Alibates Feuerstein und Häuten und Fleisch aus Bison und Hirsch für Mais, Töpferei, Türkis, Pazifische Küstenschalen und Obsidian. Der Apache beschäftigte sich ausführlich mit Pecos Pueblo, dem großen Handelszentrum im heutigen New Mexico. Zuerst an den weißen Mann war die Natur eine Wildnis, und nur für ihn war das Land, das mit 39 Kindern und 39 Häusern gefangen wurde. Für uns war es zahm, die Erde war großzügig und wir waren umgeben von den Segnungen des Großen Mysteriums. quot - Schwarze Elche. Oglala Lakota Sioux Buffalo Jagd war die Apaches39 Hauptbeschäftigung als die Tiere die meisten ihrer Bedürfnisse für Lebensmittel, Kleidung und Tipi-Abdeckungen zur Verfügung gestellt. Bis die Pferde in den späten 1600er Jahren zu den Ebenen kamen, jagte der Apache und reiste zu Fuß, mit Hunden als Packtiere. Der Apache erweiterte allmählich ihren Einfluss auf eine große Fläche, die sich nach Süden nach Zentral-Texas bewegte. Bekannt als Lipan Apache bis Ende des 16. Jahrhunderts, wurden sie weiter südlich von der furchtbaren Comanche und Kiowa geschoben. Texas39s Amerikanische Indianer hatten schon seit Jahrhunderten Bündnisse miteinander verbunden, als die spanischen Siedler ankamen. Kolonisten komplizierten die Mischung und verlagerten Allianzen mit verschiedenen indianischen Gruppen, als sich die Umstände änderten. Missionare kommen an, Apaches Abfahrt 1757 haben spanische Brüder Mission Santa Cruz de San Sabaacute nördlich von San Antonio für den Lipan Apache gegründet. Die Missionare hofften, die Lipans zu verwandeln, die Apache hofften, dass die Brüder sie vor der Comanche und anderen Feinden schützen würden. Weder die Missionare noch die Apachen haben die tiefe Feindseligkeit der Apache-Feinde vorweggenommen, die die Mission im Jahre 1758 völlig zerstörten, um die Lipan-Spanische Allianz zu brechen. Wenige amerikanische Indianer konvertierten zum katholischen Glauben. Die meisten waren in der Regel gleichgültig gegenüber den Missionaren, und Unterschiede in Sprachen, Überzeugungen und alltäglichen Bräuchen machten viele Wechselwirkungen zwischen den beiden Gruppen fast unmöglich. Allerdings waren sie durch ihre gegenseitige Abhängigkeit verbunden. Missionare brauchten die Lipans, um die Missionsstrukturen aufzubauen und zu pflegen und das Land zu bewirtschaften. Lipan Apachen fanden, dass das Leben in den Missionen ihnen einen sicheren Hafen von mächtigen Feinden gab. Die Beziehungen zwischen den beiden Gruppen waren jedoch immer glatt. Einige Lipaner behaupteten ihre kulturellen Traditionen, während sie in den Missionen lebten und viel Frustration für die Brüder verursachten. Die Lipan waren gleichermaßen unglücklich von den Brüdern, die erschöpfenden Arbeitsaufgaben und die schlechte Nahrungsmittelversorgung. Bis 1767 waren die Apachen aus dem spanischen Missionsleben und zurück in die Landschaften von Texas und Mexiko gezogen. 16. Jahrhundert Holzschnitt Etwa 12.000 v. Chr. Während der Zeit, als die europäischen Entdecker in Nordamerika ankamen, machten viele verschiedene Gruppen amerikanischer Indianer ihre Häuser in dem, was jetzt Texas ist. Vier allgemeine indianische Kulturgebiete entwickelten sich in Texas: der westliche Golf, Südosten, Pueblo und Ebenen. Die indianischen Kulturen spiegelten ihre Umgebungen und Ressourcen und waren so vielfältig wie die Texas-Landschaft selbst. Der Bogen und der Pfeil wurden um 500 A. D entwickelt. Zuvor waren die meisten amerikanischen Indianer Speere als Jagdwerkzeuge oder Waffen. Der Bogen und der Pfeil hatten mehrere Vorteile. Der Bogen war leichter und benötigte weniger Ressourcen. Der Pfeil war viel tödlicher als ein Speer wegen seiner Geschwindigkeit, Stille und Genauigkeit. Texas verdankt seinen Namen dem Caddo. Tejas ist eine spanische Schreibweise des Caddo-Wortes, dh diejenigen, die Freunde sind. Archäologische Beweise deuten darauf hin, dass Caddo-Gemeinschaften bereits im Alter von 800 A. D. Im Jahr 1542, spanischen Entdecker beschrieben drei Konföderationen von Caddo Menschen: die Hasinai in Ost-Texas, die Kadohadacho in der Great Bend Bereich und die Natchitoches in Louisiana. Die landwirtschaftlichen Caddoes lebten in strohgedeckten Hütten und waren sehr erfahrene Handwerker, die besonders für ihre Keramikkeramik bekannt waren. Eines der Texort besten Beispiele für ein Caddo Mounda Stammes Zentrum der rituellen und spirituellen Aktivität befindet sich in Cherokee County. Bild mit freundlicher Genehmigung von Edward S. Curtis CollectionLibrary of Congress, Washington, D. C. (Negativ Nr. LC-USZ62-118773). Historiker glauben, dass der Apache von ihrem Heimatland in Kanada und in Nordamerika irgendwann zwischen 1000 und 1.400 A. D zurückging. Zwei Gruppen ließen sich in Texas den Lipan Apache und den Mescalero nieder. Der Mescalero zog schließlich nach New Mexico, während der Lipan Apache hauptsächlich in Westtexas lebte. Der Lipan Apache lebte und jagte in Bands zusammen. Sie waren hervorragende Pferd Reiter und nutzten ihre tödlichen Bogen und Pfeil Fähigkeiten auf beiden Büffeln und Feinde. Als der spanische Forscher lvar Nez Cabeza de Vaca auf einem Galveston-Strand im Jahre 1528 gewaschen wurde, wurde er von den Inseln Amerikanischen Indianer Einwohner der Karankawa getroffen. Diese Begegnung, die Cabeza de Vaca in seinem Tagebuch schrieb, ist das erste aufgenommene Treffen der Europäer und Texas Amerikaner. Im Jahre 1685 traf der französische Forscher Ren-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, auch die Karankawa, als er Fort St. Louis in der Nähe der Matagorda-Bucht gründete. Die Karankawa waren historisch eine der mächtigsten indianischen Völker im frühen Texas, aber in den 1850er Jahren waren ihre Zahlen so reduziert worden, dass sie als ausgestorben eingestuft wurden. Der Jumano könnte der erste Makler in der Geschichte von Texas gewesen sein. Der wandernde Jumano, dessen riesiges Territorium von Nordmexiko bis zum östlichen New Mexico nach Westtexas reichte, wurde von anderen amerikanischen Indianern und Europäern gleichermaßen für ihre Handels - und Kommunikationsfähigkeiten bekannt. Diese Experten-Mittelsmänner halfen, Handelswege sowie Informationen und diplomatische Beziehungen zwischen Texass amerikanischen Indern und spanischen und französischen Siedlungen im 17. Jahrhundert zu etablieren. Zeichnung eines Jumano-Mannes von Frank Weir. Die Tonkawa waren eine Gruppe von Indianern, die im 18. Jahrhundert im zentralen Texas-Gebiet zusammengebunden waren. Das Wort tonkawa ist ein Waco American Indian Begriff bedeutet, dass sie alle zusammen bleiben. Die ursprüngliche Tonkawa-Gruppe wurde die Mayeye genannt und wurde erstmals 1687 in französischer Korrespondenz über Fort St. Louis erwähnt. Die Tonkawa hatten häufigen Kontakt zu spanischen Entdecker und nahmen am spanischen Missionsleben teil. Epidemien, Büffelknappheit und Konflikte mit anderen Indianern sowie den Spaniern verminderten die Tonkawa-Bevölkerung während des 18. Jahrhunderts. Am Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts waren die meisten der verbleibenden Tonkawa im heutigen Oklahoma in das indische Territorium gezogen. Historiker haben in der Regel die Coahuiltecans als eine indianische Gruppe identifiziert, die aus kleineren Gruppen von indianischen Jäger-Sammlern gebildet wurde, die verwandte Sprachen sprachen und ähnliche Kulturen teilten. In Texas befanden sich Coahuiltecans im Süden an der Golfküste. Stachelige Birnenkaktus, Büffel und Spiel waren Heftklammern in ihrer Diät. Wie bei vielen frühen indianischen Gruppen sind die Informationen über die Coahuiltecans spärlich. Historiker glauben, dass die Coahuiltecans im 18. Jahrhundert ihre Gruppenidentität durch Tod, Migration und Vertreibung weitgehend verloren hatten. Eine der dominantesten indianischen Gruppen in Texas im 18. Jahrhundert war die Comanche. Der Name, aus einem Ute Wort, bedeutet Feind. Die Comanche waren ursprünglich eine Great Plains Jäger-Sammler-Gruppe, aber nachdem sie einige Pferde erworben hatte, änderte sich ihre Geschichte. Die Comanche wurde außergewöhnliche Pferdeleute und wanderte in Texas, um Bison zu jagen und die wilden Pferde zu fangen, die das Land durchstreiften. Sie behaupteten schließlich riesige Gebiete von Nord-, Zentral - und Westtexas. Der erste Hinweis auf die Comanche in Texas kommt 1734, als eine kleine Scouting-Band in San Antonio auf der Suche nach ihren Feinden, dem Lipan Apache, erschien. Von dieser Zeit an wurde die Comanche in Texas eine Kraft, mit der man rechnen sollte. Comanche Feats of Horsemanship von George Catlin, 1843. Die Atakapa lebten um die Golfküste von Texas und wurden sowohl in der Landwirtschaft als auch in der Jagd durchgeführt. Wo das Land nicht zu sumpfig oder salzig war, bewirtschafteten sie Mais und anderes Gemüse. Sie haben auch gefischt und gejagt für Alligator und Bison. Historische Beweise deuten darauf hin, dass einige der amerikanischen Indianer Cabeza de Vaca im Jahre 1528 angetroffen haben könnte Atakapas. Obwohl die spanische San Ildefonso Mission im heutigen Milam County in der Hoffnung auf die Umwandlung der Atakapas, die Anstrengung fehlgeschlagen und die Mission wurde im Jahre 1755 aufgegeben. OUR FAVORITE RV PARKS. Die folgende Liste enthält nationale, staatliche und provinzielle Parks, private Campingplätze und RV quotResortsquot. Manche würden als Quoten betrachtet werden, während andere nur Zwischenstopps sind, die auf dem Weg standen. Unsere Vorlieben sind für Orte, wo die Standorte sind geräumig, die Aussicht interessant, die Einrichtungen sauber und ausreichend, mit freundlichen und professionellen Management. Waren nicht besonders scharf auf städtische Standorte, Zug - oder Autobahnlärm oder Video-Arkaden. Hookups sind sicherlich eine Bequemlichkeit, aber einige primitive Standorte können ohne sie hervorragend sein. So in den Listen, die folgen, youll finden RV Parks, die in praktisch alle Kategorien passen. Wir stellen sie nach Staat oder Provinz vor und zeigen unter diesen Empfehlungen diejenigen, die derzeit als unser absolut quotTOP PICKSquot Sherling Lake (Greenville City) Park ist etwa vier Meilen westlich von der Stadt Greenville, und hat seine quot10quot Bewertung für Umwelt-Einstellung verdient. Die Stätten sind durch einen gut gepflegten Waldgrundstück angrenzend an einen kleinen See verstreut. Die Bäume, Sträucher und Rasen werden sorgfältig gepflegt. Die Standorte sind nachdenklich in die Konturen dieses Hügellandes eingepasst. Die meisten sind weit voneinander getrennt, und alle haben eine ungewöhnlich angenehme Exposition gegenüber diesem besonders attraktiven Bereich. Angeln und Golf spielen sind reichlich vorhanden. (0300) Haines Hitch Up RV Park befindet sich nur wenige Gehminuten von der quotdowntownquot Bereich