Good one Sean and Kristy. Great ending, and I agree!...Most people are kind and want to help a stranger. The country is still STRONG! Thanks for the reminder.
The kindness of strangers is what makes the world a better place. Loved the lady's kind gesture...❤ good people are truly everywhere. Loved it, awesome content as always.
We use corp campgrounds in Oklahoma. Not all campgrounds are as nicely maintained. The local offices decide how much they maintain them. Where we stay on Lake Tenkiller are barely maintained.
You forgot to mention that after you reach 62 and purchase of lifetime annual pass, your cost is 1/2 price. We have stayed for many nights for around 12$ a night. I have 3 COE'S in my area. I love them...
@@RobertSmith-tq6mf I agree. My wife and I were lucky enough to be able to get the pass when it was only $10. Probably the best $10 I ever spent. Even now at $90, it's still a deal!
“America is a good place, filled with good people.” I couldn’t agree with you more. My wife and I just retired and we are going to start our adventures in a few months. Thank you both for your many videos and all of the information.
My wife and I have been camping at North Bend Park (COE), Kerr Dam, on the Virgina- North Carolina state line for over 50 years. When we first started, it was free, then it went to $2.00 per night. It’s now about $18 per night, but with our NPS Senior Pass, it’s $9.00 per night. Wonderful place. With reservations (site specific) you can still pick a non- “site specific” site if you like it better.
I live in Georgia and have visited all the COE campgrounds in the state. They are all great! Clean, well managed, and relaxing. If I had one complaint it would be the noise from inconsiderate people with loud speed boats & jet skis whizzing by the campground trying to show off. Especially around lakes Lanier, Carter, and Alatoona. And that's no reflection on the campground or its management. As I said before, all COE campgrounds are excellent!
Hunted this video up again to say THANK YOU! We took our '64 Cardinal rebuild on its maiden voyage last weekend and stayed at a Corps campground after having viewed this video. We saved 30% over staying at the adjacent state park. It was clean, well maintained, well provisioned, and the sites were well spaced out. In terms of the campground itself it was one of the nicest I've seen. There was a second Corps campground nearby with phenomenal views of the local lake and topography. Utilities had been shut off for the season so camping was FREE! (Yeah, zero dollars) We were tempted to stay but our water system wasn't fully installed, so we opted to pay to stay at the park with utilities. That's another huge bonus! So, thank you again!
Hi Sean and Kristy. Thanks so much for this video. I have always presumed you had to be US Military to stay. When Australia opens up again my husband and I are keen to get to the USA and do some RVing again. We love your county. Kind regards Janeen from Canberra Australia
AS MUCH AS YOU TWO TRAVEL I AM SURPRISED THAT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THESE SITES HAVE COME UP.I RIDE TINYHOUSE ADVENTURES STAY AT THESE ALL OF THE TIME AND SPENT THE WINTER AS CAMPHOSTS.
I have spent 47+ years on a farm 1/3 mile from COE “Tar Camp Park” 20 miles south of Little Rock at Redfield Ark. Arkansas Our state was recently devastated by flooding. The Army did a fantastic but limited repair on only a few of our parks so far. I have no doubt they will all be put back to the pristine condition they once were in. I am a long long time follower of your channel. It was a real pleasure to see you guys here in Arkansas. Research many other attractions here such as Lake Ouchita . Yes it’s spelled properly. Next time tell me your coming and I’ll leave the light on for ya.
Another great video Guys! It was so encouraging to see that lady offer you her container of spring water! With all the drama of the division in society that we are currently witnessing it was a breath of fresh air!
GREAT ending to the video. We all need to be kind and give a little love and positive affirmation back. Let's keep the vibe going. Question: Did I tell you who I saw yesterday? Answer: Everyone I looked at. Sean, Your not the only one with really bad dry jokes. You and Christy stay safe. Once my van build is done I am going to find you and buy you a beer. You guys are GREAT!
Given the opportunity and the need, a lot of us would graciously reach out to help or aid some one. It seems to be part of our natural instinct to be friendly and sociable.
I totally agree about later checkout times. Ontario provincial parks have a 2:00 pm checkout time. Very civilized for when we can all cross the border again!
Great vid, as always! I hope the water lady sees your video. Her kindness is the sort of thing that makes your day! It IS a GREAT country, filled with GREAT people (you two included)!
Ouachita is pronounced Washita (the i is pronounced like the i in sit) in Arkansas & Oklahoma. I spent many a summer water skiing on Lake Ouachita when I was younger.
I want to thank the sweet lady too. So much negativity in the media can make us down but this small act of kindness erases some of it. God Bless us all!!
