WINTER 2010
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Dream. Plan. Go.
contents destination 11 Exclamation Points Twenty great places to exchange your Trip Points for memorable Coast to Coast getaways.
departments 4 5 5 6 9 9
President’s Page Member Q&A Advertiser Index Member Matters Reader Exchange Classified Marketplace
Volume 29, Number 1. Coast to Coast Magazine is published quarterly for $28 per year as part of annual membership fees, by Coast to Coast Resorts, 64 Inverness Drive E., Englewood, Colorado 80112. Cover photo by Rich Cox/Slide Action.
COAST TO COAST PRESIDENT
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
BRUCE HOSTER ccrpresident@affinitygroup.com
KATEY PURGATORIO kpurgatorio@affinitygroup.com
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
MEMBER SERVICES
ARLINE CHANDLER HOWARD ELMER CAROL PARSONS BRENT PETERSON DEE REED
64 Inverness Drive E. Englewood, Colorado 80112 (800) 368-5721 writetous@coast-coast.com WEBSITE
EDITORIAL OFFICES
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EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
VALERIE LAW editor@coastresorts.com
SCOTT OAKES soakes@affinitygroup.com
ART DIRECTOR
ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES
DONNA SCHMIDT
MATT GRIMES MATT HOTCHKISS JOHN MARCIANO
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR
STEVEN AVERILL
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
BRENDA HUTCHINSON bhutchinson@affinitygroup.com CLASSIFIED AND MARKETPLACE ADS
SUE SEIDLITZ, MANAGER ANGELA PEZZULLO, SALES classifieds@coastresorts.com (805) 667-4385
Fuel Efficient Motorhomes You’ll Love to Drive. Imagine what you could do with a vehicle that has the spacious comfort and convenience of a larger motorhome but with much better fuel economy and driveability. Whether driving cross-country or just cross-town, enjoy the convenience of having your own kitchen, bathroom, changeroom, family room and bedroom in a vehicle that fits in a normal parking space and can be used as a second car.
DETROIT AD REPRESENTATIVE
SCOTT CROMPTON scottcrompton@mac.com (334) 613-2040 ADVERTISING OFFICES
1818 Westlake Avenue N. Suite 420 Seattle, Washington 98109 (206) 283-9545
Coast to Coast Resorts assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any method without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2010 by Coast to Coast Resorts.
• 15 to 22 miles per gallon • Easy to drive & park, use everyday • Available in four-wheel-drive • Automotive styling (helps avoid RV parking restrictions, keep it at home)
• Seats up to 7 • Comfortable to drive in • Comfortable to live in • Bathroom with shower • Separate eating & sleeping areas • Sleeps up to 4 • Up to king-size bed • 4 year/48,000 mile motorhome warranty e sinesss, NEW HORIZONS handcrafts each of its towables and sells them factory rect too the public.
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To find out why Roadtrek is the #1 selling North American class B motorhome (camper van), visit us at www.roadtrek.com/CTCM or call us toll free at 1-888-ROADTREK (762-3873).
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PUTTING MEMBERS FIRST
2010 Focus: Growing the Industry At Coast to Coast Resorts, we’re leading the way oast to Coast ended 2009 with a lot of positive momentum. As we enter this new year, I’m happy to report that we’ve already taken steps to build upon and accelerate that momentum. With the recession coming to an end and the economic recovery under way, our focus for the first year of the second decade of the new millennium is to grow the privatemembership camping industry. Growth isn’t just an option, it’s imperative to our continued success. As a longstanding leader in the industry, Coast to Coast is at the forefront of this dynamic and vital effort. We’ve launched a number of initiatives designed to promote membership camping and educate new and existing developers about its many benefits. We’re excited and
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quality of the network we now have in place. We renewed our commitment to growing the industry last year as we took a big-picture view of our business. We saw signs of a renaissance, a kind of rebirth of the industry. We saw both existing and new developers taking a fresh look at membership camping. Resort developers who were interested in knowing more about Coast to Coast and our industry began contacting us. We haven’t seen that kind of activity for years, and it’s exciting. It’s a trend that we envision continuing as we take steps to cultivate it. Our cultivation began in the fourth quarter of 2009 when Coast to Coast exhibited in Orlando at the annual ARVC (National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds) conference. There we met with campground developers who expressed interest in converting their parks to private-membership campground resorts. We also spoke with new developers entering the campground industry who wanted to know more about membership camping as an option for their developments. It was a successful experience, and I believe over time it will result in more developers becoming Coast to Coast affiliates and more top-quality resorts joining the Coast to Coast network. Our next initiative will be in February as we host the Coast to Coast Conference in Las Vegas. This landmark event brings together the most successful developers in
We’ve launched a number of initiatives designed to promote membership camping. optimistic about these efforts and the positive impact they can have for you, our members. As we move forward, it is with the confidence that the Coast to Coast network is in great shape. In the past two years, every park in the network has been visited and rated by independent evaluators. When low-rated parks failed to bring their facilities up to our standards, they were taken out of the system. We’re very happy with the 4
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the industry with professionals who want to know more about the business of membership camping. It will be a prime opportunity to spread the word about the benefits of membership camping. In March we’ll be on a similar mission at the National Conference of the American Resort Developers Association (ARDA). At that conference, we’ll address both existing and new time-share resort developers and discuss with them the possibilities of adding a membership-camping resort as part of a mixed-use resort development. An example of a mixed-use development is a vacation resort that includes both a hotel and condos on the same property. We can envision the possibilities of joint condo and private-membership camping developments in the future. These are just three examples of how Coast to Coast is taking the initiative to lead the way in growing our industry. We have the backing and encouragement of Affinity, our parent company, to help us carry out these and other industry-growth measures. I’ve been told numerous times by members that they’d like us to add more resorts to our network. As I see it, growing the private-membership camping industry is the answer to growing the Coast to Coast network. Members will be direct recipients of this growth. You’ll benefit by having more choices of highquality resorts where you can stay as a Coast to Coast member. A growing and thriving industry also increases the value of the investment you’ve made in membership camping and the RV lifestyle. I’m optimistic that we’re going to see a lot of growth in membership camping this year BRUCE HOSTER and in the years to come. All of President which bodes well for Coast to Coast to Coast Resorts Coast members. Happy travels.
