Community Forums

soundsuperio · 09-17-2015, 07:42 PM

Planning on our first shakedown cruise in the new to us 2011 Ventana 3973 in mid-October.
Want to try Indiana since if we have issues we would be near the factory. We have had significant issues with our slides since purchasing the unit.
Any suggestions on nice campgrounds where we can pull through. We are not taking a toad so will need to rely on our feet or bicycles to get around.
Interests include hiking, biking and kayaking. Being close to Bloomington would be a plus as the daughter lives there.
Thanks for any input.

Wanabes · 09-17-2015, 09:10 PM

Paynetown (state) might be a good option for you, although the biking and hiking might be better at Hardin Ridge (federal), but I don't believe there are pull throughs at H.R. (nice, private sites, though). Neither are real close to town. A private campground option might be Lake Monroe Village. It looked nice driving by and they wouldn't allow us to drive through ... which we appreciated. Also not terribly close to town. Paynetown is on the lake and has boat rentals at reasonable rates.

twinknkate · 09-18-2015, 05:58 AM

I'm a little confused on where you want to camp--close to the factory in northern Indiana, or close to Bloomington in the south? There are many nice state parks in Indiana, but most are not close enough to towns to walk or bike to, and few have pull-through sites. Is there a reason that back in sites won't work for you since you're not pulling a toad?

**NLOVNIT** · 09-18-2015, 08:01 AM

If you want to be near Bloomington, I'd recommend Brown County SP. Hiking/biking trails & they've got a lodge with a restaurant (good food) so you won't have to cook or venture into town. You're not that far from Nashville, but the SP is remote so you won't want to bike there.

If you want to be near Nappanee, if you're having coach work done the factory has "Camp Newmar". Otherwise, I'd recommend Elkhart County Fairgrounds. Been there several times for RV rallies. The only issue would be you have to get out to Lincoln Hwy (main drag) to get to any restaurants or anything. You'd probably have to rent a car.

Lori-

GaryKD · 09-18-2015, 08:38 AM

Hi soundsuperio,
While the Elkhart County Fair Grounds is a nice an inexpensive place to stay, With only feet or bicycles as transport is may not be the best choice. Consider the town of Shipshewana. There are a couple of CGs to consider:
1. Shipshewana Campground - South Park
2. Home

I've stayed at the South CG many times. You will be right at home with the bikes. Shipshewana is in the middle of Amish country and there is plenty of room to ride the bikes on the main roads. Just watch for horse poo. The South CG is an easy ride to the local Amish attractions and restaurants.

soundsuperio · 09-18-2015, 09:36 AM

Thanks all.
To be more precise, being close to Bloomington puts us close to the daughter and the area looks pretty. Only need to be close to factory as wife is concerned if we have issues.
Want a pull thru as not a lot of time in the coach backing up. Am willing to give it a try though.
Steve

**NLOVNIT** · 09-18-2015, 10:48 AM

If you're looking for pull-thru's there's a Jellystone that's have those. Haven't been to it to comment, but it fit's your criteria.

Bloomington & Nappanee are about 3.5hrs apart. If your wife is concerned about being near the factory for service, why not split the difference? Prophetstown SP. See my review & my photos. Of course, again, it's on the edge of town so may not be bike/pedestrian accessible to town. There used to be a restaurant/bar located near the CG entrance, but since it's been a while since we've been there, don't know if it's still there.

Lori-

GaryKD · 09-18-2015, 11:46 AM

Hi soundsuperio,
Being close to the Newmar facility may provide a "warm fuzzy" but that is about all. The service department does poorly when it comes to non-scheduled requests. For me, they do very poorly. This time of year, Newmar factory service is booked solid. Maybe over solid. If you have problems they will, most likely, recommend a local mobile tech or other service facility for you to go to.

tim myers · 09-18-2015, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT

If you're looking for pull-thru's there's a Jellystone that's have those. Haven't been to it to comment, but it fit's your criteria.

Bloomington & Nappanee are about 3.5hrs apart. If your wife is concerned about being near the factory for service, why not split the difference? Prophetstown SP. See my review & my photos. Of course, again, it's on the edge of town so may not be bike/pedestrian accessible to town. There used to be a restaurant/bar located near the CG entrance, but since it's been a while since we've been there, don't know if it's still there.

Lori-

+1 on Prophetstown. We used it as an en route stay and wished we could have spent more time there. We were in the 200 section and found the sites level and spacious. As stated the showerhouse facilities were great and very clean.

We were there the Wednesday before Labor day and pretty much had the back section to ourselves. Loved it and will definitely go back