des charmanten Dorfes Haines entfernt. Dies ist der logischste Hafen der Ausschiffung, wenn Sie die Alaska Ferry nach Norden und den logischsten Hafen der Einschiffung nehmen, wenn Sie die Fähre nach Süden nehmen. Es gibt einfache Fährverbindungen nach Skagway, ca. 15 Meilen mit dem Wasser - aber eine erstaunliche 350 Meilen um die Autobahn. Diese malerische Stadt ist einer der wahrhaft bezaubernden Häfen an der langen Alaskischen Küste. Der Park bietet geräumige zurück in und ziehen durch Standorte, die Aufnahme der größten Rigs mit Platz und 50 Ampere Service. Kabelfernsehen ist an jedem Standort. Die Gründe sind quartett outquot mit unglaublicher Pflege die Landschaft aus dem Park ist atemberaubend und die Personen, die den Park zu verwalten haben, dass quotsomething Specialquot, dass jeder Gast fühlt sich sofort zu Hause. Der Laden ist gut mit interessanten Zittern gefüllt, und das kostenlose WiFi funktioniert gut. In der Tat, genießen Sie - weil Sie nicht haben, diese leichte Zugang zum Internet für einen Großteil der Rest Ihrer nördlichen Reisen Weve reiste weitgehend in Alaska, und bis etwas kommt, dass überzeugt uns sonst, das ist ein Kandidat für die schönsten RV Park Im Staat. Siehe Website. (0616) Anchorage RV Park ist mehr auf das Modell eines gehobenen RV Resort in der unteren 48 gefunden. Die Seiten bieten alle ameneties, darunter einige mit sowohl Kabel-und Telefonanschlüsse - die einzigen, die wir in Alaska gesehen haben. Große Rigs waren definitiv im Sinn, wenn dieser Park entworfen wurde. Ein attraktives Büro-, Laden - und Empfangsbereich ist umgeben von einer weitläufigen Landschaftsgestaltung mit bunten Blumen in der Saison. Die Stätten befinden sich in einem Gebiet von Bäumen und Sträuchern, das in einem natürlichen Zustand geblieben ist - so sehr, dass der Elch immer noch durchläuft. Obwohl der Park in einem ungewöhnlich unberührten Rahmen für einen RV-Park innerhalb der Stadtgrenzen einer großen Metropolregion ist, ist es sehr nah an der Art der großen Einkaufsmöglichkeiten, die die meisten RVers benötigen, wenn sie in Alaska reisen. Nach der Zeit in einer Vielzahl von viel mehr rustikalen Einstellungen typisch von Alakan Reisen, wird dieser Park besonders attraktiv erscheinen. Eine sehr bescheidene Menge an Autobahn Lärm wird in der Nacht bemerkt. Siehe Website. (0602) Bear Paw RV Park ist einer von mehreren Gewerbeparks in der Hafenstadt Valdez. Es sind tatsächlich zwei Parks, die durch ein paar Blöcke getrennt sind. Während wir normalerweise keine Attraktion zum quotadult parksquot finden, fanden wir den erwachsenen Parkabschnitt von Bear Paw extrem gut gelegen direkt am Wasser, in einer abgelegenen und ruhigen Lage weg von der kommerziellen Mitte, wo die meisten Parks befinden. Die Toiletten und Duschen sind ein besonders willkommener Anblick in Alaska und auf der zweiten Ebene des Gebäudes, in dem sich die Toiletten befinden, ist ein großes Zimmer, das mit einem Fernseher, Sofas und anderen Annehmlichkeiten ausgestattet ist - das herzlichste für uns bei unserem Besuch war Eine eigene Telefonleitung für Laptops. (0602) River View RV Park ist eigentlich so nah an Fairbanks wie es ist in der Innenstadt von North Pole, wo es im Verzeichnis aufgeführt ist. Die meisten RVers, die nach Fairbanks fahren, werden dieses fehlen und stattdessen an einem besser beworbenen Park in Fairbanks bleiben. Wir hoffen jedoch, dass sie bei Ihrer Reiseplanung weiterhilft. Original auf Englisch Language Weaver Bewerten Sie diese Übersetzung: Vielen Dank für Ihre Bewertung Mangelhaft Gut Es kann Räumlichkeiten aller Größen unterbringen, hat gut gepflegte Dusche, Toilette und Wäscherei-Einrichtungen, und hat zwei Modem-Anschlüsse in der Waschküche. Vielleicht, weil es nicht unter quotFairbanksquot aufgeführt ist, fanden wir diesen Park weniger angespannt von der Hochsaison RVer Bevölkerung. Und wir listen es hier vor allem als unseren Park der Wahl für die Fairbanks Bereich. (0602) Unbenannte Stadt Park in Seward ist hier enthalten, nicht wegen der Annehmlichkeiten, sondern weil wir denken, seine Art von quotthe Ort zu bequot beim Besuch der charmanten Hafen Dorf Seward. Dies ist ein weiterer Ort, der am besten für völlig in sich geschlossene Rigs geeignet ist. Der Park umfasst, was ist in der Tat, die primäre Ufergegend Lage in der Innenstadt von Seward. Es fährt fort für mehrere quotblocksquot, mit Standorten direkt am Strand (eigentlich ein öffentlicher Gehweg am Strand), mit etwa 3 anderen Zehnteln von Standorten weiter zurück vom Strand gesetzt. Es gibt eine begrenzte Anzahl von Elektro - und Wasseranschlussstellen im mittleren Teil des Parks. Bei der Auswahl eines Flecks hier und je nach Wetter, ist es eine gute Idee, die Windrichtung zu überprüfen und wählen Sie einen Ort, der relativ geschützt ist, wenn theres viel Wind. Der Charme dieses Ortes ist mehr in Anbetung, wo die Aktion isquot - direkt am Strand mit all den Angeln und Sightseeing Charter vorbei. Es ist auch die Art der sozialen Zentrum für RVers Besuch der Kenai-Halbinsel. (0602) Alamo Lake State Park (AZ) Es ist nicht oft, dass wir eine 80-Meilen-Rundreise in eine Fernbedienung empfehlen würden. Es ist nicht so gut, dass wir einen kleinen Spaziergang zu den Hauptattraktionen machen können (einschließlich eines feinen neuen QuoSea Life Centerquot and otherwise inaccessible part of the Arizona desert. However, if you ever find yourself en route between Phoenix and the California border, check this one out. Located literally at the dead end of a 40 mile paved narrow road, this State Park has several sections of campgrounds near the shores of Alamo Lake, formed by the construction of a dam across the Bill Williams River for flood control in 1968. The lake is reputed to be among the most productive for warm water fishing. Campsites vary from primitive to a few full service pull throughs. But by far the best bet is the water amp electric hookup sites at quotCampground Cquot, located on a side road about a 1.4 miles before one reaches the Ranger Station and store. Here you are nestled among the palo verde trees, saguaro cactus, and green desert plant life. The sites are all paved, and beautifully landscaped out of a desert alive with a wide variety of birds and animals. These sites are much like the spacious, well designed and landscaped sites at McDowell Mountain Park -- but happily there has been no fire here as there was at McDowell. This is probably Arizonas most remote, and in many respects most beautiful, State Park. (0399) Gilbert Ray Campground . Tucson, Arizona is located near the Saguaro Cactus National Monument, quotOldquot Tucsonquot, and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Old Tucson is a great place to take the kids. The nearby Desert Museum (entry fee) is our favorite desert museum anywhere and the spectacular visitor center at Saguaro Cactus NM is probably the best designed, in term of architecture, weve found yet. Gil Rays landscaped sites, most with 30A electric hookups (water and sewer available in park), look out on the Ajo valley stretching to the west of Tucson. In the distance is Kitt Mountain, with its interesting observatory. The road in to Gil Ray is a bit narrow and winding, but with care any size rig can navigate it. Many sites will accommodate large rigs.(211) Catalina State Park . Tucson, Arizona, is located about 10 miles northeast of Tucson, and is a competitor with Gil Ray for the best non-private campground in the Tucson area. Unlike Gil Ray, which looks quotdownquot on a valley desert below, Catalina looks quotupquot at the rugged Catalina mountains immediately adjacent to it. A number of trails, ranging from easy to very much otherwise, begin at a trailhead within this expansive State Park. The flora on this side of Tucson is not predominately cacti, but rather a quotforestquot of mesquite trees -- not the brushy shrubs types, but the full sized trees. There are approximately 75 sites here, about half with electricity, and half with no hookups. A dump station and water are available. The sites are generously spaced, with lots of trees around and between the sites. It is definitely quotbig rig friendlyquot. (1197) Islanders RV Resort . Lake Havasu City, Arizona. We visited this large park in the quotoff seasonquot -- March -- or we would probably not have been able to find an unreserved spot. It is located on the lake and has nicely landscaped sites with full hookups. There are 2 swimming pools, one for family use and one for adult lap swim. There are also game rooms, craft rooms, and, in high season, the usual quotplanned activitiesquot for families and adults. (303) Patagonia Lakes State Park . Located 18 miles Northeast of Nogales AZ, this interesting park is located on a lake with a very narrow neck, making one lake appear to be 2. The campsites are well designed into the natural landscape most of them with hookups and water views. Except for the weekends, this State Park appears to be quite uncrowded. Kino Springs Golf Course (which we enjoyed) is a mere 10 minutes away. The former home of Stewart Granger and wife Jean Simmons has been tastefully preserved. It is now a beautiful clubhouse with an outstanding restaurant. Memorabilia of quotmovie daysquot are everywhere. And of course Mexico is only a short drive beyond. Picacho Peak State Park . (N 32 39.265 x W 111 25.295) Another delightful Arizona State Park quotfindquot, located some 15 miles SE of Casa Grande (between Phoenix and Tucson), off exit 219 on Interstate 10. While there are a limited number of hookup sites here, we dont recommend you come here to use them (parking lot style). Instead, opt for the landscaped and spacious non-hookup area which is another mile into this desert scenic area. Its about a 45 minute drive to Saguaro National Monument, and the Desert Museum -- both being west of Tucson and quotmust seesquot when visiting this area. While the sites are within sight of both I-10 and a main rail route, the distance is so substantial that there is no audible distraction. (297) Ajo Heights RV Park: (N32 23.609 x W 112 52.303) in Ajo has become a secret winter destination. Park is owned by full-time RVers, has no park models, and does not cater to permanent residents. Thats due in part to the fact that the owners have chosen to keep this quotpurely RVquot park open only seasonally -- October through April. Small (circa 40 sites), reasonably priced, superior WiFi, digital cable, small but clean washrooms, friendly neighbors, and helpful on-site owners. Concrete pads, full hookups, and gravel areas that are manicured to perfection daily. Its amazing to see how the creative owners have been able to turn what is essentially a gravel parking lot into a