Travis AFB FamCamp

We are just winding up 2 weeks in this great FamCamp. For those who have read the preceding reviews and were put off by the comments about Tony, rest assured, he has moved on and the new manager is a lovely lady who is reviewing the rules. So no worries. We stayed in a site directly opposite the main gate, which is separated by a chain link fence and a row of trees. Upon arriving we thought this would be a bad location - noisy, no privacy, etc., but actually it has been quite entertaining watching the cars and trucks come in and out the gate. We took a day trip to San Francisco and took the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit train system). It was an efficient way to go. We drove to Concord on a Saturday and the parking at the BART station there was free on weekends. Round trip tickets were silly cheap and our tour bus (Dylan's Tours - highly recommend) picked us up only a block or two from the BART on Montgomery. Muir Woods is a must see. Wow, the grandeur and history contained in those coastal redwoods. And the views from Twin Peaks and Sausalito are photo-worthy for sure. The base has a nice commissary and exchange which are VERY conveniently located to the campground, and the self-serve car wash nearby has an RV bay with steps along the side wall so you can reach your roof. Nice. Also make use of the library just a bit farther down Air Base Parkway... they have a nice selection of DVDs you can check out for free. We would definitely stay here again, should we find ourselves once more in this area.

We came here primarily to visit San Francisco and the surrounding area and the campground served that purpose well. Only downside is you are pretty far outside of San Francisco so if you want to make daily trips it takes some time and planning. The best way is to go to the BART station in Pittsburg or one of the other ones near by, the station is about 40 minutes from the campground, it is a 50 minute train ride to Embarcadero station which is the closest to the waterfront, the trip is $11.90 round trip for an adult. Napa Valley is very close (30 minutes). The campground itself is the simplest to find of any I have ever been to, it is right next to the main gate; go right through the main gate, make your first right and then another right and you are there. The office keeps very limited hours but will leave you information for check in if you miss them. Bring leveling blocks because most of the spots are on a slight hill, spots are spacious and well maintained with nice landscaping and hookups. The campground doesn't have much of a "community" like we have seen at other campgrounds, there are no scheduled activities, central fire pit, day room, etc. all in all though it is very clean and nice; it is certainly worth staying at if you are in the area.

We stayed for two weeks. Yes, Tony parked me and put me right where I should be and no issues with it. A little gruff maybe but friendly and efficient none the less. Both he and Mary were doing a great job even though they had the park roads dug up putting in a water line. We were without water for a few days while contractor hooked up mains but was told before it happened. We should have been given a rebate, but survived. Liked the Jack rabbits around the park. Park is convenient to all the base. We would stay here again. Follow the rules and no problems.

Unbelievable. This is the first time I have ever felt compelled to write a review. My parents have been motorhoming for years now. They bring the motorhome this way to visit my family (we live on base) at least twice a year for 6 years now. They did not have a good experience the first few times they visited. We just chalked it up to, "wow, Tony and Mary are two extremely anal people." Tony once told my father not to walk on the grass, because it BENDS THE BLADES! I thought he was joking, until I had the pleasure of dealing with him myself. He is an absolute nightmare; I am in utter shock that these two people are still running this camp! How does this happen? My parents have told me that campground managers are notoriously friendly and helpful and that this is truly the worst place they've ever stayed (over a span of 30 years). Instead of bringing the motorhome and spending a week with my family, they now come for 1 or 2 days and stay at our house, so that they don't have to deal with Tony or Mary. This could really be a nice little campground if 1 of 2 things happened...they get rid of Tony and Mary, or at least reprimand their ridiculous behaviors.

We stayed one night and were put into the "doggie section" since we do have a small dog. That was no problem but they don't even make an attempt to keep the grass watered and green in this section. All the other "non-doggie" sites have nice, green grass. Construction blocked off the dog walk but we were forbidden to walk our dog in the field next to the ball park area or in any area of green grass. We were very leery about visiting this park after reading the reviews on this site of unfriendly camp hosts but the man who checked us in was very friendly and helpful. He offered maps and base information, more than we needed. He even rode his bike down to our site and helped my husband back up the rig when he couldn't contact whoever usually does this. The price was great, $17. Even if we couldn't make a reservation less than 30 days ahead, we were advised a week ahead that they would be able to accommodate us. The BX is very close and has a good food court. The Class Six store had great prices. When we left headed south, we took Hwy. 12 east to I-5 but wouldn't do it again. It is a very busy two lane road and not in all that good of shape. All our clothes hopped off the closet rod from the sudden ups and downs. Next time we'll go through Sacramento and skip staying here.

