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Campclub USA
Yahoo Message Number: 98990
I recently received an ad to join Campclub USA and was wondering if it is worthwhile.  I checked out their website and it seemed as if many participating campgrounds blocked out the summer months for discount. Has anyone had any experience with this organization, either good or bad?  Are there any other ones worth looking at?  My wife currently travel about 2-3 mos a year plus several weekly treks.  We are supplementing our retirement by substitute teaching so most of our travels are from the 1st of June to the first part of September.

Rick Lechner 23.5 FD
2015 27' Mid Bath
Re: Campclub USA
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98991
Quote
I recently received an ad to join Campclub USA and was wondering if it is worthwhile.  I checked out their website and it seemed as if many participating campgrounds blocked out the summer months for discount.

 Rick, blackout periods are pretty much the norm for all the 50%-discount clubs (including Passport America and Happy Campers Club).  Why give a 50% discount during your high period when you can normally fill each space every night?
 As far as CampClub USA is concerned, they are the newest of the 3 50%-off clubs...and they are owned by Affinity Group (Good Sam Club, Camping World, Coast to Coast, Trailer Life, Motorhome Magazine, etc.) -- which, for ME is a strike against them.  Personally, I would not join, just for this reason.
Of course, YMMV.
 Look into Passport America instead.  They are the oldest of the 3 and have more campgrounds.  Yes, you'll still run into blackout periods which will vary from park to park.  Some parks only give the discount for 1 night, some don't give the discount on the weekends, or during their high season, some parks don't have any restrictions at all.

Linda Hylton http://map.datastormusers.com/user1.cfm?user=1167 http://earl-linda.blogspot.com/
Linda Hylton
Re: Campclub USA
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98992
On Feb 2, 2009, at 12:15 PM, ricklechner wrote:

Quote
... Are there any other ones worth looking at?
Rick, I've never heard of Campclub USA, but can recommend Passport America as a pretty good deal.  Membership is reasonable, and can pay for itself after one or two uses.  However, they too have restrictions on days (ie weekends) or times of the year that discounts are available.  Each park creates its own individual limitations and its own discounts.

Passport America has a large paper directory, but information on individual parks is also available on line.
 http://www.passport-america.com/

Lorna Santa Cruz
2003 RB
Air Ambulance Insurance
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99099
Hello Lazy Dazers....

I'm preparing for a cross-country adventure pretty soon and have a few questions that I'll ask in separate posts.  "Part I" has to do with air ambulance insurance/services.  Does anyone here carry air ambulance insurance and, if so, with what company?  What made you choose that particular company?  What questions should I ask potential insurers?  What criteria determined what coverage you ultimately purchased?  Have you ever needed to use an air ambulance service?  Any details you care to share about premiums and personal experiences would also be appreciated.
 Well, I hope these questions are enough to get a conversation going!

Thanksabunch, Lorna In Santa Cruz, but not for long!
2003 RB
Gulf Coast ?'s
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99100
Me again ..... with "Part II".....

You just can't take the beach out of the California gurl -- or something like that!  My travel plans evolve daily, but *today* it's my intention to explore the Southern Gulf Coast (East of Louisiana) and the Florida Panhandle, Florida West coast and Keys in May.  I'm looking for recommendations for places to stay, preferably beachside, places to visit, and places not to miss.  If you've traveled in that area, have you ever snorkeled there and, if so, what areas do you recommend I shouldn't miss?  Ditto kayaking.

I'm not fussy and don't need "luxury" accommodations.  Simple is good.  Simple, on the beach, with a picnic table is excellent!

Thanks again seasoned travelers!

Lorna
2003 RB
Re: Air Ambulance Insurance
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99106
Lorna, You fixing to get sick? ? ? ?  ( just tryin to have a lil fun WITH you.) Gene in orlando
Re: Gulf Coast ?'s
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99107
On Sun, 8 Feb 2009 12:36:12 -0800, Lorna Dunham maidtowander@...> wrote these inspiring words:

Quote
Florida Panhandle, Florida West coast and Keys in May
You do understand that you will be out of season? Yes, rates will be lower, but the heat and humidity will be getting high. That's the start of the rain season in south Florida and mosquitoes may be unbearable.

