Editors Note: We receive much of this
information from others by mail, email, or in person. We haven't
confirmed most of it ourselves. In order to conserve space and increase the usability of the information we receive it is often necessary to rephrase or paraphrase the messages. We like to add the names of the sources of
the information we receive, if you don't want your name mentioned be sure
to tell us in any email you send.
Bayside RV Park - Valdez, Alaska - Page 186
July 18, 2008 Update - This park no longer allows campfires at the sites.
Bear Paw RV Park - Valdez, Alaska - Page 186
July 18, 2008 Update - The telephone number listed for this park is incorrect, it should be (907) 835-2530. The number listed for this park is actually the one for the nearby Bayside RV Park.
Tonka View RV Park, Petersburg, AK - Page 415
September 15,2008 Update - We recently received this message from one of the daughters of the former owner of the Tonka View. It appears that the Cambells (see their letter following the one below) were visiting at a bad time for the family that owns the park, we recommend that you give the new Frog's RV Park a try:
My name is Sarah Walters and I am one of the daughters of Warren (Frog) Burrell, who owned and ran Tonka View RV Park up until he passed away on August 23, 2008 at the age of 87. I wish to make a response to the Campbell's review of Tonka View RV Park.
During the Campbell's visit my sister, her husband, my brother, and I were on a clean-up mission here at the park. With Dad being ill, things had declined some. We did have scrap metal, old cars, and evry conceivable thing stacked up neatly arond the park. We had just asked the long term tenants to stack their junk up for us so we could haul it out.
I have lived here with my father for the past two years and the park that was "adequate" to the Cambell's in 2007 has actually improved some since then, e.g., weeds and grass cut down and new gravel at each site, which could account for the depression mentioned in the Campbell's comments, although the depressions have always been there for drainage, as we have more than our fair share of rain. The dog excrement I cannot say. We live in a country type area and many people have animals.
The Campbell's did have a reservation. Here at Tonka View RV park we always go down to greet our guest, and I will tell you why. We do not take a credit card or any such thing to hold a reservation or to pay. The only way that we can collect the $20 cash per night fee is to go down and greet the guests.
Just one more thing please. The last a attachment is a picture of a 38.5 foot motor home that is still staying here arger 3 months. The picture was taken from the Wrangell Narrows looking at Tonka View RV Park. (Editor's note: we didn't include the picture because pictures cause problems for readers who print out these pages - but it shows a modern coach parked overlooking the Narrows, a very desirable view parking location.)
On behalf of my Dad, we want to thank you for including us in your Alaska RV guide. Since my father passed away on August 23, 2008, the name of Tonka RV Park ws changed to Frog's RV Park. We changed it in honor of our father, and because no one in town ever called it Tonka View, they called it Frog''s place. My Dad's nickname was Frog, so we thiught it was appropriate.
Sincerely, Susan Walters
July 19, 2008 Reader Report - This reader was not impressed with Petersburg's Tonka View RV Park. Fortunately there were alternatives. The comments are unedited. We found the campground to be adequate when we visited in 2007, apparently management and upkeep are not consistant.:
We took the ferry to Petersburg, Alaska and based on your book, "Alaska Camping," and tried to stay at Tonka View RV Park. We have been RVing for years and we have stayed in campgrounds that range from exceptionally well kept to those that are not so well kept. However, Tonka View is the first that was so disgusting that we refused to stay there. Your comment that "the setting is a little industrial" fails to convey what the campground looks like. In a word, it is a dump. We have seen junkyards with fewer old, rusty, junked cars. In the case of Tonka View they have thrown in some old junked RVs as well. For added viewing enjoyment there is old and rusty junk and trash lying all around. The place was filthy. When we arrived at the campground around 3:00 p.m., we were greeted by a woman who pointed out a site for us. She didn't actually do anything more than stand 50 feet away,
point, and yell, "That's your site!" We had made a reservation so our arrival should not have been a surprise. When we tried to pull into the site we discovered that there was a truck blocking it so that we could not pull in. When my wife went to explain the situation, the woman said to my wife, "Now what do you want?" in a very hostile manner. She did try to find the owner of the truck to move it but was unsuccessful. Then she directed us to another site. I went to look at it before I tried to pull our RV into this site. The water and sewer hookups were located in a depression to the side of the site. Covering the hookups was a large quantity of dog excrement. At that point, we pulled out and went to Twin Creek RV Park. I would never recommend Tonka View to anyone. While your book says there is "lots of room for big rigs," we could barely get into and out of the campground with our 35-foot fifth wheel. The place is disgusting!
You may use my comment on Tonka View Campground with or without my name. You can edit my comments if you want as long as it is clear that we found the campground disgusting.- Courtesy of Robert Campbell
Cordova and the Copper River Delta - Page 435
July 18, 2008 Reader Report -
The Childs Glacier Rec. Area was completely redone in 2007 and is very nice. 11 RV sites for big rigs and 5 tent sites. Rig size is limited by size allowed on the ferry. Big shelter with 2 large grills and many tables at day-use viewing area. Handicap access. Host on site. New pit toilets. No elect and no Phone service. 7 day limit from 6/10- to 9/30. Water at hand pumps needs to be boiled. $25/ night RVs, $10 per night for tents. Golden Age accepted. Glacier calving about every 15 minutes. Can go over restored Million Dollar Bridge for about 5 miles but not much to see and only toads or small vehicles can turn around at the end where road is washed out. Free water and dump at harbormaster in Cordova--follow signs[Nicholoff Rd.] Alaganik Slough is open for day use but closed to all overnight parking. - Courtesy of Jerry and Judy Funk - see their travel blog at http://theadventureroadshowwithjerryandjudy.blogspot.com/