We spent a week @ the Travis FamCamp and had a great time. Mary checked us in and was very professional and pleasant. Tony parked us and kept the rig off the grass and the wood that marks the site limits. Enjoyed talking with Tony & Painter about the good old days. I understand Mary is a contractor for the FamCamp and Tony and Painter are volunteers. Mary & Tony have been managing the FamCamp for almost 20 years and the pride in their work is reflected in the appearance and cleanliness of all the facilities. I noticed the other reviews that weren't very flattering and we didn't experience any of the same. I did note that there are a lot of rules - I suspect that over the years Mary and Tony have seen it all and have had to assist in creating rules to ensure the cleanliness, safety and security of all the campers. As for 5 mph - that's the speed limit in every parking lot on that base and it's painted in very large letters so you can't miss it. So I don't understand what the big deal is about not exceeding 5 mph. The only down side was an evacuation in the evening because of an event @ the main gate. The FamCamp is right beside the main gate with a tree barrier in between. We had to stay out of the camping area until 11 PM - sat in our car in the PX parking lot. Another camper indicated it had happened the week before also. This is a park we'd happily return to.

My wife and I are not full timers but spend alot of time on the road and have been to many fam camps and way too many poorly run commercial camps. This is the one and only comment about any place we have stayed that I feel so strongly about that I must comment. My wife called and spoke to a male, not Tony, and advised we were en-route and gave him our estimated arrival time. After reading the comments from others I told my wife as we approached Travis that if it didn't work out, i.e. Tony's reported lack of customer service, we would find someplace else to stay. The directions to the Fam Camp were perfect and we parked in the designated space that is clearly marked. Mary was in the office and was very courteous and very business like in her briefing of the park rules. We had a spot reserved for us, should we arrive as we stated. She also provided multiple single sheets with information about the base and the local area, including a map of seasonal fruit and vegetable stands open in the area. The parks rules were also included and most seemed centered on animal behavior and the responsibilities of the owners. She advised there maybe a problem with ants at the Fam Camp and advised where to get the only base approved insecticide. She also was very helpful about the watering schedule. Her information helped us with everything from no ant issues to no wet lawn furniture. She then advised she would assist me to park my fifth wheel in the designated spot but was quick to say she was not the best but Tony was not available. My wife was relieved at this and to be truthful, so was I after reading the comments posted by others. Mary started to assist me, in a courteous manner and then Tony arrived via golf cart. He was very courteous. Not once talking down to me nor did he call me names and his assistance, although not really needed, got the rig into the narrow space with trees and scrubs with ease. My wife then got out and thanked him for the help, much to my surprise. The next day Mary was in the office when we asked about going into SF and her information, maps and advice was invaluable to us. She was more than polite and went over and above what I would have expected, especially after some of the comments. One of the long timers in the park came by for a glass of wine the night before we headed out on the next leg of the trip and he and Tony did a bit of ribbing as Tony was on one of his many walks around the park. Think Tony and Mary are are not usual. Alot of folks who work with the public for a long time and see all kind of issues and people tend to become stuck on the rules and they can be abrasive if you show an attitude towards them or their rules. If you show an attitude, sense of entitlement, or want something done only the way you want it, or cause them issues they can be nasty. If you mind your business, drive the posted speed limit and they really do mean 5 mph not 20 like in most parks that don't care, pick up after your pets and don't show an attitude of right or rank or situation, you will have a wonderful time at the Travis Fam Camp. Regardless of who is doing the maintenance it is a beautiful, well maintained place to stay. Wifi for free would be icing on the cake but the price is a deal. Go there, you will enjoy your stay.

We stayed two nights in July while touring the west coast with our two grandsons. Nice facility and near to visit the San Francisco sites. Before departing on Saturday morning, 13 July, my wife used the laundry mat. After we were several hours down the road, my wife realized that she had left her cell phone in the laundry mat. Monday morning, I called the office and reached Tony and he said that he had the cell phone. I was hoping the he would agree to drop it in the mail and we would have it when we arrived home. However, Tony said he didn't do that sort of thing and that he would get Mary to handle it. After numerous phone calls, I finally found out that I couldn't just send Tony $20 to send the phone, I had to send a Money Order to Recreation Services. After several more phone calls asking for how much to send, I was finally told that I needed to send $3 before he would send it. It cost over $10 to get a $3 Money Order at the Post Office and then send it "Certified, Receipt Requested" as by this time I was starting to doubt that I would ever see the phone. After I received confirmation that the Money Order had been received, I once again called to find out when the phone would be mailed. Tony said that he had mailed it that morning and inquired about who had signed the receipt for the Money Order so he could be reimbursed (indicating to me he could have done this a long time ago). I received my wife's phone on 13 August. An unpleasant experience, with much frustration, could have been avoided had Tony just mailed the phone after finding out it's owner. He had all my information on file from the FamCamp Registration. Surely the $3 wouldn't have made that much difference and would have surely prompted good feelings and a reward from me.

