We booked our stay at Nova Family Campground five months in advance for February 2023, hoping for a pleasant camping experience. However, our experience took a turn for the worse a month prior to our arrival. In January 2023, we received a call from the campground requesting immediate payment for our February stay. This was unexpected as payment was originally stated to be due 30 days before arrival. Adding to the frustration, we were informed that the price had increased from the original quote we received five months prior. Despite the initial lower price confirmation, we were forced to pay the higher amount to avoid losing our deposit and reservation. To our surprise, the increased rate was even higher than comparable KOA campgrounds in the area.
Upon arrival, the campsite itself proved to be quite cramped. The limited space made it impossible to fully extend our RV awning, a significant inconvenience. It appeared that most campsites suffered from the same issue. Connecting to electricity also presented a problem. The 30 amp electrical box at our site emitted a concerning sizzling sound upon connection. To ensure safety, we had to utilize the 50 amp connection with a dogbone adapter. Maneuvering our RV into the site was further complicated by the presence of mature, awkwardly placed trees. Even exiting the campground required extra caution. A sign warned drivers to swing wide to avoid a low-hanging tree limb over the exit – a hazard that could easily be resolved with basic tree trimming.
The only positive aspect of our stay was the friendliness of fellow campers. While we can sometimes overlook minor inconveniences, the “bait and switch” pricing tactic employed by Nova Family Campground is unacceptable. This is a practice we have never encountered at any other campground during our travels and unfortunately, it overshadowed any potential positives of our stay. We would advise potential campers to consider these issues when making their booking decisions.
