Back in the mid 1980's when I purchased my first Motor Home, Campgrounds with full hook up used to cost $10.00 to $15.00 a night. It encourages people to invest into Motor Homes, Trailer Campers, Pop Up Tents and good clean Family fun.
Today, times have changed quite a bit, especially in the past year. Campgrounds are increasing their rates aren't really doing a whole lot to offer more for the money. Take Cherrystone Campground for instance. Cherrystone seems to be one of the most popular retreats locally and for years we have enjoyed staying there.
However, their rates are now $75.00 per night and God Forbid you have friends stop in, they now charge $15.00 per person to visit and $5.00 for their car. While this seems outrageous, they also advertise their new Lazy River, (pictured in the third photo) and I don't care who you are, that's a river??? It was closed this past weekend and everyone was complaining.
Their rates to rent a Golf Cart are also outrageous. It seems as if Campgrounds are becoming a place only the rich can afford. For many, just getting there cost a small fortune in gas and by the time you get finished and head home you've blown hundreds of dollars on games, 3 wheel bicycles, golf carts, the list goes on and on.
To charge what a Hotel would charge per night just doesn't sit very well with many of the people I spoke with and every single one of them stated they wouldn't be returning next year.
Two years ago we drove to Disney World and spent six nights in Fort Wilderness, one of the finest Campgrounds I have ever experienced. If you're not aware, Fort Wilderness is its own Theme Park in Disney World, offering all kinds of entertainment for children.
While we stayed there, the entire five day adventure in Disney World cost us a whole $1,200.00 for three. It even included cable TV, one meal per day and passes to all of the Disney Parks. I believe the charge to actually stay in Fort Wilderness was only $55.00 per night. Perhaps now you can see the irony of a place like Cherrystone charging $75.00 per night. Granted, it's local but there are hundreds of Campgrounds within a days drive that are much less.
As you can see from the first picture, Cherrystone wasn't hurting for business but like I said earlier, many stated they wouldn't be returning. All that being said, what other Campgrounds, (should you enjoy camping) do you enjoy? What amenities do you enjoy when you go camping. Fishing, crabbing, clamming, hiking, biking, scenery, lakes, bays, ocean, shopping, theme parks and other activities.
We stayed in Kiptopeke State Park about 3 mins. from the Tunnel. A little further up from Cherrystone. We had a great time there with the beach and trails and fishing and it was reasonable. We rented a travel trailer for $88 a night which was great. Not bad at all and we will return. And if I remember correctly the rates for RV spots were not expensive.
ReplyDeleteTry the Wal mart lot they don't charge, the shopping is great and you get to see some clowns
ReplyDeleteMy brother and I grew up spending the bulk of our summers at Cherrystone with our grandparents in the 70's.... roller skating, flying kites, nights of Racko and coloring books... and who could forget following the fogger truck with our bikes breathing in all those now banned pesticides..... WOW Give Tall Pines Campground a try, reminds us of the old Cherrystone
ReplyDeleteBeing affordable is the reason our family of 4 starting camping a few years ago. We have been to Cherrystone a few times. I must say they do have the best pools around, but you do pay the price. They advertise themselves as a family resort, but their pricing consists of 2 adults. You must pay extra for each child. That on top of the already higher than most rates, plus fees for visitors and such makes it NOT so affordable anymore. We like the campgrounds with water access because my husband is big on fishing, crabbing, clamming and my children love swimming in the pools so it's a shame they have to charge so much as we would go more often.
ReplyDeleteYou should give all Pines a try . They have really done massive amounts of work to improve the campers stay Its always a pleasure to go there the owners see to it !!
ReplyDeleteWe haven't been to Cherry stone in about 6 years. The last time we were there it was horrible. We waited almost an hour to get into our spot because an employee had parked their truck there. There were TONS of other spots they could have moved us to but they wouldn't. Most of the games were out of order and the staff was rude to say the least. We tried fort wilderness also about 10 years ago no luck ther either. They put 6 of us in a tiny little trailer that did't even have enough room to unload your suit cases and would only let you park 1car by the trailer.
ReplyDeleteWe camped at the camp ground at Cedar point and it was wonderful. The kids had a blast being so close to the park. There have been a few other campgrounds we have stayed at from point A to B but nothing that really stands out. Most are getting so high its not worth going. By the time you pay the extra for gas, plus the price at the camp ground you are better off just getting a hotel room.
joe, you know better. Tall pines is more relaxing.
ReplyDeleteAssateague any day of the week.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I just bought our first travel trailer and are super excited to take the kids on some summer adventures next year.... any suggestions on good camp grounds?
ReplyDeleteTall Pines is definately the best if you want to stay on the lower shore. My little family only goes to Cherrystone once a year just because of tradition. We used to go more but have found that the people are getting more rude as the years go by. I have found that some of the best scenery and nicest campgrounds are in the Lancaster PA area.
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ReplyDeleteAs I stated before Cedar point is well worth the trip. There are a few other theme parks you can stop at on the way.
