Camp site reservations vary

Steve Woodhouse

Knoxville March 27, 2009 01:59 pm

— Reservations for camping this summer seem to be going well, but not everywhere.
As of last week, reservations for the county-operated Roberts Creek and Marion County Park campgrounds were a little below normal for this time of year. Reservations for the Knoxville Nationals at these sites are on keel compared to previous years. At each park, 30 percent of the sites cannot be reserved and campers are allowed to stay on a first come, first served basis.
Marion County Conservation Director Steve Edwards believes that as nice weather becomes more consistent, the number of reservations should increase. He said that by the end of the year, the campgrounds should have the same number of campers. Calls have been coming in slower due to the economy and the weather.
The economy is keeping at least one camper away from Rick Van Donsler’s RV Campgrounds along Highway 14. James Williams of Sedalia, Mo., has been coming to the same site for years.
In February, he and his wife traveled 3,300 miles to the Daytona 500 in his hybrid car. Coincidentally, they stayed with friends they made in Knoxville. But that trip cost the couple less than the $300 they spent on the approximately 500-mile round trip they made to Knoxville in their camper last year.
Williams said he still intends to visit the Knoxville Raceway at least twice this year. He has nothing but positive things to say about the town and its people.
Another Sedalia man not coming for the Nationals this year is Joe Funk. Funk has spent approximately the last 15 years coming to Knoxville and he believes it is time for a change.
“We really appreciate everything Rick and Joy have done,” Funk said of the VanDonslers. He and his wife just have different interests and would like to try a new location. Funk is not sure when he will be back to Knoxville, but he also sings the praises of the town.
“They really appreciate the race fans up there,” Funk said.
“I can tell you, we’re really, really disappointed,” Rick VanDonsler said of the number of reservations he’s seen this year. He believes most of his customers are staying away due to the economy.
However, VanDonsler also said many of his customers have called and expressed interest in staying in a camper that is already set up. If a local person is willing to let one of VanDonsler’s tenants use his or her camper, there is a chance to make $100 a night.
There are actually fewer camp sites currently available in the area. John Holt with the Corps of Engineers at Lake Red Rock said the Corps is not taking any reservations at Howell Station. The main priority for the Corps right now is to get the camp site ready, following last summer’s flooding. Holt hopes to have the campground operational by Memorial Day.
Right now, the Corps is spending money received for flood recovery. They are replacing electrical wiring, water valves, the sewage lift station and improving camp pads.
Holt describes these upgrades as temporary inconveniences, which will have a long-term benefit to the campgrounds. Ivan’s Campground also remains closed and will until Howell Station is operational.
The Corps is required to have 60 percent of its camp sites open for reservations. The Corps also runs the North Overlook, Wallaschuck and Whitebreast Campgrounds.
“I presume they’re going at a normal rate,” Holt said of reservations in these areas. The Corps is also in the design phase for other flood recovery projects, including North Overlook Beach, Marina Cove and mechanical repairs to the dam.
Upgrades are being done at the county’s campgrounds as well. Edwards said a new playground unit is being installed at Marion County Park. It is replacing a 26-year-old wooden structure that would not hold together anymore. The same is being planned for Roberts Creek. Edwards hopes to have the Edwards Creek playground installed by July 4.
The west campground at Roberts Creek will soon have 21 full-service camp sites, with 50-amp electrical service, water and sewer. Water is being added to some other electrical sites, which will also see an upgrade from 30-amp to 50-amp power. Some 30-amp sites will remain. Edwards hopes to have these sites ready by Memorial Day.
Rates at Roberts Creek and Marion County Park will be $20 a night for a full-service spot, $17 a night for a site with electric and water and $14 a night for a 30-amp electric site. Edwards said these rates are cheaper than the statewide average.
The state-run Elk Rock State Park has 87 campsites, have of which are reservable. Ranger Chad Rowson said reservations at Elk Rock are up compared to last year. The park was not affected by last year’s flooding.
Knoxville Raceway Campground Operator John Kamerick is out of town and could not be reached for comment on this article. Raceway staff felt he would be better at breaking down figures for the campground. For more information on camping, visit www.redrockarea.com, www.reserveiowaparks.com or www.knoxvilleraceway.com.