FYI, in your off the beaten path, be aware that some of the more remote gas stations are in some cases not used often, and can be subject to condensation. Gas and water don’t mix well. You guys ROCK! Keep talking! Oh yes,humor! My brother visited out site on one occasion, standing with a great view of the Tetons, remarks...” If those mountains were’t there you’d have a great view” Sean, use whenever you think appropriate.
We have stayed in over 20 COE's all across the country. Next year we are going out for 2 months all in COE's. Amazon has a book with all of the COE's in the country.($10)
We love COE campgrounds. We use "The Wright Guide to Camping with the Corps of Engineers." It list all the campgrounds with a short description and directions. The are listed by state.
As a retired COE employee and avid camper we did do them right. One thing the COE is doing at the Enid Lake campground in Mississippi is putting in sewage line at all the campsites. Great video thanks for you UA-cam channel.
Thank you for reminding me of the COE campgrounds. Back in the early 60's, I went camping with my parents at Berlin Lake in NE Ohio, which was developed by the COE. The campground was a grassy field with pit toilets. They appear to have developed over time. Thank you for the video.
Can’t wait to try one of these COE locations, ive heard so many good things. God bless the women who gave you the water, such a beautiful yet simple act of kindness and humanity. We need more of her in our lives.
GREAT, FANTASTIC, AWESOME video :) :) :) And it is So true, that you do meet the BEST folks, out in "rural" America !!!!!! the lady in your video that offered you her water container was a PRIME EXAMPLE of GOOD hearted people !!
We have a favorite in AR but I rarely tell anyone the name. I will say it’s on a river & we do enjoy watching the tugs & barges. These are great parks.
Yep, we camp regularly at Edgar Evins State Park in TN by Centerhill lake, which was built by COE, but tu4ned over to the State for management. The engineering and peacefulness you described is not understated! We love the layout and privacy of large campsites on top of wooden decks, which is quite unique piece of engineering.
I totally agree about the kindness and decency of Americans. My experience traveling around the country is much the same as yours. This is a country with great beauty in it's scenery and in it's humanity.
Yes! From your title, I knew you were going to talk about Corps campgrounds! Up and down the upper Mississippi, we've stayed at several. Always reliable. We love them.
Love these campgrounds! More and more, I’m avoiding state parks due to all the hidden (or not so hidden!) fees: entry fee, camping fee, vehicle fee, out of state fee, reservation fee...🤔 ACOE have it going on. I’m on the lookout for them when I’m traveling. I think anyone who’s been traveling for even a short period of time are aware of these campgrounds, so I don’t think you let out any state secrets! ✌🏼
I checked out my local state park I've never camped at recently, thinking maybe I'd pull out the teardrop and try to get at least a few days in this distressing season, and after filling a form and giving license and plate and given fifteen minutes to go see if there was a campsite I liked, and at sixteen minutes the lady was there on her golf cart, hollering at me the 'site I was looking at was too much' (? Excuse me, did I ask the price?), that they were going to close on the thirtieth, smarmy laughing that I would even think I could stay without a previous reservation (it was an almost empty campground with no reservation tags up, I've done this before 😝 she acted like it was Oregon coast in August, not a kinda meh random southern cypress swamp!), and she was generally being such a nosey parker I could see her knocking on my RV door a dozen times over a week. As opposed to the normal 'hi, need any firewood? Btw that trail yonder is closed from the last flood' etc usual. I could FEEL her need to be up camper butts, and I could not muster it in me not to be too discouraged to go back. I am there in the woods for a whole lot of not being bothered, not to be eyeballed and told (I guess she wasn't impressed by our moderately priced but respectable car 🙄) 'you can't afford this site'. Say what? After dropping five figures for a five month tour of the PNW and desert last year, I felt like saying 'lady, mind your beeswax'. Forty bucks wouldn't get me a tent spot at Chatfield in Colorado. B please! I will go COE over the drama of dealing with petty bureaucrats any day. I just wanted to camp!
VoluntaryismIsTheAnswer Right! And I’m finding most state parks now will no longer allow walk ups. You have to reserve online (for an extra reservation fee) a site that you have no clue about. Is it level, shade, full sun, gravel or concrete pad, etc, etc. I’m boycotting state parks from now on. I have a camper van, and no one is very impressed with my rig. 😂 Greed is the state park system religion these days. Oregon has now joined that system as well, so bye bye Oregon state parks as well. Currently at a NFS campground in a beautiful setting, no reservation hassle, first come first serve, quiet, clean. $10/night! I’ll take it! 👍🏼
We are currently at Jackson WY and tried to get in at Gros Ventre Grand Teton National Park that you suggested, but now all of long long honeymoon nation is here. They are actually back up to the highway waiting for the campground to open just to be told the campground is full. I hope the COE campgrounds aren’t next 🤞. But you are right about United States is the best place on earth to live.