That said, we enjoy yakking in the panhandle, there are lots of rivers, such as the Black Water River.

In and around Ocala are numerous Blue Hole springs that are fun for paddling.

We did the Myakka River two weeks backs, lots of alligators and all sorts of wading birds.

Tonight, we are in Big Cypress Preserve with plans to paddle two rivers here.

Next week we will move a little further south to Long Pine Key and maybe go out to Flamingo and paddle around a few of the thousands of islands there.

Then to the Keys.
 Write us in a month and we will tell you what we liked and what we did not.

82 degrees under partially cloudy skies with an 8 knot breeze.

Dorothy
26 MB Koko
SE #21
Re: Air Ambulance Insurance
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99113
Does anyone here carry air ambulance insurance and, if so, with what company?

When we were RVing, in addition to being members of Escapees, we joined the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA).  One of the benefits of membership is an emergency medical assistance program that provides emergency medical air and ground evacuation (NO $ LIMIT). FMCA members receive MEDEX PLUS coverage with no signup required.  Fortunately, we never had to use it. You can get information at: www.fmca.com  or 1-800-543-3622.

Now that we're no longer RVing, and are living full time in Crossville, TN, we're no longer FMCA members, so we signed up for Air Evac Lifeteam.  It's an air evac service that serves mainly the south central US, so it probably wouldn't work for those traveling mainly in the western US.  Their contact web site is: www.lifeteam.net Again, fortunately, we haven't had to use it.

Sharon N.

Crossville, TN
Re: Gulf Coast ?'s
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99114
Hello Lorna: I'll send you a long PM about the best of the Gulf Coast beaches and the Keys. I went to high school in Cayo Weso and lived there, on and off, as an adult. My wife & I used to do ocean kayaking. I'll fill you in on the "secret" spots to explore in the Keys.
May & November are our favorite Florida months. Generally pleasant weather, the hoards of tourists are gone, the kids are in school and , generally speaking, you don't need reservations at the campgrounds.
A great time to be in Florida.

Ed
Re: Air Ambulance Insurance
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99116
Hi Lorna,
 "Does anyone here carry air ambulance insurance and, if so, with what company?  What made you choose that particular company?"
 If you join Family Motor Coach Assoc., Medex Plus Program is free with your enrollment.  It provides air ambulance and other services.  If in your travels, you come to or near NJ, please let me know.  Maybe we could meet.

Monica NE 10
Monica
2017 MB
Re: Gulf Coast ?'s
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99119
Hey Gurl !!!

As an ex CA girl myself, I can tell you that you'll love the FL panhandle beaches... Upon entering FL, you need to stop at the Blue Angels place
Re: Gulf Coast ?'s
Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99124
Quote
Me again ..... with "Part II".....

You just can't take the beach out of the California gurl -- or something like that!  My travel plans evolve daily, but *today* it's my intention to explore the Southern Gulf Coast (East of Louisiana) and the Florida Panhandle, Florida West coast and Keys in May.  I'm looking for recommendations for places to stay, preferably beachside, places to visit, and places not to miss.  If you've traveled in that area, have you ever snorkeled there and, if so, what areas do you recommend I shouldn't miss?  Ditto kayaking.

I'm not fussy and don't need "luxury" accommodations.  Simple is good.  Simple, on the beach, with a picnic table is excellent!

Thanks again seasoned travelers!

