TravelerAcorn Campground — Beavers Bend State Park
Acorn campground on river!
We spent the night at Acorn Campground, spot 5, in June. Hot but shaded. Space by the river. There was a grill, a fire pit, and a picnic table. It was easy to find our campground in Beavers Bend State Park. The heritage building is a good landmark. Loud Sirens went off twice during the day. When in the camper, though, they sounded quieter, and you could probably sleep through it. Sirens are to let you know to get out of the water because they are releasing water from dam. Can't swim in the river by our campground, but there is a swimming area to the north. This campground is on the lower level of the river, but there was no need to panic or move to higher ground when the sirens went off, even though it had been raining on and off as well. I’d been a little worried about flooding after reading about the 2015 flood, but the river remained beautiful and tranquil, offering us a stunning view—and even a playful sighting of deer paddling in the water. We left some trash on the campsite hook, only to find it scattered when we woke up. While picking up the trash, I noticed animal prints on our truck and camper. I went to the trash site to dump the trash, and a raccoon was staring at me when I opened the lid. The park staff assured us raccoons are common in the trash, so get ready to be startled. Watch out for poison ivy near the electrical outlets—bring calamine lotion—and note that mosquitoes, spiders, ants, and ticks are present, so pack accordingly. Didn't see snakes. A leaf blower is handy for cleaning off the RV pad. Gravel around the cement pad would have been nice because when it rains, it gets muddy, and there is poison ivy in the areas where you will need to hook up the RV to the electrical. Our spot was steps away from clean, air-conditioned bathrooms and showers. There were regular bugs in them, but not too many. The nicest bathroom for a campsite that I have been in. The park staff was welcoming, and there’s plenty to do—hiking trails, canoe or paddleboat rentals, and even a train ride, which I highly recommend if you love deer, as they’re abundant. You can buy ice at the train station too. Pack a life vest if traveling with kids, and if they want to experience water activities. We had reliable AT&T cell service throughout the park, so I was able to use Apple and Google Maps wherever we went. However, printed maps as well, and picked up a map from the heritage center. It’s a memorable spot for nature lovers and adventurers alike. It was peaceful.
