Pine View Recreation Area

When we were making plans for a trip I tried to make reservations and when I asked about the Golden Age pass I was told that it is honored, but, they only give $1.00 off. We decided to stay at a Army Corp of Engineer campground not to far away that gives 50%. So much for supporting the senior citizens that gave years of service to the USA.

We stayed on a Saturday and paid $40 for 1 night on our trip west. They did not mention or try to charge us a 2 night minimum as stated above. TV service is Cable only so bring a long coax cable. We received over 75 channels, reception was better with a booster connected. There was NO local TV reception. Virgin MiFi 2200 internet worked well at this site. The site is sort of out in the middle of no where so bring a lot of supplies. Limited beer and a few snacks are available at the site. The site seemed to have alot of non military, I stood at attention for revile and it seemed like I was the only one. We did not use any of the recreation mentioned above.

The BEST military campground that we have stayed at so far! The only thing missing was WIFI, 82 cable channels though. The staff sponsored daily events for the campers. There is miniature golf, shuffle board, plenty of biking trails and a swimming hole. This camp ground is open to the public and not on the main installation. We are all for this...more revenue for improvements! Commissary was small but well stocked. The REC Center appears brand new and has pool tables, video and a daily buffet. The local area is just "wholesome America"! People are very friendly and helpful. PRO-MILITARY. We will be back!!!

We visited in the off season. The daily rate was $14 and since we were here over the weekend we got a free day, total cost for 5 nights was $56. Staff was very friendly and helpful and provided information about the area. They have a lot of sites, very large and asphalt pads with fire rings. You can request a site in the trees or in the open area. They have a swimming beach with slides, paddle boats, canoes and miniature golf at the office. I know people are upset with Civilians using this facility but where they are located there are not of military around other than Ft McCoy so without some other way to raise revenue the facility might not stay open. Maybe out timing was good but we found this campground outstanding and would definitely come back again.

WAY to expensive, Civilians with no connection to the military are allowed to use up all the equipment. The staff is great but how can they justify the price? Go to Great Lakes it is much better and much cheaper, you just need to move to get water in and out.

i made a reservation for 2 days(friday and saturday),it was 78.00 and that was including golden age pass.i starting to think about that price and decided to cancel.i was told i could have a rain date but not a refund to my credit card.i was quite upset and express so to several people.i finally got my refund,taking a hill was easier.a campground in sparta was 33.00 and the county campground in la crosse is 23.00.my point to this story is all military personnel should boycott this base.i sent 2 e-mail to the base commander.lets flood the commander with our complaints.

The staff at Pine View were very helpful. The commissary and PX were limited on the overall different types of items, because they are not very big. The base seemed very well maintained and clean. The only real negative comments are, 1. If you are not used to getting wakened up by the base loudspeaker system with horn blowing I would suggest that you try circle 3 since that is away from the loud speakers., 2. They have no WIFI on the post at all. I had to go to Sparta and use it in one of the restaurants.

This is a nice campground but I will never stay here because of the cost and the preference to civilians. I travel more of the country now and a lot of people talk about this campground and these issues. You might as well just put a KOA sign up and leave it. I was just on the coast of CA on the ocean. $21.00 a day. Apples to oranges.

Were do I begin, 1st we reserve our reservation a year ago for 10 days and had to pay for it up front, (expensive). We arrive on the day only to be told they had us schedule for 3 days and some one else had the site on the water. After I protest and show them the receipt did they allow us to set up. Okay, then the civilian's move in and took over the place. They had us sign a paper agreeing to follow the rules, yet everyone was loud after 10pm, kids riding bikes all over and into people plus fireworks at all hours. Drunks everywhere, Vehicles flying through the campground not obeying the speed. Bathrooms were only clean once in the week we were there. They were filthy and ran out of toilet paper. When my wife went to tell them,they made a face like we were bothering them. We been coming to Ft. McCoy for over 25 years but this will be our last. The breaking point, units were having there unit parties before leaving. Four soldiers stop by when they saw my license plate to talk. They inform me that they could not rent equipment because the civilians had everything rented. I guess making money is more important to Pine View then the welfare of our TROOPS. MWR get your act together. We won't be back!! A 1SG

G.R. left this review using the Directory Software: We liked the RV Park. We don't use the shuffleboard courts, but the mini-golf was nice. There are paddle boats and canoes available also but we didn't use them. There was a fairly good population of mosquitoes in the area we were which was near the pond.

Great location and very friendly staff, but based on the cost it's not worth staying. This is the most expensive DOD operated campsite I have ever visited. What's most discerning is the no refund policy, once you make the reservation which you have to put down half of the cost you lose it if you have to cancel. A weekend stay costs $80.00 plus, that's just to much when you consider the average cost of other sites about half that amount. Nice place but probably would not stay again based on the cost.

This is the most expensive Military campground we've run across. The campground is OK but way too expensive, and you have to pay to use their amenities. Lots of better deals in the area. It's a little out of the way to be a convenient stop over park and too expensive too boot..We won't go back!