MEMBER
Q&A
A Coast to Coast refresher course
Q. In my reservation at a Coast to Coast affiliated resort or Good Neighbor Park, what charges are covered with Trip Points? A. Your nightly campsite fees are paid using your available Trip Points. Q. Do Trip Points expire? A. Yes, Trip Points have expiration dates that vary from three to 36 months, depending on how you acquired them. This is clearly stated at the time of purchase. To see when your Trip Points expire, check your account online at www.coastresorts.com or by calling the Contact Center. Q. What additional charges may not be covered by my Trip Points at an affiliated Coast to Coast resort? A. Resorts may charge visiting Coast to Coast members for the use of amenities and may pass along surcharges as long as the same fees are charged to the resort’s home-park members and all other reciprocal network users. These extra charges cannot be paid with Trip Points. Q. What additional charges may not be covered by my Trip Points at a Good Neighbor Park? A. GNPs may charge Coast to Coast 5
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Whether you’re new to the Coast to Coast family or a seasoned member with more than a few miles under your belt, it helps to know your resources and how to use them. So refresh your membership knowledge and make this the year you realize more of your travel, recreation and adventure dreams with the help of Coast to Coast Resorts.
members for sales tax, surcharges (electrical upgrade, extra person, etc.) and the use of amenities (golf, boating, etc.). These extra charges are included under the heading Notations in the GNP’s directory listing and are always payable by cash. Q. Coast Deluxe members have the benefit of staying longer and more often when visiting Coast Deluxe resorts. Does the same apply for stays at Coast Classic resorts? A. When visiting a Coast Classic resort, Coast Deluxe members are subject to the policies for Coast Classic members.
(1,500 Trip Points per night for RV sites and rack rate for rental accommodations) will then be deducted from your Coast account. Q. Do all Coast to Coast network resorts allow pets? A. Most resorts in the network welcome pets with restrictions, and this is indicated with an icon in their directory listing. Because the restrictions vary from one resort to another, it’s a good idea to contact the resort directly for clarification prior to making a reservation.
Q. What are Family and Friends Benefits? A. Exclusively for Coast Deluxe and Coast Gold members, this benefit allows you to make reservations for your family and friends to stay at RV sites and for rental accommodations at Coast Deluxe and Coast Gold resorts.
Q. If I plan to visit a resort for dayuse only, can I just drive up? A. It’s recommended that you call the resort with advance notice. Not only may the resort not have a site available for you, but it’s at the resort’s discretion whether or not to honor the Coast to Coast rate for a member who drives up without a valid reservation, including a day-use camper.
Q. How do I use my Family and Friends Benefits? A. A Coast Deluxe or Coast Gold member is required to make the reservation for your family or friend through the Contact Center. Trip Points for these stays
Q. What does the NEW symbol mean in the directory’s resort listings? A. This icon identifies Coast to Coast resorts and Good Neighbor Parks that have been added to the network since the printing of last year’s directory.
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ADVERTISER INDEX Coast to Coast Travel Services, www.coastresorts.com .................7 Itasca by Winnebago Industries, www.goitasca.com ...................8 New Horizons RV, www.horizonsrv.com .....................................3 Rexhall Industries, www.rexhall.com ......................................10 Roadtrek Motorhomes, www.roadtrek.com/ctcm .........................3 RV Business Top 50 Dealer Awards, www.rvbusiness.com ..............2 YMT Vacations, www.ymtvacations.com.....................................5
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MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR COAST TO COAST MEMBERSHIP
>>> MEMBERS OF THE CLUB
For the Love of Camping How one Coast to Coast couple follows their hearts hile Gerrie and Toshi Ogata have been Coast Deluxe members and full-time RVers for less than a year, they’ve loved camping all their married life. Even when they were both still working, the Ogatas went camping nearly every weekend. There was, however, one problem. At the end of the weekend, they didn’t want to go home. They wanted their home to be where they already were. Thus was planted the seed of full-time RVing. In 2006, as they both drew close to retirement, they focused on growing that seed to fruition. “We did a lot of research,” says Toshi. They surfed the Internet and attended RV shows, looking for a rig that was
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lightweight, fuel efficient and not too long. By the spring of 2009, they’d both retired and had narrowed their search to two RV models. At Freedom RV in Fresno, California, they found what they were looking for and happily drove off the dealer’s lot in a 35-foot Open Range fifth wheel. They also drove off with a three-night complimentary stay at Bass Lake Recreational Resort, a Coast Deluxe affiliate just south of Yosemite (pictured above on the right). The couple didn’t waste any time putting both to good use. “The staff and everyone we met at Bass Lake couldn’t have been nicer,” says Toshi. “We really enjoyed our stay.” Not surprisingly, the Ogatas became members of Bass Lake and joined Coast to Coast as well. “Now that we’re doing what we love full time, a Coast Deluxe membership gives us the most options,” says Toshi. The couple’s 10-year plan is to visit all the lower 48 states, Alaska and Canada. Their first big trip will be as part of an RV caravan up the Alaska Highway this sumtable of contents
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mer. Then, they’ll travel to New England for the fall colors and a lobster or two. Wherever they go, they’ll be looking for that region’s best fishing spots. “We’re catch-and-eat fishermen,” jokes Toshi. Whether exploring new destinations or seeking out new fishing spots, Gerrie and Toshi Ogata will be following their hearts as they travel the Coast to Coast way. —CAROL PARSONS
CALLING ALL MEMBERS We’re looking for interesting members to profile in the pages of Coast to Coast Magazine. If you know someone— even if that someone happens to be you—please send an e-mail to editor@coastresorts.com.
member matters
Epic Adventure Float your boat with Coast to Coast he newest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, the Norwegian Epic, makes its debut this year. You can be among the first to experience this magnificent ship when you take advantage of Coast to Coast’s member appreciation cruise to the eastern Caribbean, November 6 through 13. Sailing roundtrip from Miami with ports of call in St. Marten, St. Thomas and Nassau, the Norwegian Epic takes cruising to the next level. It features 17 restaurants and provides an onboard sports complex, water park and bowling alley. True Las Vegas entertainment comes standard with such acts as the Blue Men and Second City. Nightspots include a dinner theater with first-run troupes and Spice H2O,
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an on-deck beach club. As enticing as this new ship sounds, pricing remains as affordable as any previous Coast to Coast cruise. Check your options by calling Coast Travel Services at (800) 722-1410.
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member matters > THE RALLY
Meet Us in Louisville A great venue for the greatest RV event of the year or RVers, it doesn’t get much better than our annual Rally. Headline entertainment (Bob Newhart on opening night), intriguing exhibits, educational seminars, new rigs, optional tours and the camaraderie of thousands of fellow travelers await you at the 2010 Rally, July 22 through 25 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. Ranked one of the top
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10 U.S. exposition venues, the Kentucky Exposition Center is easily accessible from three major interstates: I-65, I-71 and I-64. Louisville itself is a unique blend of heartland charm and Southern hospitality. The people, the neighborhoods, the culture and the history of the largest city in Kentucky offer attendees much to explore before, during
and after the rally. Sponsored by Coast to Coast, the Good Sam Club, Camping World President’s Club, Camp Club USA, Woodall’s Publications and MotorHome, Trailer Life and Camping Life magazines, the Rally celebrates its 11th anniversary in 2010. For complete details and to register, visit www.therally.com or call (877) 749-7122.
