My comments were never the beginning of a thread.....hence they made no sense....of course they may not have made much sense when i wrote them.....oh well!
Gone-CampingGone Camping,
We will see you in April. I have e-mailed stateparkgirl my reservation number. We will arrive on Friday April 9th and leave on Monday April 12.
Gone-Campingjstaddwtr,
The reservation center for Virginia State Parks Campgrounds is not site-specific. That means you have a site reserved, but we will let you choose your site when you get to Pocahontas. I ll just give you a site marker that tells you that you can choose and mark any site between 14 and 65 (it excludes the pull throughs and group sites 45-50) For you to rent site 50, you would have had to rent at least 3 of the 6 group sites (the group site have a 3 site minimum). Cliff (Gone-Camping) will probably do that, and let the group take those first, then fill in around them. You can even have a pull through, (sites 1-13) if one is available, but it will be farther away from the rest of the group. (See the campground map on the website).
I am also going to let him mark and hold all the sites that are reserved first thing Friday morning for everyone coming in Friday. We did this at Westmoreland - and it worked well (except for the 2 people that cancelled with the reservation center, but did not tell us!)
Cliff - let me know when you get to the point that you may be interested in a facility for a group get together. I can reserve the conference center, or maybe a large Dining Hall, depending on the size of the group. If you decide to go with a Outdoor Picnic Shelter, give me a call before you call the Reservation Center. If it s during the week, you may can use one without a reservation. We usually only have reservations for these on Saturdays and Sundays.
Looking forward to seeing everyone!
Louise
1992 Starcraft Starflyer
2003 F150 Supercrew
DH and 1987 daughter
Gone-CampingGroup center? Hmmm, didn t even know there was one there! Will keep in mind. Right now we re still thinking of having the group chip in and pay for one extra site that we can utilize for both the Pot Luck Dinner, as well as nightly group campfire. We d set up a tent & awnings to make it looked lived in. We did this at Trap Pond SP earlier this year, and worked really well. Made it easy for everyone in the group to wander in and out of the group get together each night.
EVERYONE...
Please post your reserveration number HERE so that StateParkGrl can put together a list and make sure we get the site s as she has described!
I wonder what happened to the original opening thread to this???
Since the original thread that started this has disapeared, I'm reposting it here...
For those of you that haven't heard yet, I've volunteered to be Wagon-Master for another 'Spring Fling, presented by MAPCE' (Mid-Atlantic Pop-up Camper Enthusiasts). We are a small, loose knit group of Pop-up (& Hybrid) campers that get together a few times per year. Most of us are regulars at PUT/PUX/PUP/iRV2/RV.net (among other places), and we are extending our invitation to join our "Spring Fling" next April. This invitation is being cross posted at the PUT/PUX/iRV2/RV.net sites and is open to everyone who would like to attend. Though our core group is made up of Pop-up's, we have some Hybrids TT's, at least one Class-A MH, and possibly a tenter or two. It doesn't matter what you camp in, everyone that is interested in attending is welcome to come along.
I stopped in at Pocahontas State Park and spoke with the lone employee in the place, Louise (aka StateParkGrl). We discussed the plans that I was putting together for a spring camp-out, and we that we want to hold it at Pocahontas State Park on Easter Weekend. This particular weekend is being chosen to allow families to take advantage of spring break, which follows Easter Sunday.
Pocahontas State Park was chosen for it's central location. The park is located in
Chesterfield Va, just south of Richmond Va. It's only a few miles off of I-95 which makes it an easy drive for those coming from northern areas as well as south in the Carolina's. The park is roughly 2 hours from Tidewater in the East, Charlottesville in the west, Washington DC to the north, and Rocky Mount NC to the south. I suspect we can get a lot of people to join on for this one, largely due to it's location.
We've started things in motion early this year, in part to ensure we can get enough sites for our group, and to give everyone a enough of an advance to plan on it. Last years Spring Fling was so late in getting it together, the reservations only opened 30 days before the camp-out.
Date: Easter Weekend, April 9th, 10th, and beyond? 2004...
