Check In From Hell

[retiredhappy]

Got to Huntsville SP at 2PM (the check in/out time). Was given a map and told to choose a site. I did and was told that if I moved to another site to just call and tell them. Drove to my site and there was someone still in it and not at their rig. Waited about fifteen minutes and picked another site; one of the few that were semi-level. Since the roads in the park are about six inches wide did some fancy maneuvering to back in. Got hooked up to electric and water and kept trying to call the office. You dial the number, you hit "0", a recording tells you to wait for the operator. It rings a few times then a recording tells you the operator isn't available and it DISCONNECTS you. Called 14 times!!!! Finally got thru and was pretty cranky. Was told the one site I picked I couldn't have because it was a host site (no hosts around however) and I would have to pay an additional $30. NOT!!!! So unhooked, circled around and picked out another site (also not level) and tried calling office to tell them which site I was in. You guessed it! Another 7 calls before getting through. By then steam was coming out of my ears and the guy in my original site STILL not moved out. Asked office if they EVER checked their sites for late checkouts. They then wanted me to drive all the way back to the office to get a new window sticker. I told them if they wanted a different sticker on my window they needed to send someone to bring it to me.

Now as for the park itself, it is pretty. I chose not to get a site right on the water - alligators - and I have two walking snacks on a leash. I do admit to being a little disappointed. Coming from Seattle the "piney woods" I'm used to and picturing aren't quite the same as East Texas. It is very nice and green around here and in my opinion, prettier than the Hill Country but pretty humid. Not used to being around a lake and pine trees and having to worry about alligators. Think I'd rather deal with bears that less numerous than alligators.

Between yesterday and today, this trip can only get better. Also found out Claudia (wings) who is coming Wednesday, is in a different section (full hookups) which is about two miles from the area I'm in. Refuse to unhook and drive anywhere - took me forever to get level the first time. We'll figure something out.

[BirdbyBird]

I am sending a mental "toast" to it can get better from this!

[BarbaraRose]

How frustrating! You wonder how they get anyone to come back there with it being so disorganized!

Time for some more wine to calm you down!

[Wings]

Karen, I will be there with my daughter on Tuesday. I have 2 bicycles that I travel with so we will be able to ride down to your site. You have my cell number, if you text me your number I will let you know what time I expect to be there. I am hoping I will get there around 2:00. I have been swapping all my stuff from one rig to the next and finally finished today. See you Tuesday!
Claudia

[Deeann]

That's some lousy customer service. Good thing you're a woman of steel.

[avalen]

sounds like they are in dire need of a camp host, the one they have doesn't seem to be working,

[snowball]

sounds like they are in dire need of a camp host, the one they have doesn't seem to be working,

some one ought to apply for it
really sounds like it was disorganized and not enough workers
but hopefully you have all your frustrations out and the trip will just get better
sheila

[retiredhappy]

The main problem, and this seems to be at most state parks in Texas, is that they don't make reservations and assign a particular site. When you actually check in, they hand you a map and you can pick your own site BUT they don't know if the previous person has left yet. The process wouldn't be so bad IF they would answer the damn phone. By 14 calls and being disconnected rather than placed on hold, I was totally pissed and cranky as only an old lady can get cranky. They need to do two things: assign specific sites and have someone drive around and check off sites as they empty. So simple but when you're dealing with any government agency, it always gets complicated. I came really close to leaving as there are about three Passport American parks nearby - cheaper than a state park and more amenities. I do have a Texas senior pass which gets me half off the entrance fee. Whoopty doo!! I don't buy the $70 annual pass cause I usually don't stay at state parks - too crowded and no enforcement of the rules about noise, dogs running loose, etc. I prefer CORP parks if there's one around - half price for me and usually smaller and less crowded.

[bluepinecones]

Sorry your trip got off to such a rough start. Hope things are improving by now and you get to really enjoy the rest of your adventure.

[WickedLady]

Sounds like a good place to stay away from.