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written by jess , March 11, 2008

you say on here you are closed until march 30th. but my parents are camping this weekend there.? or will they??

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written by Kim Painter , April 13, 2008

My family and I have been camping at the McKinney Campground for several years now. I only recently have had a horrid experience. Mr. Stratford, who is a worker at the gate house, was extremely rude to both myself and a number of our guests. I rented a campsite and when I pulled up to register it was raining and lightning. I pulled nearer the gate and parked my car to the side of the guesthouse as to not block the other visitors from entering and to avoid having to walk a long distance in the lightning and rain. Upon doing so, Mr. Stratford announced from the exterior of the gatehouse, in a very condescending manner, that I would have to complete a full circle around the gate house and would have no choice but to walk/run in the rain. I had to walk an unneccesary distance in these conditions to register and upon my arrival, I conveyed to Mr. Stratford how ridiculous and unreasonable his request was, considering the weather. He proceeded to speak very rude to me and blamed the requirement on the Corps of Engineers and stated that he agreed w/ me. He further insisted that I take a copy of the camp map, which he described having a rule on it, which would account for his requirement. I finally read the campground rules and realized that there is not one that references this policy. Upon speaking w/ other of our guests, I learned that he did the above to my cousin's wife and then as she was walking up to the gatehouse he made mention to the fact that she was taking to long and/or walking to slowly.

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written by chris , June 19, 2008

try site 84 it is cool. a long way to the lake but good fishing . be careful you my get hag up in a rock .

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written by K.Emory , June 27, 2008

I stopped in here today june 27 2008 to get a campsite for me and my family to enjoy for the weekend. The wife of the attendent was very sweet and coropative and telling her how I have been coming to this camp ground since I was 12 years old.but when the attendent walked up to me he was very rude by telling me it is people like me, when i was a kid ,that make the rules there are today on this campground and offered me, a 31 yr old, a coloring book. I felt it was very discriminating and discouraging. I am a father of two that has the up most respect for the COE and I am very upset due to this mans harsh remarks.The lady was very nice. People these days have no respect nor manners. I would not recommend anyone to go camp on this campground.

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written by E. Moncus , June 29, 2008

My wife and I stopped by McKinney Camp Ground about 9:30 PM just to find out about the camp ground. We have camped there several times and just wanted to get a map to see where we wanted to camp after the 4th of July. The attendant told me that I would have to call or go on line to make reservations. She was not helpful at all, and not friendly either. She kelp telling me that I could not go into the park to look for a camp site, because it was over 50% full. That was ok, and then my wife pulled up to pick me up, and the attendant told me that the car had to be moved, because that was the only way in and that the car had to be mover immediately. She was very rude and the man that was with her, I think it would have been her husband, got up and walked out like he was going to do something, I don't know what. She was so rude!!!! Why do they think that is the only place to camp. Why do people like that work in a place like that dealing with people. This was at 9:30 in the evening. There was no one around, excect a car was in the drive up area, where we parked and I walked up from. Why didn't she have that car removed? She was so rude!! I don't think I will ever camp there again, because of the lady that was soooooooo rude.

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written by Misty B , July 08, 2008

We went the week of 4th of July and we had a GREAT time the park was clean and everyone was really nice and helpful. I saw some of the poeple that other campers have named (saying that they were rude) and they were very nice, they were going out of their way to be helpful. In all I will be going back to Mckinney Camp ground in the future.

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written by CINDY , July 11, 2008

I was surfing the net looking for campgrounds on Allatoona, and have decided that I would rather sleep in a ditch than camp here. I can't tolerate rude people, and the "cons" outweigh the "pro's" at this capsite. Someone who cares should get rid of these people and hire in people who actually enjoy their job and being around people!

