Jan 12, 2013

Death of an RV Park

Have you ever witnessed such a thing?  We have.  Not pretty at all.  We are referring to Mexican RV Parks in particular.

An RV park needs to be nurtured.  It needs to be able to reach out to new arrivals, to first time RVers in Mexico.  People need to feel welcome, to know they are appreciated for making the long and sometimes scary drive down here from the USA.

What do you do when an RV pulls into your campground here in Mexico?  Picture this….there is no office, no manager on site.  Do you just ignore these people and trust that they will figure it out on their own?  That way you cannot get involved and just get on with your personal fun day.  Or do you like most seasoned RVers, walk over, introduce yourself and offer to help?

We have been RVing in Mexico for over 15 years and truly have been all over Mexico.  Years ago in Acapulco we found an RV Park, Playa Luces, and came to love it.  Over a few years we encouraged RVers to come and see the beauty of the area for themselves.  The park grew and blossomed.  Sadly due to personal reasons we had to stop travelling that far south and the park has slowly died back, almost if not totally closed now.  What made the difference?  Us!!  We talked to every new arrival, helped them back into their spot, offered information about veggie trucks and water delivery and anything we could think of at the time.  These people returned and brought their friends.  The park flourished for a few years.  Yes there was an owner on site but she did not speak English nor French which I did and so I became her helper, translating between three languages and easily becoming confused. What did I get out of it?  Nada! Not even a free beer which was what she did offer each RVer as they arrived, an ice cold Corona to quench their thirst. Great welcome I thought.  I was just happy to have someone new arrive and to discover a wonderful side of Mexico.

We live in an RV park at home in Canada, not in our RV but in a 900 sq ft park home on an RV site.  Even there when we see someone new to the park we stop and ask if they need help or some directions.  It is who we are and what we are.  How much effort does it take to help someone have a better experience?  Seconds,  moments but how great the feeling is to have helped someone be more comfortable.

So now here we are for the 4th winter season at Tres Amigos RV Park on Stone Island, right next to Mazatlan.  When we first found this gem it was busy with RVers, but for the past few years due to a general decline in RVing in Mexico plus much media propaganda the numbers of RVers has dwindled.  I personally see it as my mission to get those numbers back up, to show others how wonderful Mexico can be.

So when an RV manages to find it’s way “down the road” and just turns up what does one do?  Ignore them!!!  Not me, nor Colin.  How difficult can it be to reach out, help them find a site……sure they might only be here for a week but that might become two weeks or they may return next year for 3 or 4 months.  We ( all of us seasoned RVers ) are the ambassadors.  Is that not what RVers do, share information about the water truck, the veggie/fruit truck, about our 24 hour security,  how to find the water taxi over to Mazatlan, the lavenderia, etc???

Our park manager is not on site all the time and  is only a phone call away. Perhaps a reason to step out of our comfort zone and lend them a helping hand.  That is not quite what happened here today. Later I discovered that the new arrivals were aware of who I was and of my blog and possibly had come here to view this paradise because of the blog. I was saddened at the arrival they received.  I am happy to be able to report that Colin and I maintained our usual high standards.

We do want this park and all Meixcan RV parks to grow in numbers. As parks grow in numbers the costs are shared by all.  That leads to better wifi, more security, etc.  If no one comes to an RV park, that park will die.  It is up to each of us to encourage and support new Rvers to an area.  In the past 6 weeks Tres Amigos RV Park has had 10 or more new  RV’s or vehicles show up to check out the area.  One large 5th wheel came for just the one night but hopes to return.  Two days ago we had someone wanting to pay their deposit for next season. Travelling in Mexico is still difficult for some RVers to accept.  There is much beauty, there is the sun, the beaches and of course the wonderful people. It is an experience we all deserve and should all discover. Our home at Tres Amigos is paradise.

So folks, it is your choice if you want to let your RV Park  live or die……………………….this applies to all RV parks in Mexico.

The sun has set on this day. Tomorrow is a new opportunity for growth, change, forgiveness, love, hugs and moving on.

 

 

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14 responses so far

14 Responses to “Death of an RV Park”

  1. Bob says:

    You know, if I could possibly do it without creeping people out, I’d sidle up to just about anyone out on the main drag here and help with directions. Mostly because, I’ve “been there and done that”, when it comes to trying to find an obscure street or destination.
    Approaching a complete stranger on a busy street in Vienna isn’t always appropriate though.
    I’ve never quite understood why folks in the hospitality end of things (RV park owners, for example) somehow think that everyone is going to beat a path to their location. You might have the nicest place around, but if a customer gets the “cold shoulder”, no matter how that’s perceived, they may not wish to return, or recommend it to others.
    Just a mystery.

