Posted 2011-10-10 1:45 PM (#138199) Subject: High Knob vs Double M-no comparison!
New User
Posts: 1
Location: fairfield, IL
We've camped at High Knob on several occasions since the new owner, JoJo has taken over. Granted, the place looks nice and the trails make for wonderful riding. On our first few visits, things were grand but soon the royal treatment ended and the accusations & turmoil began. It seems we were always trying to get a grasp as to what the "rules" were only to learn they were always changing depending on the weather and/or who we spoke with. Our questions were general in nature: should we make reservations or not- prior to coming, should we always get a "tag" for our vehicle when registering at the check in office, stalls, tie line, etc. Initially we were told "no reservations " were necessary nor did they make them. It was a first come, first serve basis. Fine, we just need to know. On various occasions, the vehicle tags were given to us, but it didn't seem quite as mandatory as it did in the past. On our most recent and last visit, we pulled in after dark to stop at the office to pay and find out where we should park when Amy, the camp companion(?), said "I saw you sneak in a while ago!" JoJo then added "Don't you ever pull in here without calling first!" Come on people, what are the campground rules? Reservations now required? That's when we made our decision that this was going to be our last stay at High Knob. The campers we met who have permanent spots are great & very helpful people but it seems most have had their own unpleasant experiences with JoJo AND/OR Amy. Now we're beginning to catch on: it's the overnight campers and weekenders that get all of the personal one on one sugar and sweetness from Amy and Jojo. Just don't expect that to continue if you show up on a regular basis! We were told that the owners had multiple personalities and that's why the rules were so inconsistent and ever changing. Okay. We decided to take ourselves, our trailer and two horses to newer ground. We went to Double M to seek out their regimen. We were greeted with friendliness and respect by Heath and his wife. They were so helpful in advising us about the trails, the rules of the campground and were able to answer all of our questions in regard to our stay. The overall appearance of the grounds are extremely well groomed, the campers were friendly and helpful and of course the trails were awesome. The accomodations were wonderful...all of which includes a restaurant AND the food & servers were excellent. We enjoyed our experience at Double M so much we've decided to get a permanent spot to call our own. We were reassured by the staff if we had any problems, questions or concerns, please contact Heath and given his direct phone number. He's always on the grounds and can offer any assistance needed. We're also able to access the camp website to keep up to date on all of the scheduled activities for the months coming. Double M has it all. We're looking forward to years of hasslefree camping and riding at Double M. Check it out.
Posted 2011-10-17 8:52 AM (#138329 - in reply to #138199) Subject: RE: High Knob vs Double M-no comparison!
Veteran
Posts: 212 Location: novinger, mo
We have had only good experiences at High Knob, although I agree Jojo is a little strange. But the trails are some of the best. We rode to Double M for lunch one day and it seemed like a nice place and the owners were delightful. What are the trails further to the east like? I feel High Knob is central and has extensive riding both to the east and to the west.
Posted 2011-10-17 12:19 PM (#138334 - in reply to #138199) Subject: RE: High Knob vs Double M-no comparison!
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 376 Location: Missouri
There is very little in the way of trails east of Double M. There was a trail from Double M to the east that went as far as Highway 1. Never went any further. East of High Knob and slightly north(up towards Double M) there are a couple of days of riding. And to the west of High Knob there are 3 or 4 days of riding. There was a trail to the south of High Knob that went to Elizabeth Town, but the last time we were there(2 yrs ago) it was almost gone. I've heard it is no longer findable.
The highest concentration of trails, centers around the Eddyville area. The Forest Service is still building trails. Many of them thru some, heretofore not allowed, areas. They have build some very nice trails around the Garden of the Gods. Many of them thru natural areas.
And last weekend we found some trails in the Blanchard Church/Dog Hollow area that are really nice, and lots of them. Probably 15 to 20 miles of new, trails. They are not even on the trail map yet, nor are they marked. Don't know who they built them for. They are not very close to any of the major campgrounds and/or trailheads. Don't know whey they built so many trails here. They are very scenic and nice trails, but a long way to get to. We trailered over there to ride some of the trials in the Twin Bridges area, and stumble over these. Went back the next day and found even more unmarked, new trails.
They are also working on a lot of trails in the Petticoat Junction area.
And we still have many, many, older unmarked trails.
In the 25 to 30 mile corridor from Jackson Falls to High Knob I've heard there are over 1000 miles of trials.
Posted 2011-10-17 12:25 PM (#138336 - in reply to #138199) Subject: RE: High Knob vs Double M-no comparison!
Veteran
Posts: 123 Location: illinois
We rode in the Petticoat Junction area last week,also trailered over to Jackson Falls area---Beautiful. Just wondering where you can park so you can day ride the Garden of the Gods? Where is the trail head for that area?
Posted 2011-10-17 4:57 PM (#138340 - in reply to #138199) Subject: RE: High Knob vs Double M-no comparison!
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 376 Location: Missouri
You mean you don't want to ride from camp to GOG!!!
At the GOG there are 2 THs(BackPacker's Parking Lot TH & Buzzard's Point TH). Horses are allowed at either. You may get some complaints at the BackPacker, depending on the number of vehicles there and the way they may be parked. They are bad about blocking you in if there are many there, and they are usually gone overnight. OR, you can trailer to Herod, and just north of Herod is the Hitching Post TH. We usually park at the Hitching Post and ride in. I believe it is faster than the roads to get you into the THs at the GOG. At the Anvil TH there are hitching rails to tie to, and you can walk from there to the GOG. The only way into the Anvil is via trail.
High Knob vs Double M-no comparison!