My family enjoys Toms Cove in Chinqeteague, VA. It was $45 a night for the weedends with water and electric. We tent it because we love the "real" camping experience. Had a great time!
ReplyDeleteI have camped at Cherrystone the last 22 years it was great the kids loved camping there,some of their best memories of summer were at the campground.The campground had a full time rec director, kids had activities every day it was very entertaining.
ReplyDeleteThe original owner died and the son took over it was still a very nice campground later the son died of a heart attack and it seems now its all about money and nothing else.
Over time everything changes I will always remember it for all the good memories,this is the first year in 22 years that I haven't camped at Cherrystone and I am not sure I will go back ,last year I was there at campers appreciation weekend we had a good time,but I had paid for friend to stay two nights with us and it was about $30.00 that's fine then a problem arose and he had to go home the same day,I asked for refund and they said no refunds that's the policy, so much for campers appreciation weekend! The past 22 years I have spent a good sum of money at Cherrystone
campground and felt I was gouged
I guess the rules are rules and Cherrystone campground has plenty of them. I guess its time to move on someone else will take my place I hope their children will be able to grab some of those Cherrystone memories.
Another vote for Tall Pines in Sanford, Va. Cherrystone?? Never again.
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I tried to view the CG once as we passed by with the intent of staying there in the future. We were refused, no reason given. No problem, I'll spend my money where I am wanted.
ReplyDeleteWe camped at Kiptopeke State Park in Va this past weekend. About 2 hrs South of Salisbury. Can't beat the price. 30.00 per night with water, sewer, electric hook up. This campground is on the Chesapeake Bay and offers fishing, crabbing, swimming, hiking trails. It seems to be a great place to go if you have children. There are plenty of free or low cost activities for them. When you check in the clerk will give you a list of activities they have planned for the week. They also have a nice playground and bike trails. It was our first time at this park and we are looking forward to returning.
ReplyDeleteThere are many local places that I would prefer to cherrystone, i have never seen what people like about that place. I like Maddox in Chincoteague, and Tall Pines in sanford. Frontier town is expensive but I do enjoy going there as well. But honestly in these times you just can't beat TRAP POND! 23$ in state and 26 out of state. No pool unfortunately, but nice bike/walking trails, fishing, and lots of serenity. Now that is a bargain!!!
ReplyDeleteMy advice is go enjoy the state parks. Prices are great and lots to do for the kids
ReplyDeleteTry Roaring Point in Nanticoke. Nice river views for fishing, and really friendly staff. Sometimes Tranzfusion plays down there for a great "free" show. You'll save a mint on gas and plenty of travel time, too.
ReplyDeleteTall pines is nice but its expensive just like Cherrystone. I gave up on campgrounds and bought my own property in Va at Trails End. Even though they need to do more cleaning up (meaning old trailers out) at least its overall cheaper than campground prices and its MINE!!!
ReplyDeleteWe recently enjoyed camping at Shad Landing. It was only $30/night with electricity.
ReplyDeleteTrails End?? NEVER!! Has too much of a trashy feeling to me. Go to Tall Pines. You won't be sorry.
ReplyDeleteWe enjoy Killens Pond State Park in Delaware. Many activities (hiking, fishing, Friday night outdoor concerts) and the water park admission is only $2 for adults, and $1 for kids. Great value!
ReplyDeleteCastaways in OC is a very nice place! Some of the delux sites can be a little pricey-but most sites are $65 a night for two adults and four kids under 10. Great private beach, dog parks, pools, and a free beach shuttle. They too have a full time rec director with plenty of free activities including a free ice cream social Friday night and a Free Panacake Breakfast on Saturdays.
ReplyDeleteCherrystone was the highlite of my summers as a child. I took my family there the first week of August this year and was shocked at how it has gone downhill. Exspensive, dirty and a very rude staff. I did talk to the lady that runs the produce stand and she told me that it's the same owners as always. Only that the husband died and the wife oversees it. The wife got rid of most of the old staff and hires teenagers. She said the teenagers have the owner fooled into thinking everything is just peachy and compalints are covered up. It's a damn shame that use to be such a great place to go!
ReplyDeleteTall Pines is the place Sherry and Ray Barker are the owners. They have turned this into a nice place to take your family camping. We went this past weekend. We arrived Friday afternoon, left Sunday at 11 am. cost $84.00 full hookup. It was the Jimmy Buffet Beach Party (it rained but they still had it under their tent), free cheeseburgers at five o"clock then the band Barren Creek play from 6 pm until 10 pm. We had a great time. They have a pool, rec room for the kids, beach, play ground. place is maintained very well.
ReplyDeleteI love cherrystone and think you should stay there. its so much fun on their holiday weekends and thats when you really get your moneys worth. yes they have become more about the money but its still a very good stay. :D my fav place in the whole world.