Lorna
Lorna, I lived in Pensacola for just over 50 years and left there Oct 08. One of the nicest state parks is Grayton Beach SP. The campsites, however are not on the gulf although the park is. It is east of Destin, FL and right next door to Seaside and Grayton Beach both of which are interesting places. The beach front the park has is beautiful white sand as are most of the panhandle gulf front beaches.
 There is also Topsail Hill SP which is closer to Destin. However, it has no gulf access. It had been a resort park and it is still fairly pricey.
 If you want to be on the beach the only one that I can think of is St.
Andrews SP at Panama City Beach, FL. The park itself is nice and they have sites on the water. Just be sure to make a reservation. PC Beach is pretty much wall to wall condos and businesses for 22 miles but you don't have to go there if you don't want to.

There may very well be private campgrounds on the gulf but I have never been to any of them.

Jim C
Re: Gulf Coast ?'s Long reply.
Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99134
Hello Lorna, and others.
Since some other people wanted some ideas for the FL Keys, rather then sending a PM to Lorna, I'll post my answer here. It's long, so if you're not interested, just don't read it.

Gulf Coast Beaches: The FL State Parks are, in my opinion, among the Nation's best. The ones in the Panhandle are outstanding.  The feature that makes these great beaches, i.e. beautiful white sand, makes them poor places to snorkel. There isn't much to see except for the sand & shells.
Our favorites from north to south: Henderson Beach SP, Destin.
St. Andrews SP, Panama City.
Then south to Manatee Springs SP, Chiefland. Good kayaking.
Fort Desoto, south of St. Petersburg. Just might be Florida's overall best beach.  Very popular campground.  There are some waterfront camp sites. While the campground itself isn't directly on the beach, you can easily park in one of the large water front parking areas.
http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm
 Once you're beached out, take Highway 41 , the Tamiami Trail towards the Keys.  If you like swamps, the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is hard to beat.
http://www.floridastateparks.org/fakahatcheestrand/default.cfm

Continue on to the Shark Valley Visitor Center.
http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/svdirections.htm A great day trip. RV parking.
There are National Park campgrounds in the area.
Free casino camping.  http://www.casinocamper.com/FL_Miccosukee_Resort.htm The Everglades NP has two campgrounds. Lots of kayaking opportunities as long as you don't mind the company of alligators, crocodiles & anacondas. We minded. We kayaked there until we saw a crocodile as long as the kayak. After that we just enjoyed the beauty.

The Keys.
All directions are as if you're driving south.  You will see Mile Marker(MM) posts every mile or so. MM 127 is in Florida City, MM 0 is in Key West. The Atlantic Ocean will be on your left; the Gulf of Mexico on your right.
When you first get to the Keys (Key Largo) there is a great visitor center on your right. Lots of good info, maps, etc.
All of the Keys state parks are winners. If possible, camp at all four.   John Pennecamp SP has reef diving boats that will take you on a half/full day dive trip. Well worth the money.  You can also snorkel off the beach in the park or launch a kayak.  Bahia Honda is also a good park for diving plus it's the closest SP to Key West.  Very nice beach.
The Keys State Parks are busy all year. As your time firms up, getting reservations would be a good idea. You can always cancel if needed.
 Keys "beaches" . Don't expect broad, sandy beaches in The Keys. Bahia Honda is probably the closest to being a "beach" in the conventional sense. The soil in the Keys is ground up shell & coral. Can be hard on bare feet. Be careful wading in the water. Spiney sea urchins are everywhere. Shoes are a good idea.
There are lots of nice road side rest areas all along the Highway.
Stop anywhere and fish or swim or go kayaking.

Anne's Beach, MM 73.8. A dog friendly beach.

In Marathon, MM 50 Sombrero Beach. From US 1 turn left at Sombrero Blvd (Look for the K-Mart Plaza). Follow the road.  A very nice beach area. Can launch a kayak as well.

