Cloud 9 Ranch Club — Hotel in West Plains

Well. This trip started off alright. But quickly became a absolute joke. Went over the past weekend as a guest, was considering becoming a member but here’s a short version of how my experience unfolded. I arrived Friday afternoon around 3pm. Checked in at front gate, paying the guest fees for a pet friendly camper for Friday and Saturday night. Was verbally told(not even given or shown a map) of where I would be staying. Which was a little frustrating to locate but managed after some time and good guessing. Never signed any paperwork or given any literature, of any rules or checkout procedures. So we pull up to camper and within the first hour, are stop and told that our dogs must be on a leash at all times, otherwise we will be ticketed for the violation. Ok, that’s fine. Around 9pm we get a knock at our camper door, again the security guard now telling us we never paid for our $50 pet deposit. And if we didn’t pay by midnight, we would be asked to leave. Ok, so I head up there to pay the additional $50 no refundable pet deposit that you would think would be included in the price when booking a pet friendly camper. Saturday was ok, besides a buddy being stopped by the “ranger” about his lights being similar to the “rangers” and telling him to turn them off or duck tape one color or the other. Next morning, wake up, start packing up. Get a message from member, telling me I have to have the keys for camper back by noon, but don’t have to leave by then. So I stop packing, drive up to gate house, tell them that my member buddy just told me I had to turn key in by noon but was not done packing yet and was going back to finish up and then head out(this is about quarter till noon). They simply say ok, nothing more. I head back to the camper, as I’m standing on my trailer, finishing strapping down my rzr, security pulls back up, asking how much longer till I leave, I inform him about 10 mins or so. Finish loading everything up in roughly stated time, jump in the truck to see security coming back towards trailer, pass him with a wave. I then pull back up to gate, some young girl standing there with her finger up telling me to wait, that I now have to pay for another night stay, since I was leaving after noon(mind you this is roughly 1230-1245). I told her multiple times that I was ill informed and was never told that I had to be gone by noon, even when I pulled up to drop off the keys. They neglected to inform me and it wasn’t like I was leaving that much later(I had other friends leave around 12:30 and not charged). Nevertheless, instead of arguing with stupidity and very poor businesses minded individuals, I just paid the extra night. Now the icing on the cake. Monday(today), I get a phone call from a Claufield area code, pick up to a front gate lady supervisor, informing me that the cleaning staff claims one towel was missing and if I or the club member I came with didn’t pay for it, the cleaning staff would be charged for it. I explain to her all my frustrations from what seems to be never ending threats and/or extortions attempts was completely unprofessional and horrible business practices. She seemed to care to hear non of it except how she was going to get her $10 for the towel. I hang up on her, to call back 5-10 minutes later to talk to a supervisor to her, which they transfer me to a guy name Matt or mark, who doesn’t pickup and has yet to call back. I will never be returning to this place and encouraging anyone that is to reconsider. Truly sad, as it could be a great place if it wasn’t for such a poorly...

This is a huge ranch, with over 6000 acres. It is mostly a members-only resort, well funded, and the amenities show. There were great pools, great facilities, a nice clubhouse, a decent on-site restaurant, and beautiful views of the rolling hills and forest. The staff we interacted with were all very friendly and quite helpful. I was impressed that they remembered us, after only meeting us once. One nice feature is the separate, adults-only pool that allowed drinks in non-glass containers. It's also worth mentioning the ice cream stand by the kid's pool that served excellent milkshakes (and other stuff we didn't try). There were also horses and horseback rides available, but we didn't get to do that. I'd imagine it would be good with this much land and well established trails.||||One thing to mention, though, is how much of the ranch is really not accessible if you don't have an ATV. Much of the land is only accessible by narrow dirt roads, such as the overlooks and caves. Unfortunately, they don't have any...

My family has been involved with Cloud 9 Ranch since it first opened in the early 70's...my great grandparents being some of the first membership owners. It's always been member owned and funded. Over the years, times have changed, and management has changed hands. Sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. I have many years of childhood memories at Cloud 9. It's a wonderful place that hosts a vast array of activities and outdoor adventures. The amenities are great, and most staff is friendly. If you like camping or glamping - this is the place to go. There is RV storage, but from what I've heard from my grandparents - it's up to you to maintain your storage spot. Bring a mower. The creeks and caves are beautiful, and you can catch trout in the creeks. The ranger's do what they can to manage the miscreants and drunks ridings around on their dirt bikes and 4-wheelers.... but keep an eye out. With the application of responsible and selfless management, this place will stay beautiful for years to come. I wish my...