Cuddlebackville, NY

We decided to head up to the Port Jervis area a day before our scheduled RV repairs in order to avoid the morning rush hour traffic. We had a one night reservation for Oakland Valley Campground, in Cuddlebackville, which is just a quick 15-minute ride to the repair shop.

Let me start my critique of this campground by stating that I will try-with much effort-to focus on the positive features of this campground, which is quietly nestled in the woods off of County Road 7. We opted for a "Premium" site that promised full hook ups along the Neversink River.  

Upon arrival, we discovered that the office was closed, and in fact, only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  A map, indicating where to find our pre-paid site, was pinned to a bulletin board, and after a little hesitation, we figured out how to get from point A to point B. We passed a nice-looking pool, a rec building and restrooms. We pulled into a level spot that has a small picnic table, a fire ring, lots of rear privacy and a LOT of trees, mostly tall white pines, that all create a rustic and quiet haven for campers. The bird sounds at dusk were phenomenal. 

Okay, the positive comments stop there and the harsh reality hits. We paid about twice what this campground was worth. The main road leading into the property was a steep-sloping hill in dire need of paving. Allie was rocking and rolling along the whole way down to the shabby office. Along the road to our site, we needed to stop so "G" could get out our big hook and hold down a large branch that blocked half our view out of the windshield. We began to have some doubts at this point. Our site, although level, is comprised of wet dirt, weeds and pine needles. What grass that exists hasn't been cut or trimmed in awhile so sitting outside became impossible due to mosquitos and other flying annoyances. Our site backs up to a sheer cliff of which the Neversink River lies somewhere down below, off in the distance. The "Premium" site is anything but premium. There is no river view and we are situated under so many pines and oaks that we needed to have interior lights on during a cloudless, sunny day.

We find ourselves nestled in among a few older fifth-wheels and trailers that, all except one, seem deserted. The doors will be locked up tight tonight. Early to bed....no television reception...someone (who shall remain nameless) is not a happy camper. We are already wondering how Allie will make it up the rutted hill and out of The Twilight Zone. I got to drive out of Croton Point Park yesterday and it looks as if I'll be piloting Allie out and beyond the low branches tomorrow. Then, the world's worst co-pilot will take over the wheel.

The whole row had rigs, but no people

A gllimpse of the sunset

Deep thought for the day:  When God gives you lemons, make lemonade. My "lemonade" was a cacophony of tweets, trills, and chirrups.