RJ Ranch RV Resort, Hillsville, VA

[brainpause]

//www.rjranchrvresort.com

At the time of this writing, the website wasn't working. I did go to Google's cache of the website. Anyhow, don't let the fact that their website isn't working right now scare you.

I am writing this in response to Austin's plea for more cg reviews. I can't believe I haven't written this before now, as this was the site for the 2003 Eastern Rally.

RJ Ranch RV Resort is a great place to go. There are several seasonals, but there is a separate part of the cg where you really feel like you are camping. You are surrounded by trees/woods, near a lake.

Each site was fairly spacious, and fairly level. You might have to do a little leveling, but only a couple of sites we saw were off kilter too much. W/E at most sites. My only complaint is that the hookups were sometimes in weird places. Maybe take plenty of hose and an extra extension cord. However, Bob, one of the co-owners, is nice enough to lend you a cord or hose if he has one. I think we saw him doing just that.

Anyway, the sites are graveled, with not a lot of mud. There are brand new bath/shower houses, with individual shower units. Don't forget to lock the door like I did, as your door opens to the outside!  

The lake is a pretty place to paddle boat, kayak, or just fish. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and bream. Had lots of fun fishing that week, as did Holly.

There is a playground for the kids, and what looks to be a shuffleboard area. I think horseshoes are also available. The waterslides are fun, but somehow built for smaller folks. Myself and a few others sorta got beat up going down them. As a matter of fact, I still have scars on my feet, as the slides are concrete. Don't worry about the little ones getting hurt. I think the bigger you are, the higher you go on the sidewalls around the curves, and that was causing our injuries. Limping and battle-scarred, I still rode the water slides 30 or more times.

The pool at the activity building is pretty nice too. They even have a lifeguard on duty. A nice big gameroom too. Their snack bar (when open) has great pizza and ice cream. Laundry room available there too. Bob also offers a nightly hayride. A pavilion is available for group meetings.

Mount Airy, NC is about a 30 mile drive. It is the model for Mayberry, and there is an Andy Griffith museum there that we found interesting. The Blue Ridge Parkway isn't too far, if you want to drive a few miles on it.

Admittedly, there isn't a lot to do outside the cg, but Holly and I agree that this was one of the best vacations we've had, as we both enjoyed just reading and sitting at the campsite.

Summary: Woodsy feeling at the sites, clean bathrooms, hard working owners. Good, no, GREAT place to camp.

Larry

[Gone-Camping]

Hmmmm, maybe schedule it the same time the PUX crowd is there, and you'll have a major Pop-up convention on your hands!!!!

[tlhdoc]

I agree with Larry that this is a very nice private campground.  We were there in 2003 with the Eastern Rally.

[SheBantam]

I gotta third that motion.  We had a great time and as of this writing, I still have reservations for the PUX rally to be held there as it is affordable enough to take a second trailer and the grandkids can enjoy camping.