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written by jeff burton , August 12, 2008

Just found this forum-hope others do too. I have always loved COE campgrounds. Still do. BUT!... The hosts at McKinney are the absolute rudest people I've ever met. Over July 4th wknd we had several sites booked under one name. The friend who made the reservation was unable to come due to loss of job and economic downturn. When I arrived to check in the hosts refused to allow us in, even though we had the the reservation print-out. I asked if there was anyone they could call and I was told I would have to do it. I called my friend who made the reservations and the host refused to even speak with them. They were absolutely no help and did I mention RUDE! While I was attempting to get this worked out, two other campers came up to check in WITHOUT reservation slips and cheked in without showing any I.D. what-so-ever. I cold have lied about who I was when I arrived and checked in but by being honest with them I was penalized and I along with my two daughters were forced to sleep in the overflow parking until the next morning. It took someone in the Corps office with half a brain about two minutes to get this resolved. Clearly these people have NO business being hosts.

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written by Tim , August 22, 2008

I went to McKenny Camp Ground this afternoon to look at campsites and to check about reserving one. I made the mistake too of driving to window and asking if I could ride through. I got the same attendant who promply told me to circle the building and park in the visitors space and come register. Yeah...I was pssed. But I drove back around and parked got my tag number and walked to the guard house. By this time another camper was there working the attendant. I waited and while I was waiting another person arrived, yeah he parked in the right space.
When finally it was my turn I told the attendant I wanted a lake side camp site. He was highligted a map with all the lake sites and explained that they were 1st come 1st serve and all others were reserved on line. I got my map walked back to my car and noticed a big sign that I ignored the first time...All cars park here for gate pass.

Actually the attendant turned out to be very helpful and cordial. I will be camping here.

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written by John , September 06, 2008

I was recently offered an opportunity to stay in a camper at this campground, so I visited this site to gain some knowledge on the environment. I couldn't believe what I was reading when I looked at the comment section. How is it possible in todays business that an organization can allow associates to treat customers in such a disrespectful manner. I was blown away by the consistency of the complaints! Are the owners and managers of this campsite truly that inconsiderate of their customers experiences? There is NO WAY I would bring my family to such a place and I would highly encourage anyone else who reads these comments to reconsider if you were thinking about spending your hard earned money on this place. Here I was, looking for a fun opportunity and what a surprise!!! Note to Mgrs: Please look closely into your associates behavior and take seriously the impact their having on future potential business. Thanks

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written by Tom , September 08, 2008

I am a regular camper at McKinney and was VERY surprised at these comments. I have ALWAYS found the camp attendants helpful and not once has anyone been rude to me or my family. I have heard campers (adults and teenagers) curse the attendants and act like spoiled children regardless of what Corps rule they are breaking. I also walked up to the window during one of the incidences mentioned. The campground attendant said: "Please circle around the gatehouse, park in the white lines, and bring your tag number to the window." There is a large sign at the entrance of the park posted by The Corps of Engineers that says "Campers and Visitors Park Here" and it is posted before you get to the white parking lines. The place where people want to park is the area where motorhomes, fifth wheels, camper trailers and cars enter the park. This open space is closest to the gatehouse. But if you park there, you block the only entrance to the park. There is only one way in and one way out. Is it fair to other campers that someone doesn't want to follow the rules? If a person has a red light and stops in the middle of an intersection, they violate the rules and could cause an accident. This is no different. I actually saw someone backup into the white lines when the attendant asked them to circle the gatehouse. A truck with jetskis was approaching and they stopped short of an accident because they wanted to do it their way. Most rules are set to eliminate confusion, avoid accidents and keep our families safe. The rules are not set by the attendants. I applaud the Corps and the attendants for trying to keep order. The park is one of the best I have ever visited. Large paved spaces, every site has water and electric, as well as a nice lake. It is very well maintained and the bathrooms were clean.

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written by Mary , September 08, 2008

I was pleased when I found out that McKinney Campground is open all year long. It is one of the best campgrounds in the U.S. Every campsite has its own advantages but all are fairly large with at least a motorhome and one car. Others can hold up to three cars and a camper. There are no primitive sites, but you can camp in a popup or tent at any site. The attendants were friendly and very helpful.

