Mountainaire Campground and RV Park — Hotel in Area C (Arrowsmith-Benson)

We had a very disappointing experience with this RV stay and would not recommend it.

First of all, the RV was far from clean when we checked in. There was dust , even spider webs, especially around the windows, frames and closets. The whole RV had a damp, moldy smell that was very unpleasant — not at all fresh. This was supposed to be their “newest” RV (G3), but if this is the best condition they can offer, I can’t imagine how the older ones are. The space inside was cramped, and the faucets screeched loudly every time they were turned on and off. On top of that, the RV did not feel secure — it wobbled whenever anyone walked inside, and even at night when someone turned over in bed, the whole thing shook. It did not feel stable or safe.

We had expected proper cookware like other Airbnbs or accommodations, so we only brought a few basics. Unfortunately, the cookware provided in the RV was greasy, dusty, and poorly maintained. The pots didn’t even have a lid. In the end, we had to wash their dirty pans just to make them usable.

On checkout day, despite the cabin checkout being 11am, we woke up early, looked after the kids, prepared breakfast, packed up, and cleaned out all the garbage. To make sure everything was on time, we returned both the cabin and the RV by 9:40am. As instructed by the notice posted inside the RV, we left the RV key on the hook by the door and told the staff that the RV key had been left inside, handed in the cabin key, and he even said goodbye to us.

After checking out, we thought it would be fine to leave our car outside since new guests don’t check in until after 4:00pm. We walked to the nearby river, less than a 15-minute walk away, without stopping — just took a quick look and headed straight back. The round trip was only about half an hour and would not have affected parking for the next guests. While we were already on our way back, we received a rude phone call asking why our car was still there. I explained that I was just walking back and would move it right away.

As I was almost back to the car, my friend (who had arrived first) told me that staff said the floor hadn’t been swept. We were surprised — in all our hotel and Airbnb stays, we have never been told we had to sweep the floor before leaving. While we were still surprised and hadn’t yet processed that we were supposedly expected to sweep, the staff told us, “It’s fine, just go.” So we left.

Later, I noticed a mysterious charge on my credit card. When I contacted them, they came up with exaggerated excuses, claiming it was an additional cleaning fee. Seriously, the accommodation cost already included cleaning fees, and we caused no damage at all — how can they just randomly charge us? On top of that, at the time, the staff had told us “It’s fine, just go.”

Overall:

RV was not clean, smelly, and poorly maintained from the start.

Facilities were minimal, dusty, greasy, and not guest-ready.

Checkout was handled unprofessionally.

Extra charge was made without permission, with excuses added afterward.

This business is unreliable. The product is poor, the service is poor, and the way they handle guests is even worse. If I hadn’t checked my credit card, I wouldn’t even have known they secretly charged me. For anyone considering staying here — think twice. We definitely...

A good experience ended badly. I moved to the Nanaimo area from the mainland and settled on Mountainaire because they allowed me a month to month tenancy. ( I was not sure when my permanent residence would solidify ). I was willing to put up with the dirty facilities, poor phone and internet connection and awkward location for just that reason. When I booked they told me that I could run month to month from the 15th to the 15th as long a I needed up until April of 2020 - to which I wholeheartedly agreed. No notice upon leaving was necessary. Now because my living arrangements moved forward faster than expected, I moved out on the 15th of the following month. After leaving I found out they charged my C/C double the agreed upon price. When called to explain they said they charged me the weekly rate because I was not the 1st to the 1st and left without notice.( I did give them 12 days - to which they said no problem and did not mention any of the above). They became very hostile, told me they were a business and not a charity and that my mid month departure prevented them from renting my site. When I pointed out they had a plethora of sites to rent and were no where near capacity I was told that's not the point I was required to give notice. When I pointed out that I did in fact give them almost two weeks they said it wasn't good enough and that they required at least 1 month in advance. News to me of course. Anyway, I'm deeply disappointed and feel used and ripped off. As a result I would recommend for anyone getting reso's here to get the terms in writing. Had they explained this policy upon my booking I certainly would've made arrangements to stay elsewhere. I'm definitely not impressed and give Mountainaire a 1/5 for poor business practices.

In response to your response: What a pile of garbage. You make it sound like I was trying to skip on my bill. After giving you a C/C. Why would I check out? I paid you for a month. In advance. As per our agreement- which we arranged before we arrived. And I let you know 12 days in advance I was leaving. Which we arranged, in advance, before we arrived. Never have i had to check out of a campsite before. It's fair you charged me double the agreed rate?? Because I didn't swing by the office and say goodbye?? How pathetic.We were on a month to month- 15 to 15. I stand by my comments. Horrible business practices. You should be ashamed...

We came here for our first time for Canada Day Long weekend 2018. The campground we could rate about a 4 as it is well maintained and while they have crammed quite a few spots in they are easy to access and still somewhat forested which is nice! They also offer full service and partial service which is nice. The store is the office is by far the best we have seen. Everything from tv supplies to old school candy options. We loved the frozen grab and go food like mini pizzas and tacos which makes kid snacks and lunches a breeze! The had a Canada Day Kids carnival which was actually really fun for everyone. Even the adults in our party for into the fun playing in the human hamsterballs!!! The games are great cause they give out a prize to each kid almost every time so no one leaves disappointed which is so kind! The lady that was doing the face painting this year was amazing and quick which is good when your dealing with squirming kids 😊 The huge bonus for this place is the swimming hole at the river. It is huge, deep, and no better place to float. The beach is all rock so no place to lay so definately bring a chair to sit in if you aren't in the water the whole time. You can jump off the rocks here but it is quite high and make sure you have a spotter or people with you incase of a fall. It is about a 10/15 min walk thru a wise path at first and the forest floor with roots and muddy puddles occasionally. If you have kids under 6 your going to want to bring a carrier or a wagon to pull them in but they will still need to be carried or walk over the rougher part of the trail. Because of the distance make sure you bring everything you need for the day including toilet paper for forwarding...