Make reservations by phone, post reservation numbers here.
Phone: 1-800-933-PARK (1-800-933-7275....8am-5pm Monday thru Friday) Then post your reservation number so Louise can keep track of them for us. It was suggest you call them in and avoid using the online system at Reserve America.
Park Address...
10301 State Park Rd.
Chesterfield Va. 23838
(804)796-4255
Campground maps....
Screen size image (//%22http://www.gonecamping.net/reviews/images/pocahontas3.jpg%22)
Large Hi-Resolution Image (//%22http://www.gonecamping.net/reviews/images/pocahontas-sp.jpg%22)
Camp sites are currently $20 per night, price is expected to go up after Jan 1st, so make reservations before then to lock in the lower price.
Pocahontas State Park is not blocking off sections of the loop, not yet anyway. We have to fill both the triple group sites (45-46-47 and 48-49-50) before they will block the rest of the loop. This is no problem, I'll be reserving the 45/46/47 block, so all we need is another group that wants three sites together to claim the other triple site. From there they will block the rest of the 41-54 loop.
Keep in mind they have a total of 65 campsites, all have water and electric hook-ups. Each site also contains a level site pad, picnic table, ground grill/fire ring, and a lantern pole. Bath houses have flush toilets and hot showers. There is also a drink vending machine near the center bath house.
Louise tells me that Easter is not a huge weekend for them, but we do need to book early enough to keep the group together. Since this time slot precedes spring break and Pocahontas is not exactly a "destination campground" this shouldn't be a problem.
We are considering renting an "Extra" site like we did at Trap Pond this year, that everyone can chip in a dollar or two in order to pay for it. We'll use the "Extra" site for group gatherings such as nightly campfire and a pot luck dinner. We can set up a tent and some quick shade canopies to make it "look" occupied. The exact site for this has yet to be determined, but we'll try and keep if fairly central to the area we are in.
Speaking of which, sites 40 - 54 are the ones that we are currently trying to fill. There are plenty more if they fill fast. A good site for the group thing looks like #52, but I'll have to talk to Louise again and find out. She told me I could drive through and look around today, but the gate was closed as they are still cleaning up from Hurricane Isabel so I couldn't get in there. It's possible I'll stop back in there next week and get a good look around!
We'll also need a volunteer to co-ordinate the Pot-Luck dinner, but we don't have to get into that aspect of if until spring. Right now, we are focusing on reservations.
Not just a shameless plug to get it on top again, but thought I'd post a list of those that signed up. I haven't quite made the reservation yet, but will do so soon. I also should have pictures available for Pocahontas by next weekend!
Currently signed up....
Gone-Camping (ummm, me??) + 2 kids (Reservation made)
SheBantam + DH & 1 kid (Possible Maybe)
ACER + DW & 1 kid (plus 1 very large dog) (Reservation Made)
Davester#5 & Bevgirl + 3 kidsReservation (Made)
Beth Parks + DH & kids
Mahaffey Family (Reservation made)
jstaddwtr + 2 kids (Reservation made)
TJWSantaFe (Definate "Maybe")
UPDATE: Only about one week left to lock in 2003 prices for this camp-out. Price goes up after January first!
We will make our reservations this week. We will see you in April. (:-))
I do not get around Richmond. Raymond really liked NPN, though he did not stay the entire time I did.
Within an easy drive, what is there to do? any great Super Walmarts? (Actually any super Walmart is great since we have to travel 30 miles into PA or 50 miles to South of Dover to find one that does not have a toll enroute.) Or even Bigg Lotts??? I really like that place.
Yes, the WalMart Supercenter is 10 minutes away. Big Lots is maybe 20 minutes. Closest mall is 30 minutes. Richmond (downtown) is 30 minutes. Great Farmers market and weekend outdoor flea markets there. Also the Riverfront Canalwalk, which you can walk or take a tour boat on.
Both Richmond and Petersburg Battlefield Parks are within 30 minutes (Pocahontas is half way between the two). There are also some really good wildlife birding places along the James River to see Eagles, Herons, and Hawks nesting.
