Review Detail

This was our second stay at MacDill AFB-Raccoon Creek Recreation Area. We requested this reservation one year in advance and provided a $100 deposit to hold the reservation. We had the option of staying up to six months but we stayed only about four full months this season. This campground is large and is really a pleasure to drive to. You will travel through the entire base to get to it which means you pass by the hangars, air field, commissary and BX, the bay, beautiful base housing. MacDill is on a peninsula in Tampa Bay and the FamCamp is on the very end of the peninsula making the water very visible and the beach very inviting. We read through the reviews and yes, this FamCamp could use improvements especially when compared with other recreation areas. In their annual listening session held on 21 Feb 2018, we were told a contract should be issued very soon to renovate/improve the bath house/laundry building. They are also addressing other areas including better information sharing at check-in and throughout the camp; better WiFi throughout the campground and annex campground; installing new sites closer to the water (not sure if these are RV or cabins...we've heard both speculated but it was not made clear at the meeting); address customer service issues with the staff; removing boats and other recreation vehicles that are stored near the camp/beach area or discarding if no owner is identified; mentioned the marina building needs to be larger; evaluating biological and other methods to address the mosquito and no-see-um populations; and other items. We asked if an agreement had been reached with Spectrum (high speed internet provider, an optional service that you pay Spectrum directly for) to get better rates on high speed internet. We were told they would look in to this and noted that cable and internet rates increased for everyone living on base. Our review leans positive because we are thankful to have the opportunity to stay here. We understand it is a popular location and we may not always get the chance to stay. We made wonderful friends and enjoyed the experience. Location: 4/5 because we prefer campgrounds in the woods! Raccoon Creek is not in the woods but they do have beautiful palm trees and performed maintenance on them just a few weeks ago. If you enjoy the amenities of a large city, this camp is for you! If you enjoy being in a "gated community," this camp is for you! If you enjoy having plenty of space to run, walk, or ride a bike/trike, this place is for you. Please note: mosquitoes and no-see-ums are really bad in the campground when the temperature rises above 80F and the humidity increases. My wife attracts them and suffered at times from all the itchy bites. Fire ants are also prevalent throughout the camp and can be a painful experience. Cleanliness/Hospitality: 4/5 because the facilities are a bit run down and the campground staff are generally friendly but should put more information in writing so they provide everyone with the exact same information. Amenities/Facilities: 4/5 as noted above, the facilities are a bit run down and the walk to the beach is laced with old equipment and recreational vehicles. When we left, a black cable was laying on top of the ground and had been there since before Christmas. Value: 5/5 because it's a great deal for everything you get, not only a full hook up site (majority of the sites) but also being on a military installation. For a wintering location you can't beat it! Overall Experience: 4/5 because this camp could be improved, as any camp could be improved! Be Blessed!