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We visited Bethpage in late August, 2008. Although the CG was absolutely beautiful, Bethpage has a very SERIOUS SKUNK PROBLEM! One that the management calmly acknowledges.
Now, I suppose this may be ok to some, but for those who enjoy late evenings sitting around a campfire, there was ever present need to be on the lookout for the critters. Most rigs camped near us had someone holding a high intensity beam search lamp that they used every minute or so do a perimeter scan. And if you have dogs along, keep them IN THE RIG in the evening. Once the sun sets, it is a free for all.
On our first evening, a camper from a site across the way alerted us to a skunk that was dining on my neighbors dogs food. He'd forgotten to put it up for the night. Thankfully, the dogs were in the rig. The huge male skunk (and they are HUGE) finished the dog food, then wandered over to a trash bag that was also inadvertently left out. The skunk was not the least bit intimidated by our presence or movement. We sat no more than 30 feet away watching this unfold. My buddy and his family could not enter or exit their rig during what seemed like an hour until the skunk was finished.
During our stay, two dogs from different campsites near us were sprayed. It would appear one of the owners took matters into his own hands, as a dead skunk was found nearby a couple mornings after. While there we heard many other horror stories. Also heard that Bethpage is essentially defenseless, as the Va State Natural Resources division will not allow them to harvest or cull the pack. They cite the fact that the skunks were there first. Of course, the skunks seem to sense this as they (apparently) have been known to simply walk right up to folks right in their site. On two different occasions, we actually watched as one or two casually wandered under and around our rig.
Although the evening 'skunk patrol' aspect of the trip took on a rather entertaining, almost sporting angle, my family and I will not return.
Cheers~!
Va_Budman
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Bud, Kate, two boys and one big 'ol grin 
'02 Ford F350 PSD CC SB 4x4 SRW Lariat
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