Or, tour the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, or the Civil War Museum, or the Edgar Allen Poe Museum, or a number of other cultural things in Richmond. One of my kids favorite places is the Richmond Children's Museum.
Louise
1994 Starcraft Starflyer
2003 F150 Supercrew
DH and 1987 daughter
SheBantam,stateparkgrl,
You have got me thinking about this trip.. I am thinking about it......HARD
It must be that time again.... Were we not here awhile ago?
Louise knows the area better than I do, she lives there! I do know that there is a ton of places to see for Civil War Buff's!!!
The campground itself is really nice, shaded sites, well spaced, much like Newport News is. We're going to have one site designated as the Group Area with canopy, group campfire, I'm even going bring my new Solar powered path lights and stick them in the ground around the group site.
We'll hold the pot luck at that site, as well as nightly group campfires like we did at Trap Pond last year.
The location is why I chose this place, it's just very convenient to most everyone, only about 10-15 mins off of I-95 just south of Richmond. I also recommend making reservations soon, as spring approaches campsite's are likely to be reserved by others not in our group.
Gone-Camping,
Just wonder how cold it will be that early in the spring. I am in a Popup right.
I remember last year on the 1st of April, weekend when we were out with 3-4 inch's of snow over Saturday night. Wake up and battle with closing up was a night mare.
Hey Cliff, I have to tell you that I really enjoyed your web site!
We camp every year the week of spring break, and usually rain is more of a problem than cold. Our average daily temperatures in Early April should get into the 60s at least - with nights being comfortable with a good sleeping bag and a decent small heater.
I agree that reservations should be made as soon as possible. One thing that may help is that this is Easter Weekend. That's why I haven't committed yet - I may have church commitments I will have to keep. Also - my mom's 75th birthday is April 9th (Friday) and we are planning a big surprise party for her.
Louise
1994 Starcraft Starflyer
2003 F150 Supercrew
DH and 1987 daughter
You also have Maymont Park, Hollywood cemetery, Halocaust , Wilton House which was Jeffrson's home,The Canal Walk is wonderful, I have always wanted to do the boats. the Annabelle Lee was wonderful but, I just found out it set sail for Newport News today, they sold it. Lots of shopping, eating and just about anything you would want to do. I really miss living there as you can see.
Whitestar...Thanks for the comments on my website! Now all I gotta do is get it updated again, time to get Santa off the homepage!
As for temps, it should be reasonably comfortable. We held one of these camp-out's in Newport News on the same weekend last year, and temps were around 60 or so. As Louise pointed out, it could get rainy...but I've got a huge tarp that could be rigged up over the group site. I've lived in Virginia for over 25 years, and have seen it snow in April only once that I can remember. Just a week ago it was 70
Hello all
We have made our resevation for Easter weekend. We will be arriving Thursday evening about 8pm staying until Sunday.
We no longer are members of the Arvee club. I use to be JAB and then Luv2camp
Rich and Jackie Burck
JAB!!! I was wondering what happened to ya! Glad to have you on board. We'll need to start posting eveyone's reservation confirmation numbers soon so Louise (StateParkGrl) can track them for us.
See you then (I'll be arriving on Thursday also)....
Cliff, Sorry that I have not been around..
Loses have been great in my family over the last six months.
I will contact the resevations place this week to set up our site with the group. Then email Louise the number.
have a good day.. I am going to break out the snow blower today..
Hey Tim and Penny - good to hear from you again.
Looks like we will have a nice group at Pocahontas in April. I'm not sure how much of the weekend Earl and I will be able to be there. My mom's 75th birthday is Friday, April 9th - and we are busy that night with that, but should be able to join the group Saturday. The problem is that Chesterfield County has their spring break THE WEEK BEFORE Easter, not after - so we can't make it a long weekend like some are.
My condolences on your loss. Earl's father also passed away on New Years Day. We were all packed to leave for the Fair Convention in Roanoke for 4 days - and his sister called with the news (we were 30 minutes from leaving!) He was buried Sunday the 4th. Since then, we have had to spend alot of time trying the figure out where to move his mom. (who now is without a home because she wanted to stay in the nursing home with him and Earls #@*! sister sold her house out from under her.) It's a mess - but we're dealing with it a day at a time.