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HELPFUL TIPS FROM COAST TO COAST MEMBERS
P OW E R W H E R E YO U N E E D I T Our RV had an electrical outlet below the kitchen cabinet in the only place we could hang our under-the-counter coffeemaker. We moved the outlet to just above the countertop on the wall by using a Wiremold conduit (available at homeimprovement stores) and a shallow electrical-outlet box. The hole in the cabinet where the original outlet was is now covered by the coffeemaker. Our RV also had an inconvenient floor-level electrical outlet under the dining table. We installed a Wiremold outlet strip from the side of the floor-level box up the wall to just above the table. We notched the table to allow the conduit to go up the wall. DAVID AND IRENE SCHEIERN
Castaways RV Park and Campground, Texas
You’re the experts on RV travel, and we want to hear from you. Please e-mail your tips and accompanying photos to editor@coastresorts.com and make sure to include your name, the name of your Coast to Coast home resort and your mailing address. If your tip is selected for publication, you’ll receive $25. 9
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ACCESSORIES
SERVICES
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GOING UNDER When I need to get under my car or motorhome, I lie on a large windshield sunshade reflector. They’re available at auto-parts suppliers for less than $10. I open up the first few folds, place my knees on it and then push the rest of the folds under the vehicle as I crawl under. It’s slick, easy to slide on and provides protection from most surfaces. Be sure to label the top and bottom so you always place the dirty side down and can lie on the clean side. MARVIN HOSKEY
Holiday Lakes Resort Club, Missouri table of contents
Have the adventure of a lifetime in Alaska. Volunteer Opportunities available in Alaska State Parks. 60 host positions statewide with free campsite, stipend, training and more. Season is May to September with a minimum 4 week commitment. Contact the volunteer coordinator by ph: (907) 2698708, fax: (907) 269-8907, dnr.pksvol@alaska.gov or visit our web site at www.alaskastate parks.org for more information.
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Pay no sales tax on your next RV. We have helped clients legally save $1000s over the past 12 yrs. Call Mountain States Consulting 800-565-4504 & talk to a CPA for professional, friendly service or visit us on the web at www.rvtax.com. AVOID SALES TAX ON RVs AND VEHICLES Call to speak to a licensed MT attorney about setting up an LLC. 10+ years of experience. Heggen Law Office, P.C., Missoula, MT. www.heggenlawoffice.com 888-777-5032
TOW VEHICLES FOR SALE
2006 FORD F250, DIESEL AUTOMATIC, leather int, bed cover, 5th wheel, trailer tow mirrors, aux fuel tank w/gauge, air ride susp on rear with in-cab adjustment, custom front bumper & running boards. 55K miles. $23,900. 541-848-5256.
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ADA VIS Global Mexico Insurance. Annual Liability Insurance $58 per year, $83 with Legal Aid. Also provided U.S. RV - Motorhome Coverage Extended into Mexico. 1-800-909-4457.
MOTORHOMES WANTED 2009 - 1999 MOTORHOMES WANTED Nationwide — Gas or Diesel Free Appraisals — No Hassles Call 813-783-4000 or 888-7834009 toll free for Instant Cash www.MotorhomeFinders.com
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1999 TETON 40’ 5th or 1998 Mtn Master Frtlnr. Arctic pkg, full timer, new all over. 82K mi, Cumm/Allison, all Air Ride, huge stor, like new. $39,900 EACH. 623-451-7121. OUR CLASSIFIED RATE is $38/line (40 characters and spaces per line, four-line minimum). PLEASE NOTE: January 25 is the deadline for reserving advertising space in the Spring 2010 issue.
Ad copy may be e-mailed to classifieds@coastresorts.com, faxed to (805) 667-4379 or mailed to Coast to Coast Classifieds P.O. Box 8510 Ventura, CA 93002-9912
Your Membership Magazine Is Just a Click Away TO
NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2009
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Florida’s First Coast Making History in St. Augustine
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GREAT GETAWAYS • Indian Trails Resort ILLINOIS
• Star Valley Ranch WYOMING
• Lake Havasu RV Resort ARIZONA
• River Creek Campground NORTH CAROLINA
Online magazines are great for RVers. You can view them at home or on the road— anywhere there’s a computer. Now Coast to Coast Magazine is available in an enhanced online format, so you can read it wherever you roam. The horizontal format suits your computer screen, and the large type means you don’t need to zoom in. Navigating from one story to another is as easy as pointing and clicking. And web addresses are linked, so you can check out a website with a single click. To access Coast to Coast Magazine online, go to www.coastresorts.com and click on CTC Magazine.
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RESORT PROFILES
PUTTING MEMBERS FIRST
Fuel Efficient Motorhomes You’ll Love to Drive. Abita Springs RV Resort
Exclamation Points Twenty great destinations to exchange your Trip Points for memorable getaways. BY DEE REED
Abita Springs, Louisiana ..........................................................24
Bass Lake Resort
Parish, New York .......................................................................16
Beachwood Resort
Imagine what you could do with a vehicle that has the spacious comfort and convenience Blaine, Washington ...................................................................26 of a larger motorhome but with much better fuel economy and driveability. Whether The Bee’s RVcross-town, Resort enjoy the convenience of having your own driving cross-country or just Clermont, Florida ....................................................................... 25fits kitchen, bathroom, changeroom, family room and bedroom in a vehicle that in a normal parking space andRV can Resort be used as a second car. Cascade Meadows
La Pine, Oregon .........................................................................29
Cloud 9 Ranch Club Caulfield, Missouri ....................................................................28
Colorado Heights Camping Resort Monument, Colorado .................................................................31
Cutty’s Okoboji Resort Club Spirit Lake, Iowa .......................................................................14
Delta Shores Resort and Marina Isleton, California .....................................................................30
Emerald Cove RV Resort Earp, California..........................................................................15
Grand Haven Resort Kimbolton, Ohio ........................................................................20
Hidden Bluffs Resort Spring Grove, Minnesota ..........................................................21
Lake Havasu RV Resort Lake Havasu City, Arizona .......................................................18 • 15 to 22 miles per gallon Lake Shore Resort Davidson, Michigan ..................................................................13 • Easy to drive & park, use everyday • Available in four-wheel-drive Lost Valley Lake Resort RV parkingMissouri .................................................................22 • Automotive styling (helps avoid Owensville, restrictions, keep it at home) To find out why Roadtrek is the #1 selling North Millwood Landing Golf class andB RV Resort(camper van), visit us • Seats up to 7 American motorhome Ashdown, Arkansas ...................................................................23 at www.roadtrek.com/CTCM or call us toll free at • Comfortable to drive in Old American Kampground 1-888-ROADTREK (762-3873). • Comfortable to live in Newport, Washington ...............................................................27 • Bathroom with shower • Separate eating & sleepingPymatuning areas Valley Resort • Sleeps up to 4 Williamsfield, Ohio ....................................................................19 • Up to king-size bed Saginaw Bay Resort • 4 year/48,000 mile motorhome warranty Standish, Michigan ...................................................................17
