Listen to the sounds of highway cars and trains all night
We originally planned to camp at Three Island state park, based on the positive Dyrt reviews, but when we arrived there, the posted fee for sites was $34, which we found too expensive for our mere purpose of sleeping and then hitting the road again. We remembered a sign on the way to the park that read "Camping - RV + Tents. Less $$$ than state park." So we figured, heck, let's just go there. We read quickly online that the prices for tent sites are $15. Perfect! We arrive at 11pm, which yes, it's late, BUT the office sign was blinking "OPEN." So we thought no problem. We ring the camp host. He sounds grumpy but arrives a couple minutes later. He is definitely grumpy. He tells me they do accept credit card and it will be $25. I ask for clarification given the listed price online. He says "New policy as of 6 days ago. I'm sick of people arriving late at all hours." Fair enough...but turn off the "Open" sign. I agree to pay it, we're exhausted at this point, and at least the campground has showers.
Some pros: very close to highway
Some cons: very close to the highway and a train track.
The tenting experience: we listening all night to the sound of bug zappers, hourly train whistles, and speeding cars. See the video for reference. The tent sites were flat at least. A basic grill but no picnic table provided. It is probably convenient to have the wifi and laundry on-site, but we wouldn't know because we left as soon as we could after a near sleepless night.