It was my first experience staying in our fifth wheel but in a mobile home park.  For a time, we had lived in a mobile home park so I knew of them and a little about what to expect as far as layout.

My husband’s foreman had hooked us up with the spot and we were thankful since we weren’t finding much more at the time.  I remember the park being pretty decent size, at least 100 spots for mobile homes/trailers.

I actually didn’t mind staying in the park.  The people were pretty decent and I felt comfortable walking around the park by myself. They tended to the grass for us since we did not have a lawn mower with us.

Highlights

Enchanted VillageMobile Home park– Alton, Illinois

• 100+ spots
• Full hookups
• Close to town
• Bar/restaurant nearby
• Paved/grassy sites
• Across river from St. Louis, MO

Layout

We stayed at this park from about September 2009 to November 2009 and then again in June 2010 to October 2010.  The park was a mobile home park right at the edge of town.

All sites were back in and we had one that was backed up to a small hill.   All the sites were paved/concrete with a grassy patch on each side and had full hook-ups.  There were a few large trees for shade.

Favorite things

For me, the best part about being in Alton was the drive up and down IL 100.  It was pretty scenic along the Mississippi River there and a great place to spot bald eagles!

The next best part was Fast Eddie’s!  This place was jammin’ every weekend.  It was a bar that had an enclosed, heated outdoor area.

They served up cheap but delicious food ($.99 shrimp baskets!) to keep you hanging with the drinks and the featured band playing in the background.

We were definitely deep in to our partying phase still so this was a great find.

The town

Alton, Illinois is located alongside the Mississippi River.  It is a smaller town by most standards and had basic amenities when we were there.

The town itself was pretty easy to navigate but a little sleepy most days so we found ourselves venturing when we could.

For the outdoors, there are lots of nice trails along the river for outdoor enthusiasts.  IL’s largest state park, Pere Marquette State Park is close by with hiking trails, campgrounds and horseback riding options.

If you like your history, there are Indian burial mounds to the south.  Alton was also a big hub for The Underground Railroad with several homes still having the tunnels under them.

Nearby

Edwardsville, IL is within a 15-minute drive from Alton.  It’s a bit bigger and has a University there with more amenities than Alton had to offer.  We usually drove down that way if we wanted to hit up a chain restaurant for dinner.

Across the big river is the north end of St. Louis, Missouri.  They have a few great parks downtown as well as museums.  If you enjoy sports you can catch football, baseball or hockey here.

Downtown is pretty easy to get around whether you are walking or driving through. Don’t forget about the Arch when you are over there, it’s hard to miss!

Laclede’s landing is a great area for just walking around and exploring the riverfront.  There is an aquarium, wax museum and plenty of hotels, bars/restaurants to keep you occupied.

We spent a weekend down there, where we enjoyed a few too many libations.  Not necessarily a bad thing (in moderation) but when you wake up to the sounds of tailgating for Sunday’s football game, you quickly regret that decision!

Overall it was a good stay and experience.  As with any place, it is what you make it.  The park fit our needs and we were able to find fun things to do nearby.

I hope you have found this review and information helpful!

Please remember that anything written above was my opinion and experience of the area/s.  I have also linked to the mobile home park page and Alton’s website for more information.

Let me know if you have visited this place or surrounding area!  What did you think?

If you want to see other reviews click here!

As always, thanks for reading!

–Katie

This week I wanted to do something a little different and offer a campground review of a place that we have stayed. Often when we are searching it is hard to gauge what type of park you are reserving.  Many websites are very basic with just contact information. Some have no website at all.

For my sanity I am going to start in chronological order so (hopefully) I don’t miss anywhere.  I’ll focus on lodging for the time being but may expand it in to what types of things are available to do, ease of getting around in a big vehicle, store options, short trips within an hour of location, etc.

My first lodging experience with the pipeline was in a fifth wheel in a campground, Beacon RV park in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Highlights

BEACON RV PARK– St. Joseph, Missouri

• 40ish spots
• Full hookups
• Cable/wifi
• In town
• Bar/restaurant within walking distance
• Paved/grassy sites
• Friendly owners
• Small store/snacks

Layout

We stayed at this campground from about April 2007 to December 2007.  The campground was a mostly converted mobile home park right at the edge of town.  There were maybe 40 sites available, 4 rows of 10, and it was a bit tight maneuvering with our 26ft 5^thwheel.

Most sites were back in unless you got there before your neighbor and you were placed in the middle section.   All the sites were paved/concrete with a grassy patch on each side and had full hook-ups.  There were a few large trees for shade.

The park is built in to the side of a slope so the roads run downhill, not too steep.  Roads in the campground were one way and you had to park in front of your trailer, making it a tight squeeze.

Story time

Side story, not so funny at the time but looking back… We had our truck parked in front of our trailer as instructed.  Had been there about a month and the season was starting to pick up.  My husband and I were relaxing on a Sunday in the trailer when we felt it start rocking and heard a loud screeching of metal.  WHAAATTT???

To our shock and frustration, a 40ft motorhome pulling a 20ft cargo trailer just scraped ALL down the side of our truck and pushed it in to our 5^thwheel!!!

My husband was rightfully pissed and walked over to the motorhome.  He knocked (more like banged) on the door, hollering “do you even know that you just hit us?!”  The owner would not come out immediately.

The owner of the park came down and spoke to us and then the motorhome owner.  It was an elderly couple who was brand new to the retired travel life.  Everyone calmed down, discussions were had and insurance information was exchanged.

Thankfully, the damage was covered and we had our repairs done within a month’s time.

Ever since that experience we have always said that they should have a training course!  It can be hard enough driving that much vehicle straight down the road, let alone parking it in tight spaces!!

Any who, back to the park info…

The park was owned by a small family who were very nice!  Always friendly and helpful!!  They allowed me to work on Sunday mornings and a few other days to pay for our rent while we were there.  Helped a ton with my boredom!!  Read more about fighting boredom here

There were no additional amenities besides cable/WIFI and a small store with a few parts and snacks. The campground was within walking distance to a bar/restaurant and quick driving distance to many others.

The town

St. Joseph is close to highway access (I-29) and a main route (US36) that will take you east to the other side of Missouri.  This area was part of the Pony Express route and is full of history!  The town has certainly grown since we were there last and has a ton of chain and local restaurants.

Hy-Vee is here!  This has been one of my favorite grocery stores from our travels.  I always found their produce and meats to be very fresh.  The store was always clean and easy to maneuver.

Nearby

St. Joseph is about 45 minutes north of Kansas City and an easy drive in to the city.  LOTS of shopping, BBQ/eating and entertainment.  This was one of my favorite places to go and visit. Pretty short drive, lots of places to visit and it had a big airport for flights home or visitors.  The airport is on the NW side of KC so it is super close! Plus, you can say you have been to two states in one city!!

Overall, we really enjoyed our stay here.  People were friendly, sites were clean and managed.  Plus, lots of amenities close by!  I hope you have found this review and information helpful!

Please remember that anything written above was my opinion and experience of the area/s.  I have also linked to the RV park FB page and St. Joseph website for more information.

Let me know if you have visited this place or surrounding area!  What did you think?

As always, thanks for reading!

–Katie