thoughtfully landscaped and impeccably maintained RV park. (1114) Usery Mountain Park (Top Pick) (N 33 28.641 x W 111 37.214) Part of the growing Maricopa County Park System, this park seems to have avoided the notice of the throngs of RVers who invade the nearby MesaApache Junction complex annually. Yet its a mere 8-10 minutes from downtown Mesa The park is situated several hundred feet above the east valley floor, and seems worlds away from the crowded tangles of RVs which populate the popular Mesa and Apache Junction areas. The park now accepts reservations, and in season they are essential. The sites are large and nicely landscaped, often with as much as 20 - 40 yards between some sites. Each site has (50A) power and water, a table, a barbeque, and a fire ring -- plus its own private selection of desert flora (including very large Saguaros). There are numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty within the park which are especially popular with day users on weekends. (1214) Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Located only five minutes from the border with Mexico just north of Lukeville, this desert wonderland was initially included in our list, but for a while removed because of safety concerns (illegal immigration). The park and the Border Patrol have taken positive steps to assuage safety concerns, and the parks newly enlightened attitude will accommodate any RV that they are told is quot40 feetquot -- and theyve apparently thrown away their measuring tape as well. The sites here range to about 60 feet, are well spaced, and each has its own private landscaping of the lush natural desert flora -- many including towering saguaro cactus specimens. Birds are plentiful and varied. There are no hookups, and generator hours are restricted to certain daytime hours. There is both water and a dump station in the park. For those who enjoy true seclusion, this is a must visit campground. Easy day trips down and back to Rocky Point can be made while staying here, though any travel to Mexico as of this point in time requires some consideration. (1114) Wahweap RV Resort and Marina is located near Page in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. This park is extremely well laid out, offering spacious sites for rigs of any size -- all with full hookups. The park sits on a sloping hillside overlooking Lake Powell. There are many wonderful and scenic day trips to take from here. Dont miss the trip over though Marble Canyon to Lees Ferry. (0307) Butterfield RV Resort . located in Benson, has attracted our attention when passing through this area because of its nicely designed pull-through sites generally available for overnight guests. Some would complain that the park is too close to the mainline Southern Pacific tracks, and if train noise is a major factor, this may not be your spot. However the common facilities are extremely well done, and there is a definite spirit of comaraderie among the folks that choose to stay here. Regretably WiFi is provided only on a fee basis. (0211) Boya Lake Provincial Park . Located roughly 50 miles south of Watson Lake, British Columbia, on the Cassiar Highway, this Park was such a delightful surprise that we ended our driving day mid-morning -- it was just too pretty to pass up. The sites were immaculate, raked after each departure. The hike around the lake was a delight and the scenery breathtaking. We saw mountain sheep as we explored this area. Special mention must also be made of Kiniscan Lake Provincial Park, and Meziadin Lake Provincial Parks, both to the south on the Cassiar Highway, and both very similar in all respects to Boya Lake. One caveat when visiting any of these parks: bring plenty of mosquito repellant (602) Daves RV Park in Vanderhoof was a surprise quotfindquot we made while looking for overnight accommodations in this charming lake country community. Located about a half mile off the Yellowhead Highway, we ventured out that way seeking a comfortable, friendly place for a nights stay. What we found was a park that can handle any size big rig with long, level pull through spaces with full hookups. The clean restrooms were exceptional in this country of typcially more rustic facilities. And a special surprise was finding a dedicated modem line to facilitate internet connections. (0603) Anahim Lake Resort . located just off of BCs Highway 20 is on that fabulous quotsoft adventurequot route between Williams Lake and Bella Coola. Located in the heart of a fishing paradise, this park is unique for its warm hospitality and rustic but serene lake setting. The sites are simply randomly spaced grassy locations, some with shade, that offer water and 20 amp service. A sani dump is available. If you insist on level paved sites with 50 amp service and cable TV, youll not be happy here. Nor will you anywhere else for a couple of hundred miles, because this is a true quotback countryquot location. Come here for the quotgetting away from it allquot sensation -- and bring a small boat or rent one here. Any well behaved pet will be welcome here without a leash -- and will have two instant friends in the person of the resident brown and black labs. (0708) Ripple Rock RV Park is about 15 minutes north of Campbell River on Vancouver Island. Its 3 miles east of the main highway (19) that leads to Port Hardy. The 5 KM access road is gravel, a bit dusty, and steep in places. This is a very special find, especially for big rigs that will find few parks in British Columbia as accommodating to larger RVs. The setting is on the Inland Passage, just north of Seymour Narrows, and the views are spectacular. The cruise ships to Alaska pass within a few hundred feet of your RV, and after dark are a truly amazing sight. Fish from their pier, launch your boat, or take a 10 minute walk to the local floating restaurant. The grounds are neatly landscaped and well maintained. Free WiFi is provided throughout the park. (0708) (TOP PICK) Durango RV Resort is a relatively new RV resort in Red Bluff, CA. It first opened in 2008, and surely rates as among the top RV properties in the United States. With more than 170 generously sized fully paved pads and landscaped sites, this park offers virtually every amenity weve ever found at a resort property -- and then some. Pet friendly Not only two fully enclosed dog runs, but even a a professional dog washing facility No need to list all the amenities -- just know theyre all here and all first class. The quotstandardquot sites are delux by any measure and the premium sites along the Sacramento River, fountains, and even quotbuddy sitesquot offer further upgrade options. The clubhouse is the finest weve seen for a park this size anywhere, and are perfect for groups looking for facilities that could handle large numbers of rigs. Free WiF, which is generally good but can become dicey as the park fills, and good TV cable. Superb park layout and design by Rich Stockwell, RV Park Design Consultant. This is one RV resort youll have to see to fully appreciate. (1214) Betabel RV Resort is located six miles south of Gilroy, and near the small village of San Juan Bautista. This first class park has niceely landscaped sites with well trimmed shrubs separating each of the spaces. This is a one of Californias most pleasant climates, with easy access to many nearby attractions including Monterey, Santa Cruz, Moss Landing, and the pristine Elkhorn Slough. In addition to very nicely maintained facilities, we give extra credit to this one for its friendly atmostphere and personable managers. (0109) Anza Borrego Palm Canyon State Park (N 33 16.193 x W 116 24.550) is located in Borrego Springs California, about 90 miles east of San Diego in the Anza Borrego Desert. There is a 52 site full hookup section plus a separately developed dry camp section, complete with tables, fire rings, barbeques, restrooms and shelters. Many of the sites have their own palm trees or other desert flora. Its wise to have reservations for this park, especially on the weekends and holidays throughout the winter months. On years when there has been sufficient rain, the flower displays are spectacular. The park has its own desert museum at the park headquarters building, and is a must see for new arrivals. There are numerous trails both for hiking and for vehciles, and during winter months a full schedule of educational programs and instructional hiking events. Internet service requires access to ones one cell service. (1014) Doran Beach Regional Park . located in Bodega Bay (on Highway 1 about 2 hours north of San Francisco) is a real quotmustquot for RVers who are fully self-contained, and enjoy visiting ocean beaches. While there are no hookups, youll find this this RV destination among the best natural settings anywhere along the Pacific coast. There are a total of 128 RV spaces, with additional sites for tent camping or groups. The entire park is located on a sandy spit which separates the very protected Bodega Harbor from the open Pacific Ocean. On one side is a placid bay, literally filled with sea life of every type and descripton. On the other side is the sandy beach, complete with those wonderful breakers which ensure a wonderful nights sleep. Most of the sites are designed in quotcirclesquot, each containing about 10 sites, with the quotcirclequot design guaranteeing easy back ins with unobstructed views. And the views are fabulous in every direction. This is purely a first-come-first-served park, and we suspect the summer season and weekends through the shoulder season are busy, since there is a designated quotwaiting areaquot for RVers who want to get in. If theres a bird watcher in your group, you will find this among the top finds anywhere in the country. Its big rig friendly, though the design of both the park exit and RV dump area creates an unneeded challenge for extra long units. (0105) Marina Dunes RV Park . Marina, California. Its often difficult to find a really quotnicequot RV park near major tourist attractions. This one, located some 10 miles north of Monterey, is a great find for those visiting the MontereyCarmel areas. In addition to offering very privately landscaped sites with full ameneties, the park is situated across the street from public access to some of Californias most spectacular beach front. It goes for miles in either direction, and is notably uncrowded. This is what Carmel USED to be like, some 30 or more years ago. A great place for kids, and an easy drive to the MontereyCarmel area. Highway noise will be a drawback for some. Pricey. (502) Orange Grove RV Park, Bakersfield, Ca. Bakersfield often on the route of RVers traveling to southern California or the