Ditto Landing — Hotel in Huntsville

Sigh. What used to be a lovely, family-friendly, clean RV campground is now a sad, dirty, unkempt campground in a state of gross negligence and disrepair. Shame on Huntsville and Madison County for allowing this to happen. There are two campground areas: one in shade and one not. The campground with shade is the old, original campground with mature shade trees and, unfortunately now, an asphalt road replete with potholes, sections missing, and large portions of standing water and/or mud. The site pads are asphalt pads (not concrete, as advertised) and are crumbling, cracked, decaying relics, lined with wet, sticky mud that lingers (in the case of our site) at least five days after the last rain. There is no maintenance in evidence as limbs, leaves, trash, and other debris cover these site pads, in some cases, nearly obscuring them. Our site is not alone in the amount of old and recent trash that inhabits it. On our arrival, we found: candy wrappers (new and worn), hair paraphernalia, a sandal, random vehicle parts (metal pipes, plastic pieces), cigars, beer cans (old and recent), and many other indicators that there is no basic clean-up done by maintenance staff. There are no dog disposal stations in this campground. The concrete picnic tables are completely falling apart –by that, I mean, benches are cracked completely in two or fallen over entirely, huge chunks have fallen off sections, etc. There are aluminum picnic tables in many campsites to replace the concrete tables but they are seemingly randomly set adjacent to the old, decayed tables. Why have the deteriorated and non-functional tables not been removed? The same goes for the campsite grills: these ancient iron grills are in total disrepair and function. The “grill” on our campsite is sitting on the ground, the pole completely missing. It is completely non-functional. On walking through the campground, I see almost all the grills in the same state: either the grill is completely gone and there is a random post or a grill is sitting on the ground. Fire rings are also random and, obviously, not maintained. The road into this campground has so many deep potholes at the entrance, none dried out during the first five non-rainy days of our visit. There is not a traditional “dump station” here, but a questionable pump, standing in who-knows-what kind of water, with no instructions posted. There is a hose with a hook-up feature lying in the murky water surrounding this station and a broken plastic cover that, when pulled off, reveals some sort of pump. We found a switch to turn this on and, after we hooked the nozzle-like hose to our drain, switched it on. We are experienced campers and this is an experience we hope never to repeat. Basically, this was really disgusting. Rather than repeat the questionable pump (not dump…) station experience, we decided to try to change our campsite to one in the “non-shaded” section, or, the new section of Ditto Landing, where there are sewer hook-ups. On asking at the campground office, we found out we could not change sites as the staff person could not figure out how to do it on her computer. She told us there was nothing available. We went online and found that, indeed, there was a campsite available for the nights we requested. Staff ignorance or unwillingness? The new or “non-shaded” campground looks like an ersatz campground set up for an impromptu gathering of some sort. It is in a former field that needs additional bush-hogging (not sure just mowing will do the job), adjacent to a busy road with nothing to buffer the traffic, a huge hole/dredge-site in the center, semi-filled with sketchy-looking, mosquito-attracting, green sludge below the orange clay slopes. God-forbid someone get too close and slide in. There are no dog disposal stations that I could find, and no garbage disposal bins. For a city that is so proud of itself for being #1 in so many national surveys, it shocks me that our elected officials and city/county administrators have allowed this park to have...

I used to love this place... used to. I stayed for a few weeks around 4 years ago, it was cheaply priced, shady, and quiet. I've left 5-star reviews and recommended to everyone. That was then. Today marked a different experience but first let's back up a bit. Last week me and 2 others stayed for the week and had no issues. We were told that the park was booked solid for the weekend, understandable since it was Memorial Day weekend. We came back on Monday and the campground was virtually empty, still the host said she didn't have time to check us in with 5 minutes remaining to close. The following morning we went back to the office to reserve our spot and was made to feel extremely unwelcome. So obvious even that another guest followed us out of the office to say "That was awkward guys. I felt the tension when I walked in". They insisted we move 1 spot over even though no one occupied the spot we were already set up in just to make things difficult. Acted like we were a burden, didn't want to give more than one bathroom card, insinuated we weren't abiding by the rules, and just all around prejudice towards us. Strangely enough tonight HPD were blazing through the campground after a couple of loud, drunken women. Absolutely flying through the small one-way road through the campground. Driving the wrong way with no regard to patrons like myself. My neighbors clearly not abiding by the super-strict rules of no fires after midnight (but I ain't no snitch). And it's things like this that make me curious as to why the unwelcoming attitudes and rude behavior towards me were a thing.

With the sewage treatment plant a half-mile from the campground occasionally you get the super-rich smell of concentrated human feces so thick you can taste it. Truly a revolting experience. The outdated bathrooms were filthy but an accurate representation of the staff and appropriate for the stench of human excrement that flavors the air. The campground is littered with debris and is kept up like it's going out of business... and honestly it soon will if something isn't done about the brash and pretentious people responsible for checking you in. It's uncalled for, unnecessary, unbecoming of any true southerner, and disrespectful especially to those who are paying money to be treated like 2nd class campers.

I know I won't be so quick to review any establishment after this experience because I have learned my lesson. I've included more photos of the 4 HPD "heroes" that endangered everyone trying to save us from the 1 drunken lady walking the path through the campground so you can all see it. I can tell you with certainty that she was much less of a disturbance than the boys in blue that so arrogantly asserted their authority here.

So if you're looking for a pleasant stay without police harassment, kind and accommodating staff and somewhere that doesn't force-feed you doo-doo smell to the point of nausea, I would suggest another location... I will after today anyway. Sad and disappointing ending to what could have been a long relationship. Too bad this place is beginning to look and feel...

Ditto Landing: Where River Dreams Come True

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the water, I found myself at Ditto Landing—a hidden gem nestled along the Tennessee River in Huntsville, Alabama. Let me take you on a journey through this picturesque haven:

Easy Access to the Water: Ditto Landing lives up to its promise of easy access. Whether you arrive by boat, kayak, or car, the river beckons. Slip your toes into the cool water, and let the cares of the day drift away. The gentle lapping of waves against the shore sets the rhythm for relaxation.

Multiple Boat Launches: Boaters rejoice! Ditto Landing boasts multiple boat launches—a testament to its commitment to water enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time paddler, there’s a ramp waiting for you. Launch your vessel, feel the engine hum to life, and set sail toward adventure.

Room to Maneuver Trailers: Navigating boat trailers can be a dance of precision, but at Ditto Landing, it’s a breeze. The spacious parking area provides plenty of room to maneuver. No more awkward backing up or tight turns—just smooth sailing from the road to the water’s edge.

Sunset Magic: And now, my favorite part—the sunset. Picture this: the sky painted in hues of orange, pink, and gold. The river mirrors the colors, creating a canvas of tranquility. Find a cozy spot on the shore, perhaps with a picnic blanket or a loved one by your side. As the sun dips lower, it kisses the water, leaving a trail of shimmering reflections. It’s a moment of pure magic—a reminder that nature is the greatest artist.

Beyond the Review: Ditto Landing isn’t just a place; it’s an invitation. An invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor life’s simple pleasures. Bring your fishing rod, your camera, or simply your curiosity. Explore the walking trails, watch the boats glide by, and let the river weave its spell.

So, fellow adventurers, next time you’re in Huntsville, follow the river’s call. Discover Ditto Landing—a sanctuary where water meets sky, and sunsets are more than a daily occurrence; they’re a celebration.

Note that I have never camped at Ditto, as a photographer, I frequent the area for its...