JC, true.. I've stayed there twice since LOLOHO told us about it a few years back.. I've got 3 groups of friends that I sent over there about 8 days ago..They had to stay in Dubois, WY ( about 1 1/2 hrs away) the 1st night and then were in line the next morning at 8am I think < they said about 30 plus rigs trying to get in> , Anyway all 3 got into the dry camping section ( together even)..BTW they are leaving there today and going over to Henry's Lake SP in Idaho outside of West Yellowstone.. I had a great stay there (Henry's Lake SP) a year or two ago for about 10 nights..Used it as my base for Yellowstone.. They too are not taking reservations at this time FCFS (First Come First Serve). What a beautiful area.. Yellowstone and Grand Tetons are my favorite with Glacier being a close second. Sean and Kristy..May y'all continue to be blessed and thanks for taking the time to bless us with your reviews, experiences, and advice.
Getting out to meet people is a good thing. People tend to be pretty bad when hiding behind keyboards so getting out and meeting nice people feeds your soul.
R. Shaefer Heard on West Point Lake in West Central Georgia is an awesome COE park if you ever make it this way. All I can say about the free water is "pay it forward".
The story at the end about the spring water sharing is awesome!! I've been all over the world; mostly to areas with strife, conflict, pain, suffering, oppression, etc. I always tell folks -- "regardless of what the news says....we really live in an awesome place!" Thank you for sharing the anecdote!
Us Midwesterners are like that 😊 We’ve been going to COE parks for over 30 years...they are the best! 1/2 off if you have the Acess pass makes it even better 😊
I love Hot Springs I always take a few extra water jugs downtown to get some of that good water, that is after it cools off. Hot Springs also has a great federal campground called Gulpha Gorge there that is really cheap. The only problem is they are 1st come and no reservations. Don't go speeding down the road to the campground I saw a few people being stopped by the Park Ranger.
I agree there seems to be no consistency trying to find them. I am a simple person and like to go to one place to find my next place to stay. But, that bodes well for others because I probably will not be staying at a COE CG.
I have been staying in COE parks for 5 years. I love them! Not all of them have water at each site but have hydrants in several locations throughout the park.
Most of them will be at flood control or power generation projects. Look for the big lakes with dams. Warning water levels may fall and leave your boat stranded over night if it is a generating station lake.
Omg!! We just saw you today at Black Canyons of the Gunnison !!! I wish we would of said Hello. We were just stunned when we saw you, we were at the visitor center. We hope your travels are great! What a beautiful place!
I bought a book on Amazon that list every COE campgrounds and amenities....I just made 2 reservations for 2 weeks..The campsites were pretty booked..PS the word is out!! We have an awesome country.
Really liked your video about army corps campgrounds. We’ve been camping for over 20 years and never heard of these. My wife and I recently retired and we just left our home in NW Indiana for a 4-5 week trip through the south. We are currently in a corps campground in Pickinsville in your home state. It’s great, just like you said they are. We’ll look for more of these in our travels. Also if you have a national park pass you get a 50% discount on sites. Keep up the good videos and stay safe.
HOOAH!!!!! Another secret, many military installations also have camp grounds, the catch is you have to be a beneficiary/have a military ID to use them so this will only apply to those folks. Great video! 🙌🏻
I’m new to RVing and have stayed in about 10 RV parks now and the COE campground I stayed at was the nicest. So beautiful! It was a giant site right on the water.
Yay!!!! what a great story! Scratch most folks and there's a kind person underneath. OK, maybe sometimes you might need to scratch harder... You are so right - just one interaction like that can change your week. Inter racial kindness is really needed right now - and it happens all the time. Great to see you looking healthy and happy. Jennie
Thanks you guys! for this segment of lo lo ho ! Your right, in the bread basket of the USA, Love And Kindness is there! To bad the Main stream media won't show it!
I had my hopes up for a campground I found once in Pensacola, (Not a Corps public campground) it turned out to be a DOD camp for DOD / Military personnel only, so good point that these parks are open to the public.
Great video! COE campgrounds rock. We prefer them to state parks because generally you can count on them being well maintained and of course, the price. Add a Lifetime Senior (+62 age) pass discount and the price is cut in half! We have found some COE’s that actually have full hook ups, too.
Thanks for the video. We stayed at Eastbank COE in Georgia, on the Florida state line, twice last year. It was great, on Lake Seminole, wooded and very large sites. Recommended if your down that way, but don't tell anyone!
I've been to one in central PA that had very nice and spacious campsites as well as clean bath facilities. It unfortunately gets booked quickly. Beautiful sites on a lake with power connection and excellent nearby mountain biking trails. COE sites are definitely maintained well. My trip involved tent camping and my friend and I had loads of space for both of our tents, both cars, my hammock, and anything we could have needed.
