As full-time RVers, we've seen our fair share of campgrounds. Unfortunately, our first experience with Thousand Trails at Soledad Canyon, CA was a disaster. Despite the many negative stories we'd heard, we decided to give them a chance, lured by the promise of full hookups and the opportunity to camp near friends for two weeks. What we encountered was a stark contrast to the advertised experience.
From the outset, the staff exhibited a shocking lack of customer service. One individual was rude and bossy, explicitly stating they were "too busy" to assist us. This set a negative tone for our entire stay.
Our initial site assignment was in an "overflow" section, situated directly beside the noisy train tracks. When we requested a different location, we were incredibly told that only tent sites were available, despite the campground boasting 854 sites. After driving through the entire park ourselves, we identified a tent site and returned to the office to register it.
Upon arriving at our chosen site, we discovered the pedestal was non-operational. Only the green pedestals worked, a crucial piece of information that was never communicated to us. To add insult to injury, despite only having water and electric hookups, we were charged the same rate as those with full services. This policy feels exploitative and unfair.
The condition of the park is deeply concerning. It's evident that maintenance is struggling, and only select tasks are being addressed. Trash was rampant, with dirty socks, beer bottles, and general debris littering the grounds. The dog run was also closed indefinitely, contributing to the dog waste scattered throughout the park.
Security is a significant issue. We encountered several "shady characters," and during a walk with our dogs, an individual at a tent site aggressively yelled obscenities at us, making us feel unsafe.
Adding to the frustration, the advertised veteran discount was not honored at the park level. We were bounced between the office and HQ, with each claiming the other was responsible for applying the discount. This lack of coordination and disregard for veterans is unacceptable.
The facilities are dilapidated, and the staff's attitude is appalling. This was, without a doubt, the worst campground experience we've had in at least three years. The blatant disregard for customer service, the poor maintenance, and the security concerns make Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon a place to avoid at all costs.
Furthermore, both campers and staff were observed using the tent camping section as a speedway, bypassing speed bumps and creating a dangerous environment. This blatant disregard for safety is another indictment of the park's management.
Based on our experience, we cannot recommend Thousand Trails. The broken promises, poor facilities, rude staff, and security concerns far outweigh any potential benefits. Full-time RVers and weekend campers alike should look elsewhere for a more pleasant and safe...
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