Summit Vacation Resort New Braunfels, Texas ................................................................12
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RESORT PROFILES
SUMMIT VACATION RESORT NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS
ime spent at Summit Vacation Resort could find you slowly tubing down the beautiful emerald green Guadalupe River while fishing for either brown or rainbow trout. If
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that sounds idyllic to you, then steer your course to New Braunfels, a town in the Texas Hill Country between San Antonio and Austin. In addition to an adjacent historic river, the resort is within three miles of 12,000-acre Canyon Lake, well known for water sports and fishing. Canyon Lake is fed by the Upper Guadalupe River from the west, while the Canyon Lake Dam provides a controlled release of cool waters into
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the Lower Guadalupe River, which makes it temperate enough to sustain rainbow trout throughout the summer. There are plenty of sports outfitters on both the river and lake. The resort’s campsites are scattered throughout acres of rolling wooded countryside. Facilities include a sports center, a 4,000-square-foot clubhouse, snack bars, four swimming pools, two waterslides and hot tubs. There’s also a fishing lake, hiking trails, tennis and basketball courts, miniature golf and an exercise room. The Sports Center Café grills up steak burgers, and large breakfasts are served weekends in the clubhouse. As good as the amenities are at Summit Vacation Resort, Manager Jim Newman believes the big draw is the location. “Our location is definitely special near the historic Guadalupe River and Canyon Lake,” he says. “You can’t beat living in the Texas Hill Country.” It’s smart to use the resort as your home base to visit the Alamo, go “boot scootin’” at Texas’ oldest dancehall in nearby Gruene or take a scenic drive to Luckenbach. The route will take you past a winery, historical buildings, the only railroad tunnel in Texas, an old German homestead and a ghost town. www.summitvacationresort.com
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RESORT PROFILES
LAKE SHORE RESORT DAVIDSON, MICHIGAN
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f you like the idea of vacationing in a beautiful natural setting within minutes of a large metropolitan area, then a stay at Lake Shore Resort should be in your future. The park offers a beautiful natural setting featuring a spring-fed lake with cozy beaches,
a lake-front pavilion and plenty of hiking trails. “Everyone loves the lake,” says Heather Foco of Lake Shore’s parent company, Outdoor Adventures. “There are pedal boats, canoes and kayaks, a fishing pier and snack bar.
The fountains out in the lake are beautiful day or night.” Of course, your water activities don’t have to be centered around the lake. Take your pick of one of three heated pools, including an indoor one for year-round enjoyment, plus hot tubs and a sauna. Before and after swimming, enjoy the familyoriented clubhouse and pavilion or the adult’s lounge. Other on-site activities include fitness rooms, miniature golf, volleyball, horseshoes, shuffleboard and a playground. Organized activities include outdoor team games, card parties, holiday dinners, arcades and karaoke nights. If you’re lucky enough to visit in winter, try ice skating on the lake. When you’re ready to explore the nearby area, you’ll find an old-fashioned cider mill, a riding stable and plenty of shopping and dining venues. A little farther away is Flint, just 10 miles east, and for a delightful day
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trip, visit Michigan’s Little Bavaria, Frankenmuth, only 34 miles from the resort. Additional attractions within driving distance include Crossroads Village, where you can take a ride on the narrow-gauge Huckleberry Railroad steam locomotive, or cruise Mott Lake aboard the Genessee Belle paddle wheeler. www.outdooradventuresinc.com
RESORT PROFILES
CUTTY’S OKOBOJI RESORT CLUB SPIRIT LAKE, IOWA
magine spending time in an area that’s been touted by the National Geographic Society as having one of the three most beautiful bluewater lakes in the world—West Lake Okoboji. (In case you’re wondering, the other most beautiful lakes are Canada’s Lake Louise and Lake Geneva in Switzerland.) Naturally, Cutty’s Okoboji Resort Club’s General Manager Ruth Doyle agrees with the assessment of West Lake Okoboji, which is a deep blue and up to 134 feet deep.
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“The beautiful lakes in the area are a tremendous draw,” she says, “but that’s not all we offer. We’ve put a special emphasis on updating the amenities throughout the campground.” People who’ve visited the resort are effusive in their online responses. According to one member, “Cutty’s sits in a prime location, just a stone’s throw northwest of West Lake Okoboji. This family-oriented park has a duck pond and a small lake for pedal boaters and lots of recreational
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activities inside the park.” Some of the activities include miniature golf, basketball, tennis, croquet, sand volleyball, shuffleboard, horseshoes and ping-pong. There’s also an indoor pool and spa, a video arcade, playing fields and playgrounds. Organized activities take place under the direction of an activities director who works full time during the summer and plans events on weekends the rest of the year. The resort has stood the test of time, according to another member. “We bought our membership 25 years ago and never dreamed we’d be bringing our grandkids. They enjoy it as much as our kids did.” There are many things to do offsite, too. Although West Lake Okoboji is the closest lake to the resort, the Iowa Great Lakes include Spirit Lake, East Okoboji, Upper Gar, Lower Gar and Minnewashta. Active water sports range from boating to fishing, swimming, sailing, water-skiing, parasailing, canoeing, kayaking and whisking around on personal watercraft. The surrounding communities provide an ideal backdrop for the lakes and the resort. Amusement and water parks, golf courses, recreational trails, museums, art centers, performing-arts theaters and various other attractions are all nearby.
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RESORT PROFILES
EMERALD COVE RV RESORT EARP, CALIFORNIA
hen overlooking the broad Colorado River and sandy beach, it’s easy to imagine why Wyatt Earp chose to settle in this area while staking claims for nearby copper and gold mines. But instead of toting along
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prospecting tools, today’s adventurers bring the latest in water-sports equipment in their state-of-the-art RVs, and their venue of choice is Emerald Cove Resort, a Colorado River Adventures property in Earp, California.
Modern-day prospectors for adventure can choose to set up camp on a variety of desert sites including the white sandy beaches of the Colorado River. Outdoor activities center around the river and include water-skiing, inner-tubing and fishing. The Coast Deluxe resort features a triple-wide boat launch with watercraft rentals nearby. Guests at the resort can also relax at one of three covered pools— two for adults and one for kids—or enjoy the numerous activities at the clubhouse. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy an executive, par-three golf course and the new miniature golf course adjacent to the clubhouse. Small fry aren’t forgotten here. The River Rats Kids’ Club hosts activities just for kids. With a membership of approximately 500, there’s plenty of fun to go around, and activities are fully supervised. The Kids’ Club facilities include pool tables, video games and a snack bar.