southwest desert areas. The park is situated in an actual orange grove. During the quotpicking seasonquot -- mid-December through early March -- campers are invited to pick as many oranges as they can personally use, and even loaned the appropriate picking implements. Take a bag along with you when you leave, because youll never find these in a grocery store A 2003 addition provided many new very large pull through sites, and the park now offers complimentary WiFi service. A delightful stopover, and on a route that for many involves using Hwy 58 as an alternate to going through the Los Angeles basin area. (1214) Premier RV Resorts, Redding: This parked was transformed from an unimpressive KOA to an upscale big rig friendly RV park that reflects the superb qualities of Premiers other locations in Coburg (Eugene area) and Lebannon (Mallard Creek). Sites were rebuilt and relandscaped the office complex was completely redesigned to provide the usual attractive indoor ameneties that are common to Premier propertiies and friendly hospitality is of course the hallmark of these commonly owned parks. To the included daily newspaper and morning continental breakfast they now add free wireless. The daily rates have been increasing to a point that might soon challenge the notion of quotreasonablequot. (0205) The Springs at Borrego RV and Golf Resort : This award-winning park offers approximately 140 sites in the first two phase of its development. More are in process. The physical layout of the sites are outstanding, with both 70 and 90 pull throughs, well placed utilities, and concrete pads and patios. The sites are encircled by an inviting lush green golf course, which provides a scenic contrast to the towering desert mountains that surround Borrego Springs. This is clearly among the top RV resorts anywhere, and is priced accordingly. The attractive clubhouse area offers a nicely equipped exercise room, and a kitchen with two public rooms Theres also a swimming pool and several different sized spas in the courtyard. With increased expansion additional common areas will become even more needed. Free internet access is offered, but with a disclaimer about its speed or reliability. Recently some concerns have arisen when three park models were seen ready for placement somewhere in the park. (1014). (TOP PICK) Topsail RV Resort, Santa Rosa Beach (east of Pensacola), is the flagship of the Florida State Park system. This is one of the top handful of parks, in terms of layout and landscaping, weve seen anywhere. The sites all have the feeling of privacy and seclusion, due to the superb landscaping. Trees, shrubs, flowers and lawn -- all meticulously maintained, with even an occasional fountain or other quotart objectquot tossed in to complete the picture. Several small lakes (one with resident alligator) complete this idyllic picture. From the camping area its about a 15 minute walk through dense forest to what some have called the most beautiful beach in Florida. Stretching for perhaps a mile, this fine white sand almost demands sunglasses to look at it. And given the sheer size of the beach, it is not teeming with tourists. While its price reflects all these amenities, the value is still there. However, the word is out, and getting a reservation can be a challenge. (0300). Coeur dAlene RV Resort . offers 200 fully serviced sites in Post Falls, Idaho, just off Interstate 90 at exit 7. Spread over 20 acres are not only RV sites, but an indoor swimming pool with two spas a tennis court a putting green a fascinating kids play area an outdoor shelter suitable for large events a spacious and well appointed TV lounge, separate picnic areas with tables and grills and more. All in all, a nice physcial facility. While some might prefer a bit more distance between an RV park and an Interstate highway, and others may be disinclined towards the higher daily fare which a true RV resort will typically charge, this is definitely a place to plan a night around during a visit to the wonderful Idaho Panhandle area. (503) Glacier View Campground . Redfish Lake, Idaho. The Redfish Lake area has many campgrounds, but this is our favorite. Again, the sites are most spacious, very level and the views of the Sawtooth Mountains are nothing short of spectatular. Although there are no hookups available, Redfish Lake is a favorite destination for families reservations should be made for weekends or holidays. The elevation here is more than 6000 feet, but summers are warm in these mountains, and the mountain breezes are pleasant. The rustic old (but very well maintained) Redfish lodge serves meals, and there is a small grocery, stables, and a Visitor Center. (706) Blackwell Island RV Park is on the Spokane River in Couer dAlene, and will be a welcome sight for big rigs, and for all RVers who delight at a park rule that says quotplease feel free to wash your rigs at the sitequot. The sites have fulll (50 amp) hookups. The park offers free in-park wireless high speed internet connections. Bring your boat and rent a slip here as well, and youre ready for a perfect boating vacation. The riverfront docks are but a short cruise to the beautiful waters of Lake Coeur dAlene. Kids of all ages will love the beach and protected swimming area. This is a place to be discovered by RVers who want a great central location for summer travels. We seldom mention highway noise, such as exists at this parks primary competitor. However, the world is imperfect, and the sound of traffic is replaced here to a certain extent by a fairly busy lumber mill just across the river. It is surely not enough to keep us coming back for more visits in the future. See website. 0706) McCall RV Resort This park features excellent layouts and common facilitie. Situated on a charming wooded 55 acre parcel with extensive frontage on the Payette River, there are a variety of site settings to choose from. We tabbed this park as a quotTop Pickquot when it opened in 2006. However it was subsequently sold and became a KOA. We withdrew our rating pending a return visit. However, the park was once again sold, this time to the quotG7quot group, that owns other parks in Idaho and Arizona. Chris, one of the owners, was on site when we visited, and is a delightful and friendly person. Upon our return in August 2011 we were delighted to find the park restored to its original well-landscaped and maintained condition. This is now once again one of the true RV resort quotgemsquot that it once was. And we welcome its return (0811) Wagonhammer RV Park is one of those rare and delightful finds in a spectacular mountain setting along the banks of the Salmon River two miles south of North Fork. This is recreation paradise, with fishing, wildlife viewing, white water rafting, hiking, and just enjoying the scenery. The large office and adjacent gift shop and club room are as tastefully done as anything weve ever seen in our RV travels -- anywhere. If you should simply pass by on Highway 93, at least stop to say hello and see this amazing interior. But plan to stay, because youll find an incredibly friendly environment here. Two eithernet connections in the lounge area provide high speed internet access for your laptop -- something you usually dont find in an area this remote. We suspect this park will be discovered by RVers that are looking for a truly special place to spend a month or more during the season. (0706) Bear Den RV Resort . in Grangeville, is a small 22 site park with full amenities, excellent design and landscaping, and friendly managers. Free cable and WiFi are provided, and the rate is reasonable. This is a wonderful place to quotbase campquot and explore the surrounding area. There really are lots of places to explore around Grangeville, and the small town is friendly and delightful. (0614) Powell Junction Campground: This Forest Service campground is located on Highway 12 -- the route over Lolo Pass -- and is just 12 miles west of the Montana border. One loop is dry camping, and the other offers 50A electric service. Most sites are very well shaded, offering a cool setting during warm summer months. The elevation here is approximately 3,400 feet. The sites are mostly well spaced, and offer a fabulous forest setting along the Lochsa River. As an added bonus, a 10 minute walk takes you to the only commercial establishment along the entire route -- the Lochsa Lodge. The Lodge offers cabins plus a beautiful Lodge building with restaurant. Its a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. To top it off, the Lodge also has complimentary WiFi. (0714) Bettys RV Park is unlike any place weve ever taken an RV before. Its located in Abbeville, arguably the epicenter of Acadiana, and approximately a dozen (count em) spaces -- by far the smallest park youll find in our quotFavoritesquot listings. Each has full hookups, including 50 amp power and cable TV. There is also space for 2-3 rigs to dry camp. Bettys attractive home is on the adjacent parcel, and her screened back patio reaches to the edge of the park. Here on the patio is where youll enjoy some time with your neighbors in the park. Flash your SKP card, and the tariff is very reasonable. This park makes our list not because it is in any way quotfancyquot (though big rigs will find it easy here), but mostly because of the quotBettyquot part. You will not only feel truly quothomequot, but youll have the best possible source of information about the local area. And a wonderful area it is. We highly recommend this unique and friendly home town RV park as your quotRV Parkingquot base camp for exploring the wonderful Cajun country. WiFi friendly (0213) Chicot State Park . perhaps the keystone in the Louisiana state park system, is located some 7 miles from Ville Platte, in Evangeline parish. It is a favorite place for in-state visitors, but provides the out of state guest with a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich flora and fauna of this densely wooded lake area. The campsites offer water and electric hookups, and many are suitable for big rigs. Surrounded by thousands of acres of near-wilderness, the park offers a variety of recreational opportunities from hikingbiking to fishing. (199) Grand Casino RV Parks . in both Marksville and Kinder, are extremely similar parks which are operated in conjunction with major casino facilities. Both are at sufficient distance from the Casino to be truly quotseparatequot facilities. And both well deserve the quot9quot and quot10quot ratings theyre awarded by Trailer Life. The sites (they call them quotslipsquot) are large enough for the longest and widest RVs, provide both 30 and 50 amp power, plus water, sewer and