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The Campground and View |
Although is seemed a little out of the way, the posted directions got us to the campground. Of course, we've made a few minor clarifications. We didn't have any difficulties getting onto this small training base. The hardest part was driving through a small residential area to get to the campground. I understand the route has been changed to circumvent the housing area. Once through the populated part of the small base, you'll come to a small lake, playground and picnic area. The lake was FULL of waterfowl, with the small campground being next to it. However, during your drive in you'll pass the gymnasium. This is where check-in is located, but RV parking is a tight fit. Go past the Gym and there's a bigger parking lot. ITT is also located near the gym.
The six RV sites are are parallel to the road going in small circle. They each of water, 15 and 30amp electric, a trash can, BBQ, and picnic table with a concrete parking pad. The street is also paved. Although none of the RV sites have a sewer connection, there is a dump nearby. Unfortunately, there weren't any signs giving directions to the dump. From the campground, head back past the lake and turn right onto Wisconsin. at the bottom of the hill, turn right again onto Colorado with the dump being around the corner on the right. Across the street is the "Chief's Hut" with bathrooms in the parking lot. There's no shower or laundry facilities at the campground.
We liked the small, quiet campground overlooking fields. As previously mentioned, there's plenty of waterfowl to watch. The sites are also large and separated a good distance. Although reservations are highly recommended, only 2 of the sites were occupied during our visit. The $16/night rate was fair. Sponsored guests are allowed, but pay $32/night for their site. Although slightly out of the way, this is also what makes the campground a relaxing location to base yourself for touring the area. San Fransisco, Sacramento, the Pacific Ocean, and Sonoma wine country is all nearby. The Coast Guard has a nice little gem of a military campground here.We were staying at Travis AFB FamCamp during this visit, but will plan to come to Petaluma Lake Area Campground next time.
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| Typical FHU Site | The Lake and Wildlife |
Besides visiting and reviewing the campground, our alterior motive for this visit was the reported fantastic seafood lunch served on Fridays. We found the dining facility without problems and arrived a little early. Coast Guard students soon started to arrive and were lined up. We were waiting until the line died down before we'd enter. Another retired couple arrived and we starting talking. We soon found out we were at the wrong end of the building. This was the "student" end, with instructors and other base employees using the other end. We walked down to the other end to find a long line of active duty and civilians in line. In addition, a large group of retirees were standing around. Anyone who has access to the base is allowed to eat in the dining facilities. However, retired must wait until a certain time before they are allowed to enter. Of course, it's the last seating.
After waiting over 90 minutes, we were allowed to enter. We were looking forward to the seafood lunch, reading rave reviews about the clam chowder and shrimp bar. After getting our entrees, we went looking for the soup, salad, and shrimp bar only to find out it was all gone! Being last in line also means getting whatever food is left. While we enjoyed our entree, we were greatly disappointed that the clam chowder was gone as was all of the cold shrimp and crab legs. Although the price was reasonable, we felt cheated that we only got half of a meal for the same price as everyone else before us. Oh well, what we got was still good.