Fiddler's Cove RV Park

M.D. left this review using the Directory software: - The number being bandied about for a FHU site after the renovations is in the area of $40/Nite. Hope it's just a rumor, but if it's true, it'll be out of my reach. I've seen a lot of the military parks jack up their prices to match the surrounding civilian parks lately. Who's in charge of pricing, and why are they shafting the lower pay-grades? Why bother to stay at a FamCamp when you can stay at a civilian park with a pool, game room, etc for the same price.

This is an excellent campground if you don’t mind dry camping. I would recommend a small generator for lights and the refrigerator (or you can run frig on propane). The campground/heads where clean and in good repair the scenery was beautiful (its San Diego I would expect anything less), you are a short drive from everything Sea World the zoo, any number of restaurants on Coronado and a commissary and NEX onboard North Island helps to make life a bit easier. The spaces are wide enough and long enough for big rigs it is a bit of a walk to the head but a nice walk in the morning is a good thing. My wife two kids and myself enjoyed our stay would defiantly stay again and for only $12 you can’t beat the price.

As with our previous stays it is a 5 star location, excellent restrooms and showers- but you gotta be tough here for it is a dry camp and the SEALS train here with their choppers and boats..so the noise is there..but it is the "Sound of Freedom" to my ears. As an update to our previous 2 reviews I must add that several longer term guests disobeyed the no-smoking policy which made the Rec room unusable to us and even with signage there is little to no enforcement as a big ashtray is right by the door which gives almost defacto permission to smoke there.
One of the staff has become quite rude and surly and I checked with other guests to see if it was just us...but alas she was the same --an equal opportunity rude-person...tread lightly and do not ask for too many details and you will be ok. You will be able to tell who it s...the string is strung tight. All other staff including top management are excellent and perhaps are working the issue. The check in rule is obnoxious..we were made to wait in the parking lot for 4 hours before we could go to our site. THE RUB: 1-Site was empty, 2- it was not being cleaned 3- there was absolutely no work being done on the site and 4- It is a dry camp and there is no reason what so ever to line the rigs up in the parking lot till checkin. Del Mar, San onfore and many others on the west coast let you in if the site it empty...this should be changed.

It was a great place to stay. A little mix up in the reservation, there are a must in summer. They found me a space and the reunion with my old buddy went fine. The Cove is breath taking. I hope I can stay there a again soon. They said they will be closing down soon to rebuilt the park with hook ups. Well I guess there goes $12 a night. The restroom and shower are really clean!!!!! The dump site is easy to use. Can't say enough about this place. Its Great, LTC Jesse Gonzalez, USAR-MSC, Retired

Million dollar view, no one could ask for better look at the city lights and Coronado bridge. WOW! Large sites were level enough and it was fun watching aircraft carriers and tugs right across the bay from our camp. Very quiet during the week, but a few more kids on the weekend. Good places for walking the dog. Since it is dry camping only, fill up with water on the way in (good water, too). It was easy to dump on the way out. Appreciated all the recycling bins.

I have to agree with the other inputs this is a great place in which you can give five stars to even the amenities cause you know what you getting in to as far as dry camping..when I first came here I thought there was alot of congestion but from 9am to 3pm you can go anywhere without much hassle even to the activities ie Zoo, Museums etc. then again after 6pm. The free movies (up to date at that) was a nice plus with the ocean just across the road and only about 50ft from the bay with a fantastic view, lots of fishing, tanning, sightseeing it was a great 2 weeks.I will certainly stop here again.

