PARK REVIEWS: Valley Vista RV Resort and Van Horn KOA

We were able to find an ROD membership park for our overnight stay in Benson, Arizona on Monday.  We checked into the Valley Vista RV Resort, a Western Horizons Resort.  This was our first time visiting this RV park, and we feel that it is one we do plan to return to next year.

Valley Vista is located in high desert country in Southeastern Arizona, elevation 3,500 feet.  Nearby sightseeing is available in Bisbee, Douglas, and the Nat'l. Historic Sites of Tombstone.  There is a lot of beautiful scenery to take in as well.

Upon arrival we went into the office and were greeted by a very friendly park manager.  He had assigned us Site # 137, which was a pull through site.

Following the manager's directions we drove slowly to our site and crossed this dry wash on the way.

Here are some of the remaining RV's that haven't flown the coop yet from their snowbird vacations.

Here is space #137.  All of the spaces in this park have full hook-ups with 30 amp electric.  I will have to say that it was a little difficult getting the big Tour leveled out, as the site sloped to the driver side a lot.  We observed that many of the RV's had several leveling boards under jacks or tires, too.  We got the job done, though, and our tires weren't off the ground. (I don't like to have our wheels up off the ground)

After getting organized I took the camera for a walk around Valley Vista.  I found the pool area and it was small, but well kept with very clean water and nice landscaping.  Plenty of patio chairs, too.

Next to the pool area was the laundry.  Wow!  What a clean place.  I was impressed.  They had a rack full of magazines to borrow and there was even a sewing machine set up on a counter.  It was available for any park guest, but it needed to be used inside the laundry room.

Next, I went into the clubhouse area.  Again I found a neat and clean facility.  There were tables for games and social gatherings....plenty of space for potluck suppers!  There was also a pool table on the other side of the room.  Adjoining the dining room was a TV room.  There was a seating area for watching television, a library with books to trade, and boxes of jig saw puzzles for guest use.

There are a total of 145 full hook-up sites at this park.  There were also areas for horseshoes, shuffleboard, and a hot tub by the pool.  It was a great park and an easy find from I-10.  It is affiliated with Coast to Coast, RPI, AOR, and ROD.  We did see a sign by the road that said, "$25.00 per night".  We figured since peak season was over now, they probably accept campers not associated with membership parks.  We are hoping to return to this area next spring and plan to spend at least 3 or 4 days at this RV resort.
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Today...Tuesday, March 30th....we are staying at the Van Horn KOA in Van Horn, Texas.  Here is that brief review:

I have to admit that normally we do not choose KOA parks.  Most of our experiences staying at KOA parks have been so-so to lousy, plus the prices have been a little high compared to some other parks we'd stayed at.  Coming into Van Horn, Texas today we decided to choose an RV park rather than dry-camp as we had planned.  It was about 90F and we wanted air conditioning for the evening.  There were 2 parks in our Trailer Life Directory to look at and the KOA sounded best.  I phoned for reservations when we were driving through El Paso.  The manager who answered the phone was extremely polite and helpful.  He took the information for our reservation.  The usual large KOA sign greeted us upon arrival.

The office was right at the gate with plenty of room for the larger RV's to pull in and forward to allow room for several to park while checking in.  There is also a small "Kafe" on the property that serves breakfast and dinner.  The manager was on hand to check us in when we arrived.  He could not have been a more gracious host.  First of all he shook hands with us, then handled the check-in procedure with efficiency, and then bade us a good-night and "thanks for the business, I appreciate it."  What an awesome experience! 

We were assigned to a long pull-thru site with full hook-ups and 50 amp electric....for $35.00.  I think that is a very good price by today's standards for a full service park.  This park also has a barn and corrals for campers bringing their horses with them.  This is Texas you know!

The pool was still empty from the winter season, but will be ready for lots of swimming very soon.  There is also a little mini-golf course that kids will enjoy.  This KOA offers free wireless internet service also.  I really like this KOA park and will choose it again if we pass this way on another trip.  You might want to try it, too.  http://www.vanhorntexaskoa.com/

We didn't get here tonight until 7:30 as we encountered a time zone change.  So, I didn't get a chance to take many photos of this campground.  This will give you a brief peek at what this place looks like.

Until next time.....so long for now!