Reviews written by 19alan37

I have stayed here in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007. Previously I have stayed two months or longer each year. Prices have gone up, but without corresponding improvements, (with the exception that in 2007 SVC was purchasing used travel trailers to rent). 'Value' has tended to decline with price increases over the years. Result being that in 2007 stayed only one month. I haven't seen any comments on the sites themselves so I would like to caution any first-timers that this camp is essentially built on a swamp with probably a permafrost base, and approximately 24 to 30 inches of local gravel on top. Underbrush conceals the drop off between the first few middle row drive thru sites. Make a wide turn or you may bury the drivers side wheels of your towed RV. I helped pull a 5th wheel out in 2004. Best to visit before August as rates are $10.00 until water is available at all the sites. The staff is helpful, but employs primarily teenage girls who seldom slow down on their camp inspections when driving the 4 wheelers provided. Stayed in the back-in sites in 2007, (road to the left when entering) Wind storm blew down a small tree blocking the path to the restrooms/showers/laundry, - finally had to get my saw out and clear the path myself after four days of climbing over it. Moose cow and calf are an annual event. Moose cows (as most wild animals) are protective of their young. Cautioned four or five campers at 2:00am (still light out in July) who were fearlessly within 20 feet of momma and calf, - that taking flash photo's might result in an aggressive reaction. Fortunately no one was hurt,, Being stomped by 'Bull Winkle' would undoubtedly make the trip to Alaska less memorable for someone, -(as the man who was killed while attempting to enter a university of Alaska building found out). Camp location and wildlife are fantastic, base facilities are excellent. (North Pole, Fairbanks) great eating sightseeing and shopping. Another nice-to-see, is the primitive camp. Exit the fam-camp and turn right. (Road conditions vary according to weather and military traffic). Best thing about Eielson are the genuinely friendly and helpful people both on and off base!

Have stayed here numerous times over the past few years. Camp is well maintained restrooms, showers, and laundry are all clean and well maintained. Sites are 'somewhat' level. The camp host made the stay pleasant as a result of his helpfulness. I've stayed here for the past 6 or 7 years on my way to or from Alaska, - starting to feel like home?

Again, 'first impressions are the lasting ones'!! The camp hosts were very helpful and informative. It is apparent the hosts take pride in the service they provide. Green grass in a desert attests to their efforts! Just staying for a few nights still awarded me with a shaded site! Long term campers apparently are grouped together on one side of the camp [which is to be expected]. The restrooms, showers were clean, and well maintained. My stay was enjoyable.

Nice setting, amenities numerous, boating, swimming,(fishing according to the regulars is spotty at best)? Sites are packed too closely together making it an experience of overwhelming 'togetherness' it's probably great for the locals who know one another, - but not for an outsider. Won't go back,,,

Sites with w/e/s are small and not necessarily level. Camp host (Ron) is quite helpful and enthusiastic has made amazing improvements at the camp since last year. Wi-fi at the BX. Restrooms and laundry very clean and pleasant to use. End-of-the-runway noise takes getting used to, - but is to be expected at the numerous bases I've stayed at. (Hey it's an Air Force Base, right)? Nicely situated in old growth cedars?. Appeared as though there were homesteaders at the camp with their vehicle up on jack-stands doing repairs?

Very small base, with few amenities. BX sort of a small 'shoppette'. camp sites are level and paved. All hookups 110vac/w/s. Showers and restrooms available in the gym. Convenient stopping off place going north or south. Convenient to Crater Lake NP. Amenities though sparse are adequate. Transactions such as site payment are made with the gate guard, who I found to be quite an interesting conversationalist between tending to his duties.