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The resort is just a short distance from the London Bridge tourist attraction in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and the casinos of Laughlin, Nevada. Don’t miss visiting nearby Quartzsite in January and February for its eight major gem and mineral shows, huge RV show and the Southwest’s largest open-air flea market that offers a rock hound’s dream of rocks, gems, minerals and fossils. www.coloradoriveradventures.com
RESORT PROFILES
BASS LAKE RESORT PARISH, NEW YORK
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ass Lake Resort in Parish, New York, offers a bit of something for everyone. A lot of resorts brag about that distinction, but this resort delivers. Travelers without children can join the activities in the adult clubhouse and swim in the adult-only pool, while younger families or grandparents traveling with youngsters can use the family clubhouse that offers child- centered entertainment. People who prefer fishing and water sports can take advantage of Bass Lake, the resort’s private lake
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that offers rowboats, pedal boats and canoes. The resort is conveniently and centrally located, and it’s surrounded by a variety of fishing opportunities to satisfy enthusiasts of every level, from the seasoned angler right on down to the grandkids. Aside from Bass Lake, Oneida Lake awaits 15 miles to the south, Lake Ontario is 30 miles to the east, the Salmon River runs 10 miles to the north, and the St. Lawrence River is another 40 miles past that. Visitors who enjoy a varied terrain will find open fields, rolling hills,
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lushly wooded forests and flowerdotted meadows threaded with many hiking trails. Or immerse yourself in on-site activities such as volleyball, basketball, horseshoe pits, miniature golf, playgrounds, a baseball field and picnic areas. The resort also boasts its own café restaurant. For those who love all-season camping, the region is famous for fabulous snowfalls with as much as 200 inches a year. The resort’s snowmobile trail is groomed in cooperation with and by the Square Valley Trail Blazers and is only a mile from the official New York State Trail System, a favorite of snowmobilers. “Aside from all the wonderful things to do here, some people just want to kick back and relax,” says the resort’s president, Fabian Russell. “We also have an excellent restaurant that’s on the lake, which is the focal point of our resort.” But, according to Russell, what’s most available year-round is the great customer service. “We’ve conducted marketing focus groups with our customers to see what they consider of value,” he says. “They say it’s homey and friendly, and they rave about the priceless experiences they’re able to achieve with us.” www.eastcoastresortsofamerica.com
www.coastresorts.com
RESORT PROFILES
SAGINAW BAY RESORT STANDISH, MICHIGAN
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ou get the amenities of three resorts for the price of one when you stay at Saginaw Bay Resort. Within a 15-minute drive are two other resorts—Rifle River and Wilderness—
also owned and operated by Outdoor Adventures, which means members have access to all three. “If you’re staying at Wilderness and it’s raining, you can drive over to
“We get very creative with our activities, including luaus and carnival weekends,” says Heather Foco. “The whole town turns out for our fireworks show.”
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Saginaw Bay and swim indoors,” says Heather Foco of Outdoor Adventures. If you enjoy watching The Amazing Race reality series, then you’ll love participating in Outdoor Adventure’s own Amazing Race, which uses a variety of venues at all three resorts. “We get very creative with our activities, including luaus and carnival weekends,” says Foco. “The whole town turns out for our fireworks show at Saginaw Bay.” Saginaw Bay Resort offers a pleasant family atmosphere year-round. Located about 130 miles north of Detroit, this resort features spacious shaded sites and nature trails in an area boasting some of the best fishing and hunting in northern Michigan. At Saginaw Bay Resort, you can refine your golf swing at the practice tee or skim around the mini-lake in a pedal boat or aqua cycle. Other on-site activities include an adult lounge, clubhouse, pavilion, game room, indoor and outdoor heated pools, a kiddie pool, hot tubs and a fitness room. Offsite, you’re only minutes from golf courses, amusement parks, marinas and beaches, factory-outlet shopping, auto racing and casinos. The resort even provides shuttle service to the casinos. www.outdooradventuresinc.com
www.coastresorts.com
RESORT PROFILES
LAKE HAVASU RV RESORT LAKE HAVASU CITY, ARIZONA
here else can you find desert climate, 400 miles of coastline, and a world-famous bridge? It’s all in and around beautiful Lake Havasu RV Resort in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Lake Havasu hosts water sports such as fishing, skiing, kayaking and houseboating, enticing many visitors to the area. It’s also the perfect getaway for RVers, a fact capitalized on by Colorado River Adventures, parent company of Lake Havasu RV Resort.
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In addition to 300 days of sunshine a year, multiple golf courses and all the enjoyment a large lake offers, Lake Havasu RV Resort has the distinction of being close to another historic Arizona landmark: London Bridge. Purchased in 1962 and rebuilt in Lake Havasu City, the bridge attracts 2 million guests annually. Although there are many nearby attractions, Coast to Coast members don’t have to leave the park to have
Those venturing outside the gates will find a wealth of recreational activities.
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a wonderful time under the sun. The resort features wide, paved roads for navigating ease, and its two pools, clubhouse, recreation hall, laundry and restrooms are centrally located. A playground, pet-walking area, shuffleboard and horseshoes are also available. Those venturing outside the gates will find a wealth of recreational activities, including shopping and fine dining in Lake Havasu City. Throughout the season, Lake Havasu hosts many festivals and special events including Skat-Trak World Championships, Relics and Rods Run to the Sun, Festival of Lights, Winterfest and London Bridge Days. Recreation in the area includes three 18-hole golf courses, a nine-hole course, five commercial marinas, 13 RV parks and campgrounds, a public boat launch at Site Six Park and several additional public parks: Jack Hardie, Rotary, Aquatic Center and London Bridge Beach. State parks include Lake Havasu and Cattail Cove. Water lovers will be in heaven because these parks offer a combined total of 47 miles of shoreline within the city limits. Lake Havasu RV Resort is part of the Colorado River Adventures group, which operates six Coast to Coast affiliated properties. www.coloradoriveradventures.com
www.coastresorts.com
RESORT PROFILES
PYMATUNING VALLEY RESORT WILLIAMSFIELD, OHIO
ome home to Pymatuning Valley Resort where the staff welcomes you like family. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a member of our park or from another park,” says manager Michelle Holt. “We treat everyone like family.”
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Holt has managed the resort for 12 years and watched it grow from a brand-new park to one that’s comfortably settled in. The staff takes pride in providing great customer service and a down-home atmos-
phere that offers something for everyone. Many regional attractions draw visitors. Nearby Pymatuning Lake, with its 16,000 acres and 77 miles of shoreline, is one of the largest man-made waterways in Pennsylvania and provides opportunities for boating and fishing. Indoor and outdoor pools and a small water park add just the right touch of wet and wild. Add in some bumper boats, batting cages, paintball and miniature golf, and there’s nonstop fun for the whole family. Additional activities geared toward all age groups include crafts for both kids and adults. The focus is on year-round family fun, so the park offers storage sites for those who want to leave their rigs at the property. Pymatuning Valley Resort is within an hour of the Greater Cleveland area, so there’s plenty to do offsite as well.