First time to this camp, and hopefully not the last. Must admit that we almost did not make the stop after some of the negative comments; now most certainly glad we did. Location is ideal (Bay area, Napa), price is right, and the park is in wonderful shape. Although not "full-timers", not new to the game either. Entry was as expected; Tony met us, gave directions, and then walked us through the parking process. No big deal. Decided to stay a few days extra as we were enjoying ourselves so much. While inquiring about an extended stay with Mary, Tony noticed my son carry his football into the office and proceeded to take him outside and throw with him for the next 20 minutes. Worth the visit if your plans are to visit the area.

This is our second time at Travis Fam Camp. Both experiences have been wonderful. The Park is immaculate and very well managed and maintained by Mary and Tony. They work around the clock to insure the cleanliness and beauty of the facility. We stayed 3 weeks longer than planned and hope to return. One of the nicest and best managed parks we have experienced. Mary and Terry Carter

First time and last time at travis air force base famcamp. park manager was obnoxious, irritating and down right rude, in over 200,000 miles on my truck and trailer, and 2,500,00 miles commercially. I never had any place require me to back in on the blind side and stand in my mirror. Having pets i am use to cleaning up after them, and the regs on where to walk them, however never told in the manner in which i was told, even in military parks across the states. Their dog walk was not welled checked, as pet poo was everywhere, told how to get to the pet walk, as any other way was illegal, saw several others not using the right way to pet walk, but using the ball park for their pets. After 21 years in the Navy , Viet nam war, and a disabled vet, and a native born American, the abusive manner in which the park manager gave his instructions was appalling even to my army vet disabled wife. This is the first base, from coast to coast , north to south, that i was treated with such disrespect. Does the manager have a dislike for navy vets or pet owners or is this is his normal, that any rate its past time for a replacement. Only allowed to stay the weekend, due to too many pets, but that's ok, state parks like my retired navy pay ,,, sorry air force,,go navy.

This was our second time at Travis. The first time we were in our tent trailer and this time we tent camped. VERY windy, but a great place to stay while visiting San Francisco. Just don't try making coffee in the morning with your camp stove! Tony is a little quirky but he keeps the facility looking great. My boys questioned his music selection in the bathroom, but hey, most bases I have visited don't play any music in the head. A great experience.

okay like all the rest here with the exception of ONE review above...I also have negative commentary about good ol' TONY. we camped in a motorhome and being FULL timers we really did not need Tony to "direct' my husband in how to navigate the parking space. He is seriously annoying and his attitude is lacking in customer service skills for sure. Tony not only directed my husband but took it upon himself to INSTRUCT (in a very LOUD and negative way ) me how to park our tow vehicle in the regular space provided! he treats you like you are an idiot or a moron. He has NO respect for the CUSTOMERS who come and camp and are PAYING His salary!!! I mean to tell you he is a HUGE draw down to this wonderful park. I disagree with the reviewer that Tony and Mary are why this park is so great and well maintained. I DID see alot of private workers doing the lawns, the trees and the maintenance. We stay all over the country and parks like VANDENBERG AFB in CA and FT. MEAD IN WASH. D.C. do not have people like TONY they have employees who are GLAD to greet you and have a job that they take pride in and THEIR parks are run efficiently, are super clean and fair priced. All we EVER saw Tony do was use his "authority " to basiclly brow beat and make folks feel like they are mentally incapable of driving, parking, and walking. He should RETIRE from this position and they need to hire someone who actually likes people! (yes a job working with the public can be a pain sometimes...I know I did it for 30 years!) He also treats people badly who have any pets. He asked us (yes I counted) 6 times when we were checking in if we had pets. NO NO NO we kept saying and we TRIED being friendly and courteous as we too had read the reviews here. He also made us sign more paperwork than we did when we sold our home! All ridiculous and demeaning tirades and explanations... Like HOW fast you must NEVER drive in the park. He insists on FIVE mph.okay most parks post 10 mph and granted it is for the safety of others. BUT we have been to parks where they remind you NICELY. This guy actually ran out and waved at me in a very aggressive way when I downshifted by the office and was going I believe about 7 mph! I can ride my bike faster than I was going! He seriously needs medication for his O.C.D. (obsessive compulsive disorder) he MUST be related to someone up high to have maintained his POSITION as CAMP COMMANDANT. Hitler had nothing on Tony. Now the base is wonderful and frankly it was one of the nicest we have stayed at. The dining facility is immaculate, new and lovely inside and the food EXCELLENT and priced great. The only thing that made the stay a pain in the patootie was TONY. we never met or saw the infamous MARY.Thank God. My last comment is: Maybe everyone who feels this way should copy this on printer and mail or drop at office of MWR or whoever is in charge. All I can add lastly is he needs to GO.