ReplyDeleteI am currently sitting on one of cherrystones picinic tables and thought I would jump online (thanks Iphone) and see what others thought about the campground. I myself am a tent camper and with the outragous cost of a two night off season stay I know I will not be returning, I can see the potential for this place to be exciting but this morning I rode my bike around to see all the pools closed. The standing water made most all other activities impossible. I can see them charging a decent ( not as high as it is) fee if all the properties amenities were available for use but this weekend it's just a pinestraw covered ground to sleep on. I grow up camping north bend park at kerr dam and enjoy that style camping, I was begged by friends to join them thus weekend here at cherrystone and I am here to say, I will be sticking to my bare basics camping on Sky Line Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway. It beats the heck out of sleeping on the ground for the cost of a decent hotel bed.
ReplyDeleteWhen we arrived at Cherrystone this weekend we paid our money and proceeded to our campsite. But we could not get to our campsite because the camp area was under water. Cherrystone told us they would not refund our money because it was their policy to NOT Refund money not matter what the circumstance... MY CAMPSITE WAS UNDER WATER!! we paid for the whole weekend and only stayed about an hour. We will NEVER return!
ReplyDeletejust got home from cherrystone have been going four the last five years and sometimes twice a year but this was my last trip after all i seen they hand you rules when you enter the campground why i dont know because they dont inforce them and the whole week i never seen anyone inforcing them u have to be fourteen to go into the pool by yourself but yet you can be on the peers by yourself around alot more water then there was kids on the peers drop kicking and killing young crabs they caught i went to the bait shop reported they said someone would be down no one showed up so i opened my mouth the kids left then then was fishin on the peer on wensday night and a group of kids came out using the N word and cusing like crazy and was surprised to see the one was a worker the bath houses they clean in daytime the last time i believe is at 4 so when we went up at 8 they was cruddy they say its a family campground but yet you got to pay for your kids its a big joke well i wont be going back and alot of people we talked to says they wont be returning one last thing sewers was clogging up and then when it rained the one night all the drains was clogged so i unclogged are drain because the guy i ask said he be back so i knew not to wait
ReplyDeleteComing across this blog online was rather upsetting for me because it's very true. I'm 20 years old now, and my family has gone to Cherrystone every summer since I wasn't even a year old. So this hits right at home because growing up, even as a 17 and 18 year old, Cherrystone was the only thing I knew and looked forward to every single summer. When I was still an infant, my family was still in their tent camping stages. I was 3 or 4 before they finally upgraded to a pop-up camper and about 11-12 before they upgraded to a 30 foot trailer. Due to these upgrades, every summer we started staying longer. Every since we got our trailer, we've gone to Cherrystone every summer for a straight 4 weeks. And let me tell you, Cherrystone was fun when I was little, but even being young, I saw all of the changes happening every year as I grew up and I hated it.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember the name of the original owner but things were great when he ran the park. When he died, I believe his son took over and when the son passed away from a heart attack, that's when it really went downhill. The main issue is that it's practically run by teenagers now. They took the family out of the campground by charging for kids (which I believed they've changed now by 2012, kids are included now). Ernie(used to run the Bait and Tackle Shop with his wife) was even told to leave Cherrystone because they didn't like how they, quote, "ran it like a mom and pop store." They took what was good and fun out of Cherrystone. Just like in a grade school, the pumped the place full of rules and the only people who seem to get penalized for breaking the rules are the ones that might break one rule once, rather than the kids who run around cussing or riding their bikes at night or the people who catch kill or keep illegal sized fish and crabs or the people who otherwise readily abuse the system.
They're still jacking up prices for no reason. The highlight of our summer trip was always watching the fireworks for fourth of july. 10 years ago, those shows last 30 minutes plus. In the last couple years, they've lasted just over 10 minutes. The campground is poorly managed, their activities and amenities are getting cheaper and yet their prices are becoming ridiculous. Honestly, the only reason my family even goes there anymore is for flounder fishing, soft crabbing, and hard crabbing. I didn't get to go last year since I was employed for DNR but I'm excited to be going to visit my family for 8 days this summer (Even though it'll cost me, my boyfriend and my car $35 a night to stay. Honestly, it's not worth $300+ but we have no where else as good as Cherrystone for soft crabbing especially, and also to be honest, it's like a tradition that I miss).
Cherrystone was awesome back in it's day and if you didn't ever camp there before the mid 2000's I completely understand why you hate it. My request though is not to hate the campground, it's still good for everything it's got. Hate the people running it, hate the people employed there, and hate the economy.
I miss the old Cherrystone.
Joe, KOA in the outer banks just went through a major overhaul due to hurricane Irene damage. I know it's a five hour drive, but it's right on the beach, new pool, playground, lots for kids to do, and not over the top outrageous. I love local as much as the next person but for the outer banks, it's worth it.
ReplyDeleteBy far not what it used to be. In the past they were very welcoming, friendly staff. Now it appears to be just a place the owners make money at, taking every opportunity to charge for anything they can. Only their greed has grown. What a great family place this USED to be. Hopefully they'll turn it around. Would love to go back to the "old" Cherrystone.
ReplyDeleteSounds like just another greedy owner that doesn't, appreciate how good he or she has it, obviously they didn't earn it because if they did they would care about their customers! No thanks, they won't get one dime from me!!!
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