It really should be no surprised with the popularity of the Big 5, but the campground was packed.  After a little snafu with our reservation, we were permitted to camp in an RV site with our tent.  Needless to say, it was a little loud with the generators purring throughout the night.

Make sure you start any hike early in the morning as everything fills quickly.

Also, be sure to utilize the reservation system during peak season.  Despite the snafu, if we had not had a reservation, we would have been out of luck.

The campground is clean and as my title states, it's amazing to have shade during the summer months. 

Make sure you pack in what you need for food and water as the closest town is a bit of a drive.  The restrooms were clean, but there is no shower facility.

You are in close proximity to many hiking trails and the ranger programs we attended were well worth it especially the night sky.

Be sure to eat some of the fruit available in the orchards!  The apricots were amazing!

Would certainly recommend making a reservation

Went backpack camping with a friend on this loop - we took the shorter of the two. The land is all regrowth forest and the further you go, the less you see of people - a novelty in this part of the world.

There are several primitive campsites along the trail with nothing more than a stone fire ring and a clearing, so pack in everything you need including water.

A great spot. We will return.

This is a favorite spot - among the dunes and in a tent. The basic sites are clean and the facilities are fine - cold shower only.

But….the key is the location. You are right next to the ocean and it's not overrun with people.

Go here and don't tell anyone!!!

A nice "weekender" type of campground. The sites are clean and level for the most part. I recommend taking one on the outside of the loop - near the trees.

The reservoir provides ample opportunity for swimming, fishing and there is great space to fly a kite if that's in your book or tricks.

Nothing out of the ordinary, but if you are looking for an introduction to camping, this would be a great place to start.

We visited sight unseen and were pleasantly surprised! The sites were well maintained and clean. Every day after checkout I saw park employees policing up left behind rubbish.

The sites are smallish, but I didn't feel like we were on top of one another. We lucked out with good neighbors.

There are modern toilets and hot showers as well as a laundry facility if needed. The camp host was a wealth of information and a great resource.

Could have cared less about cell service, so I have no idea if it was available.

I do recommend camping on the lake side - bugs weren't too bad except in the evening.

Great family spot.