cable, and have thoroughly modern restroom and main office facilities. Whats really remarkable is the relatively low cost of an overnight stay. Obviously theyre counting on RVers to take one of the free shuttles that come through the park periodically, and leave an additional payment at the game tables. (199) Cherry Hill RV Park is in College Park just east of quotThe Beltwayquot around Washington DC. We include it here primarily because of its convenience when visiting the nations capitol. Were aware that finding a full amenity park near major metropolitan areas can be difficult. Here youll find rigs of all sizes and descriptions, plus quite a number of tents. Located directly on a busy Interstate, noise is a factor. But the facilities are clean, the staff helpful and friendly, and most of all its location is well suited for visiting Washington DC using public transportation. WiFi is offered for a daily fee. (0400) Americas Best Campground RV Park was our choice when visiting Branson, a virtual Mecca for RVers who enjoy country music. Sue and Jim Alkire, the owners, are ever present to ensure everything is running smoothly. And with such a friendly staff, it does just that. The park is located in a very quiet area in Branson, away from the hustle and bustle of the quotmostly tastefully touristyquot town. To say its big rig friendly is an understatement, given the fact there was a rally of more than 50 quotBus and Bikequot rigs while we were there. These were all 45 foot Prevosts toting matching 20 enclosed trailers carrying their big Harleys. And they all fit easily into the park. Some sites include phone hookups, and a separate modem facility is available in the office. A fine headquarters while enjoying Branson. (0500) Yellowstone Grizzly RV Resort: Not all RV parks called quotresortsquot earn that descriptor -- but this one definitely does. Many long big rig pull through sites, all with newly planted trees, and full amenities. Our preference runs to the somewhat shorter perimeter back-in sites, many of which border on the adjacent forest. Modem hookups are available, and most recently the park introduced WiFi through Nomad ISP at rates that are more reasonable than most fee-based services. The park is located on the south edge of West Yellowstone, near the entrance to the park. The view extends in all directions to snow capped peaks, visible above the surrounding forest lands. A comfortable conference area and complimentary morning coffee round out the amenities here. This is an incredibly beautiful park, thoughtfully designed, and well managed. (0610) Mountain Meadow RV Park amp Campground: This beautiful park near the entrance to Glacier National Park in Hungry Horse has an ad which says quotwatch for our flowersquot. Sure enough, rounding the bend going east on Highway 2 from Hungry Horse, we spotted a spectacular display of summer blossoms marking the entry to this neatly landscaped hillside retreat. Across from the attractive office and store is a small lake for catch and release fishing. But what really commands attention are the mountains which seem to surround this area. Its as if one were already in Glacier National Park. The terraced hillside has large, spacious sites cut out from this alpine type forest. We found this an exceptional respite in an area which can during the peak season feel crowded. But not here What a grand quotbase campquot to see what may be the most scenic part of Montanas fabled Big Sky country. On our most recent visit we were please to see the park now offers free WiFi to a good portion of the park. Ask for a site in the quotWiFi areaquot. See website (0715) Spring Creek Campground amp Trout Ranch: If youre looking for a quotrealquot Montana experience, we know of no better destination than this family owned peaceful and scenic retreat located near Big Timber. Its about three miles south of the Interstate, with easy access and quiet quotreal Montanaquot surroundings. Part of the business here is raising large trout, which are sold to ranches in the surrounding area. If you have a young person along wanting to experience the thrill of catching a good size trout, for the reasonable price of a trout dinner you can do it here. And if your preference runs to trying your luck in the stream that runs right though the property, you may have the good luck we experienced in catching (for free) a good sized wild trout within a few steps of our own RV. This would make a superb base location for exploring all parts of this spectacular portion of Montana. Now offering free WiFi. (0805) Glacier Meadows RV Park is situated in a picturesque mountain meadow approximately 17 miles west of East Glacier on Highway 2. The park offers both grassy quotmeadowquot sites with power and water and shaded sites scattered through the adjacent pine forest. The latter are electric only sites. The charm of this park is both in its setting, and in the warm hospitality of Roy and Connie Levi -- the parks friendly hand helpful managers. There is a 5day WiFi access that offers a strong signal, but guests are welcome to use a dedicated computer in the office to check their email using the Starband connection at no cost. The quotred touring carsquot make a daily stop here, so RVers can choose to leave their rig at the park and take a full days tour of Glacier NP in style. Optionally, since RVs are precluded from traveling the main route through the park, this is an excellent place to leave your rig for the day while you tour the parks main route via your own tow car or towing vehicle. (0715) Yellowstones Edge RV Park is so named because it occupies more than a quarter mile of riverfront along the famed Yellowstone River. Its located 18 miles south of Livingston, and 35 miles north of the North entrance to Yellowstone National Park. This is an area that offers tons of outdoor activities -- fishing, hiking, rafting, horseback adventures, back country exploring, and of course day trips to Yellowstone NP. Plenty of big rig sites here, and all with full hookups. Many of them are right along the river. The office and related buildings are nicely landscaped with bright flowers, and maintenance here is taken very seriously. The free wireless signal reached our site easily. Add in the warm hospitality of the friendly staff, and quoteveryones invitedquot campfires every night, and you have the formula for staying here much longer than you might have anticipated. Thanks to Leo Everitt for steering us in this direction. (0710) Jim and Marys RV Park in Missoula is an excellent choice when visiting this charming city. The park design and landscaping are excellent, amenities are complete, and the management is extremely professional and friendly. (0813) RV Village in Ennis has one of the most attractive quotsettingsquot weve found anywhere. Ennis is in the Madison valley, and claims to be the fly fishing captital of the world. Judging from the number of float boats and fly shops in the area, it probably has a fair claim. The full service sites come in 90, 60, and 30 foot lengths. Each has its own patio area and is carefully landscaped with grass, shrubs and trees. The common areas are clean and inviting, and the WiFi is among the fastest weve found at an RV park. The website shows availability information, but does not offer online reservations. Many guests have chosen this scenic park for the full summer season -- and obviously theyre into Montana fishing. (0713). Eagles Rest RV Park in Polson is one of those friendly and well-maintained smaller parks that seems to attract return visitors each summer season. Summer can bring warm days, and perhaps the greatest quotamenityquot during the hot weather is the comfort of a shade tree. There are the usual full amenities as well, but the bueautifully landscaped grounds with mature trees is a perfect setting, and it has attracted one of the friendliest groups of RVers youll find everywhere. Pull up a lawn chair at 4:30, and bring a beverage of your choice, because many of the folks there will want to meet the new arrivals, and chat about all the things theyve done that day. (0712) Atlatl Campground is one of two extraordinary campgrounds in the Valley of Fire State Park. This is an excellent example of why one needs to read the Trailer Life Directory about public (versus private) campgrounds with quotunderstandingquot. There youll find a statement that the sites are 20 x 50, and the park offers only quotfairquot interior roads. That conjures up a rather bleak picture. But in reality one finds that while the developed parking sites may average 20 x 50, many of the sites are as much as 100 apart from one another. Lots of choices for big rigs here. The interior roads are gravel, but more easily navigable than many highly rated private parks. Moreover, the setting is in an astonishingly beatiful area of huge colorful sandstone rocks that make this among the most scenic campgrounds weve ever found. The sites have water, but not electric hookups. Within the State Park there are numerous hiking trails, petroglyphs, petrified logs, and and a Visitor Center which depicts both the geological and anthropological history of this unique part of Nevada. (1001) Hacientda RV Park is a very upscale park located at Exit 140 off of Interstate 10. It was built by RVers who know what RVers are looking for -- especially the big rigs. With full service (including instant phone hookups) at each site, and landscaping between sites, this park is poplular both with those traveling through this scenic part of the country, and with winter snowbirds. The meeting rooms, special purpose rooms and reception area all all done with a tasteful Southwestern flair. Here you will sense a management philosophy that seeks to take the quotcustomer servicequot aspect of the RVing experience to a new level. As any park located within easy distance of the freeway, some highway noise is unavoidable here. WiFi is now included in the daily rate. This is clearly our stopover of choice when traveling through (or staying in) this part of the country. Groups looking for a rally site in this area need look no further. (0211) Rose Valley RV Ranch is located in the charming mountain town of Silver City. In addition to tours of the quotold townquot, which offers numerous quint galleries, day trips to fascinating places in the Gila National Forest (e. g. Cliff Dwellings and quotCatwalkquot) make this a perfect central location. The WiFi is free, but at this point a bit iffy. Very friendly ownermanager couple that can help you find your way around. Elevation 5900 means visits in the winter need to be planned with a weather forecast in hand. Large dirtgravel sites with