Add in some bumper boats, batting cages, paintball and miniature golf, and there’s nonstop fun for the whole family. Additional activities include crafts for kids and adults.
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Don’t miss the Great Lakes Science Center with its fun and informative interactive exhibits and six-story Omnimax theater, and be sure to visit the house that rock music built, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Amidst all of the excitement, set aside some time for a peaceful stroll through the Cleveland Botanical Garden. www.cardidaresortgroup.com
RESORT PROFILES
GRAND HAVEN RESORT KIMBOLTON, OHIO
t’s a dream job, says Mark Shambaugh, manager of Grand Haven Resort in Kimbolton, Ohio. With graduate degrees in administration and parks and recreation manage-
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ment, Mark finds working with staff and visitors at the resort rewarding. “I enjoy making people happy,” Shambaugh says. “We have great people to rely on, and that makes it fun to come to work. One of the most rewarding things is to sit around the campfire at night. That makes all the headaches worthwhile.” And their campfires are very special. “We find a hollow log, set it on end, carve an opening in it and cut a fireplace at the bottom,” says Shambaugh. “The fire reflecting through the cutouts and out the top provides a great light show.” This large resort is in the extreme northern portion of Guernsey County,
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within a mile of Ohio’s largest state park, Salt Fork. The location is only 2 miles from the nearest boat launch, but you don’t have to leave the property to participate in water sports. You’ll find swimming pools and a 5-acre recreational lake on site. According to Shambaugh, the big draw is the natural surroundings on the 834-acre property—lakes, heavily wooded forests, wildlife and boulders the size of Volkswagens. Clubhouses, pavilions and game rooms allow roofed activities and entertainment on those days when you want to stay indoors. For outdoor fun, try horseback riding on area trails, pony rides in the corral, miniature golf and a driving range with a putting green. There are also paintball games, a paved skating track and even a shooting range that features archery, rifles, pistols and trap shooting. If you prefer ATV riding, the resort has 150 acres of ATV-dedicated trails. Rentals and a newly opened ATV course add to the enjoyment. The Cardida Resort Group owns Grand Haven Resort and operates two other Coast to Coast affiliates, Ohio’s Pymatuning Valley Resort, featured on the opposite page, and Florida’s Holley King Lakes Resort. www.cardidaresortgroup.com
www.coastresorts.com
RESORT PROFILES
HIDDEN BLUFFS RESORT SPRING GROVE, MINNESOTA
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f you crave nature-inspired quiet, losing yourself in a beautiful oldgrowth hardwood forest and brushing shoulders with people who live life the old-fashioned way, then make your
reservations at Hidden Bluffs Resort in Spring Grove, Minnesota. Spring Grove, established in 1852 as the first Norwegian settlement in Minnesota, is located not far from t
he Mississippi River where the new settlers first found a freshwater spring nestled in a grove of beautiful hardwood trees. The natural amenities that attracted those early settlers are still found at Hidden Bluffs Resort. On 195 acres in a valley made up of beautiful hardwood forest and limestone, you can fish nearly 1 mile of picturesque trout stream and hike 4 miles of groomed trails. Each campsite continues the nature theme with large, shady and grassy camping spots complete with picnic tables and fire rings. If you need a little more stimulation, visit the resort’s heated swimming pool, hot tub and playground. Try your hand at miniature golf, volleyball, basketball and horseshoes. Weekends are action-packed with great family activities. There are also crafts, movie nights and karaoke talent nights. For the really energetic, join a basketball, volleyball or horse-
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shoe tournament—or all three. For further exploration, visit nearby Mystery and Niagara caves and the Amish communities. Go kayaking, river tubing, hunting and fourwheeling and enjoy the region’s abundant natural beauty. www.hiddenbluffs.com
RESORT PROFILES
LOST VALLEY LAKE RESORT OWENSVILLE, MISSOURI
ne of the most familiar sights at Lost Valley Lake Resort in Owensville, Missouri, was its picturesque lodge. According to developer Richard Gentry, the edifice has been featured in many Coast to Coast publications throughout the years. Unfortunately, the building burned down last year, but it’s being replaced with a larger and more picturesque building. The new 8,000-square-foot, two-story
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structure is one of the few campground resort lodges with a large ballroom. “We’re the largest single-site campground in the country,” says Gentry. “We’re built for high-volume activity with horseback riding, windsurfing, sailing and fishing on one of five on-site lakes.” Woodall’s rates Lost Valley Lake among the top 3 percent of all private campgrounds in the United States.
An adult lounge, an arcade, a movie theater and miniature golf are just some of the activities available at the 21,000-square-foot sports arena. Experience fine dining in the on-site restaurant or relax in one of three pools—indoor, outdoor and kiddie. Planned activities organized by a fulltime director can be enjoyed 365 days a year in a 24-hour-secured natural setting on 537 acres. Lost Valley is an angler’s dream with two large lakes plus three fishing ponds stocked with catfish, bass, perch, bluegill and crappie. The resort’s boathouse has pedal boats, canoes, sailboats, jon boats and windsurfers. Valley View Lake has two beaches plus swimming areas with floating slides and numerous waterfun possibilities. Nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks, the region’s attractions include the German village of Hermann, famous for its wineries, nearby Meramec Caverns and Six Flags amusement park. www.lostvalleylake.com
Missouri’s Lost Valley Lake Resort is an angler’s dream with two large lakes plus three fishing ponds stocked with catfish, bass, perch, bluegill and crappie. 22 DIRECTORY 2010 C OA S T TO C OA S T
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RESORT PROFILES
MILLWOOD LANDING GOLF AND RV RESORT
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nythig but run-of-the-mill, Millwood Landing treats visitors to everything that southern Arkansas has to offer, all in a dramatic setting near the shores of Lake Millwood, one of Arkansas’ largest lakes. This lake, in addition to attracting nature lovers of all ages, is known as one of the best bass fishing spots in the United States.
If fishing in a 35,000-acre lake is intimidating, don’t fret. Anglers also enjoy two easy-access on-site fishing ponds stocked with a wide variety of fish. If you like water but don’t care to fish, take a plunge in the resort’s swimming pool in the adjacent clubhouse. If chasing a small white ball around a grass course is more your style, you’re in luck. The resort includes a beautifully
manicured 18-hole golf course and pro shop where a dozen or so member tournaments are scheduled each year. When owner Mike Pinoury searched for campground properties, he followed strict guidelines. “I chose the areas where people like to go,” says the campground developer, whose relationship with Coast to Coast eclipses 30 years. “Other than fishing and golf, the weather is beautiful in summer and temperate in winter,” says Pinoury. “The campground is heavily wooded, and our guests can have a nice camping experience in a quiet and serene setting.” There are also tennis and basketball courts, a well-equipped teen center and a restaurant and bar, all offering guests plenty of on-site options. Millwood Landing is part of the Ocean Canyon group, which owns two other Coast Deluxe affiliates, Louisiana’s Abita Springs RV Resort and Texas’ Tres Rios River Ranch. www.millwoodlandinggolfresort.com www.oceancanyon.com
ASHDOWN, ARKANSAS
“The weather is beautiful in summer and temperate in winter,” says resort owner Mike Pinoury. “The campground is heavily wooded, and our guests can have a nice camping experience in a quiet and serene setting.”