Great dry camping...showers and laundry are very clean and well kept..gen hrs are 6am to 10PM...very liberal...Jim gets things done, Robert, Joann and Rob are very hard workers and keep the place shipshape. ATT cell and aircard work great...and well..u r 10 feet from the bay...cool marine layer knocks the 100 degree inland temps to 70! What more could you want..they have dump and blueboy for use...and water is fresh and good from faucet. Spent over 2 months there this year. 4th of July the potties got raunchy...but cleaned up quickly on Monday. Rich and Stefanie

The Navy's Fiddler's Cove on Coronado Island, about a mile South of the Hotel Del Coronado on the Silver Strand headed toward Imperial Beach is the most convenient location in San Diego for military campers in my opinion, and... it's right on the beach on the inner bay. However, due the renovations that have underway for about two years, they only have about 35 DRY CAMP spots available currently, the other 5 being reserved for tent campers. But... they have large and clean showers, a laundry facility, a camp store...fresh water supply (top off when you pull in) and a dump... etc. I was just over there for a week... and... at $12 a night you can not beat it... especially when civilian campers are paying $50 a night for very cramped dry camping at a state park a mile further down the Silver Strand. They only have a 30 day advance reservations policy for retirees, but you can stay 30 days. Jim, the night manager, told me that they had rarely been full this summer, but with the 4th coming up I expect that will change. The week I was there in mid June... the morning marine layer was present until about 10 AM every day followed by beautiful sunshine... expect a steady breeze most of the time which can gust... so be sure and anchor your awning down with straps and buckets of rocks and wet sand as I did if you extend it (the ground is TOO hard for most screw-in and other anchors. Of the 15 rigs in with me... I was the only one brave enough to extend my awning...

As stated earlier,"under (mythical) construction".. nothing happening...but for dry-camping it is great. Rob, Joanne and Robert (assistant night manager) were all very helpful and enlightening about the area. If you do not mind a little dry camping. this is the way to go...just over the bridge from the heart of San Diego and all its joys (as well as Coronado and the NAS base.. u cannot beat it...

As stated in the previous review, the entire camping area is under construction with a completion date of summer, 2011. At that time, they expect to have paved full facility sites W/E/S/TV. They did state that the time of completion may slide depending on numerous variables. Generators are currently allowed from 7am to 10pm and the sites are primitive with no electricity, water, cable, or sewer. They do have water and a sewer dump near the entrance to the camping area. They do have a fenced dog run with courtesy bags (lots of rabbits in there after dark); store; boat rentals; showers; laundromat; yacht club. Can get free wifi if in the right spot and turned the right way. Very helpful staff.

This park has been radically changed for "renovations". It appears that they simply pulled everything up, graded it off, and put in a great little sea wall. Unfortunately this location has great potential and is essentially just gravel parking lot with 41 sites in line. They allow generators, and most campers had large, cheap, loud generators running making the location loud. Our neighbors started up an old generator in their motor home, and filled our site with exhaust. We just decided it was time to leave. On the positive side, the shower facilities and store are great.

My son 14 and his friend 15 and I went on a tour on military facilities in Calif. Having spent most of a 30 year career at the amphib base I was aware of this area. First we arrived during the day and we were just in a pickup with a canopy (just three guys so rough it) we stayed on the "dry side". First night a gravelly voiced JERK told us we were parked wrong and that we were taking 2 "UNMARKED" sites. Mind you there were 18 total spaces and 17 were empty. The next day we were gone all day and returned at night (we weren't sure we would come back so we checked out. The gate was open (due to a previous car going in) and it was about 1130 at night. We merely pulled in and set up a site in the dry area and planned to check in at dawn. We were watching a movie on our dvd player when the gravelly voiced guy and his IDIOT wife came yelling and telling us we were supposed to check in with them and there was a sign on the gate (we didn't see it because you can only see it if the gate is CLOSED when you arrive). I said I was sorry and the wife said "well we will allow you to stay this time BUT DON'T YOU EVER DO THAT AGAIN" to which I responded. %#$@ OFF!! I spent 30 years in service to my country and would not allow them to treat me like they were the owners AND that I was a second class citizen! We were out of there in 10 min. AFTER discussing the issue with MP's that were called from the base to "deal with me"!! NEVER AGAIN! Camillo CPOM(ret)

