BEWARE!!!! Strawberry Park, Preston CT - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Postalpair · RV-Dreams Family Member

BEWARE!!!! Strawberry Park, Preston CT

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Your post is exactly why a good honest review on RVparkreviews is so important to us all. I always try to cover all bases about a park so you can get a good idea what you are getting in to.I went and read the reviews before yours and think you were definately blind sided. Thank you for your review as I now know I will put Strawberry Park on my list of do not go.

Hamshog · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hey Postalpair,

Why can't you use your truck? It's not "Hotel California"!! "Once you check in, you can never leave..". Is the dog park theirs?? Use your truck to leave and find a place to walk your dog.. Hope you're not staying long..

Regards, Hamshog

mktobob · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sounds to me like the owners-managers of this park are in the wrong business!

azrving · RV-Dreams Family Member

I agree totally! I couldn't imagine not being able to walk our dogs inside the park. Do they just stay in the RV 24/7 unless you drive them to the dog park? Bad business in my opinion. This should have been disclosed when the reservations were made. Now that it's on the internet, everyone (with pets) will know to stay away from this RV Park. Thanks for the warning.

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Each year we stay at what I consider a 5-star RV resort. We've been doing this during the month of July for the past 15 years. The resort has always allowed pets and have rules showing the do's and don't with pets.

Each year the staff indicates the resort is trying to continue to allow pets. However, due to liability insurance costs & regulations, costs to clean the pet rest areas (4) and to clean up the "land mines" left by pet owners in the non-pet rest areas plus complaints from non-pet RV-ers, it is becoming tougher and tougher to allow pets.

I think pets are just like family and should be allowed free (on leash) range of any RV resorts. As long as the pets are not a nuisance and the owners do a good job of cleaning up after them I like having them around.

The staff point out that some pet owners ignore the rule about using the pet rest stops and then do not clean up after their pet. They, like other RV resorts, have been thinking about implementing a carry the pet program due to these violators. So like other areas in our lives, a few cause problems for the many.

There have been times when my two "best friends" didn't quite make it to the rest stop before they had to do their duty, usually on one of the cement walkways leading to the rest stop. I always carried the needed supplies (plus water) to clean it up. I have seen "land mines" left by others and evidence that some poor unsuspecting sole(s) stepped on the "land mine". The carry the pet rule helps prevent these land mines left by un-caring pet owners.

We pay the price when others violate the rules.

-- Edited by The Bear II on Tuesday 15th of June 2010 04:42:55 PM

Postalpair · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just an update.....I had the manager come again to my rig, to tell me that his wife had seen some of the reviews that I have left on various websites and had a check in his hand for a full refund in this "No Refund" campground. I was more than happy to hook up and move on down the road to a wonderful campground called Salem Farms. Their sites are nice, 30amp service only, but my dog can walk and do her business all she wants. I don't know about you, but if they don't want my dog, then they don't want me or my money.
The power of the internet, used in the right ways, is a wonderful thing!!!

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

Good deal. I'm glad the manager stepped up and did the right thing. I added this this park to our
"do not stay" list. I do not spend my money at parks that are not pet friendly...

azrving · RV-Dreams Family Member

Postalpair wrote:

Just an update.....I had the manager come again to my rig, to tell me that his wife had seen some of the reviews that I have left on various websites and had a check in his hand for a full refund in this "No Refund" campground. I was more than happy to hook up and move on down the road to a wonderful campground called Salem Farms. Their sites are nice, 30amp service only, but my dog can walk and do her business all she wants. I don't know about you, but if they don't want my dog, then they don't want me or my money.
The power of the internet, used in the right ways, is a wonderful thing!!!

Glad the manager did the right thing and refunded your money. The internet is an awesome tool for the consumer and for business owners. Bad reviews can have serious consequences for your wallet. smile

I hope the refund didn't require a retraction of the honest review of this anti-pet RV Park.

HAPPY CAMPING!

dnowa · RV-Dreams Community Member

as always, we welcome accurate reviews and comments to be posted at any review site, but simply look for accuracy in statements. Our pet policy is similar to other campgrounds in that while pets are permitted, they may not be walked or carried throughout the campground. We have a large, fenced Pet Park area, and for the camper to claim in one sentence that they could take their vehicle to the Pet Park (correct), and then to state that they CAN'T drive their vehicle to the pet park and must rent a golf cart is incorrect (as Hamshog noted with his Eagle's reference). They also claimed that the policy was somehow hidden from them. It is the very first item noted on the Rules and Regulations (see website link http://www.strawberrypark.net/campground-rules/) and is also detailed under the "FAQ" page (see link also http://www.strawberrypark.net/faq-frequently-asked-questions/). Confirmation materials that are mailed to those who reserve in advance also include a copy of the rules. In addition, in their follow up post, they make a claim about management having read some of their reviews and revisiting them with check in hand. This is absolutely false, as they initially requested that the manager visit them before 10am, which took place at 8:45am (no wanting to wake anyone too early). The policy was explained, and they were told that if they were not pleased with the rules, that they would be refunded for their unused nights upon departure (contrary to the signed registration form, which does state no refunds for early departures). They then proceeded to pick up their check for the unused portion of their stay at the office, as was promised. To somehow state that this occurred because of their negative posting here and the power of the internet caused someone to come running with check in hand is absolutely false, as the first we were made aware of this thread was today (day after their departure). While refunding someone who does not agree with published policy is the proper response, unfortunately there are those out there who begin their request with "if we are not taken care of in a manner in which we feel is fair, we will post negative reviews and tell all our friends." In most cases, this is not a needed tactic, and usually creates an adversarial relationship from the start. As unfortunate are those who make such claims, are then treated fairly and in the manner they desired, and then still proceed to post inaccurate and harmful depictions...which makes one then wonder if it would have made any difference to simply tell them "These are the rules...if you don't like them, you can leave but will not receive any compensation."