Cheryl and I were trying to plan the Eastern rally - and trying REAL HARD to find a campground that would be more affordable. No one could seem to decide on a state for awhile...but it looks like the group has decided on Drummerboy Campground in Gettysburg. Nice place - but at 35.00 a night - I'm afraid we can't afford it. I guess I'm really spoiled by State Parks...
Let me know when you guys decide to get to Pocahontas after you make your reservation. Be sure to tell the reservation center that you are with the Popuptimes group - they will make a note of it on my arrivals list.
Looking forward to seeing you!
Louise
Hello All!
Whew! Where has the time gone? I think the last time I made my way to the boards was last October... school, opening a business, and supporting my daughters softball habit. Glad to see all is well.
Just made our reservations (2 sites), will be arriving Friday the 9th. Hoosya will be getting back from his deployment and we all are ready to relax in the outdoors. Look forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting the new.
Cliff - If there is anything we can help with, let us know.
JAB - I must laugh...we live less than 5 miles apart yet we must travel to see each other.
Question for StateParkGrl...
Louis, curious what you think about #42 as a group site? It's easily located to and visible from the main loop, and because of the open field ajacent to the site, provides plenty of room to "stretch" should the group get large enough. Being that the field is right there for kids to play in is just another plus. Thoughts or comments?
Updated list....
Gone-Camping (WagonMaster)
SheBantam
ACER + DW & 1 kid (plus 1 very large dog)
Davester#5 & Bevgirl + 2 kids
Beth Parks + DH
Mahaffey Family
jstaddwtr + 2 kids
StateParkGrl + DH (At least part of the weekend)
TJWSantaFe
JAB
Budman23462
PhotoSpread
Articulady
Whitestar505 (Maybe)
MarAgt
Cindy Hurr
Order191
I'm sure I'm missing some.... but this what I have so far. As spring closes in, we're likely to have more!
Quote from: stateparkgrlLet me know when you guys decide to get to Pocahontas after you make your reservation. Be sure to tell the reservation center that you are with the Popuptimes group - they will make a note of it on my arrivals list.
Louise
I did mention that we were with the popup group when I made my reservation (401925) today for Thurs., Fri., Sat. nights, but I thought I'd better let you know as well.
--John, Terri, Robby
2002 hybrid dog Josie
2000 Dutchman Classic 1208
1998 Chevy Blazer
"Unregistered"..... From the sig line, I'm guessing screen name 'Order191' ??? I see you have confirmed reservations, need to confirm your screen name so I can add you to the list...
*C*
our reservation number is: 402030 from 4-9 to 4-11
Quote from: Budman23462Hello All!
Whew! Where has the time gone? I think the last time I made my way to the boards was last October... school, opening a business, and supporting my daughters softball habit. Glad to see all is well.
Just made our reservations (2 sites), will be arriving Friday the 9th. Hoosya will be getting back from his deployment and we all are ready to relax in the outdoors. Look forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting the new.
Cliff - If there is anything we can help with, let us know.
JAB - I must laugh...we live less than 5 miles apart yet we must travel to see each other.
I know Budman we live so close but don't talk. We are no longer pop-up campers we bought a TT. Look forward to seeing at the sping fling!!
Cliff
Thanks for all you are doing to organize this.
Jackie
Quote from: Gone-CampingJAB!!! I was wondering what happened to ya! Glad to have you on board. We'll need to start posting eveyone's reservation confirmation numbers soon so Louise (StateParkGrl) can track them for us.
See you then (I'll be arriving on Thursday also)....
Well Cliff
We have our pop-up for sale and bought a 28 ft TT. We know the park has a few pull thru's and are hoping for one due to our size now.
I did email Louise with our reservation # but will post here also.
1-4000409
See you in April
Jackie
Well, you're more than welcome to a pull through site, but they are quite a distance from the area the group will be in. However, we'll have people on hand than can help guide you into a back-in site!!!
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