First of all............Fiddler's Cove is now closed for renovation. The closure was originally scheduled for 1 November but was extended to the 13th. The renovation will be extensive and the beautiful location warrants the upgrades to accomodate the larger rigs that make up a majority of newer RVs. The electrical service will be upgraded (sorely needed during the summer months) and sewer hookup are being added to all of the sites. For all intents and purposes, all of the new sites will be improved hard stand sites when they eventually reopen. We stayed in the "Dry Camp" area for our visit and, for the most part, had a very enjoyable stay. The unimproved sites are much larger and all have a fire pit and ocean frontage. Some of the staff and management were helpful and friendly but many were not. The day before our departure, I received a very curt voicemail on my cell phone informing me that if I didn't vacate tomorrow as scheduled they would would tow me. I called them back and assured them that I was leaving but I really didn't understand the point or the harsh tone of the call. At any rate, Fiddler's Cove is a jewel here in San Diego. I can't wait to see the renovated version next year.

I stay at this campground about 10 weekends each year and this Memoral Day weekend going for 3 days. We have another retiree going with his family and a guest and his family. By far this is the best value in my mind in the entire San Diego area. Its true the sites are close together and not built for large rigs with numerous slides. When the upgrade is completed then this problem should be corrected. Unfortunately the upgrade will extend into the dry camp area. During the summer at $12 for active/retirees its the best you could ask for. You have large wide sites and up are up just a gentle rise from the water. For the July 4th weekend this is the best spot to set and watch numerious shows.

Fourth time at Fiddlers Cove. Favorite after Pt Mugu. I bow to the majority, but I do believe it deserves something higher than 3.3. Yes, a badly planned (hey, it's old) layout and sites way too small for most of today's rigs. I assume that issue along with upgrade from 30 amps (maybe no sewage since it's right at sea level) will get fixed in the campground makeover. Of note however, is that I, too, have issues with yet another Navy campground with tenured-thinking employees, surly and bothered by your presence somehow. BUT the last two times, this seems to have turned around; same employees. Overall experience is a sum greater than its parts in this case (Hey, where else do you get a live show of Seagulls, Pelicans, and Terns and fishing and sail boats anchored and underway past your window and SEALs in the BUDS training flop, flopping out of the bay by your rig, reporting to the Master Chief and getting back into the bus and having magnificent Coronado only five minutes away?)

This was the maiden voyage for my family with our new 27 foot travel trailer. We also sponsored a civilian guest rig. I was a little concerned after seeing the ratings by the other members, but once there, we were pleasantly surprised. We only stayed two days, so sewer hook-ups were not an issue for us. We checked-in after hours and the host was extremely helpful and friendly (we stayed right next door to the host). The location can't be beat with unobstructed views of the Coronado Bay Bridge and the San Diego skyline. As mentioned in previous posts, there is also a marina here where you can rent kayaks, small motorboats, and sailboats at a fraction of what you would pay at a civilian business. For those who enjoy a good fire, they do have fire pits along the beach. Maybe we haven't been spoiled yet, but overall, we really enjoyed the campground (especially when other local camgrounds were charging four times as much or more). If you do use google maps for directions and travel over the bridge, you make the left onto Orange Avenue. Google advises to make a u-turn at Leyte, but there is a left turn lane at the entrance to Fiddler's Cove prior to Leyte. A u-turn at Leyte is pretty much impossible and making the left there puts you into the housing area. We had several friendly people point us in the right direction since it seems they get a lot of people making the turn into the residential area.

We stayed for 3 weeks at Fiddler's Cove and enjoyed it very much. While we were there, management had a "town hall" meeting for the patrons. Here's the scoop as of mid-Apr 07: (1) The campground may or may not shut down Sept 2007 for reconstruction. At issue right now is the sequencing of funding. Only thing to do is call before going after Sept 07 to see what they have. (2) The new campground will have W/E/S and possibly cable TV if there's enough in the budget. An additional bath house with laundry will be built near the middle of the RV park. The number of hook-up site will remain about the same, but the dry camp area will be converted into full H/U sites so each site will have more space. (3) Because of endangered species in the local area, they can only do construction from Sept-Apr. This means that construction of the campgrounds may take a couple "seasons."

