Tuesday, October 1 Through Wednesday, October 2, 2019
From La Pine State Park, we took US-97 south, hoping to escape cold damp weather. US-97 is a pleasant and easy drive from La Pine to Klamath Falls. Most of US-97 is two-lane highway. The other drivers seemed to be able to easily pass without scaring us.
On arrival at Klamath Falls KOA, we were horrified to find the park entrance blocked by cars, pickup trucks and a fifth-wheel firmly planted in the left hand turn lane waiting to get into the park. Or so we thought.
The KOA was selling propane for $1.599 per gallon and folks were lining up to buy it. In our experience, propane has been running from $2.24 in La Pine Oregon to $4.43 in Big Bend National Park. Never as low as here. Unfortunately, we had just filled our propane bottles during the cold snap in La Pine.
Another reason for people in Klamath Falls making a run on propane: In Oregon, deer season starts October 1.
Once we figured out that all those folks were lining up for propane and not campsites, were were much happier. The people in the office efficiently checked us in and sent us on to our campsite.
This campground isn’t large or fancy in any way. The campsite wasn’t exactly level. One leveling block for each tire on the left side did the trick. Cable is provided although we didn’t hook up to it. There were plenty of local OTA (Over-The-Air) channels including ION, our favorite.
The park’s WIFI is handled differently than I’ve seen before. Instead of allowing everyone to connect as many devices as they want, the park limits each campsite to two access codes which can only be used on two devices. Linda continued to use the Verizon mobile hotspot. I used the park’s WIFI. WIFI service seemed much better than average and I was able to update software.
Both Verizon and AT&T mobile data speeds were good.
The park is noisy. Late into the evening, late arrivals added to the highway noise as they settled in. During the day, military fighter jets screamed overhead on training runs.
The laundry looked good. Clean with newer machines. None of the machines had out-of-order signs on them.
I accidentally took the dogs into the playground area thinking it was the dog park. Immediately I realized my mistake and go the dogs out of there before they could mark anything. It would have made an awesome dog park.
The real dog park was on the smallish side. It had been overused and had that slightly off doggy do smell. The dogs seemed to like it though.
Checking in, walking through the park and buying ice in the park store, interactions with park employees were positive. They look at you, greet you, ask if you need help and then help you. Very pleasant. Good customer service. We felt treated as valued customers.
Showering in the morning was a total delight! This was the first decent shower since the Port Angeles KOA three weeks ago. The shower was clean. The room was heated. There was a seat. There was a hook to hang clothes on. There was a shower curtain and it was clean. The water was hot and didn’t cool down during the long shower. Bliss.
The park’s employees make this a park to return to.
Hope to see you on the road ahead!