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RESORT PROFILES
ABITA SPRINGS RV RESORT
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ABITA SPRINGS, LOUISIANA
his RV resort is so outstanding that owner Mike Pournoury bought it twice. “I was a partner in a company that owned Abita Springs RV Resort, and we sold it,” says Pournoury. “When I started my own company, Ocean Canyon, I bought Abita Springs again.” Although Pournoury loved the resort enough to buy it back, it wasn’t
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perfect. Since the purchase, he’s made improvements. “We’ve fixed the roads and remodeled the clubhouse and rental units,” he says. “Members are very happy about what we’ve done so far.” But there’s a lot more to the resort than newly paved roads and updated units. The dense pine forests, the pure
air, the mineral waters at Abita Springs and the great bass fishing in the resort’s private lake assure guests will have an enjoyable stay. There’s no need to do anything beyond relaxing in a comfortable camp chair, but there’s plenty of opportunity to do much more. “The special feature we offer at Abita is an abundance of family activities that keeps all ages happy and busy,” says Pournoury. “We just had a big crawfish feast, and every holiday is celebrated in some special way. There are poker tournaments and fishing derbies and tours to nearby casinos and a nearby brewery for a taste of Abita Beer.” Then there’s the weather, fresh spring water, Cajun cuisine and Southern hospitality that have been drawing visitors from nearby New Orleans for more than a century. Those same amenities will keep you coming back again and again. www.oceancanyon.com
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RESORT PROFILES
THE BEE’S RV RESORT CLERMONT, FLORIDA
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f you prefer a well-appointed resort with a family atmosphere and more than a hint of Disney-style customer service, then don’t bother stopping in Orlando. Turn west instead and travel 45 minutes to the Bee’s RV Resort in Clermont. “I spent 28-plus years at the Walt Disney Company,” says owner Rick Marshall. “This opportunity [owning a campground] gave me the challenge I needed, and I love it. My wife, Gloria,
and I are people persons, and RVers are just absolutely fantastic. We love them.” The overall atmosphere of the resort is one of a privately owned mom-andpop business. “It’s not just staff that’s friendly, it’s the RVers themselves,” he says. “If anyone needs help, someone gives them a hand. We’ve been told the resort has a Christ-like atmosphere.” And it’s not all atmosphere—there are also plenty of activities at the
“It’s not just staff that’s friendly, it’s the RVers themselves. If anyone needs help, someone gives them a hand.”
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resort. Imagine an activity center called the Beehive where you can play cards, dominoes, board games and watch television or utilize the booktrading area. Outdoor activities include lighted shuffleboard, nine-hole miniature golf, horseshoes, a nature walking trail and a solar-heated pool. An activities coordinator keeps the calendar filled with bingo, dances, potluck dinners and cookouts. And when you get hungry, “buzz” on down to the Honeypot Eatery, known throughout the RVing community for its all-you-can-eat fish on Fridays and its Sunday night dinner served on Tuesdays with all-you-caneat chicken. Also included are homestyle side dishes such as french fries, baked potatoes, coleslaw and chunky applesauce. The Honeypot Eatery boasts, “If you leave hungry, it’s your own fault.” The resort is conveniently located within 45 minutes of most major central Florida theme parks including Walt Disney World, EPCOT, Disney-MGM Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Sea World and Universal Studios Orlando. Many lakes in the area are suitable for fishing, boating, swimming and observing wildlife, making it the perfect place for a family vacation any time of the year. www.beesrvresort.com
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RESORT PROFILES
BEACHWOOD RESORT BLAINE, WASHINGTON
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n a clear day, owner Mike McLeod promises that you can see the dark-blue waters of Birch Bay on Puget Sound. And that’s not all—in the distance you can catch a glimpse of the beautiful San Juan Islands. The saltwater bay offers nonstop summer
beach fun as well as peaceful winter solitude. But who needs to look into the distance when there’s so much to see and do when staying at Beachwood Resort in Blaine, Washington. Although the property encompasses 88 beautifully manicured and wooded
acres, the heart of the resort is the centrally located clubhouse and swimming pool area. But it’s not just one pool and one clubhouse. Visitors have their choice of three heated pools, three spas and a sauna. Two clubhouses offer both adult and youth activities including an exercise and weight room. The wooded campsites invite members to sit in the shade and unwind, relax in a comfortable chair and read a favorite book or take a midday siesta—or all of the above. For those who need a boost getting involved, year-round activities include potlucks, dances, sports, breakfasts and much more. A playground, basketball court, golf driving cage, tennis courts and horseshoe pits are perfect for group, family or solo enjoyment. McLeod is proud that his resort has been designed as a retreat for the whole family as well as retired couples and those traveling solo. You won’t need to leave the park,
The wooded campsites invite members to sit in the shade and unwind, relax in a comfortable chair and read a favorite book or take a midday siesta—or all of the above. 26 DIRECTORY 2010 C OA S T TO C OA S T
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but if you’d like to explore the area, Vancouver is an hour’s drive away, and Seattle is two hours away. Both offer shopping, entertainment and fine dining. www.mybeachwoodresort.com
RESORT PROFILES
OLD AMERICAN KAMPGROUND NEWPORT, WASHINGTON
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he only thing old about Old American Kampground is the name and some vintage wooden carts and other old-time mining equipment displayed throughout the campground. “The campground was already
named when we bought it in 1994,” says Kevin McLeod, vice president of K/M Resorts, which operates eight properties that participate in the Coast to Coast network, including Beachwood Resort, profiled on page 26.