Intially, this campground appeared excellant. But as one day turned to the next. Management was way too picky. From having a small leak in your water hose to how you parked your PV (almost forcing us to leave the first day), management was very rude. I was ready to leave the first day of my visit until I asked how and where could I obtain a refund. Management then seems to cool their heals when confronted with a refund. 1. Issues involving POV parking. There is no parking availible other than away from your camp spot. Initially, checking in, informed how to park. Nosey and picky neighbors (older retiries) are quick to run to the office to make any and all complaintsjust for breathing the wrong way. 2. Parking of RV's is haphazarded in what seems you exit your RV only to be careful not to enter the adjancant RV... Spacing is way too close. RV's parked nose-in and others nose-out with approx 10 feet between the two. 3. RV site is not younger patron user friend. Therefore would advise any under retirement age from wasting money visiting this site. My reservations were for 3 days. I gave this site the benefit of the doubt. My family and I could not tolerate the nit-picky older paterons and management that we left this camp site earlier then paid for. We figured the refund was not worth the effort. I do not recommend this site. But then experience it for your self.

The campground is clean!!!! Personnel are very friendly. The only draw back is no sewage hook - up only water and electricity. You can check out the blue pull; however it takes time and away from your stay. Laundry 3 washers and dryers. Full all the time. You can only stay 15 days at one time. The view is absolutely beautiful; quiet. The town of Coronado is breathtaking. People are friendly, bring your bike, roller blades.... I would not stay there again, mainly because I want to have full hook up. Need to make reservations early.

We stayed here 7 nights the week of 18 Feb 2007. Qualified persons CAN sponsor a non-military guest rig. The greatest thing this park has going for it is its location. Coronado, San Diego, Tijuana Mexico, Sea World, the ocean and the San Diego Zoo are all easily accessible. So, the park gets a top rating for location. From there, the campground itself struggles. Campground Pros: Location; nice marina and boat rentals available; small store; gated entrance, kid friendly. Campground Cons: Very narrow sites; no sewer hook-ups; bathrooms are not clean. This is also a Marina and everybody uses the same bath and latrine facilities and it shows; limited recreational facilities beyond boats on site; no organized activities such as cards or crafts; first come/first served policy selectively adhered to regarding sites; NO WIFI access without paying $4/hr ( and then it's very slow). As a retiree with 30 years service, I look at MWR as our club membership, yet, I'm not seeing the value. When we come to San Diego in the future, we will opt to use our regular campground membership and stay elsewhere in the near-by area at a park with the amenities we like, surprisingly at a fraction of the cost of Fiddlers Cove. I guess we're spoiled and we'll vote with our boots. The Navy has not gotten it right. I'd suggest they send a staff person to Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson to learn from those who do have it right. As stated, the Park has a perfect location and if you're only using it for a base of operations for a short period, you'll be satisfied. The Park at San Onefre would be a better choice, park wise. This Park is scheduled to close September 2007 for 4 months (or more) for a total reconstruction. This should solve some of the physical site deficiencies. It's a GREAT opportunity to get it right! An earlier reviewer noted that they would stay in the dry sites on future visits. If you have a generator and sufficient water, there's wisdom in this thinking. After 2 nights in the partial hookup area, we moved to the dry area and were somewhat happier. Great views! This time next year the facilities issues should be a mute point. Finally, to avoid a potentially thrilling trip over the bay bridge into Coronado, I'd suggest coming up highway 75 from the south (exit 5A off of I-5) through Imperial Beach. You'll avoid the high winds on the bridge and snaking through the narrow highway and traffic in Coronado to get to the Park.