The Pines Campground — Hotel in Ashby

Just stayed here last weekend because we wanted something close to home with a pool at a reasonable rate. After reading through some of the google reviews, I decided to take a chance and call to book a site and figured if we didn't like it, it's only a 40-minute ride home. I'm really glad we did give it a chance. The staff was really friendly, the site that we had was well above my expectations. Saturday, they had a Halloween party for the children and children's games that rivaled some of the high-end campgrounds we've been to, followed up by trick or treating. Very inclusive, friendly organizers and borrow a costume was available! The pool, while not heated, was crystal clear, clean and refreshing on a warm day. a little rough around the edges, but very nice. Nice tables and chairs with umbrellas lined the pool side with well cut grass underneath. The camp store has a lot in it at reasonable prices and I'm sure if you run into any trailer issues, they probably have a part available to help you fix it lying around. There is a quaint little arcade game room with a pool table next door to the activities room. The activities room is filled with 40's through 90's era collectables that's definitely worth a walk through to see some history. There is a nice hiking path that leads into the woods where you can hike in/hike out if you are a tent camper, or just looking for a hike, very secluded if that's what you like. That entire part of the campground was empty and begging for a larger family to rent multiple sites together and not worry about being a bit louder because nobody would hear you back there. There are quite a few year-round renters in the upper portion of the campground. My son ended up be-friending a few of the friendly local kids that took him down the brook to show him where the hidden crayfish are! If you are low maintenance family looking for a well-priced, quiet campground in the woods that is rustic & not looking to fleece your wallet, give this place a try. Most transient campers I met had been there previously and continue to come back... that says something. While this place may not be for everyone, it checked the boxes that my family needed. If you are looking for a well-manicured golf course style campground, I've been to them as well, keep looking this place won't suit you. We will be back in late September to see the fall foliage and for a certain person's birthday we met there to surprise them...

Usually I go to state parks for camping. Because of covid we had to make other arrangements and we found The Pines. After reading some reviews on Google I decided to give it a shot, despite the doubts the reviews gave me.

Booking was easy over the phone, way simpler than any state run camping, which was refreshing. Upon arrival at The Pines, I was greeted by a few red flags. Old farming and construction equipment, scrap material and parts, golf carts, and at least 100 wood pallets were the first things I saw. Kind of unsightly. Especially when camping and trying to get away from clutter.

The site they assigned to us was far too close to the adjacent site. The two should have been one site. The staff was very nice and let us choose a different open site. In fact everyone on staff was very kind and helpful. Points to them for that.

We ventured for a walk around the rest of the campground. There a lot of seasonal campers in motorhomes... Which gives it much more of a trailer park vibe. That is not at all what tent campers like to see, in my opinion.

Overall it was a nice stay, but I will not be returning because there are much better...

I've already camped here a few times and have had a great experience every time. I prefer trunk camping and at the end of their road there is a group of tent sites. The campground is family run and owned, which is noticed with the friendly and welcoming interactions. A few with electricity and water for a few dollars more. I've picked one of the sites with electricity and never used it just for the layout of the site. I travel with a large battery bank and a foldout 20 watt solar panel. There is an outhouse and running water next to all the sites within walking distance. Showers are coin operated for 4 quarters (hot/cold). When the stall door is shut a switch will turn the light on. There is a small playground and pool but it's a very small community. Every time I spend a weekend, I never want to leave on the checkout day. It's so quiet and peaceful. Be careful if you drive a lowered car, you will bottom out in some of the far back sites. There are more RV sites and they operate all year around.

Photos are taken from all the times...