“The site was once a mining town,” says McLeod, “so we decided to keep the feeling.” While enjoying a sense of yesteryear, the campground offers amenities that bring you into the 21st century. Enjoy the up-to-date clubhouse with an indoor spa and a hot tub. The marina on the nearby Pend O’Reille River provides opportunities for all types of water sports including fishing, swimming, waterskiing and boating. The resort’s party boat is the perfect place to spend a fun evening. The Pend O’Reille River isn’t only a venue for water sports but offers great views for RVers fortunate enough to occupy a riverside site. Guests can walk to Newport for shopping and restaurants. Local parks offer playgrounds and skateboarding. Located on the Washington–Idaho border, the region offers unlimited opportunities to do all things mountain, including hiking, biking and backpacking
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in the summer and cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Visitors will also see an abundance of wildlife year-round, including deer, elk and moose as well as birds. At the right time of the year, bald eagles can also be seen. www.kmresorts.com
RESORT PROFILES
CLOUD 9 RANCH CLUB CAULFIELD, MISSOURI
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here are thousands of reasons to visit Cloud 9 Ranch Club, beginning with 6,358 acres of wilderness located in the heart of the scenic Ozark Mountains of southern Missouri. But there was one overriding
reason for Board President Gene Muenks, and that, in a word, is trout. “My wife, Yvonne, is one of the world’s greatest trout fishers,” he says. “She loves to fish. In fact, the first thing I bought after I retired was
a bass boat for her.” Picturesque Spring Creek meanders 5 miles through the property and is regularly stocked with trout and visited by anglers of all ages and abilities. Yvonne’s love of fishing was just one of the reasons the Muenkses bought their membership at Cloud 9 in 1982, but there are many outstanding attributes that consistently draw RVers to the ranch. One may be the fact that Cloud 9 Ranch Club is totally member owned, which means the members have a say in how the resort is run and maintained. According to Muenks, many improvements are planned in the future. The miles and miles of trails through
Picturesque Spring Creek meanders 5 miles through the property and is stocked with trout. 28 DIRECTORY 2010 C OA S T TO C OA S T
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rolling meadows and thick forests are inviting venues for horseback riding, ATVs or off-road biking. Wagon rides are regularly scheduled for family fun or a chance to make new friends on a group outing that ends with a cozy campfire. Year-round activities are planned for adults-only, family and children. There’s also swimming, billiards, bingo, shuffleboard, tennis, movies, shopping and hunting. If that’s not enough to ensure a good night’s sleep, let the soothing sound of wind through the oak trees lull you to sleep. www.cloud9ranch.com/ccc
RESORT PROFILES
CASCADE MEADOWS RV RESORT
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LA PINE, OREGON
ascade Meadows has it all— the high and the low, the wet and wild. The high consists of Cascade Range views of nearby Mount Bachelor and the Three Sisters peaks, which rise majestically at more than 10,000 feet. The low is the rolling meadow on which the resort rests—although it’s still at an elevation of 4,000 feet. More than 150 crystal-clear lakes that yield
a variety of fish—including prize steelhead—make up the wet, and the wild can be found on the endless miles of wilderness hiking and biking trails throughout the mountains and Deschutes National Forest. You’ll find a luxurious pool and spa, a comfortable clubhouse, horseshoes, a playground and free Wi-Fi as well as conveniently located showers,
restrooms and laundry facilities at this Coast Deluxe resort. Owner Allen Ealum also brags about having a gourmet restaurant on site. “It’s not a campground restaurant,” he says. “People come from all over to have the best steaks, prime rib and ribs they’ve ever eaten.” All sites are 70-foot pull-throughs, and the grassy areas between the sites have picnic tables where members can enjoy a meal outside, sit around and play cards, talk or daydream. There’s just nothing like the fresh air at 4,200 feet. Other sightseeing attractions include the High Desert Museum, Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Lava Butte, Lava River Cave and the Big Obsidian Flow. You’ll also find more than 20 golf courses in the region. Quail Run Golf Course, with white sand traps, ponds and treelined fairways provide some of the lowest greens fees in central Oregon and is just 3 miles from the resort.
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Cascade Meadows Resort is located 22 miles south of Bend and 50 miles south of Sisters, a charming Old West–style town. Mount Bachelor ski resort, with its year-round chairlift ride, is 28 miles from the resort. www.cascademeadowsrvresort.com
RESORT PROFILES
DELTA SHORES RESORT AND MARINA
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ISLETON, CALIFORNIA
he Sacramento Delta is unique in many ways; in addition to being an inverted river delta—one of a few worldwide—it’s also the largest estuary on the U.S. Pacific coast. An estuary is defined as a partially enclosed coastal body of water, having an open connection with the ocean, where freshwater from inland is mixed with saltwater from the sea. For RVers, maybe the most important
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feature of the Sacramento Delta is Delta Shores Resort and Marina in Isleton, California. The coastal region provides miles and miles of recreational opportunities and these are reflected and perfected at Delta Shores. The water-centric resort offers boating, water skiing, windsurfing, fishing and all-around outdoor fun. This is supported by private docks and storage for boats and RVs. “With 42 boat slips, active people
often bring their boats with them,” says owner Kraig McLeod. “Recreation is year-round. Even in the winter, the weather is in the mid-60s.” In addition, the resort’s large and level grass-covered sites are often treeshaded with great views. A clubhouse, swimming pool, playground, spa, showers and a fitness room round out the on-site amenities. For the safety of guests, 24-hour security is provided in this gated resort. When you’ve finished relaxing at your campsite, join other visitors at a number of weekly planned activities, including live bands, bingo, barbecues, themed weekends, karaoke, fishing contests, family movie nights and casino nights. Conveniently located to wine country, the Sierra Nevada foothills and the Northern California coast, Delta Shores Resort and Marina is a 60-minute drive from Sacramento. Yosemite and San Francisco are within a 90-minute drive. Combine all this with near-perfect weather year-round for a visit that can’t be beat. www.deltashores.com
“Recreation is year-round,” says Delta Shores Resort owner Kraig McLeod. “Even in the winter, the weather is in the mid-60s.”
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RESORT PROFILES
COLORADO HEIGHTS CAMPING RESORT
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enealogy is just one reason you may want to visit Colorado Heights Camping Resort in Monument, Colorado. That’s because two generations of the Biggs family have lovingly cared for and made improvements on the location’s 28 acres, which are pine-tree covered and offer Rocky Mountain views.
“When my husband’s parents retired, Richard and I decided to remain,” says Stacey Biggs. “The campground is a part of our family, and we weren’t quite ready to let it go. We have a great staff and lots of activities to do throughout the week. Overall, it’s a great experience.” Although the park has a lot to offer,
the most unmistakable attribute is the view. “We have quite a few sites that have great views of Pikes Peak,” she says. “RVers may choose between tree-covered spots or some without trees for views of the mountain.” For those who would like a closer view of the famous 14,000-foot-high mountain peak, a 30-minute drive to Manitou Springs will bring you to its base. Each year, approximately 15,000 people attempt to climb the 13-mile Pikes Peak trail. Not only is the campground located in a beautiful area, but it provides a lot of on-site activities. There’s a private fishing pond, miniature golf, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, recreation room and children’s playground. For area attractions, visit the city of Denver, which is 45 miles north of the resort and offers museums, theater,
MONUMENT, COLORADO
“RVers may choose between treecovered spots or some without trees for views of the mountain,” says resort owner Stacey Biggs.
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shopping and dining. The historic U.S. Air Force Academy is 10 miles to the south, and just beyond that is Colorado Springs with its popular downtown, the Pioneer Museum and Acacia Park. The weather is gorgeous any time of year, and you’ll want to return to the beautiful Rocky Mountains again and again. www.coloradoheights.com