This is something we'd never considered before. The app for iPhone was 3.99 and from what I've seen on my phone looks like it was well worth that whole 4.00. It might be worth more. Finding Corps grounds was also super easy. I like it, it's really a tremendous tip for the LOLOHO Nation. Thanks can't wait to use the grounds. You know we've seen Corps Campgrounds in So. Illinois and they were top notch. I believe it was on Crab Orchard Lake. We were already at a Good Sams Park up the road. My only question would be are they year around grounds or shut for Winter?
Many years ago, when we lived in Texas, we found the Army Corp of Engineer parks were some of the best places to take our children and enjoy some family time because the entrance fees were reasonable, the parks were nice, in nice locations, and didn't have riff raff hanging out. Thank you for this reminder!
LOLOHO Nation folks better get out there right now. The AirForums community has been telling the praises of COE on a regular basis. Great parks and worth a bit of diversion to experience them. Good to get the info out - even if your tongue is placed firmly in the cheek when you do.
We just bought a permanent site in a park , so we won't be traveling for a few years, just enjoying our site and the amenities it provides, so I hope the COE parks will still be available when we start traveling again, thank you for explaining the way to search for them, I have tried to look them up before and the government website was too confusing, but this time I did what you said and found the ones in my state of Washington with ease , so thank you for such a great video and instructions :)
Late checkout times are good to a point... The KC region COE parks have a 6pm checkout time. Waiting until after 6 to get into a site is a little ridiculous.
SOOOOooo glad you guys got to visit Willow Beach!! We love our Arkansas COE parks. :) Did you have a chance to visti Charlottes' Eats and Sweets in Keo while you were there? Happy to hear you got to experience some good hospitality from the locals in Hot Springs. :) I love Arkansas!
The best part is that unlike so many other state or national campgrounds there is no additional services fee for pre-booking so the $20 fee is actually $20 =)
Kristy, I don't know if they still provide them but the COE gave me a CD or DVD of their campgrounds about 2 years ago.. I got mine direct from the check in office.. And used to be you could order from the COE as well.
Garmin RV 890 GPS amzn.to/2FqrihQ
This is a great country with great people! Don't let the media fool you. God bless.
"What a great country we have, filled with good people". Amen brother.
Good one Sean and Kristy. Great ending, and I agree!...Most people are kind and want to help a stranger. The country is still STRONG! Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks Scott, I hope you are well. Yes, getting out and about in the heartland really gives me hope. Cheers!
"America is a good place filled with good people" AMEN!
Great video, great campgrounds, great people. Yes, people like that generous lady make the world a better place.
Indeed! 👍😊
The kindness of strangers is what makes the world a better place. Loved the lady's kind gesture...❤ good people are truly everywhere. Loved it, awesome content as always.
People really are kind. We need to hear more about those acts of kindness. Thanks for sharing!
Totally agree. That little anecdote at the end was uplifting and life-affirming. Thanks, Sean! 👍😊
We use corp campgrounds in Oklahoma. Not all campgrounds are as nicely maintained. The local offices decide how much they maintain them. Where we stay on Lake Tenkiller are barely maintained.
You forgot to mention that after you reach 62 and purchase of lifetime annual pass, your cost is 1/2 price. We have stayed for many nights for around 12$ a night. I have 3 COE'S in my area. I love them...
Me too. The pass cost 90 bucks now. I spent like 35 a couple of years ago.
@@RobertSmith-tq6mf it has more than paid for itself...a good deal for seniors...
@@RobertSmith-tq6mf I agree. My wife and I were lucky enough to be able to get the pass when it was only $10. Probably the best $10 I ever spent. Even now at $90, it's still a deal!
Hi Kelly Where I can buy the lifetime annual pass?
@@manueldame5842 You can buy them online, or at just about any federal park or campground. Best deal going!
If your over 62 ... Buy the America Pass and COE campgrounds are 1/2 price.
You don’t have to be over 62
You can get a permanent pass for free if you're disabled.
Best deal, ever.
@@DisabledNomads how about if a person thinks they are cool. Is it free to that person as well. I am 62 and retired. :)
@@peteherrera1502 LOL what?
Noooooo! You've let the secret out! (We love the Van Pugh COE campground at Lake Lanier, GA).
Sunshine Viking Van pugh was day use only park when I lived there! Is it opened for camping now? It's a beautiful park!
Bald Ridge has some AMAZING spots too!!
@@chrystalspencer4697 It is. We stayed there on our way to Great Smoky Mountains. We had a beautiful waterfront site.