Very nice Fam-camp. Sites are well maintained with the only minor short-coming being the lack of 'wi-fi' at the camp. It can be found at the hotel for pcs personnel a short drive down the street. Camp host very personable and interesting and informative. Amazing how much the camp host influences our perception of the camps! Great job Tony! [#4 on facilities for lack of maps at main gate]. Travis is a beautifully modern base (a real show-place). Recommend you stay away from pax terminal, - lest you get the urge to 'space A' to somewhere even more exotic? (They do have long-term parking),,,

Cost very reasonable considering the amenities, which included eating at the base dining facility which averaged costing $4.00 per meal. Food was amazingly better tasting than my previous [metal tray] experiences many years ago. Sites, were full hook up 110vac/w/s & 'wi-fi'. My site was (of my own choosing) almost a Walmart parking lot experience (a painted line - 6ft distance to my neighbor). I could have elected to move to a more spacious site if I have chosen, but neighboring campers made my selection quite enjoyable. The two restrooms, showers and laundry facilities I used were both well maintained clean and pleasant. Shortcoming being the lack of base maps at the (Lompoc)[RV] entry gate, i.e., [the #4 rating on Facilities]. Since comprehensive maps are readily available on the internet via Google world maps, it suggests poor planning for commanders not to provide them in sufficient quantities where needed at base entry points? The absence of maps did encourage me to drive extensively to 'discover' Vandenburgs numerous great beaches. Sea-fog was persistent, moderating the normal 90 degree summer temps close to the sea and a quarter mi. inland. Average was 75f days, - blankets at night. The opportunity exists to view both mil and civ space launches in person (launch dates can be found on the internet) and if your really fortunate you'll meet new and genuinely interesting campers as I did! I had never previously even heard of a Y-03A aircraft in Vietnam!!

Have continuing difficulty rating 'Location'? (If location had been a consideration, I might not have visited)? The Mojave desert has to be visited intentionally, possibly out of curiosity, [preferably not on foot].. The remoteness is the reason for Edwards' existence. The site I occupied was gravel though there are paved sites. Full hook-up 30a 110vac w/s (and shaded). Restrooms/showers and laundry clean pleasant and well maintained. Commissary, BX, food court with 'wi-fi' within walking distance. Camp hostess was very helpful and pleasant in making me feel welcome. Particularly helpful in locating the camper who's wallet I found and returning it to him late at night. Overall an interesting stay, warm during the day - but the desert cools off to blanket temps at night. Chance to see the latest aircraft being tested. Photo 'ops' for most previous aircraft tested at Edwards.

Location, - Location, - location - - Makes the fam-camp a bit more expensive than most? Extremely professional operation and fam-camp staff. Without equal throughout my summer travels. Hard stands were level, laundry and shower/restrooms within 50ft of my site. Camp is well manicured and maintained. Though not a gambler - experiencing the casino's was again rewarding and well worth the visit. (For the spectator) - Las Vegas provides the most diverse and interesting collection of humanity of the planet! Becoming a 'member' of a casino is rewarded with an outstanding $6.95 prime rib buffet bar! (and one free slot pull daily).

Altogether a rewarding experience for AF Fam Camps. A little difficult to locate on first attempt, (probably my fault). Construction was distracting. Facilities all clean and up to date. Camp host Mary genuine and helpful with a smile. Wish bases provided base maps to military ID card holders at the main gate. Google world maps is an excellent alternative. White Sands missile test range is a must see for first time visitors.

Arrived after dark and drove around the park once before I found the Camp Host who sat watching me from his window. Jack Neal, the host, was busy watching TV, and simply yelled out the window rather than getting up and coming outside. I inquired if he was the host and whether any were slots open, - he called to his wife who said yes, 22 and 23 were open. I asked where to obtain the user package and payment folder and was directed to the office which was closed. No payment folders were available so I simply wrote my name and pertinent info on the back of a local map, folded it with the money inside and deposited it in the receptical provided. I asked if there was a combination for the showers and laundry, = he called out the combination. I located the open slots, which were 21 and 22, (Thank goodness the shower combination was correct). I purchased a 'USAF frequent camper' subscription and have stayed in 12 USAF Fam-camps this summer. All were great, with this one exception. When a 'host' is too pre-occupied with his TV program to provide the service he is being paid for, - maybe they should find other employment? Dumpsters were full, - 'wi-fi' not operating, was told by another camper that the washers and dryers might not be working. Plans to expand this facility might be of questionable profitability? I'll admit my 2006 Lance slide-in camper sitting on a 2006 1 ton diesel isn't awfully impressive, but I feel entitled to the same cordiality I'd expect to give others. Mary the day host, was quite personable, but displayed little surprise or concern in regards to the perceived shortcomings.