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written by daniel , September 08, 2008

I am glad that I found this site to post my views on McKinney. It is a great park! Why would anyone come to a wooded park at 9:30 in the evening to take a tour? What could they possibly see at night? I have taken tours of the Corps parks. An informative attendant usually says please arrive before dusk, not on holidays or weekends because we are usually full in season. The busier Corps parks have a greater challenge in keeping order and traffic flow. The decision not to admit persons into the park to "tour" for a future reservation when the campground has hundreds of campers, cars, trucks, children and boats, is an excellent rule. I have been in the park when it is full and persons "cruising" the park can pose a danger. I especially want to address a comment by Jeff Burton. I was in line when Mr. Burton arrived that evening. He was rude and hollering at the attendants because they would not admit him without permission from a Park Ranger or the Corps office. The reservation he had in his hand was in someone else's name. I have booked reservations for other people and a call by the person who made the reservation to the Corps would have prevented this situation. The original camper only had to advise the Corps that Mr. Burton would be the occupant of the site before he arrived. Obviously, this was not done by the persons who made the original reservation and Mr. Burton did not take the time to get it resolved before he arrived shortly before 10 pm. The attendant offered the overflow parking as a courtesy to avoid the camper having to return home. The only person rude was Mr. Burton. Even his two friends who arrived from the campground tried to calm him down. This is a good example of how one person can ruin a camping experience for others.

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written by HH , October 12, 2008

What's up with the contract park attendants? Glad to read through the comments and find I was not alone in having a very negative (and unreasonable) experience with the "staff."

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written by c , October 13, 2008

We often camp with a group of friends. McKinney is a lovely campground and well maintained. I went midweek, late morning, to check out campsites and was refused entrance. I was told by Mr. Stratford that I would disturb the campers though I had picked my time carefully so as not to. I was also told the 50% capacity rule - how will they fill the other 50%?? And I told him I wanted the sites for a couple of weeks in the future, not right then. When he was still refusing me entrance, I said that wasn't acceptable, as it's public land. He picked up the phone and stated there was a woman at the gate "creating a disturbance". I couldn't believe it. I was afraid he was having me arrested or something. The Ranger (it turned out) asked to speak with me, and allowed me to go in. After the ranger spoke with Mr. Stratford again, he gave me a pass for one loop of the campground, and for 10 min. versus the standard 30 min. The campground was almost deserted, and I think I saw only one person. It was so silly.

Last month, during one weekend, 3 out of our 4 couples camping together had some issue with Mr. Stratford - all different issues!!

This past week, we camped again, and once again we had difficulties with Mr. Stratford. He sighted a rule that didn't even apply, showed he had no knowledge of electrical circuits, and was once again rigid and condescending, all while smiling and laughing. His attempts at being friendly and cooperative were thin and transparent.

An older gentleman who checked in myself and another couple last month was so nice and pleasant. It seems obvious that Mr. Stratford either enjoys being difficult or he doesn't have a camper's congenial attitude and understanding. McKinney is a wonderful campground, but something is wrong at the gatehouse.

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written by bt , October 22, 2008

We just booked for this weekend. I hope this Mr. stratford doesn't give us any trouble. we booked on the internet, and could only use our name even though I have family coming up from Fla that will arrive hours before us..hope this guy lets them in!

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written by Concerned Government Advocate , October 26, 2008

I have contacted the Corps' and they "said that they have sent their Mobile contract office" this website regarding these blogs and they are going to use them in denying Stratford any future contracts.

I was told Stradford is no longer at McKinney and I was also told he will probably never be back there or anywhere else. I will not allow my camping experience to be affected by someone like him again.

After the election, I am advising advise my congressman about Stradford. I want this man stopped before the next camping season begins.

There are too many good park employees to have to put up with him.

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written by interested party , February 28, 2009

Interesting comments on this site....should I be afraid to book a campsite for April? A couple families are hoping to get together for a long weekend and I don't want to be the one to organize an unpleasant experience.