full utilities, and a decided quotranch themequot make this an attractive destination for RVers. Note -- this is a particularly quotdog friendlyquot place, with perhaps 20 acres available for letting your pup get a bit of an off-leash run. (0307). Rustys RV Ranch is located in New Mexico, but virtually on the border with Arizona. It is an exceptionally unusual park, with very large sites averaging a quarter acre each. Although there are side-by-side hookups, theyve been designed in such a way that you will have no sense of another RV being anywhere close to you. Extremely pet friendly, and with free WiFi for short term guests, this is a fabulous place for a quothome basequot while visiting the Chiricahua mountains. Be sure to see the quottownsquot of Portal and Paradise. This is truly the land of the starry nights, owing to it repuation as one of the top six places in the country for for astronomy buffs. Full hookups, fabulous scenery, and friendly folks. Its a bit out of the way for most quottourist routesquot, but well worth venturing out to this part of the country. (0109) Rutledge Lake Travel Park (N 35 26.470 x W 82 31.291) is situated well off the highway in Fletcher, a few miles from Asheville. Like some of the more enjoyable places weve stayed, this spacious park is enhanced by the warmth and hospitality of its owners, Sandy and Mike Tinsley -- who live here too. We visited just as the park was nearing completion, with only the clubhouse not yet quite completed. Most of the landscaping was in, and we were impressed by the extraordinary size of most of them -- capable of handling the largest of rigs with ease and comfort. The park, which is located in a charming, forested neighborhood, is situated on a small lake that offers fishing for kids of all ages. This is the heartland of the North Carolina quotMountain Countryquot, with the Blue Ridge Parkway passing within only a few miles of the park. Sandy and Mile will ensure your stay here will be a memorable one. (0400). Seven Feathers RV Resort (TOP PICK) is located near Canyonville, and is accesed from Exit 99 on Interstate 5. This is among the very nicest of RV parks in the country. It has virtually every imaginably amenity, including free WiFi, an indoor swimming pool and spa, and beautifully landscaped sites with quotdesignerquot patios and tables. Moreover, since it is part of a casino resort complex, the daily rates are reasonable -- and take another 10 off your discounted rate if you choose to get a free quotmembershipquot at the casino, which is located on the opposite site of I-5. This is also an ideal location for club outings. (1114) Junipers Reservoir RV Resort . This special place is located on an 8000 acre working cattle ranch about 10 miles west of Lakeview, Oregon. The setting is spectacular -- too far from the nearest road to even hear the sound of vehicles. Animal life abounds, as this is a wildlife preserve. Expect to see antelope, deer and porcupine on a drive through this private perseve. The park is more than a mile off the highway via a gravel ranch road (the tradeoff for the sound of silence youll find here), and is in a completely private and serene setting. With nothing but fields and mountains in view, this destination park, with all amenities, is one of the most remote and beautiful locations one could ever find. An outdoor pavillion offers everything that a visiting RV club or caravan could wish for. All this -- and modem friendly too We go there not as an quotRV resortquot, but as a true quotoutdoor experiencequot. Its an unusual park that expects and gets respectful conduct from its guests without presenting them with a list of rules, or putting up signs about things you cant do. If golf is your game, theres a pleasant 9 hole course just a few minutes back towards town. (0905) Blue Ox RV Park. At exit 233 on I-5 in Albany, Oregon, youll find a nicely laid out park which will accommodate from the smallest to the largest RVs with ease. Of recent vintage, this park is laid out with long, wide concrete pads (and interior roads) which are especially welcome during Oregons rainy days. Free WiFi. The landscaping at each individual site is nicely done. This park makes an attractive stopover option when traveling the I-5 corridor. (0713) The Burns RV Park in Burns earns a place here because we think it qualifies as a pleasant small town quotfindquot in a vast and sparsely populated area of east central Oregon that offers an ideal overnight stopping point. The park is relatively small, with 30 sites -- many of which are under towering old shade trees. While not quotfancyquot, there is charm and character here. The grass between the spacious sites is well manicured, and barrels of flowers add a pleasant splash of fresh color to the surroundings. This may well be the quail capital of the world, as these little critters are everywhere. There are several pull through spots here, though most of the choice spots were back in sites that can accommodate big rigs with easy ingress and egress. The town of Burns is a bit of a quotfindquot in its own right -- friendly to tourists but retaining much of its true quotWestern townquot character. A pleasant nine hole golf course is nearby. We suspect many who pull in here for an overnight stay end up staying several days. (0509) Driftwood RV Park is tucked away in a quiet canyon, yet just steps to both a wonderful beach and the inner harbor in Brookings. Its location provides a bit of welcome shelter from the prevailing winds. We investigated a number of RV park options in the Brookings area, and found many nice parks -- but this one is our choice. The sites are neatly maintained, and are surfaced in a manner that would be welcome in the event of damp weather. Big rigs are easily accommodated, and smaller ones will feel at home here as well. The amenities include both instant site phone hookups, plus an available computer with internet connection so that guests without laptops can get their email here as well. Free WiFi has been extended throughout most of the park. (0110) Premier RV Resort - Eugene is located at Exit 199 on the east side of I-5 in Coburg -- just north of Eugene. Like all Premier properties, this one has first class facilities, and is based on the quotoutdoor hospitalityquot theme which characterize this family of parks (Redding, Eugene, Lebanon, and Salem). Youll enjoy a morning paper delivered to your site, and a continental breakfast served in attractive surroundings. WiFi is offered, but is woefully inadequate to the point of being useless during peak hours. This park, while nice, has also becme quite pricey given the option of reasonably priced Lane Country Parks nearby. Caseys RV Park is just west of Oakridge on the side road to Westfir, and just off of Highway 58 -- a popular connection between I-5 and Highway 97. This park is on the middle for of the Willamette River -- and thats RIGHT on the river for most of the sites. Most of the sites are pull throughs, and weve seen 45 foot buses with a towed vehicle comfortably situated on some of them. Youll immediately notice the very attractive landscaping and flowers -- and the hammocks hung from the trees along the rivers bank inviting a catnap next to the rapids. Free WiFi. (0913). Crown Villa RV Resort (Top Pick) We think Bend, Oregon, is among the very best RV destinations in the country. This park was a pleasant destination when originally constructed. But subsequently it was completely redesigned and rebuilt to become one of the most upscale RV resorts one will ever hope to visit. The lots are all extra long and extra wide, and are made with decorative pavers that include unique designs. The grounds are meticulously maintained, with lots of grass and many full grown pines throughout the park, creating a true quotforest likequot setting. The staff is highly professional, and well tuned to the finer points of outdoor hospitality. The facility has outstanding common areas for groups and clubs, and offers wireless internet access at all sites. (0908) Sumpter Pines RV Park is one mile east of the fabulous old town of Sumpter. It is a relatively small park (about 18 sites) offering both pull through and back-in sites, most of which can accommodate rigs of any size. The setting is about as serene as it gets, with towering pines providing welcome shade and cool sites. Full hookups (including 30 and 50A cable TV) are at all but the four available tent sites. Sumpter is on the Elkhorn Loop, an Oregon scenic byway that offers a 110 mile scenic drive that is one of the best loop trips weve found anywhere. Heres a place you may intend only to overnight, only to discover theres so much to explore here youll stay longer -- as we did. The park now offers free WiFi, which reaches some of the sites in the park. Under new ownership as of summer 2006 -- Venita and Red will be missed. (0706) The Narrows RV Park is approximately 25 miles south of Burns, on Highway 205. It is a perfect quotbase campquot to explore the vast adjacent areas that include the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and the Steens Mountain Recreation Area -- both quotwild and scenicquot discoveries that are relatively unknown to RV travelers. The park offers full amenities plus free WiFi, can accommodate rigs of any size, and offers a peaceful setting in one of the last remaining portions of the true quotwild Westquot. You know youre in that country when you see the first of the posted park rules is quotno shootingquot. Despite its remote location, youll find more than RV accomodations here. Youll also find a well-stocked convenience store, a charming full service restaurant, and a saloon. Linda and Ron Gainer, who own the park, are most hospitable -- as youll see confirmed when all the locals stop by to enjoy a folksy breakfast, lunch or dinner. This has to be one of the least known quotspecial findsquot for RVers touring the western states. (0908) Big Bend National Park, Texas. Our favorite campground here (there are three in the park), is Rio Grande Village. There are two sections one allows generator use, one does not. You camp under spreading cottonwood trees or in an area surrounded by, and carved into, thickets indigenous to this area. There are nature walks, hikes into the surrounding areas, and of course, the rest of this vast park to explore. Watch for javalinas, the wild pigs of Texas and dont be surprised when coyotes stroll through the campgrouund looking for a handout. There is a separate quothookupquot area, but it resembles a parking lot in an urban area, and has none of the character of the non-hookup areas which we greatly prefer. (0202) Buckhorn Lake Resort is an