Lake in the Forest RV Resorts — Hotel in Belleview

This is a COMMUNITY - not just a campground. It isn't what I would consider "fancy" but it has everything you need and more, in my opinion. Amenities include full hook up sites, laundry, movies to rent (for free), walking trails, pool, bathrooms (I believe showers as well but we did not use them), security gate, cable, etc! Everything seems pretty old and are not necessarily well-maintained, but from our experience it all was still in working order. We were not concerned with how "nice" everything was since we had our own RV, especially with the price we were charged (very fair!). I think most of the people that come here are long time residents or repeat visitors and they are already booked through 2022.

We stayed here for a few nights this last week. We did not have a reservation (though one is generally required) but since we couldn't get in touch on the phone we just decided to drive in and see if anyone was available. At the end of the drive, there is a security gate so we couldn't get in, but while we were attempting to back up with our camper, the manager/owner named Deb came up to the gate to ask if she could help us and let us in so we could turn around more easily. While chatting with her, she asked if we were looking for a place to stay and we were. During certain months of the winter, this campground is 55+, snow birds only, and typically the campground is completely full and they are not taking new reservations (this is why we could not get through on the phone). Since it was just me, my husband, and our 2 dogs (no children), and they happened to have an opening, she let us stay!

Deb got us registered and provided us with a packet of information so we had everything we needed about the campground and ideas for activities and shopping nearby. She gave us her cellphone number so we could contact her with questions. She introduced us to our neighbors, who were very nice. Everyone was very social (as I said, this is a community). Deb was available by text to help us with a couple things and we appreciated how kind she was!

Our site was a bit sandy and therefore we had a little difficult parking and leveling our camper. But we had plenty of room, full hook ups for water, electric, and waste. Lots of shade from trees. Overall the place was quiet, which we loved. Generally clean grounds. We were surprised during a walk to find little horses and a donkey as well! We got to pet them and the owner, Omie, drove up on her golf cart and chatted with us. We learned that during the summer this place is HOPPIN. It's full of families, there are planned activities for everyone if they want to be involved, they do group outings. During the winter it is...

when I first booked, Deb was very attentive and reassuring to my "special needs" being a patient with ALS. My main concerns for an excellent trip was a nice cabin with minimal steps so ease of transfer from my power chair. I was thrilled when she offered me a golf cart to use to access the lake to fish which was my second MAJOR request. My hisband and kids love to fish. she assured us canoes were available. Upon check in. an elderly woman checked us in and she explained nothing! But ok. We got to our cabin and it was dirty snd outdated. After we unloaded, I ran to store. my husband texts me " its 88 degrees in here and fridge isnt working. so I texted deb. she said over and over nobody else colplaimed. Fridge feels warm because no food in it. REALLY? Then even though we paid extra for our dog she was more worried about couch then us sitting there sweating snd food spoiling. Finally 3 hours later she decides to love us. NO apologies, no compensation of any kind. You know how difficult it was to unloand van, unpack, repack, reload...move....unloadx unpack???||Then my husband and son take canoe out, it has a hole in it! Tried a second then it was so unsteady and almost flipped.. safety people. ||||So our first day was absolutely ruined, second day was huge let down. we still have two more days? Atleast discount our stay, would not recommend this place to anyone. It seemed like she placed blame instead of owning and appeasing...

First of all, I must disclose that I am hesitant to write this review because I want to make certain we'll be able to reserve a cabin in the future! This is our first stay at Lake in the Forest, but it will definitely not be our last. I made a last-minute reservation for just a few nights and the staff couldn't be friendlier. They even texted me the checkout procedures in advance! Our cabin is super cute: the kids loved the upstairs sleeping loft so much that we didn't even unfold the couch. The kitchen has enough pots, pans, and dishes for my husband who loves to cook, but we discovered that on Saturday mornings, a hot breakfast is prepared for you in the rec hall for only $2! I had a pecan waffle, sausage, and orange juice, and the kids had pancakes the size of dinner plates. Also, we were able to bring our dog for a very nominal fee. We stayed in the wheelchair accessible cabin, and the ramp came in very handy because my geriatric canine had a hard time climbing the steps. Canoes can be rented for $5 an hour, and firewood is available for sale, too. Our neighbors were so friendly that my son even made a new friend. I was a little worried because I noticed that there were a lot of snowbird-friendly references on their website (and I know some snowbirds are annoyed by kids) but everyone was very nice, especially to my kids. My only regret is that we didn't plan to...