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written by kelly , April 02, 2009

well yall are all rong cuz this place is reallly good

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written by PM , April 13, 2009

I want to camp here but after reading these reviews not sure if I want to take the chance of having my weekend spoiled. Can anyone tell me if these people are still working there? I think I will try Lake Lanier until I can get confirmation I won't be treated like a crimmal or a child by employee's of this campground!! Corp's you need to take action now!

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written by hqndagal , April 15, 2009

My husband and I camp at McKinney at least once a month and we love it. Luckily we never ran across the rude attendant.... It is a wonderful park. The spots are very large and private. Many spots are right on the lake, some are in the woods. Either way, they are nice, and clean. Not much for children to do, but my husband and I have raised ours....so we don't mind,

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written by Pamela , April 22, 2009

I love camping here at McKinney, hey for the people who are going to camp else where. Yipee!!! That gives more room for those who don't mind following rules and putting up with the elders. Hey they're old and lived a long life, they can be crankey if they want. For the people who wanted to ride around in the camp ground at 9:30 at night to look at a sight...come on! I glad they didn't let you in... can you say Creepy. I enjoy camping here and the elders that sit in that little hut all day long watching people have fun, I think I would be crankey too. Lighten Up and enjoy life or camping. Life is too short to complain about petty things. You will enjoy camping, it is all what you make of it.

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written by ron peach , May 29, 2009

Never been to McKinney, but have reservations for 8 days in site 92 in mid July. Can any one tell me if this a very good site, i.e. long and level. Ron

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written by Sarah , June 09, 2009

I've gone up to visit my dad at McKinney several times and I've never been ONCE where I wasn't yelled at by the people that work the front gate. It's unfortunate that they're extremely rude.

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written by Charlotte Askew , June 11, 2009

I am a park attendant contractor at McKinney Campground and I am writing this in response to Sarah's comment. Following is the rules for Mckinney Corps of Engineers Campground.

1) Upon entering the park a visitor must park behind the white lines in the parking area. (a large sign at the entrance to the parking area states where they are to park at)
2) Obtain their license plate number.
3) Walk to the gate house and stand in line (if there is a line) until your time to be waited on.
4) Give your full name, campsite number you are visiting, license plate number and present $4.00 for the visitors pass and once processed you are given a yellow visitors rearview mirror tag with the license plate number, campsite number and date and time you are to leave the park which is 10PM in the summertime.
5) However, if the campsite already has 3 cars which is the maximum number of vehicles allowed then you are requested to park your vehicle in the overflow parking lot and call someone from the site to pick you up and carry you to the site or you are free to walk in if you choose....regardless if you drive into or walk into the park you are required to pay a VISITOR'S FEE if you are not part of the camping party.

Now, IF Sarah complied with all these rules then I make a public apology to her if I was the "rude person" everytime she visited because there would have been no need for rudeness if she was in compliance.

Sadly, most of our disgruntled complaints come from visitors to our park who seem to think that they are visiting our campers at their homes, however, this is a US Army Corps of Engineers Campground (not their homes) and they along with the visitors have to comply with the rules and regulations set forth by the USACE. We are contract park attendants who bid these jobs and are hired to try to bring our campers and visitors into compliance without having to involve Rangers or law enforcement.

Once again if I was in the wrong and rude to Sarah for no reason...then I apoligize.

Charlotte A. Askew

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written by John , June 12, 2009

I've been camping at McKinney year-round now for 2 years. I've witnessed on many occasions the attendants being put into a position to have to enforce park rules to campers who don't believe that the rules apply to them. Dogs off leashes, not honoring quite time, parking next to the check-in building. All rules that are clearly posted either as you enter the park, or on the check-in materials given to the campers. These complainers here are children, and the attendants should treat them as such. Following camping etiquette is important; if you can't be respectful of rules, and other camper's space, then keep your trailer-trash out of the park. We respectful campers will be not be disappointed that you won't come back.

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written by amber , June 15, 2009

well I have never delt with no one rude. Guess it was just luck. But yes this park is the best and I love it. Rules are every where you go. They have them for a reason. That's why the park/campground is as clean as it is. We are all grown we know what is expected in keeping something nice. I love this park and will keep going back.