Sharpe RV Park

We stopped in at the Sharpe Depot near Stockton today (28 March 2014) to see if the ole famcamp was still open and functioning. Here is what we learned. A. The guard at the gate (a DLA employee who knew Bob and Wanda) said the famcamp is indeed open and should continue to be open through September 2014 - and that that date was not set in concrete. But that was when they were told they (the DLA) would leave. The guard did not know, of course, what the Army is planning to do when they take over a portion of the old depot/base. But it looks like you can still pop off I-5 to spend a night there through September. B. The base looks 90% deserted already - mostly empty building and vacant parking lots with just one or two building having any cars around it. The famcamp was the same as in years past - but Bob and Wanda's trailer was gone (sad news - a vacant spot), the weeds and grass had begun to grow up and it was starting to look shabby. There was only one RV at the camp when we stopped. C. Inside the registration box was (1) a handwritten note that said the rate was $15 per night and that Golden Age discounts were no longer accepted so it was $15 per night. (2) A notice that the "POC" for the camp was Ernie Sloan at the recreation office - phone (209) 982-2237 and email Ernest.Sloan@dla.mil So, if you want to stay here - and are concerned about the camp - you can now email or give Mr. Sloan a call.

The park is located in an industrial area, which makes it easy to get to (one-half mile from I5.) Noise from the trains and trucks is dampened by a cement wall. The smell from the dog food plant is intermittent and not at all offensive. We used this as a base for exploring around Tracy/Stockton/Lodi. Spaces are level gravel, both back-in and pull-throughs. Water bib for Space 21 was broken, the one for Space 20 was leaking. We left a message about these in the self-registration box, as there was no camp host. (There was a trailer in Space #1, but no one around.) Laundry ($1) had 2 washers/2 dryers. Two showers in each of the bathrooms. The swimming pool was locked up and the water was green. Since it was warm weather when we were there, I'd expect it to be open. So, I assume they don't have the budget to maintain it. One of the other campers had heard that the RV park might close in September and may not re-open. Again, no camp host around, so there was no one to ask.

A really good option to this stopover is Dos Reis county campground about 1 mile west on Roth Rd then turning south on west side of I5 till intercepting Dos Rios Rd. For $25 a night you get full hookups, lots of trees, lawn and Ramada with picnic table. Sites are about 50 feet apart. Not sure why Sharpe was able to compete with this option. We found at least 5 spots pull thru and back in that could accommodate our unhooked 52ft. PS we love most of the mil camps where we have stayed.

This park is closing in September. Been coming here for 14 years and the rent-a-cops have always been an irritation. Now new security measures. We and our dogs had to leave the truck while they inspected it. Also had to open the fifth wheel while that was inspected. Made us feel like security risks. Even if this park wasn't closing we would not come back. For everyone who remembers Wanda, she is moving to a retirement community in Ripon next week.

Good price, we ended up staying for 13 night. Not much to do on the base but Stockton is close and San Francisco and Oakland are about a hour away. The only grass in each space is because previous campers watered it. Train noise is bad but for the price tolerable. Has direct access to the bases swimming pool, laundry, and bathrooms are old but in good shape. The camp hosts are very nice but because of health problems another host couple should be brought on board to take care of the grounds. I hope this campground remains open as the base apparently is being handed over to another branch of service.

It is still a good value for California and location (visiting family in bay area and Stockton!!). The main office took the cell phone away from camp host so don't be surprised if you don't get a response from office. The restrooms are old but clean and new washing machines. If there in summer the pool is right next door! Just be aware you will smell the dog food processing plant always and hear the trains always!! No wi-fi but Verizon mi-fi works well. And Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory and Ice-Cream Outlet down the street gives a 15% military discount!!

Great little RV park. Hosts were really helpful. Dogs loved running on the large grassy areas. Would rate higher but was noisy with trains nearby. Did not experience the odor problem probably due to being there on Friday/Saturday.

This park is very well maintained and hooks up worked as they should. Stockton is not exactly the center of activity in Northern California, but it is a good place to stop to catch your breath. My only complaint, but this is not under the control of the RV park, is the smell that comes from the dog food factory - it is pretty strong and quite unpleasant.

The park is in an industrial area. Can be noisy with the trains and trucks, plus the machinery at the dog food plant. Sites are small. Most are back to back, but they have put in about 10 pull thrus which are nice. We used it as a staging area to visit Yosemite National Park. Only has a small shoppette. It is a good bargain for a short stop over. Bob and Wanda are very nice and helpful. Didn't use any facilities, so can't rate. We would stop again.

This is a nice park. The location is great. Everything was clean and fresh. The pool was closed due to late in the season. Laundry room was a short walk from campsites. We stayed in a motor home and would definitely stay here again on our way through.

LIke the others have stated; it's noisy here! A lot of industrial actvitiy; trains, trains and more trains, and semi-truck noise kept me in earplugs every night. HOWEVER, despite what others say about "not much to do here" I found it a great base camp for heading into San Francisco and Muir Woods (within 90 mins), getting over to Yosemite for the day (I wouldn't like the drive in a big rig on the STEEP, twisting hwy 120, and it was under 2 hours), or to the great kid museums and aquariums in the bay area and Sacremento. Wanda and Bob are GREAT! Very helpful!! The campground is neat, well maintained as are the bathrooms and laundry. There is recycling (except paper), a newspaper stand, and LOTS for kids; Just check with the Youth Center (right over the fence next to the gym and laundry) and see what's goin' on; we attended a Halloween party, Haunted House and TONS of activities and crafts all the time! There is a nice playground in housing (within whistling distance :), and the folks who "run" all this are marvelous - my kids had a great time. I would put up with the noise again to have all this while we visit the area and catch up on maintenance/etc. Note: There isn't a true Comm/BX so getting into Manteca for shopping/gas is mandatory. Raleys grocery on Lathrop Ave. has a good selection of health foods.

We enjoyed the park for an overnight stay. We did not use any of the facilities and therefore could not rate them. The hostess, Wanda, is great. We did not see Bob. Construction and detours were gone. The security personnel were very nice and helpful. We will stop on our way back south.