Mount Vernon Thousand Trails

We spent another 2 weeks at Thousand Trails Mt. Vernon in Bow, Wa. Overall, we loved our stay with them and look forward to our next visit.
Pros
• Easy access to I-5 and nearby services, shopping, groceries, etc.
• Lots of good restaurants (see below for a list of a couples of our favorites)
• Good Roadschooling opportunities nearby to explore. (Deception Pass State Park, Bay View State Park, Fort Ebey State Park, Fort Casey State Park, North Cascade National Park, just to name a few)
• Nice play field and two playgrounds
• All the sites have power and water
• On-site pool and spa (open seasonally), laundry, basketball court, RC Track, walking trails, big play field
• Staff is nice and helpful with a big shout-out to Tina, Jon and Ryan! They have always gone above and beyond for us.
• Family Friendly
• Roads are Big Rig Friendly (there is one tight in the E section that is doable but little margin for error, see link to map below) and most sites have okay to good in/out for those of us on the larger side of rigs
Cons
• Fair amount of road noise from Interstate-5
• The better sites (F, G and upper B section) have crappy power (IE 30 amp and if you pull more than 15 or 18 amps the voltage drops below 105 volts). It should be noted that parts of A and B loops have upgraded newer power that does not reflect these issues.
• Limited number of full hookup sites- reservation only
• Trail system is closed in the winter ☹

Local Guide Info

Restaurants we like in the area:
• Mi Mexico Restaurant
• Double Barrel BBQ

Roadschooling activities
• North Cascade National Park
• San Juan Island National Park
• Fort Casey Historical State Park
• Deception Pass State Park
Link to the review on our blog with links to the 'Local Guide Info items: https://hallbears.com/thousand-trails-mt-vernon-nov-2023/ (we do not monetize in anyway)

This park is like most TT; faculties old and rundown, only cell coverage was at the lodge, so many rules and most of the staff are rude and way too busy as they don’t even answer their phone. A few bathrooms have been remodeled. We are a 44 ft motorhome and there were sites for us to fit but there are only about 25 sites with sewer and you have to get on a wait list for them. Most lots are in the woods so no satellite and not all have 59 amp. Finally, next to the i5 Highway so road noise was so bad you couldn’t sit outside. It was pretty in the woods and lots of pickable blackberries. I don’t understand why TT doesn’t upgrade their parks! Membership not worth it!!

It is free with the Thousand Trails pass. Checkin was easy, we chose our own spot near the bathrooms since many of the sites that had sewer were taking but I enjoyed the newly remodeled 24hr bathrooms. There are fire pits with every site. They had a dog park, playground, hottub, swimming pool, general store with everything, washers and dryers, internet in the lodge, quiet room, board games, books, basketball, mini golf, and a small trail if you would call it that. It is located closely to a racetrack but we went and saw a show there and it was entertaining and an experience. There is a local cheese tasting and blueberries about 20 mins west near the beach we visited. We hiked up to oyster dome and saw some great views and there's also a small park near by with a big stream to mediate near. An overall great experience. But the biggest headache was the gravel roads but other than that, nice safe, quiet, and great area to be around. Oh the casino also gives you free money for your first time playing... we won $40 bucks!

This campground is right along I-5, so although you cannot see it, you can hear traffic pretty continuously. Friends had cautioned us to have the windows down in the Jeep when we were selecting a site so we would hear whether the traffic noise was disturbing. There are very few sewer sites; you can get onto a waiting list for one after you arrive. The campground is very wooded - there is good privacy between most sites. It is also very long - if you select a site in the back, just driving in and out of the campground can take a while (at 5 MPH). Our nightly rate was $0 as Thousand Trails Family Courtesy Card holders.

Overall this TT campground was pretty good. Most sites are only W/E, but the bathrooms are spaced well and in good condition. As many reviews note, the roads are definitely dusty if its not raining. Sites and spacing are generally good, some sites available with more sun, some with more shade. Our biggest problem was the electric, which couldn't handle the draw when the weather spiked into the upper-80s and had people running (multiple) ACs. Location is pretty quiet, but an easy drive to Mt Vernon and Burlington for anything you could need.