Learn more insights from Wanderboat AI.
I would never leave a bad review on the natural landscape of a park or forest, because all are equally stunning. This place is no exception- we camped at Balsam, and the landscape was STUNNING. We had a great night's sleep, and I had perfect solitude in the evening. We saw two other people walking by and no cars. I would highly recommend this aspect.
However, I will rate a place based on management. This is one of the most poorly managed parks I have been to. It was extremely difficult to find information about the park, and it wasn't until we called that we got a good understanding of the layout and how camping there worked. The lady on the phone made us feel incredibly silly for not knowing all the sites we could stay at or the size of each site.
The site was beautiful, as I said, but I noticed dead branches overhanging above the lean-to. A big wind storm would knock them right onto the campsite. I have family who work in recreation, and part of their job is ensuring these dangers do not exist. I do not know why it is getting overlooked.
When we went to leave in the morning, we drove the entire way around the loop because we were told it was a one-way road. The gate at the other end was locked, and we had to drive back to the other gate to get out. So frustrating.
However, the porta potties outside the campsites were the cleanest ones I have ever been in.
Overall, a beautiful place and I'd recommend it. However, the management...
Read more
I woud love to give this wonderful park shining five stars or more, if it was possible — the grounds, the trails, the staff, all of it, BUT I just cannot for one simple, unfortunate reason: people that visit the park. Folks that come to this park to walk their dog(s), but do it more often than not plain thoughtlessly — even against the park rules — by letting their dog or dogs go free! I live less than 10 minutes from Mountain Lakes Park and go there on a daily basis with my dog, who is always on a leash there! Or at least I would love to, but this morning I felt I’ve had it! My planned good hike ended abruptly as I ran yet again into to an owner who’s large dog was unleashed! I’ve seen, no exaggeration, a dog walking free or unleashed EVERY time I’ve gone there! In some cases folks have the dog under control and that alleviates my stress as I see they’re capable of handling the situation. But in as many cases they hastily have to rush and grab hold of their dog, and are barely able to keep him/her as we go by. Last spring I was bitten by a dog walking free, in an unprovoked incident! I had to go to the emergency room and so on. I don’t wanna go into details, but veth scary! So I know what i’m talking about. I hope all people can go to this park and enjoy it freely, without fear of being approached by a dog walking free! And I hope the park administration finds a way to make the...
Read more
After looking for a venue that fit our vibe as an outdoorsy couple, we cannot be happier we chose Mountain Lakes Park for our wedding. First of all, the staff couldn’t possibly be nicer. Taro, Heidi, Diana, Paul — we adore you guys! You made everything so easy and we are so grateful.
Location-wise: The Spruce Lake campus could not be any more gorgeous and all encompassing. The dining hall is what dreams are made of! An industrial kitchen and gorgeous huge windows?! The boathouse and lake area are incredible with the treeline. The pavilions were perfect for our welcome party and breakfast send off. And the yurt village!! The ability to have our guests stay over and to do a campfire after was magical!
Seriously, such a unique park for a unique wedding. We cannot wait to keep coming back here to recreate and celebrate...
Read more