Once again, despite what is noted in some follow-ups, our policy does not "exclude" dogs, and most of our campers bring their dog(s) camping. Regarding the pet policy, the vast majority of campers are very pleased, for as noted in the FAQ link provided, the policy reduces the number of dogs barking at other dogs walking past the campsite, it reduces the insurance liability of someone walking a dog who may be less than friendly (with most of our campers being families with children, many would be inclined to pet a dog being walked about, regardless of his disposition), no to mention the reduction in the inadvertent stepping in unpicked up piles. we have discussed the policy many times with other parks, and there are many campgrounds who regret allowing "full access", as some campers are not satisfied to simply be able to walk their dog on leash along roadways--they want to bring them to the pool, onto the playgrounds and into the store.

thank you for allowing the opportunity to offer some insight into this matter.

Postalpair · RV-Dreams Family Member

Then why is is possible to drive a few miles away, find an equally nice campground at a fraction of Strawberry Park, that allows you to walk your dog, pick up after it..............
It's not worth it. It is up to the individual to decide. I have been posting on this board for years. Just a note....the above poster is NEW to RV Dreams and only registered to shame me and my posting about his park. You can check this out by simply clicking on his username. If you want to believe me fine, if not, that's fine too.

Live and Learn.....it's all about life's experiences

-- Edited by Postalpair on Wednesday 16th of June 2010 09:27:43 AM

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Not to worry Postal Pair we all know the above post is a CYA retaliation post and will be ignored. That place is still on my do not go list because of the dog policy not because of your problem with them.

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ditto...it's their pet policy that's at the core.

I've learned that when I visit a RV Park website and check out their rules, if they have a rule for anything and everything, I steer away from the park. I always wonder what prompted the park to generate all the rules in the first place.

And how can I get comfortable staying in a park that has multiple restrictions and no-refund policies. They are threatening me with eviction (and keeping my money) if I break their rules. Who needs that hanging over them while on vacation?

I speak with my wallet and take my business to a park that welcomes my business and knows how to treat adults who are responsible pet owners.

wmalefyt · RV-Dreams Family Member

There are always two sides to the story!

Don't know that I would describe the park owner's response as "CYA retaliation", but rather a clarification of what really happened.

dnowa · RV-Dreams Community Member

please note that there was no attempt to shame the original poster, and while it is 100% true that I have made no prior posts, it is because there has been no need to clarify any ambiguity. had no problem with refunding the camper based on the issue of being unaware of the published policy--just an issue with the statement that someone rushed down to their site with a refund check after seeing a negative post, and the statement that they were not permitted to drive their truck to the pet park. clarification is all that was sought, and I apologize to those who felt it was a "retalitory" post, and thanks to those who understood that it was an attempt to provide another point of view. sometimes an intent is understood, as when someone states that they were able to visit another campground "at a fraction of" the price, for it is true that $35 is a fraction of $40 (7/8)...but most folks interpret the phrase "at a fraction of the price" to reflect something more significant (and perhaps chose to ignore taking advantage of the off-season price-match offering on the website). it has become apparent that there is little to be gained from attempting to offer a campground perspective in a forum environment (other than bumping an extremely negative and broad topic subject topic to the top of the list), but would hope that those selecting a destination would consider all aspects, including ratings, reviews and comments from those who have stayed with us. thank you.

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bottom line,the pet policy is the problem for me.

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

Its is nice to see both sides of the Story, while it is clear and expected that each party will bend the truth to sway the reader to see things in the way that they would like, more than anything else this slanting is the result of the actual way that a person perceived the situation, malice is often not the case. I believe more often than not we are all guilty of not reading the details of something as innocent as a campground reservation, in this case the OP was unhappy to discover after checking in that certain rules where not acceptable to him. That is unfortunate, but i certainly dont think any form of deception existed on the part of the Campground owner. I personally would not visit any campground that makes things difficult for pets or there owners simply because i love pets. I do however understand a Campground owners concerns when it comes to pets because unfortunately a few irresponsible pet owners can make things unpleasant for all guests. Its not an easy job, but the Campground owner must structure things in a way that keeps all parties happy and that is likely to be impossible. Gene

Hamshog · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hey dnowa,

Looks like you have a very nice park and the rules are spelled out fairly clear. It does state "Cars are not to be used for in-park transportation.", which would imply that a guest wouldn't be able to use a private vehicle to transport their pet to the dog park, if in fact the dog park, "Strawberry Bark", were in fact in the park compound, which by the map would lead me to believe it is not. So I don't see a problem with taking the pet to the park in owners vehicle.

