Reviews
Ranch House Lodge & RV Camping
User Reviews
Kalawela Lo
I went here with my family in August. We were tent camping. We had a bad experience. When checking in there was a man who was extremely rude. He wasn't expecting us to show up even though we had reservations well in advance. Next the water was said to be potable. But the shower's water came out brown and smelled of mud. Lastly the set of rule enforced by the campground seems quite intensive. The peace is also interrupted by the camp ground getting periodic patrols by a side by side.
Sheri Lynn Lo
If you enjoy being spoken to like a misbehaving teenager and showering in swamp water while gnats nibble your soul, congratulations, this is the place for you. I booked this stay after emailing the owner (Andy) weeks in advance, confirming our group of five was okay, and paying in full. Once the day of the reservation hit, surprise! The refund window slammed shut and so did any chance of a respectful check-in. We walked into the bar (which doubles as check-in, because why not?), where a random guest said Andy would be out “shortly.” By "shortly," she meant “after you start questioning if this place is a prank.” When Andy finally appeared from the back, he greeted us not with “Hi” or “Welcome,” but “What are you doing here?” Cue the awkward silence. Despite our confirmed reservation, he insisted all the day’s guests had already arrived and we weren’t one of them. I had to pull out my phone and scroll through weeks of emails like I was defending myself in small claims court. Once he finally located my name on his sheet, his response wasn’t “Sorry for the mix-up,” but “Too many people. Should’ve charged you more.” Real five-star energy. Next came the infamous property map, one side shows where to pitch a tent, the other is a novella of rules. Highlights include: Don’t throw propane in the trash (he burns it himself, because apparently this is 1843) Don’t chop wood Don’t even think about breaking the rules because he has cameras watching everything At this point, the whole party was ready to leave, but it was late, we were exhausted, and we knew refunds were off the table. So we set up camp and tried to make the best of it. We brought our own firewood (you’re welcome), which helped with the mosquito apocalypse, but nothing could prepare us for the biting gnats. These were not your average bugs. These were tiny airborne demons sent straight from the underworld to test our patience. Let’s talk “amenities”: *The water, listed as potable, came out looking like someone brewed tea in a muddy boot and smelled like dead fish. *The bathhouse? One small, shared space that doubled as the bathroom. So yes, the toilet and shower are in the same tight room. On night two, the whole thing was flooded with stinky swamp water, and the floor mat was permanently soggy like it had just returned from battle. *Hot water? Generous description. Lukewarm at best. Our campsite view? Obstructed by a majestic pile of gravel, and the site next door featured an abandoned rusting trailer for ambiance. Then, just when we thought the chaos had quieted, Andy decided it was time for his late-night four-wheeler joyride through the campground. The only plus? There were trout in the river. Great if you like to fish. Not enough to save the experience. Final thoughts? This place has potential, it really does. But right now, it’s running on bad vibes, swamp water, and control issues. Andy might own the property, but he clearly doesn’t understand hospitality. I’ve had better stays in the literal wilderness, with outhouses and no electricity, and at least those places didn’t come with passive-aggressive lectures and surveillance vibes. Would I go back? Absolutely not. Would I recommend it? Only to people I don’t like.
Shellie Sas
Just had an awesome camping experience here! Karen and Andy are excellent hosts! The campsites are perfect and set up thoughtfully for the best use of space. Situated along the river with electric, water and sewer hookups. Our group enjoyed the lodge and bar where both Andy and Karen entertained us and gave us great cocktails! We will definitely be returning next year. I highly recommend for your next camping trip!
cynthia mason
The owner was awesome. He told us the cabin was “rustic” and it was but we loved it. He kept the bar open late for us and baked handmade, delicious pizza for us. If you’re looking for a 5 star hotel, then this is not the place for you. If you’re looking for a true Alaska experience, THIS IS the place for you!
P Riva
Spent 6 nights overlooking the creek. Class A towing a jeep. Great sites, level, power, water & sewer. Owners Karen & Andy are great hosts. They built this RV Park from the ground up. Pride of ownership is evident. Full bar, liquor store, and road kill chili. Pizzas aren't bad either. One of the best parks as we travel through Alaska.
