Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs — Hotel in Grass Valley

One of our favorite thousand trail parks in California has been Lake of the Springs until this stay. I’m not sure what happened between 2018 and 2020 but there is definitely a lack of management and employees’ understanding of customer service.

The first issue that happened was the park had no electricity. We later found out through another member that it was due to a car knocking down a power pole outside of the park. While I understand this was out of the parks control, it would have been nice to be informed why the electricity was out and either provide an eta of when it would be back on or even tell us that it was unknown. Not providing any communication is poor customer service.

Two days later, we lost power. We called the ranger station and they sent an employee to check and found the pedestal had low voltage. They told us our only option was to move and that we were not allowed to run our cord to the next site, even though it was empty. We called the ranger station to ask if we could get an exception so we didn’t have to break camp and move and they contacted the employee over the radio leaving the phone line open so that I could hear and he said no. We asked to speak to a manager and they gave us the phone number to Gwen who we understand is the assistant manager, and after quite some time ended up getting the same response. Never did we get a reason why that was not allowed or for her to come and look the situation over. Nor do I think Gwen or the employees understand what it takes to move a rig. Whether you move 5 feet or 500 miles, it doesn’t matter. All has to be put away, lights removed, slide outs in, all your tools, mats, bbqs, dog fences etc. have to be put away. So we spent the better part of the day tearing down camp and setting up at a new site. It’s also important to note that the employee or Gwen never mentioned if they called an electrician, how long it might take to get someone out to fix the pedestal or mark the pedestal to keep other guests from pulling into the site and finding no electricity.

Another example of poor customer service was we were going to the store outside the park and it was 4:53pm when we arrived at the ranger station. We stopped to ask a question as the newsletter states the ranger station is open until 5pm. The employee was leaving and saw my husband get out of his truck and try the door, but he just kept going to his vehicle. If the ranger station is to be open until 5pm, it means you leave for your car at 5pm, not leave so that you are home by 5pm.

Our only positive interaction with an employee was with Baylee. She stopped to listen to our story after we had moved and even came back the next day to see if our needs were followed up on by maintenance. She understands customer service and is an asset to Thousand Trails.

Finally, when we came to visit Lake of the Springs, we were going to investigate an annual site as it is relatively close to our grandkids. Due to the lack of customer service, poor upkeep of the park, and getting the impression that us members are just an annoyance to the employees, we have decided against that and will seek an annual site elsewhere.

I hope thousand trails will investigate and get this park back up to par as it has been in the past. ...

Thousand Trails Review 2025

I am writing this review after returning from a Lake of the Springs week at Oregon House, California. Thousand Trails owns this campground. We have been going there during the summer for a number of years. This is my latest review.

I stayed as a guest in a newer cabin; the cost per night was pretty steep but we were able to take hot showers, cook and have our own small side yard with table. Good A/C available in cabins. There was initially notice of the pool being closed until maybe August. But we found out it was open in mid July to our surprise.

There was a functioning lake, boathouse, and Lodge with various games and activities. Direct TV available in cabins and at lodge. Rentals for the lake were available. LOS is also near highway 20 which takes you right up to Grass Valley and beyond. Collins Lake down the road a few miles. Lots of places to explore in the area.

Pluses: Pool was open after being resurfaced. Lake was available for use. Dam had been repaired. Game cabinet in meadow stocked with equipment for use. Emergency radio/phones available for emergency use at key locations. Not sure if they go to phone mail if off hours or if a ranger picks up. The staff was outstanding.

Minuses: Pool was closed on a Monday until 3pm without written notice for campers. Communication seemed to be an issue. Rental prices increased. Basic maintenance of cabins passable; but some needed thorough cleaning. Stayed in an older cabin the last two nights which seemed ADA compliant but could not reach top linen cabinets in bathroom. Some lights not working; we found a broken light cord in a cabin and flagged it for the cleaning/maintenance people. Often lacking sufficient linens; especially for the kitchen. Store food prices a bit steep. Minimal amount of bar soap supplied for a family of five. Cell phone connectivity spotty at laundry, trading post and lodge. Ranger not visible during the day or night. Laundry charged 2.50 a load with 0.25 surcharge per load for using a credit card. Does not take quarters. All electronic.

Recommendations: A cell tower would be helpful not necessitating driving to the top of the ridge for signal. Fire and emergency instructions should be posted at all buildings and thoroughly reviewed at the initial check-in. There seems to be only one road out in an emergency. Unsure of the protocol. Provide a camper rental checkout sheet for cleaning and maintenance people for any outstanding problems. Enforce electronic vehicle (scooters) rules.

We enjoy the park and the proximity to the Bay area. I would encourage the owners to keep improving the basic infrastructure and hold the costs; especially since they are now coming out with new rental scenarios. Many of us are seniors who have limited income. Make it affordable for all. Keep the...

I stayed here for nearly a year with my wife and it's my absolute favorite place we were traveling around with a Thousand Trails membership. That used to be the only way you can get into a campground like this. But they do open to the public a little bit. And usually the people that are coming for the weekend going to stay in the nicer spots because the people that stay longer prefer to be up in a way more and it's very huge Campground. Was a huge playground for kids and stores cool Sandy area for the lake for swimming. If you make one camping trips this year this is the one you want to make don't forget to go behind the dam and underneath and check out the nice giant shower the bottom of the lake. Although it's not very safe and they don't tell you about it. It's just something I discovered cuz I was there a while really cool though really really neat. It's not a damn that use. So it's just pissing out a little bit of water. It might knock ask it over but it's all can stand under it no . There is fishing. Small boats. If you have a big boat is Lake Collins 3 4 minutes away. There's also a great big store that sells beer and everything else for not three times as price in Oregon house by the post office. that's supposed to go to buy stuff if you need stuff the stores at their has great ice creams soft serve cones. And I guess since I've been there they built so many cabins to rent. She's huge Clubhouse game room eating breakfast in the morning not expensive at oh. It's like five bucks I think. I don't know why the lady that reviews this like before me give it to Stars. She only went there for the pool when there's a giant Lake to swim in and it's fun to swim it's not cold at Sandy there's no Stones you have to wear shoes no crying I have it roped off the swimming areas to Sandy Beach. I didn't need anybody that didn't just absolutely love the place. Is usually an old guy Gallery launch the boats that teaches all the kids how to catch fish better than the rest of us. Just kids so your grown up don't ask him for advice teaching kids to fish there is so much to do there try to go on the weekend with the horseshoes competition or Championship I should say. that's why it has 4 and 1/2 Stars assessment she's the only one that's ever given lake.of.the springs a bad ratings. So years around the time that I spent here I was camping at other campgrounds all over California part of Thousand Trails memberships. Totally welcome me people nowadays. and they seem to have more fun anyway. Lots of people that are staying I'm going to set a time or more are usually older like me I'm tired. Although I wasn't as old as a lot of them. But I still enjoyed myself a lot and my dog. Is so many...