Unclear instructions, socioeconomic bias and a stopped up sink left me feeling unwelcomed and ripped off.
I checked into an unreserved/unoccupied spot here late at night when I needed to stop and rest at the beginning of my late-start road trip.
This was the first time I stayed in the SUV-RV I have been working so hard to create for my vacation this spring. It was almost 3am when I arrived so naturally there was nobody around to check me in.
I found instructions for registering in the brochure at the entrance kiosk and followed them by choosing my spot and paying the $30 fee at the PayStation. I placed the receipt for payment on my dash and went to bed.
My peaceful rest was rudely interrupted the next morning by an irrate knock on my window. Marshall, the park ranger/manager was yelling at me that I can't sleep in my car.
I opened my window in order for him to hear me and explained, "this is my RV".
"This is not an RV, this is a car," came Marshall's insistent retort.
I explained further the work I've done to create my little camping vehicle.
And he explained the problems he's seen with people sleeping in cars.
"Now, if this was a fancy Sprinter van, you'd be okay," he offered in an attempt to show he understands the trend of people converting vehicles to RVs.
Bias exposed. (though my little Toyota crossover RAV4 SUV is in fairly nice shape, it is definitely an older model and more affordable than a Sprinter).
I took a minute to educate him about socioeconomic discrimination inherent in the rules referenced by him Then I assured him that I was leaving by checkout time that day.
I didn't feel welcome to use the shower facilities even though I had paid the hefty camping fee; because, Marshall kept watching me until I left the park.