outstanding new addition to the RV park options available in the Kerrville area. This park is truly a paradise for the big rig enthusiast, as the sites are truly quotTexas sizequot. Not only are there full hookups including site phones, but the park offers free high speed wireless service. Its proximity to I-10 (about a quarter mile) results in slight highway noise, but in our view less than in many other top rated parks that weve visited. There are untold acres of hiking and exploring here lots of wildlife (the birding is wonderful), the park has both a swimming pool and spa and the oversized modern quotred barnquot will host the largest of RV groups. The friendly owners will provide you with a good dose of old fashioned Texas hospitality and there is even more here than space allows us to describe. Its a quotmust seequot. As expected this new park is now being quotdiscoveredquot by the snowbirds, as this would make an outstanding place to enjoy the Texas winters. (0203) Lazy Longhorn RV Park is among the friendliest stops youll find as you cross the always friendly State of Texas. Located in Victoria, it provides easy access for day trips to a variety of places, including such interesting side trips as the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Full service hookups include availability of instant telephones at several sites, and more recently free WiFi. Big rigs are easily accommodated, and popcorn and mixers are available at the afternoon social gatherings. A number of winter Texans have claimed this as their favored stopover for the entire winter season. (0210) Lost Alaskan RV Park in Alpine, TX is a wonderful quotfindquot in a charming small Texas town in the highlands of the Southwestern part of the State. Huge quotTexas sizequot sites with full hookups will accommodate the biggest of big rigs. And the bathroom facilities deserve (and get) their top rating of quot10quot from TL. Lots and lots of space to walk the pets, and just far enough out of town to be quiet and peaceful. Theres lots to do and see in and around Alpine. Alpine is a natural stopover to or from Big Bend but its really worth a stay here as well. The manager, Susan Lassiter, is wonderfully accommodating. The park continues to make landscaping improvements to enhance the scenic quality of the camping experience, and most recently nine new premium sites with added landscaping and amenities are now available as well. Free WiFi. One heads up: theyve installed some pretty mean speed bumps -- and offset to guarantee you cant get over them without tossing everything in the rig around even at slow speeds. (0211) Quail Springs RV Resort is just at the east end of town in Uvalde. A new park, this offers spacious sites scattered artistically under a canopy of old oak trees. Trailer Life gives this a well deserved top rating. The sites are mostly very spacious, and almost all would accommodate a big rig. Very friendly staff. Visitors to this area will find it a surprisingly pleasant stopover -- or place to spend some time in a beautiful part of Texas. (0207) Triple R RV Resort . located approximately 3 miles east of Crystal City on Highway 65, is one of those really quotout of the way findsquot that makes RVing so much fun. Many of the sites are under shaded and back onto the Neuces river. This is both a working cattle ranch and a pristine piece of the quotWest Texas Badlandsquot that is alive with wildlife. A nature trail leads through forests, along the river, and around small lakes that invite a variety of waterfoul. Birding is superb here. An enclosed off-leash dog run is the better part of an acre. The staff is friendly and helpful. There is vitually no highway noise, train noise, or any other sound to detract from the many competing bird calls. All sites are full hookup, and a ranch-wide WiFi signal is available free. This is a must see park for those visiting the part of West Texas, where it borders on the Hill Country. (0109) Choke Canyon State Park . about an hour north of Corpus Christie, has a well-deserved reputation for spacious, attractive sites and is a prime destination for seasoned birders. Many of the visitors bring boats to fish the adjacent waters, but just wandering the grounds of the State Park can provide a very pleasant experience of the natural beauty of this part of the country. Armadillos are easily spotted, and there are signs alerting visitors to the local aligators. (0109) Zion River RV Resort Virgin is fifteen minutes from the west entrance of Zion National Park. Built to comfortably accommodate rigs of any size, each site is meticulously landscaped with grass, gravel, and shrubbery and offers full hookups including telephone. The park design is features curving contoured curbs that makes each site feel unique and artistic use is made of the indigenous red rock that graces the Zion area. A pool, spa, and comfortable clubhouse are available, as is a shuttle bus to the Park Visitor Center. The use of a coin shower sytem here, fees and time limitation on site phone calls, and most recently a WiFi offering that requires a daily fee, all seem out of synch with a quality park that collects hefty daily rates and then looks for more dimes and quarters on a variety of specific services. It gives new meaning to the phrase quotdrawn and quartered quot. But for all these extra fees this would likely rate as one of our Top Picks. (0307) Watchman Camprgound is located just within the western entrance of Zion National Park, and offers large, well spaced sites with fabulous views of the canyon walls. Each site has a 30 amp electric hookup, and there is a common dump station and fresh water supply located in the park. This quiet and tranquil setting is only a short walk from the Park Visitor Center, which is also the departure point for the outstanding free bus shuttle service that ferries passengers to all points in Zion Canyon (in season). Its also a short walk to the the quaint village of Sprindale, just outside the park entrance, which offers access to shopping and restaurants. Reservations can be made here, and surely would be advisable during the peak season. For those carrying a Golden Age pass, not only is entrance to the park free, but youll pay only 9 per night to stay at this pleasant facility. (0307) Beebe Bridge County Park: Along the shores of the Columbia River near Chelan is one of the best kept secrets in Washington. There are a number of excellent Washington State Parks, some of which are located along the Columbia. This one is special. Imagine a carefully manicured lawn sloping down to the river, with paved interior roads and sites. Each site has its own spacious patio, firepitgrill, and quality picnic table. The sites can all accommodate big rigs, and offer power and water. Best of all, theyre spaced so far apart that the sheer distance between sites provides privacy. Surrounding and adjacent are additional huge lawns for soccer, baseball, or whatever -- and for the most part they are virtually unused. Although its not located within any town, the quaint resort town of Chelan is only a five minute drive up the hill. (605) Brookhollow RV Park in Kelso is about a mile east of Interstate 5 at the milepost 39 exit offers 133 sites which are spacious and well manicured. Big rigs will especially appreciate all the extra space to set up here. The park offers full hookups, including cable TV. Its location is particularly attractive, as is set just behind a berm which controls the Coweeman River. At the top of the berm is a specatular walking trail which traverses stretches of open country and offers sightings for birds and wildlife. Free WiFi. Many visitors to Washington ask where to stay when visiting Mt. St. Helens. We think this is a good choice, even though on our last visit we found the staff a bit less friendly than on previous visits. (031-) Maryhill State Park is located on the Washington side of the Biggs Rapids Bridge, and directly across from Biggs, OR. We invariably stop for a night or two here when traveling north or south on Highway 97. Located in the famed Columbia River Gorge area, this is a spacious park with full hookups (limited in winter). Many of the sites are directly on the river. There are many acres of grassy area here, with abundant trees for shade -- and some sites that offer good dish orientation. Reservations have become essential in season. (0514) Granite Lake Premier RV Resort is a relatively new destination park located in Clarkston. With 75 well manicured full service sites located on the banks of the Snake River, this is one of the best laid out new parks weve seen. A miles long walkingbiking trail skirts the shoreline immediately in front of the park. Make this your headquarters for doing one of the famed quotHells Canyon Adventurequot jet boat or float trips, which can be arranged through the park -- and the departure point is only steps away from the park. Ask them to make you a tee time at one of several local golf courses and youll enjoy a special rate. Under new ownership the rates here have increased to levels that some might find a bit pricey. (0606) Icicle River RV Resort is located a short 3 miles south of the Leavenworth, WA. The park is situated along the banks of the Icicle River, and is beautifully landscaped and maintained. Pots, baskets, and barrels of flowers provide a kaleidescope of color during the summer months. The sites are all paved, and have individual patios of concrete or wood decking. A picnic table and grill are at each site. Allen and Virginia Gayken are the friendly managers, and add to the pleasure of a stopover here. This park is best suited to small to mid-size RVs. There are a limited number of sites that can accommodate big rigs, and the interior roads are quite narrow. The current managers are working to accommodate a higher percentage of larger rigs. Free WiFi is also available to some sites. Wash your RV at your site with in-season irrigation water which is so pure your rig will dry spot-free. Leavenworth, located on the east slopes of the Cascade mountains, is a popular tourist destination because the entire town resembles a quaint Tyrolean village and there are events here virtually year-round. (0608) Fort Worden State Park, located in Port Townsend, is located on the inland waters of the Pacific Ocean. In earlier days a defensive bastion guarding against invasion by foreign warships seeking entry into Puget Sound, this remarkable piece of oceanside real estate is now dedicated for public uses. The buildings have been preserved for new, less hostile uses, such as restaurants, meeting facilities, and even an aquatic museum displaying the local denizens of the