    • contessa says:

      I appreciate all of your comments. Just to be clear, Tres Amigos RV Park is not dying but in fact flourishing at this time. We and many others love it here and we shall continue to do what we can to support and promote this piece of paradise. The best news is that the road is cleared of all brush and is in as good a shape it can possibly be.

  2. I can see that happening at Tres Amigos, with no on site manager anymore. It is a beautiful location and would be a shame to let it die. It was wonderful when we were there.

  3. Sandy says:

    How right you are – a greeting means so much when arriving and not just at an RV Park in Mazatlan but the local weekly gathering places where expats hang out. Thanks for reminding us that a simple, little hello can change a persons view of a place or group.

    Your sunset pictures have been exceptional this week, love, love, love seeing them.

  4. Pat says:

    Agreed as far as helping our fellow RVers. I also believe that the owners of the RV parks need to step up to the plate in the services they provide. How often have we all seen in Mex. (or anywhere for that matter) a park with deteriorating facilities, questionable electric hookups, washrooms you’re ‘afraid’ to enter…and then park fees equivilent or sometimes above full facility U.S or Canadian RV park prices, and on top of that, wanting payment in US$ not pesos. You want your park to be successful…put some effort into it and don’t expect the clientele to do it for you. Case in point…Hacienda Contreras. Great park, good facilities, fair prices and fabulous host owners Barb and Sal, who go out of their way to make you feel welcome!!

  5. Kathy Tycho says:

    I applaud your efforts. As a short time RVer I don’t feel I have the knowledge or expertise to give advice and leave that to the seasoned RVer’s. On our first RV journey to Mexico we were lucky enough to be invited for a happy hour drink by some kind American’s who became our winter neighbours and friends when we stopped in a Pemex in Los Mochis. We were shell shocked and tired and what a difference a friendly face made. Sadly I have also witnessed really bad behaviour by resident RVers in our park as well as other parks when the long term winter residents decide it is their park and they make the rules…not the park owner. Bad manners are bad manners whether you are in Canada, the US or Mexico. As for the park owners they too need to do their part. Here at Las Jaibas the park owner has made some positive changes this year. He asked for suggestions last year and actually implemented some of them. A swimming pool complete with patio furniture and a really nice area for communal happy hours (very good for new tenants to meet people) and the biggest change is that he finally posted his rates!

  6. Catheline says:

    Contessa:

    Once again my hat goes off to you and Colin. You two, and a few others, have opened Our door to Mexico and i will always be greatful for that.

    My history is in the restaurant business which only follows suit to, inform, direct and make things as pleasent as possible for anyone new or looking confused. I follow your lead…..

  7. Trent and Teresa says:

    Contessa, thank you for your well written thoughts.

    Teresa and I are very thankful when experienced RV’ers help us with our needs, and in turn, we try to help others out as well.

    With wonderful ambassadors such as you and Colin, and your beautiful photos in your blog, I am sure your park will continue to grow !!

    Take care … TnT

  8. Chris says:

    I agree 100 percent. Many new rvers to Mexico are a bit skiddish and look for a welcome, a howdy do, and some good advice. There have been times when I have flagged rvers down because I could tell they were lost or confused. Great way to make rving friends in Mexico.

    We all need to work together and help each other out. A helping hand goes a long way. Good job C & C!

  9. kitty says:

    I don’t believe Tres Amigos RV Park is “dying” either….what research was done to arrive at this conclusion. Now that you have informed all your readers about the “dying park”, perhaps you should inform the owner of the park? If I were the Park owner, I would be very interested to know what my “renters” were printing about my business.

  10. Contessa says:

    I wrote that Tres Amigos is currently flourishing…but if we keep up the attitude of ignoring the new arrivals then it shall fail….please re read what was written. I was referring to a park in Acapulco.

    Please re read the blog.

    We love Tres Amigos and are it’s champions. Why do you think I blog about this park all the time?

  11. Catheline says:

    Oh my goodness Contessa!! Who is this kitty person?????? did she even read the blogg? maybe she was sleeping while reading….

  12. kitty says:

    Yes, I was sleeping while reading. I apologize for misreading the first part of your article Contessa and overreacting. We all try to promote tourism in Mazatlan and especially the RV Parks here on the Isla. Nothing beats this place or the people here, locals and visitors alike.

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