“America is a good place, filled with good people.” I couldn’t agree with you more. My wife and I just retired and we are going to start our adventures in a few months. Thank you both for your many videos and all of the information.
My wife and I have been camping at North Bend Park (COE), Kerr Dam, on the Virgina- North Carolina state line for over 50 years. When we first started, it was free, then it went to $2.00 per night. It’s now about $18 per night, but with our NPS Senior Pass, it’s $9.00 per night. Wonderful place. With reservations (site specific) you can still pick a non- “site specific” site if you like it better.
I live in Georgia and have visited all the COE campgrounds in the state. They are all great! Clean, well managed, and relaxing. If I had one complaint it would be the noise from inconsiderate people with loud speed boats & jet skis whizzing by the campground trying to show off. Especially around lakes Lanier, Carter, and Alatoona. And that's no reflection on the campground or its management. As I said before, all COE campgrounds are excellent!
Hunted this video up again to say THANK YOU!
We took our '64 Cardinal rebuild on its maiden voyage last weekend and stayed at a Corps campground after having viewed this video. We saved 30% over staying at the adjacent state park. It was clean, well maintained, well provisioned, and the sites were well spaced out. In terms of the campground itself it was one of the nicest I've seen.
There was a second Corps campground nearby with phenomenal views of the local lake and topography. Utilities had been shut off for the season so camping was FREE! (Yeah, zero dollars) We were tempted to stay but our water system wasn't fully installed, so we opted to pay to stay at the park with utilities. That's another huge bonus!
So, thank you again!
Hi Sean and Kristy. Thanks so much for this video. I have always presumed you had to be US Military to stay. When Australia opens up again my husband and I are keen to get to the USA and do some RVing again. We love your county. Kind regards Janeen from Canberra Australia
AS MUCH AS YOU TWO TRAVEL I AM SURPRISED THAT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THESE SITES HAVE COME UP.I RIDE TINYHOUSE ADVENTURES STAY AT THESE ALL OF THE TIME AND SPENT THE WINTER AS CAMPHOSTS.
I have spent 47+ years on a farm 1/3 mile from COE “Tar Camp Park” 20 miles south of Little Rock at Redfield Ark. Arkansas Our state was recently devastated by flooding. The Army did a fantastic but limited repair on only a few of our parks so far. I have no doubt they will all be put back to the pristine condition they once were in. I am a long long time follower of your channel. It was a real pleasure to see you guys here in Arkansas. Research many other attractions here such as Lake Ouchita . Yes it’s spelled properly. Next time tell me your coming and I’ll leave the light on for ya.
Another great video Guys! It was so encouraging to see that lady offer you her container of spring water! With all the drama of the division in society that we are currently witnessing it was a breath of fresh air!
Indeed it was! 😊
Totally Agree. Our Country is filled with Great, Loving people who will willingly help their neighbor. Love the USA!
GREAT ending to the video. We all need to be kind and give a little love and positive affirmation back. Let's keep the vibe going.
Question: Did I tell you who I saw yesterday?
Answer: Everyone I looked at.
Sean, Your not the only one with really bad dry jokes. You and Christy stay safe. Once my van build is done I am going to find you and buy you a beer. You guys are GREAT!
Given the opportunity and the need, a lot of us would graciously reach out to help or aid some one. It seems to be part of our natural instinct to be friendly and sociable.
I totally agree about later checkout times. Ontario provincial parks have a 2:00 pm checkout time. Very civilized for when we can all cross the border again!
Great vid, as always! I hope the water lady sees your video. Her kindness is the sort of thing that makes your day! It IS a GREAT country, filled with GREAT people (you two included)!
Thanks for reminding us in the US just how blest we are! Super nice video as as always. 😊🏕
Ouachita is pronounced Washita (the i is pronounced like the i in sit) in Arkansas & Oklahoma. I spent many a summer water skiing on Lake Ouachita when I was younger.
I want to thank the sweet lady too. So much negativity in the media can make us down but this small act of kindness erases some of it. God Bless us all!!
FYI, in your off the beaten path, be aware that some of the more remote gas stations are in some cases not used often, and can be subject to condensation. Gas and water don’t mix well. You guys ROCK! Keep talking! Oh yes,humor! My brother visited out site on one occasion, standing with a great view of the Tetons, remarks...” If those mountains were’t there you’d have a great view” Sean, use whenever you think appropriate.
A wonderful ending to another great video. Thank you and keep up the great work.
We have stayed in over 20 COE's all across the country. Next year we are going out for 2 months all in COE's.
Amazon has a book with all of the COE's in the country.($10)
We bought that book a year ago and planned on using it this spring....sadly didn't get the chance, but definitely later this year!
These places are Amazing! How long can you stay in these sites before they kick you out?? Look at these wonderful spots!