deep. The RV sites are in two separate areas. One is on a bluff, and away from the water. By far the more popular area is only a few feet above high tide, and is well designed into the reeds and sand dunes which are characteristic of this part of the coastline. As with most Washington State Parks, the sites are well spaced. Wed strongly recommend a reservation, as this is a popular spot in all but the most quotoffquot of seasons. (06045) Fort Flagler State Park . is on Marrowstone Island, and within sight of Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend. This park is located in a pristine area of deep forests and sandy beaches at the north end of and Island accessible by bridge near Port Hadlock. There are a limited number of hookup sites, with most being quotstandardquot (i. e. no hookups). The sites near the beachfront 97-116), while mostly quotopenquot, are more spacious and better suited for larger rigs. Sites 1-47 tend to be a bit quotdarkquot for this climate, and seemed mostly designed for smaller rigs or tents. Sites 48-96 offer a few sites suitable for bigger rigs, and are generally quotsunnierquot than sites 1-47. A popular place for family outings in summer months, its wise during this period to book a reservation in advance -- particularly on weekends and holidays. Very friendly and helpful park staff when we last visited. (0605) Riverfront RV Park -- A common name perhaps, but this uncommon city park is located in Sedro Wooley, near the western end of the scenic North Cascades highway, and nestled along the banks of the Skagit River. This park convinced us to look more carefully in some of the smaller towns we visit because this one youll not find listed in any of the major RV Park directories. But its a little jewel. For a very modest fee it offers approximately 50 sites, approximately half of which are pull throughs. Big rigs will encounter no problems here -- unless your heart is set on sewer hookups or showers. Each site has water and (30 amp) electric. But dont look for the electric near the ground. Look instead about 8 feet off the ground, at the top of a 6 x 6 pole. But not to worry, each post is serviced by three wooden steps to get you up there. The reason That marks the 100 year flood level Elsewhere youll find lots of trees, well manicured grass, and in season a carefully maintained micro garden -- at each site If youve not ever tried a municipal park, this might be the ideal place to start (0801) Lake Pleasant RV Park is our choice for where to stay when visiting the Seattle area. Located in the nearby suburb of Bothell, its only a mile west of Interstate 405 at exit 26. This secluded park completely encircles two small lakes that are teaming with all types of waterfowl. Those who want to avoid locations where the abundance of waterfowl leave constant traces of their presence may be less happy here. Veteran RVers recognize how difficult it sometimes is to find a true quotRV atmospherequot in and near large metropolitan areas. Wed recommend calling ahead for reservations here, as the secret is out among frequent visitors to the Seattle area. (0701) Alderwood RV Resort is a highly rated destination park in Spokane. Youll find professionally landscaped sites, separated by carefully maintained trees and shrubs that provide privacy and shade -- without creating overhead or lateral obstructions. The garden-like setting creates an illusion of being parked inside a very large nursery. The park lives up to its high ratings despite the fact its sites are a bit narrow and closely spaced, and access from I-90 requires negotiating several miles of Spokane city streets -- best done at non-peak traffic hours. Some sites have phone hookups. This park would possibly rank even higher with us but for the relative difficulty of accessing through Spokane. (0703) Friends Landing is a special find located near the town of Montesano -- some 20 miles east of Aberdeen and just far enough inland to provide fair weather when the coast is cool and foggy. A bit of a trick to find, its about 3 circuitous miles from the town -- but easily within a mile of it as the crow flies. This park was originally established for the purpose, among others, of providing outstanding facilities for disabled persons. But its become a favorite for all who have discovered these 19 sites with 30 amp power and water, set spaciaously apart from one another, and with blacktop pads that measure as big as 16 by 100. The park is now owned by Trout Unlimited. Its situated on one mile of the Chehalis River, and has a 1.7 mile blacktop and boardwalk hiking and biking trail that encircles a small lake within the park boundary. (0703) Hoquiam River RV Park is a new park (2003) that offers a wonderful new quotbig rigquot option for RVers who are touring the Olympic Peninsula. The Aberdeen-Hoquiam area had previously not offered many options for RVers looking for an upscale RV destination. On our first visit in the summer of 2003, it was only partailly completed, but we were confident that if the park was completed to the same standards as we first saw, it would indeed deserve a place in this listing. Now nicely finished and landscaped, this park offers a riverside setting in a quiet area with easy access to and from Highway 101. Carefully manicured sites offer full hookups and can accommodate the largest of rigs. This is an excellent quotbase campquot location to explore the vast expanse of Washingtons coastal areas -- both north and south of here. (0410) Bayshore RV Park is located in Tokeland, about 20 miles south of the better known coastal town of Westport. Most visitors to this area will bypass Tokeland -- and never know what an attractive area theyve missed. This rustic park is set just behind a low berm that separates the RV park from the sandy beach. Much of the first 500 yards beyond the initial waterway is tidal, providing a labyrinth of islands and waterways at different tide levels. The town is slightly inland from the mouth of Willapa bay, and tends to be both warmer and sunnier than areas exposed directly to the incoming surf. Well behaved and carefully managed canine friends can be granted a waiver of the quotpets-on-a-leashquot rule here while theyre romping around on the acres of nearby beach and tidelands. Across the street is the historic Tokeland Hotel, which is a must for a meal out when staying in this area. Regretably this is out of range for most practical cell uses, and the local WiFi is not workable for most purposes. (0712) Bridgeview RV Park . Located just across the Columbia River from Hood River Oregon, this park is on the Whie Salmon (WA) side, and only a few hundred feet east of the bridge. The grounds here are immaculate, and the public facilites very clean and tidy. Full hookups are complemented by one of the best in-park WiFi setups weve found. This is a perfect spot from which to explore the extraordinary scenery of the Columbia River Gorge or to partake of the local water sports which are world famous. While it is adjacent to one of the two rail lines that travers the entire shoreline on both sides of the river, it is actually well above the tracks and well-shielded from excessive noise. Most guests that come here will consider this a special find, and no doubt return to this as the RV destination of choice in the Gorge. (0308) Howard Miller Steelhead Park is a Skagit County Park located near the Cascade foothills near Rockport. This is one of those magnificent little quotfindsquot. The park as approximately 45 paved sites, most of which are widely spaced with acres of neatly mowed grass and mature trees. The biggest rigs have no problem fitting here. Some sites offer 50 amp service, while others have 30 amps. This is the type of park you think youll just be staying for a night, but ending up staying much longer. (0712) Gros Ventre -- Grand Teton National Park . Here is a quiet and panoramic oasis in what can be a very busy summer tourist season. The sites are large and shaded. And if you dont see moose or elk you arent looking. Since it is well out of town, sites are usually available here when in-town parks are full. There is hiking and fishing along the river, and the quaint (but busy) town of Jackson Hole is only 10 miles distant. Its also fewer than 5 miles from an extremely attractive golf course and restaurant at the base of Grand Teton mountain. Takhini Hot Springs is located about 15 minutes northeast of Whitehorse, in a very quite, forested area with wonderful mountain views. While modest in terms of ameneties (some electric only sites), the spaces are large and generously spaced -- uncommon along the Alaska Highway route. This is a favorite place for Whitehorse residents because of the natural hot springs, which are captured into a large outdoor year round pool (extra fee). (599) Kathleen Lake: Driving north from Haines to Haines Junction is one of the most scenic highways in all of the north country. Youll find few camping spots along this lesser used but well maintained road. But one that stands out is the Yukon Government campground at Kathleen Lake. If youre driving the Alaska Highway, youll miss it, unless you divert south about 20 minutes on the Haines Highway. And the diversion is well worth the time if you value a clean and well maintained campground. No hookups here, but the price is right -- and for an extra 2 (Canadian) youll have all the firewood you can use at your disposal. The campsites are above the lake, and about a quarter mile away. The mountain views are spectacular. (0603) White River Crossing Trading Post . At milepost 1169 on the Alaska Highway, this is situated in an area that some will find convenient for an overnight stop. We include it not because of any pretense of being a quotfancyquot campground, but rather because it struck as as being a quintessential example of the typical quotroadhousequot style campground found along the Alaska Highway -- and best for fully self-contained units. But this offers some special features. We were impressed that many of the sites could easily handle big rigs. And the owner, Robert Beatty, is an excellent host. In the late afternoon he built and ignited a large, centrally located bonfire for all to enjoy. In the early evening he came by once to lead a tour of interested RVer guests across his small landing strip for a visit to one of the accessible perma-frost sites further north youll pay for a tour to bus you to such a site. And he came by once again to point out a large moose dining in the tall grass at the end of his landing strip. Youll sense a real spirit of the north in this rustic stopover. (0602). 1996-2016, RVers Online. Made with recycled pixels