Traci Real
What a great place to stay!! The location, right on a beautiful river, is a perfect place to camp!! The sites are large, well maintained and level. The bathroom and showers are very clean and the showers have great water pressure and very hot water! The owner is very welcoming and super nice. We could not have asked for a better stay!!
Frank Swiatek
(Frank and Valerie and Bruno the GSP) We had a GREAT time at Ranch House! The owners are committed to serving their guests and the campground is well maintained! We will stay here again if we get the chance! I got a “Private Tour” of the possible sites available and was given my choice!!! That has never happened before in 20 years of RVing! Oh, and do get the Whiskey Flight! Sorry, have to go there to experience it!
Amy Heflin
My husband and I stayed here for 2- one night stays before and after a trip to Valdez this week. A couple of sites sit directly on Tolsona Creek, which is noisy in a good way and promotes relaxation and a good night’s sleep. I would say that every site, even if it is merely near the creek would enjoy the acoustics of the rushing water. Road noise is not an issue at all. The hospitality of the owners made us feel like old friends and the ambiance in the bar/restaurant was conducive to good conversation. The chili was good and the beer was cold. We are self-contained in our camper so I cannot speak to restrooms, showers, etc. We would plan to stay here again if we ever find ourselves on the Glenn Hwy.
Amanda Daniels
This summer was the second time we stayed here. Loved the downpour that came through! Our spot was right on the creek and it was so peaceful. Make sure to bring mosquito spray, coils and whatever else you have to keep mosquitoes away. We decided to splurge and try the pizza and was very disappointed! It tasted EXACTLY like DiGiorno’s pizza from the freezer :( I thought for sure it would be all handmade. Glad everyone else in the reviews likes though.
Steven Stark
Serene, spacious, quiet, and relaxing campsites along a babbling creek. Ahhhh. Delightful and attentive owners, and hilarious and entertaining tavern/historic roadhouse/pub with ingenious whiskey shot ice cream flight. Bathrooms/showers were PRISTINE and roomier than mine at home! What an unexpected surprise! Easily accessed level sites, new concrete pads for picnic tables, and owner stopped by to see if we needed anything. Very kind and considerate. We ended up staying two nights just because it was so relaxing!
Bobbi Helms
I can’t say enough about this place. The campsites are nice and clean and very nicely done. We are sitting along the Tolsona creek. It is beautiful. The owners Karen & Andy are so friendly and fun to chat with. They make you feel at home. You can tell this place is truly a labor of love for them. The food and drinks in the historic lodge are great. The hot sauce challenge is a must! We will be back!!
Alan Bennett
This is a great campground. The sites are laid out around the creek. The sites are level and spotless. The owners Karen & Andy are very welcoming. Prices in the tavern are reasonable and the chili is excellent. Ask Karen for some of the history of the roadhouse. 5/5 stars.
Mike DiBenardo
This place is awesome just swung in and got a bowl of chili on a long drive. The gentleman and I believe his wife running the place are amazing. Great chili n highly recommend checking it out.
Reuben Neff
I cannot express how lovely it was to stay in the little bear cabin here after a week of tent camping around Alaska! The cabin was an adorable, old log cabin with electricity and a comfy bed, and the bathroom (with showers!!) was right next door. We arrived late (around 10pm) but the host was still available to let us in to the cabin! Thank you so much.
Nicole Kisor
We had a fantastic weekend here. We had a tent spot and listening to the creek as we fell asleep was so relaxing. Andy and Karen were incredibly accommodating for my group. From figuring out which spot would be best for all of us, delivering wood straight to our site, recommending activities, and even taking us out to the lake so we didn’t have to walk to go kayak/canoe. They made sure we had the best time we could.The bathrooms are spotless, cleanest bathrooms I’ve ever seen at a campground. You can really tell they love this place and care for it immensely. We can’t wait to come back again!