I am a local in the area. My mother and I often drive around Land Between Lakes, as it is one of my favorite spots to enjoy and hike. We don’t often camp, simply because our house is a short drive away.

However, as we were driving around today, we were finding new places just by eye. No research beforehand, which will not be a mistake that will be made again, simply because as we entered Hillman Ferry Campground, we entered what we thought was the unregistered vehicle lane. At this time, the attendant in the booth came out of the door, and started in on us. She said something along the lines of, “You cannot be here without a reservation,” to which my mother and I didn’t know, because like I mentioned, we hadn’t researched any of these places beforehand. This was fine, we understood. However, she continued to say rude things to us, acting as if we were breaking the law by turning around. Granted, we didn’t make the full loop around the booth, just because we aren’t familiar with the area.

She said, after we turned around and circled the booth, “Do you have a hard time following instructions? I already told you once that you cannot be here, so now, don’t come back.” And then she proceeded to write down my mothers licenses plate number as we drove off.

Not that it is entirely relevant, but my mother and I just had a devastating death in the family. We were driving around solely to clear our minds, and this experience didn’t help matters in the slightest.

I am not usually a review leaver, and I get that people have bad days. But, the way that she talked to me and my mother, especially during what is a terrible time for us, was very unacceptable.