You can stay 14 days. If you have a National park pass there 1/2 price.
@@paulhaas4299 what a stinkin deal! They would have a hard time gettin rid of this Jarhead! What fun! Thanks for the info!
What's the name of that book?
We love COE campgrounds. We use "The Wright Guide to Camping with the Corps of Engineers." It list all the campgrounds with a short description and directions. The are listed by state.
"America is a good place filled with good people" Absolutely!!! :)
As a retired COE employee and avid camper we did do them right. One thing the COE is doing at the Enid Lake campground in Mississippi is putting in sewage line at all the campsites. Great video thanks for you UA-cam channel.
Thanks for the info! Secret is safe with us! Enjoy your trip!
Thank you for reminding me of the COE campgrounds. Back in the early 60's, I went camping with my parents at Berlin Lake in NE Ohio, which was developed by the COE. The campground was a grassy field with pit toilets. They appear to have developed over time. Thank you for the video.
Can’t wait to try one of these COE locations, ive heard so many good things. God bless the women who gave you the water, such a beautiful yet simple act of kindness and humanity. We need more of her in our lives.
GREAT, FANTASTIC, AWESOME video :) :) :) And it is So true, that you do meet the BEST folks, out in "rural" America !!!!!! the lady in your video that offered you her water container was a PRIME EXAMPLE of GOOD hearted people !!
We have a favorite in AR but I rarely tell anyone the name. I will say it’s on a river & we do enjoy watching the tugs & barges. These are great parks.
She gave you her water and bottle, what a kind thing to do!!
Yep, we camp regularly at Edgar Evins State Park in TN by Centerhill lake, which was built by COE, but tu4ned over to the State for management. The engineering and peacefulness you described is not understated! We love the layout and privacy of large campsites on top of wooden decks, which is quite unique piece of engineering.
I totally agree about the kindness and decency of Americans. My experience traveling around the country is much the same as yours. This is a country with great beauty in it's scenery and in it's humanity.
Yes! From your title, I knew you were going to talk about Corps campgrounds! Up and down the upper Mississippi, we've stayed at several. Always reliable. We love them.
Love these campgrounds! More and more, I’m avoiding state parks due to all the hidden (or not so hidden!) fees: entry fee, camping fee, vehicle fee, out of state fee, reservation fee...🤔 ACOE have it going on. I’m on the lookout for them when I’m traveling. I think anyone who’s been traveling for even a short period of time are aware of these campgrounds, so I don’t think you let out any state secrets! ✌🏼
I checked out my local state park I've never camped at recently, thinking maybe I'd pull out the teardrop and try to get at least a few days in this distressing season, and after filling a form and giving license and plate and given fifteen minutes to go see if there was a campsite I liked, and at sixteen minutes the lady was there on her golf cart, hollering at me the 'site I was looking at was too much' (? Excuse me, did I ask the price?), that they were going to close on the thirtieth, smarmy laughing that I would even think I could stay without a previous reservation (it was an almost empty campground with no reservation tags up, I've done this before 😝 she acted like it was Oregon coast in August, not a kinda meh random southern cypress swamp!), and she was generally being such a nosey parker I could see her knocking on my RV door a dozen times over a week. As opposed to the normal 'hi, need any firewood? Btw that trail yonder is closed from the last flood' etc usual. I could FEEL her need to be up camper butts, and I could not muster it in me not to be too discouraged to go back. I am there in the woods for a whole lot of not being bothered, not to be eyeballed and told (I guess she wasn't impressed by our moderately priced but respectable car 🙄) 'you can't afford this site'. Say what? After dropping five figures for a five month tour of the PNW and desert last year, I felt like saying 'lady, mind your beeswax'. Forty bucks wouldn't get me a tent spot at Chatfield in Colorado. B please! I will go COE over the drama of dealing with petty bureaucrats any day. I just wanted to camp!
VoluntaryismIsTheAnswer Right! And I’m finding most state parks now will no longer allow walk ups. You have to reserve online (for an extra reservation fee) a site that you have no clue about. Is it level, shade, full sun, gravel or concrete pad, etc, etc. I’m boycotting state parks from now on. I have a camper van, and no one is very impressed with my rig. 😂 Greed is the state park system religion these days. Oregon has now joined that system as well, so bye bye Oregon state parks as well. Currently at a NFS campground in a beautiful setting, no reservation hassle, first come first serve, quiet, clean. $10/night! I’ll take it! 👍🏼
We are currently at Jackson WY and tried to get in at Gros Ventre Grand Teton National Park that you suggested, but now all of long long honeymoon nation is here. They are actually back up to the highway waiting for the campground to open just to be told the campground is full. I hope the COE campgrounds aren’t next 🤞. But you are right about United States is the best place on earth to live.
