Freedom , New Hampshire -
mb gave us this review on 07/20/10. Dates of Stay: June 2010. Will You Return? Yes. What did you camp in? Motor Home - Size of Camping Unit: 30
What stood out? We have camped here for quite a few years and have always been happy with the staff, facilities and campground, however; this year was quite different. The staff has had a big change over and the seasonal campers seem to have taken over the place. 16 year olds driving their golf carts around non-stop at high speeds and turning it into a teen pickup spot. It use to be a great family spot where this was not allowed. Great security guards kept a handle on this, but now there are so many teens in golf carts I don't know how they can.
Owners and Staff: The staff use to know everyone and the campground. It looks like they hired a bunch of new people who have never camped there because they did not seem to even know the sites. The old staff was so warm and welcoming and made it feel like a family environment. Now it's the same as all the other places. No need to know your name! So sad.
Camp landscaping and surroundings: Grounds were not as clean and the dust was horrible! Seasonal sites have so much junk at their sites that it looks like a trailer park. Would like to see more requirements to keep a standard look that does not include stuffed animals tied to the units and non stop junk on the sites. Cabins near the pool are bombarded by golf carts getting to and from. They changed how you get to the Depot (store) so that is the only way to go now, making it too busy to feel like you are on vacation.
Good sites: E's, M's. Bad sites: As usual the safari fields are quite close, noisy and dusty. Avoid camping near seasonal sites because they party late and loud and since they are seasonal nothing seems to happen to get them to quite down.
Campsite hookups: electric, water, sewer, cable, wifi Campsite Descriptions: sunny and open, wooded, sandy bottom, picnic table, fire ring,
Cell Phone Service: Verizon o.k., AT & T non existant. Spotty wifi.
Seasonal Campers and Campsites: cluttered, Too much junk at the sites. Stuffed animals on the outside of one site. Junk on most sites. More than the allowed two cars are parked at the seasonal sites making it conjested and unsafe, not to mention way too loud.
Clean restrooms and showers? yes. Restrooms and showers need updating? no. Coin-metered showers. Are restrooms accessible from all sites? yes.
pool, pond, swimming, fishing, boating, recreation hall, video games, live entertainment, bingo, tv or movies, playground, theme weekends, kids planned activities, camp store, ice cream, snack bar, pets allowed, laundry room, dumping station, security gate. Activity schedule is exactly the same week after week which is disappointing if you stay more than one week. They need to change it up a bit. How many door hangers can the kids make? (which they charge a $1.00 for)
What is nearby? grocery stores, retail stores, amusements, nature trails. The white mountains offer endless opportunities to explore, but it is at least a half hour away from the campground. Nothing is close.
Last comments: Wish they could get Dawn back and wish they did not allow anyone under 21 to drive a golf cart. The teen drivers seemed to be the worst problem.
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Yeah, unfortunately, your complaints sound just like ours from last year.
It’s too bad. We’ve had the same reservation every week for years, but this year we canceled. I guess we just needed a break to try other campgrounds.
But yes, the staff is just not the same anymore. It’s disappointing to say the least.
Posted by That's Camping on 07/25/10
We also cancelled this year. Unfortunately on the flip side - they are horrible to all teenagers too. We went last summer (as we have for the past 10 years) and our well behaved teenagers were treated like criminals! It was really sad. This has been our premier place to camp. No more.
Posted by kjniko on 07/25/10
I’m really suprised to hear the seasonal site complaints. I know of 1 site back in 2008 that had a bit much lawn ornaments but didn’t think it was that bad. Unless there was a big changeover most sites were kept tidy.
I agree with the golf carts going through the cabin area - I never liked that change and felt bad for the cabin people. I agree with the golf cart issue by younger drivers and when we left in 2008 it was getting worse! Security was too lax on that and other issues (that you brought up in your review).
We always had a problem with dust from the main road.
Dawn left :-< She was one of my favorites in the store and she knew me on a 1st name basis (when I was transient). Good staff make memorable experiences!
Posted by NEC on 07/28/10
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