By far the most expensive military campground we have ever stayed in! Forty dollars per night on weekends! Nice beach. Fire rings at each site. 5 mile drive to get around to the main gate of Fort McCoy and access to their small but nice PX and commissary. Commissary is closing on Mondays; it used to be open all 7 days. Campground is packed weekends with civilians who pay a bit more to use the facility. 10 mph speed limit is continually ignored by campground employees, all teenagers. As retired Army people, we liked the bugle calls but they are loud. Gunfire, either artillery or machine gun, is often continuously day and night, as the post prepares NG and USAR units for deployments; again we didn't mind. Dumpsters are emptied every 2nd day. Nicely wooded facility but we asked for a site suitable for DirecTV reception; they neither knew nor cared. Far too many employees, we thought, which may explain why the fees are so high. Two washers and dryers except one of each is labeled "employees only" - why do they need a washer or dryer? Camp host was asked for help twice by people arriving after hours; the hosts seemed to us watching, at best, unresponsive. We will not be back as there are nicer civilian facilities for the same or lesser cost in the general area.

We did a drive through with our Jeep on our way to South Dakota. Our ratings may be off, with the exception of value, because we obviously did not partake of any services during our visit. The previous ratings appear valid and we want to comment on the use of the facility by civilians from the local area. What I found most disappointing is that the civilians had NO affiliation with the base. The two we approached were not even some sort of contractor. I suspect nothing can be done about this sad state of affairs.

Great facility with all amenities and friendly staff. On un-gated government property adjacent to Fort McCoy, but requiring approx. 5 mile drive around post perimeter to reach gate allowing access to PX and commissary. The campground is also open to the general public at several dollars more than military rate of $40/night. Yes, that's forty dollars (weekends and holidays), approx $25 on weekdays, making it the MOST EXPENSIVE military campground we have ever utilized...and we have traveled coast to coast several times. We do not understand why the general public is allowed to use this military campground. Bugle calls over VERY loud speakers begin at 0550 with 9th and last at 2300. I pointed out to the staff & MWR manager that the bugle calls are in violation of the campground's own "Quiet Hours", do not promote relaxing camping, and that in 5 days I never saw one camper render proper honors as posted (face music at attention with hand over heart). Pine View has much to offer, but the price and lack of a good night's sleep might make a local KOA just as attractive.

R.E. left this review using the Directory software: Called prior to arrival and was assured that there would be spaces available. On arrival was greeted and while wife filled out information for camp site, I was able to receive LPG servicing. The campsite was fantastic and the camp had numerous activities to partake of. Pet friendly and child friendly. Lots of activities to keep you entertained and busy. Small store with some supplies and unfortunately there was no WiFi. Would definitely visit again.

S.L. left this review from the Directory software: The campground is beautiful and restful. I think that all but the 1st review on the website are appropriate and accurate.

I have stayed at the campground in the past and found it very peaceful and secure. It was quite affordable at the time which made it helpful for a military retirie on a fixed income. I see the rates have gone up and it really upsets me. To be charging military personnel such high rates especially in a time of war is very ofensive. No other MWR Campground that I am aware of is that high. Plus those others have better amenities such as internet and decent cable. I guess for me I would rather stay at the area KOA for less than this amount with my discount and have all the other extras. Shame on someone for doing this to us. I also have wondered along with other military retiries I know why civilians can utilize our MWR facilities? I can't think of other installations that do maybe I am wrong but that isn't right in my book. Plus to use it and have to pay only $5.00 more than military personnel. Something is very wrong here. You had something very nice here with a lot of potential but you are bring it down big time.

This place could really be a gem! Sites were spacious and we felt $13 per day (monthly rate) was a bargain. Lake is beautiful, with a swim area, boat rental, etc. The place was being run by kids on break from college/school, and when asked a question, they really couldn't and didn't have the answer. The store was almost empty; what a money-maker that could be! Lots of trash around - we had to police our site before we moved in. It was sad to see - especially on a military installation. Trash at your site is picked up every day - a nice feature - however, many times we saw kids sitting around talking and wondered why they weren't picking up trash around the campground. The facility is open to the public - wish it wasn't. I agree - the bugles are nice, but they blow the damn things 7 times a day with the last bugle at 11 PM. Ridiculous! No internet available, but good cable TV and no problem using our satellite. Bathrooms clean and adequate. Will definately stay at Ft McCoy again is we're ever in the area.

We enjoyed our stay at Pine View. One of the things we enjoyed most was the bugle calls that sound throughout the day. It is a quaint tradition and it was nice to be reminded of when to honor the flag and other reasons for the calls. I guess they stopped them one year because civilians complained but they are back. I rated the campground low for value because it is open to the public. It can be difficult to get in on weekends or holidays because it is full of civilians. I found that the civilians tend to disregard rules and regulations regarding helmet wear when riding motorcycles and bicycles. I had forgotten my helmet for my bicycle but I was able to rent one from the campground for $1.00 day. Most civilians didn't bother. The rules are not enforced and I think this causes confusion and problems. I also found myself picking up trash left by others and I'm hoping those others were not military people. The staff is friendly and helpful. Most of the sites are easy to get into with my 5th wheel and they are heavily wooded. I think the cost is a little high for military members considering they only charge civilians $2 more a day than military. Civilians at Pine View pay a lower price than comparable private campgrounds in the area. We plan to camp at Pine View again.