We've been hearing about that.😬 Fingers crossed that you make it in! It's our most favorite park. 💗🤙🏻
JC, true.. I've stayed there twice since LOLOHO told us about it a few years back.. I've got 3 groups of friends that I sent over there about 8 days ago..They had to stay in Dubois, WY ( about 1 1/2 hrs away) the 1st night and then were in line the next morning at 8am I think < they said about 30 plus rigs trying to get in> , Anyway all 3 got into the dry camping section ( together even)..BTW they are leaving there today and going over to Henry's Lake SP in Idaho outside of West Yellowstone.. I had a great stay there (Henry's Lake SP) a year or two ago for about 10 nights..Used it as my base for Yellowstone.. They too are not taking reservations at this time FCFS (First Come First Serve). What a beautiful area.. Yellowstone and Grand Tetons are my favorite with Glacier being a close second. Sean and Kristy..May y'all continue to be blessed and thanks for taking the time to bless us with your reviews, experiences, and advice.
America is a good place full of good people, indeed.
Getting out to meet people is a good thing. People tend to be pretty bad when hiding behind keyboards so getting out and meeting nice people feeds your soul.
R. Shaefer Heard on West Point Lake in West Central Georgia is an awesome COE park if you ever make it this way. All I can say about the free water is "pay it forward".
The story at the end about the spring water sharing is awesome!! I've been all over the world; mostly to areas with strife, conflict, pain, suffering, oppression, etc. I always tell folks -- "regardless of what the news says....we really live in an awesome place!"
Thank you for sharing the anecdote!
My stays at the COE campground on the Lake near Nashville were awesome. Price is right too!
Thank You both so very much for sharing... excellent information👍 and will keep it “0n the down-low” 😁🤟💕
Us Midwesterners are like that 😊 We’ve been going to COE parks for over 30 years...they are the best! 1/2 off if you have the Acess pass makes it even better 😊
I love Hot Springs I always take a few extra water jugs downtown to get some of that good water, that is after it cools off. Hot Springs also has a great federal campground called Gulpha Gorge there that is really cheap. The only problem is they are 1st come and no reservations. Don't go speeding down the road to the campground I saw a few people being stopped by the Park Ranger.
I believe you can get 50% off camping if you have a national park pass. We stayed at a couple COE parks here in TN. Wonderful parks.
I agree there seems to be no consistency trying to find them. I am a simple person and like to go to one place to find my next place to stay. But, that bodes well for others because I probably will not be staying at a COE CG.
I have been staying in COE parks for 5 years. I love them! Not all of them have water at each site but have hydrants in several locations throughout the park.
Most of them will be at flood control or power generation projects. Look for the big lakes with dams. Warning water levels may fall and leave your boat stranded over night if it is a generating station lake.
Coralville Reservoir near Iowa City has half a dozen different COE campgrounds. Very nice, half price with my Senior National Parks card!
Omg!! We just saw you today at Black Canyons of the Gunnison !!!
I wish we would of said Hello. We were just stunned when we saw you, we were at the visitor center. We hope your travels are great! What a beautiful place!
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this. Indeed very grateful and I will keep it a secret 🤗
Thanks for sharing this info! We will definitely look into camping at one of these campgrounds!
COE parks are fantastic! We stay in them several times a year. And when we get the lake front sites they are so nice have kayaks & kids!
I bought a book on Amazon that list every COE campgrounds and amenities....I just made 2 reservations for 2 weeks..The campsites were pretty booked..PS the word is out!! We have an awesome country.
Really liked your video about army corps campgrounds. We’ve been camping for over 20 years and never heard of these. My wife and I recently retired and we just left our home in NW Indiana for a 4-5 week trip through the south. We are currently in a corps campground in Pickinsville in your home state. It’s great, just like you said they are. We’ll look for more of these in our travels. Also if you have a national park pass you get a 50% discount on sites. Keep up the good videos and stay safe.
HOOAH!!!!!
Another secret, many military installations also have camp grounds, the catch is you have to be a beneficiary/have a military ID to use them so this will only apply to those folks. Great video! 🙌🏻
I’m new to RVing and have stayed in about 10 RV parks now and the COE campground I stayed at was the nicest. So beautiful! It was a giant site right on the water.
Thanks for the tip. Because of Covid 19 we've been doing the state parks. Again cheap at $15.00 a night.
Yay!!!! what a great story! Scratch most folks and there's a kind person underneath. OK, maybe sometimes you might need to scratch harder... You are so right - just one interaction like that can change your week. Inter racial kindness is really needed right now - and it happens all the time.
Great to see you looking healthy and happy.
Jennie
I travel for a living and agree we live in the greatest country. The people are awesome!