There is a Publix Market in Marathon.
 Before you get onto the 7 mile bridge from the north side, there is a nice parking area on the right. If you're driving a 27' or larger LD, it won't work. Too tight to turn around. In that case, on the other side of the highway you will see the entry to the Knights Key Campground. There is parking along that road in the grass.  Once you are parked, you can walk/bike about 3 miles out on the old 7 mile bridge to the Pigeon Key Historic District. If the water is calm, you can see sharks, sting rays, huge fish, etc This is no place for a kayak. Very strong currents.
 Mile Marker (MM) 40 (Little Duck Key) beach.  At the south end of the seven mile bridge. As you drive south off the 7 mile bridge this beach is on your left.
As you drive off the bridge, on your *right* you will see an access road. This leads under the bridge. There is an old coral quarry there.
The quarry forms a huge "swimming pool". Makes good diving. Easy RV parking.

Cudjoe Key, about MM 22. The Lower Keys kayaking guides take people here. Perhaps the best, easily accessible, kayaking spot in the Keys.
A PRIME KAYAKING SPOT.
Look for Blimp Road on your right. Follow it to the end. There is a boat ramp. From the ramp, paddle left to Little Swash Key then out to Raccoon Key then back. Raccoon Key has a colony of rhesus monkeys that were kept there for science experiments.  About a 5 mile round trip.
If that much open water concerns you, simply continue around the Blimp Base. In most cases the water is so shallow you could stand up. If it's a sunny, calm day, you will think you're kayaking in an aquarium.
 Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary is off Big Pine Key. Several dive shops on Big Pine Key, run snorkeling trips to Looe Key. Some say this is the best snorkeling in the US.  I think these trips are also run out of the Bahia Honda SP.

Boca Chica.  There is a road that heads off to the left just as you get on the island. Don't recall the name but it's the only road there is that doesn't take you to the Naval Air Station. Nice beach/diving/kayaking  areas. RV parking.
 Key West. Not a good place for RV's. Crowded. Narrow streets. However, as long as you don't mind walking, there is on-street parking here and there.  It's catch-as-catch-can.
A tourist trap but well worth a day trip. Take your picture standing at the southern most point in the US.  Do sunset at Mallory Square.
Have an overpriced  beer at Sloppy Joes.
No on-street /parking lot overnight RV parking allowed anywhere in the Keys. Private campgrounds are very expensive. Stay at the Bahia Honda SP and drive to Key West.

One caution about kayaking in the Keys. There are lots of small islands where you can stop and rest. Before you get out of the kayak, use the paddle to test the sand. If it's hard, you're OK. If your paddle easily sinks in, don't get out. Some of the sand has a quicksand like consistency and you'll find yourself up to your knees, or deeper, in a very sticky mud.

Enjoy your trip.

Ed
Gulf Coast ?'s
Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99135
Lorna,

We spend a good part of each winter in the FL panhandle, where we've found a lot of great places to stay.  Last year we also visited other parks heading west - in AL, MS, LA and TX.  You can't go wrong with Corps of Engineer parks, either.  You can find some pictures and "reviews" of campgrounds we've visited on our web site:

Toad Hall http://www.wxtoad.com/>

Just look under "Camping Info" in the menu.

We're on our way today to St Joseph Peninsula SP, which is a beautiful, quiet park.  Great kayaking in the bay and miles of white beach.

Have a great trip!  How about coming up to New England??

Ted H.

@ Ochlockonee River SP, FL

My travel plans evolve daily, but *today* it's my intention to explore the Southern Gulf Coast (East of Louisiana) and the Florida Panhandle, Florida West coast and Keys in May. I'm looking for recommendations for places to stay, preferably beachside, places to visit, and places not to miss. If you've traveled in that area, have you ever snorkeled there and, if so, what areas do you recommend I shouldn't miss?

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Gulf Coast ?'s Long reply.
Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99137
Quote
Hello Lorna, and others.

"Since some other people wanted some ideas for the FL Keys, rather
then sending a PM to Lorna, I'll post my answer here. It's long, so if

Quote
you're not interested, just don't read it."

Enjoy your trip.
Ed
WOW, WOW! One of the best reports I've ever seen on this forum, nice going Ed.