M.Z. left this review using the Directory software: We enjoyed our stay at Travis AFB FamCamp and found Mary and Tony to be very helpful and courteous. We will definitely come back as often as possible because we like the location and facilities.

Tony has been a host at this famcamp too long. He talked down to my wife and had I not kept control of my temper would have had a physical encounter. He should be fired, we have camped at many military rv parks and he made the visit a terrible day we want to forget. His fampcamp discriminates against pet owners who are taken to the worse sites in the camp, where he tells you how to park your rv to the point of being laughable. You must walk your pet in the middle of the street. The pet walk area is behind a dumpster and he tells you the Air Police may arrest you if you walk your pet further than the rear of the dumpster area. I think Tony has made the famcamp into the command he never had when he was on active duty. We planned a four day stay and left the next day. It is really to bad that the commander at Travis has not removed him and brought the famcamp up to the standards set by the Air Force Academy, and Mountain Home Air Force Base as examples where professional Courteous host' make you feel at home and treat you like a member of the armed force family. We plan on writing a letter to the base commander spelling out how we where treated during our recent visit and hope others will do the same so this terrible situation can be ended.

We camped at Travis for a week and had two sites (one for a non-military friend) and we loved the place! Yes...Tony is a little weird! He drove my wife crazy when he micro-managed my backing into the site, but I believe he was looking out for the well-being of the site...with the trees/shrubs it was a tight fit. Mary checked us in and that went smoothly...even for our guest. The only fault Mary might have is being a little hard of hearing (like many in our age group). Once set up Tony pretty much went about his business of keeping the park in tip-top shape...not once did he bother us! The park is in excellent condition and Travis AFB has everything you need...including the cheapest diesel around the area...almost $1.00 better than some stations in San Francisco! All in all one of the best camping deals we've found...and we travel a lot.

We called enroute from Sacramento area (we did not have reservations). My wife spoke to Tony via cell phone and he was business-like and professional. We arrived just a few minutes before the office was to close (1800hrs). Tony was in office "waiting to greet us" (in my opinion). I believe that as the park rules require late arrivals to park at the designated RV lane at the entrance when arriving after-hours......so, he was most attentive to helping us get settled in a site. i admit my initial reaction was a bit taken back.......not so much by Tony personally (never met or talked to Mary).....but by the rules and regulations briefing and written forms and documents to read and sign. As we drove to our site and were settling in with our post-trip cocktail, i joked to about all the rules and regs covering most every topic. I emphasize "joked". We left Florida in mid-May and have traveled over 5,000 miles to Canada down through the southwest and over to California. Travis FamCamp is by far the TOP of every place we have seen and visited. We have a dog and didn't mind the rules of respecting other campers site privacy and cleanliness from animal waste. It was unfortunate that some fellow campers felt their pets were immune to following rules because they were "small dogs". We will be back to Travis next time our travels take us to this area. Fantastic camp in every aspect......thoroughly impressed. Side note: i saw Tony working early mornings and into the evenings taking care of park matters for all our benefits. Perhaps we misinterpret his presentations as rude when they may be just his nature (similar to one of my dearest north eastern friends).

I thought a long time before deciding to go ahead and submit a review for this location. We read all the negative reviews before we stayed here so we were prepared. We decided to treat it like basic training again - just do what you are told and don't do anything that might call attention to yourself. Overall we had a pleasant visit but there is no doubt that Tony isn't very gifted in social interaction and we never saw Mary at all so can't comment. The facilities were very clean. The thing to remember is that there are the printed rules in the handouts and then there are Tony's rules. I was surprised to notice that although the rest of the campground is nicely maintained, Tony and Mary's mobile home and surrounding fence looked like an eyesore to me. Don't know what that is about. Bottom line is the location is good for visiting San Francisco and the price is good for the area. We would stay here again if we were in the area.

We have been out for some time and were headed to Travis till we read the reviews here, we are headed over to Fallon. My goodness, throwing out the 2 best and two worse reviews still leaves this as a scary place with this rude couple that they have running it. We have been suggesting to the military they get rid of the civilians and put work campers in the parks. Huge savings for the military, and they can get the help just by giving a retired couple free parking and utilities. Everyone needs to let their feelings be known about all this, have you seen how terribly the commissaries and BX's are ripping off our kids in the services? Its pretty sad.

Had a very nice stay and will return. The park now has WiFi but you have to pay for it. Tony and Mary can give you a coupon for one free day of use. I tested it and it work great.