Thanks for the description of what to expect. We don’t need frills but in hotter areas, I would like electricity to keep my fur babies cool.
Nice to see Arkansas getting some love
No prejudice here but they’re designed by Civil Engineers. I’m a Professional Civil Engineer and I approve this message! 🤣😂
Great video and great information. Thanks
So cool. Have stayed at canton lake. Also noted you stayed in Edmond Ok.Have been to that park also. So neat to see you through OK. Come back again.
Some of my favorite campgrounds! Rend Lake is awesome.
Great video this week. Stay well and safe.
Thanks you guys! for this segment of lo lo ho ! Your right, in the bread basket of the USA, Love And Kindness is there! To bad the Main stream media won't show it!
I had my hopes up for a campground I found once in Pensacola, (Not a Corps public campground) it turned out to be a DOD camp for DOD / Military personnel only, so good point that these parks are open to the public.
This is like the best tip ever. 'Tips his hat" Thank you.
Great video! COE campgrounds rock. We prefer them to state parks because generally you can count on them being well maintained and of course, the price. Add a Lifetime Senior (+62 age) pass discount and the price is cut in half! We have found some COE’s that actually have full hook ups, too.
Thanks for the video. We stayed at Eastbank COE in Georgia, on the Florida state line, twice last year. It was great, on Lake Seminole, wooded and very large sites. Recommended if your down that way, but don't tell anyone!
my wife and I have stayed at many of these and have really enjoyed them very much, and they are very well taken care of
NYS has great state Campgrounds. I will have to check out if we have any COE Campgrounds.
I've been to one in central PA that had very nice and spacious campsites as well as clean bath facilities. It unfortunately gets booked quickly. Beautiful sites on a lake with power connection and excellent nearby mountain biking trails. COE sites are definitely maintained well. My trip involved tent camping and my friend and I had loads of space for both of our tents, both cars, my hammock, and anything we could have needed.
This is something we'd never considered before. The app for iPhone was 3.99 and from what I've seen on my phone looks like it was well worth that whole 4.00. It might be worth more. Finding Corps grounds was also super easy. I like it, it's really a tremendous tip for the LOLOHO Nation. Thanks can't wait to use the grounds. You know we've seen Corps Campgrounds in So. Illinois and they were top notch. I believe it was on Crab Orchard Lake. We were already at a Good Sams Park up the road. My only question would be are they year around grounds or shut for Winter?
Many years ago, when we lived in Texas, we found the Army Corp of Engineer parks were some of the best places to take our children and enjoy some family time because the entrance fees were reasonable, the parks were nice, in nice locations, and didn't have riff raff hanging out. Thank you for this reminder!
🤗 so good to know
LOLOHO Nation folks better get out there right now. The AirForums community has been telling the praises of COE on a regular basis. Great parks and worth a bit of diversion to experience them. Good to get the info out - even if your tongue is placed firmly in the cheek when you do.
We just bought a permanent site in a park , so we won't be traveling for a few years, just enjoying our site and the amenities it provides, so I hope the COE parks will still be available when we start traveling again, thank you for explaining the way to search for them, I have tried to look them up before and the government website was too confusing, but this time I did what you said and found the ones in my state of Washington with ease , so thank you for such a great video and instructions :)
Nooooo!!!!! you gave my number one secret. Love COE parks
What a great 👍 tip on the COE campgrounds! Absolutely a great country with very good people! Look forward to your next video be safe!!
COE campgrounds rule! Wud love to volunteer at one, be safe, stay healthy - drink lots of day spring water.
They have lots of campground host positions available on the army corps of engineers website!
Yet another great video...already started looking for a summer getaway location.
Late checkout times are good to a point... The KC region COE parks have a 6pm checkout time. Waiting until after 6 to get into a site is a little ridiculous.
SOOOOooo glad you guys got to visit Willow Beach!! We love our Arkansas COE parks. :) Did you have a chance to visti Charlottes' Eats and Sweets in Keo while you were there? Happy to hear you got to experience some good hospitality from the locals in Hot Springs. :) I love Arkansas!
Love that dump station!
Love COE campgrounds and with Golden Age Pass at Rend Lake in Southern Illinois full hookups are only 12.00. Huge sites and super clean.
Oh no.....you've given away one of our secrets! the last 3 campgrounds we've stayed at have been COE campgrounds. we love them!
The best part is that unlike so many other state or national campgrounds there is no additional services fee for pre-booking so the $20 fee is actually $20 =)
Good video great info we have stayed at many army Corp sites in Texas we have some beautiful ones
Kristy, I don't know if they still provide them but the COE gave me a CD or DVD of their campgrounds about 2 years ago.. I got mine direct from the check in office.. And used to be you could order from the COE as well.