It may be that the OP didn't use your website for information and didn't ask for the specifics on pet rules when they called for reservations. There are parks in my area that have the same rules on pets as yours.

This should serve as a reminder to all that make reservations to check the specifics of all rules before you reserve any site.

Regards, Hamshog

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Gene, you are the voice of reason. Very well put. Probably the best thing that came out of this thread is the fact as Hamshog said we should be sure and ask specific questions about any policy we might have issues with. I just got off the phone with the next park we are going to to ask just these questions as it was not clear on their web site. Assume nothing. I remember Howard stressing this in one of his seminars.I am constructing a list of questions to ask when I call a park about staying there.I use Rvparkreviews as a tool but now ask length and width of their sites as one persons idea of a huge site might not be mine.These questions are only asked when not specified on their web site. We can always learn from other peoples problems.

camper23 · RV-Dreams Community Member

I have to say ive been to the park 4 times and has to be one of the best parks out there. As for your dog thats the rules of the park and would not like dogs roaming around barking and fighting other dogs. Remember your dog may be nice but the rules is for your safety lots of people have pit bulls that would probably bite your dog or a kid. But you may be a person that thinks dogs are better than people this is a kids frendly park.

-- Edited by camper23 on Tuesday 2nd of August 2011 07:36:25 PM

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

camper23 wrote:
I have to say ive been to the park 4 times and has to be one of the best parks out there. As for your dog thats the rules of the park and would not like dogs roaming around barking and fighting other dogs. Remember your dog may be nice but the rules is for your safety lots of people have pit bulls that would probably bite your dog or a kid. But you may be a person that thinks dogs are better than people this is a kids frendly park.

-- Edited by camper23 on Tuesday 2nd of August 2011 07:36:25 PM

confuse confuse confuse confuse confuse confuse confuse confuse confuse

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

Racerguy wrote:
Bottom line,the pet policy is the problem for me.

X2

mailman01 · RV-Dreams Family Member

I know this comment may enflame a few readers, however, I am a big boy...Pets are great, in their place. I find it somewhat presumptous for anyone to feel that it is their right to allow their pet to jump out of the vehicle and PEE on anything and everything around....kids play in these parks and rest stops, people picnic in some of these areas..."Doggie Bombs" are not the only thing these critters leave behind...and with the number of pet owners visiting parks and rest areas, this is a lot of "liquid" being left behind that is NOT being cleaned up. Just sayin'....Flame suit on and zipped....

kwf904 · RV-Dreams Community Member

camper23 wrote:
I have to say ive been to the park 4 times and has to be one of the best parks out there. As for your dog thats the rules of the park and would not like dogs roaming around barking and fighting other dogs. Remember your dog may be nice but the rules is for your safety lots of people have pit bulls that would probably bite your dog or a kid. But you may be a person that thinks dogs are better than people this is a kids frendly park.

-- Edited by camper23 on Tuesday 2nd of August 2011 07:36:25 PM

Can't say I have EVER been to a park where dogs are "Roaming around barking and fighting other dogs." Barking? maybe but that's it. I agree that the policy is the problem. How do you think my neighbors would like it if it is 4:30 in the morning and my dog has to do his business. I go out and fire up the diesel, let it warm up , then drive thru the park to get my dog to the approved area. then make my way back thru the park and shut my nice quiet diesel off and go back to bed.

Colorado_Kid · RV-Dreams Family Member

Not having a pet friendly RV park is a good way to lose business however I do see a park owners point in not allowing dogs. I am a building supervisor and I am amazed at how many dog owners don't care what there dogs are doing. One time I walked down to the garage of a building and there was a guy there watching his dog pee inside the garage. They let them poop all over the place especially in the winter when they assume fresh snow will cover it up. When that snow melts my yard is covered in dog poop. I don't blame parks for being weary of dogs.

pjdroney · RV-Dreams Community Member

I need to come to the defense of Strawberry Park. We have been going there for many years, including with our dog. While it is "somewhat" of an inconvenience to drive just outside the main gate to their dog park, it is a very safe envrionment in which to bring your pet. Having had the experience of stepping in dog waste, I appreciate the fact that Strawberry Park is taking into account inconsiderate pet owners and trying to keep their park clean and sanitary. There is NO requirement that you can't drive your pet to the dog park. Common sense dictates that they are referring to driving over to say the pool area, where there is limited parking. Serioiusly, you need to lighten up a bit. Strawberry Park has a tremendous amount of amenities and while it isn't the cheapest campground on the planet, it is definitely one of the best as far as what it offers.