Almost makes me wish I could go with Lorna, what a trip!

Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Jiggs
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Gulf Coast ?'s Long reply.
Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99140
On Feb 9, 2009, at 4:57 AM, Ed wrote:

Quote
Hello Lorna, and others.
Since some other people wanted some ideas for the FL Keys, rather then sending a PM to Lorna, I'll post my answer here. It's long, so if you're not interested, just don't read it.
Well Ed, in the stroke of a pen (OK, a few -- no, make that *several*!) strokes of a pen, you've managed to plan my entire sojourn in Florida!!  Have you considered travel writing to keep you occupied and out of trouble?!!  I can't thank you and Ted and Dorothy and Sandra and Alex enough.  I especially appreciate your info on "tight turn arounds" and "strong currents."  And I'm not so sure I'll be putting in with alligators and crocks -- maybe a viewing platform or a guide is more my comfort level!  But thank you all for the wealth of information -- I'm having as much fun planning now as I anticipate I'll have once I get there.

And sure, Steve, c'mon down -- the more the merrier -- safety in numbers staving off gators and crocks!!!

Lorna in Santa Cruz, printing out your recommendations
2003 RB
Re: Gulf Coast ?'s Long reply.
Reply #21 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99143
Quote
be putting in with alligators and crocks --
Surprisingly few visitors get eaten in any given year. The FL Chamber of Commerce forbids it. Very bad for business as you might imagine.

:-)

ed
Re: Gulf Coast ?'s Long reply.
Reply #22 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99144
Quote
"And sure, Steve, c'mon down -- the more the merrier -- safety in numbers staving off gators and crocks!!!"

Lorna in Santa Cruz, printing out your recommendations
Lorna
 When you leave Santa Cruz swing by Concord and pick me up. Nahh, just kidding, although I'd surely like to go under different conditions.
I'm now in the planning stage for Alaska this summer.
 As one who did two tours (6 yrs. total) at Keesler AFB, Biloxi, MS I assure you that I've done the Mississippi, Alabama and Florida coasts many times. You are going to enjoy it! Ed's posting was far better than I could have done.

One word of caution. If you take the coastal roads, notably out of Gulf Shores, AL or south out of Pensacola, FL be sure to heed the warning signs along those roads when it says "Stay on pavement". You can be absolutely certain that the shoulders are soft (sand) and if you leave the hard road surface you WILL get stuck. Guess how I know that?

Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Jiggs
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Gulf Coast ?'s Long reply.
Reply #23 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99147
On Feb 9, 2009, at 11:17 AM, lejest2003 wrote:

Quote
I'm now in the planning stage for Alaska this summer.
Steve, sounds like you're going to have lots of company in Alaska: Terry and Eloth Burns, Linda and Earl Hylton, Calicia Hardin, Pat Macias -- others?  I'm looking forward to hearing of LD sitings and maybe some Alaska fish fry get togethers!
 As to Florida's soft *soft* shoulders:  Go ahead -- ask me how I met a wonderful Canadian in Baja who just happened to have patience, muscle, the right equipment and expertise to (blush)...  You guessed it!  Some day we'll have to trade horror stories!!

Have a great time in Alaska.  Sigh.

Lorna
2003 RB
Re: Air Ambulance Insurance
Reply #24 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99163
On Feb 8, 2009, at 1:01 PM, jctaylor1941 wrote:

Quote
Lorna, in addition to the responses from folks here, this SkyMed (an Escapees-endorsed service) thread on the Escapees forum might be helpful:

 Thank you Joan, Sharon, Monica for air ambulance leads!  The Sky Med thread on Escapee's forum helped me formulate even more questions! I'm not a FMCA member but will be looking into MEDEX Plus to see if it's offered to non members.  Monica, New Jersey (actually, New England) is on my "bucket list" for 2010.  I'd love to get together again!

Lorna
2003 RB