A brand new , private membership, clothing optional campground for the 2013 season. Primarily catering to the Gay Community, anyone who is open minded and accepting of us is welcome. The campground is essentially being built from the ground up. Currently there are 25 RV sites with either 30 or 50 amp service, city water, and sewer hook-ups at every site.

Lizard Landing Camp is located on 11.5 secluded acres, in Southeast Alabama, on the Georgia Border, on the Omussee Creek, which feeds directly into the Magnificent Chattahoochee River System. The campground has over 1800 feet of Creek Frontage, and is less than 1/4 mile from the mouth of the River by boat.  “Neighboring” to the South is the Omussee Creek Park which has 2 excellent boat ramps, if you want bring your boat, to fish, ski, canoe, or kayak. Less than 2 miles from Columbia, AL, convenient for quick shopping trips, and only 18 miles from Dothan, AL if you find you want more variety of Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment options.  While off the beaten path, we are less than 250 miles away from Atlanta, Birmingham, Mobile, Pensacola, Jacksonville.  Open 7 days a week, 12 months of the year, and welcome you to visit for a day; a night; a week; a month or more!

Les and Gregg, the owners, have been a couple, and in business together for 8 years, and have a great “team” relationship. Their backgrounds include business management, sales, logistics, entertainment, food and beverage, and most importantly hospitality. They enjoy  time  spent with friends, and have never met a stranger…..they look forward to making you a part of their ever-growing family!

Directions

From Pensacola and Panama City, FL, New Orleans, LA and points West: Take I-10 Exit 130 Hwy 231 North To Dothan, When you reach Ross Clark Circle go RIGHT (east) to Alabama HWY 52 towards Columbia, Turn RIGHT and go approximately 14.6 Miles to AL 95, Turn RIGHT Lizard Lope Rd. will be .8 miles on your LEFT We are the Last Driveway on the RIGHT on Lizard Lope Rd.

From Tallahassee and Jacksonville, FL, Valdosta, GA and points South East: Take Exit 199 (US Hwy. 27) go NORTH to Bainbridge, GA. Take the US Hwy. 84 Bypass WEST towards Dothan. Continue on Hwy. 84 across the Chattahoochee River into Alabama, the first RIGHT will be Alabama Hwy. 95, go NORTH/RIGHT 11.4 Miles to Lizard Lope Rd. VEER RIGHT We are the Last Driveway on the RIGHT on Lizard Lope Rd

From Atlanta and Points in North GA; Take I-85 South to I-185 South towards Columbus. Follow US Hwy. 27 South to Blakely, GA, Make a RIGHT on GA Hwy. 62 (Magnolia St.) Follow the signs for GA Hwy. 62 (which becomes Columbia Hwy) Across the Chattahoochee River, thru Columbia, AL Look for AL Hwy. 95 on your LEFT .7 miles from Columbia. Turn LEFT on Hwy. 95, Lizard Lope Rd. will be .8 miles on your LEFT We are the Last Driveway on the RIGHT on Lizard Lope Rd.

From Birmingham and Montgomery: Take I-65 to US Hwy. 231 South to Dothan, Go LEFT on Ross Clark Circle to Hwy. 52 (Columbia Hwy.) go LEFT approximately 14.6 Miles to AL 95, Turn RIGHT Lizard Lope Rd. will be .8 miles on your LEFT We are the Last Driveway on the RIGHT on Lizard Lope Rd.

LGBT, adult only resort offering 30 amp RV sites with elec. & water, spacious tenting sites and a variety of cabins, all are available nightly or annually. Dump station on site. Pets are welcome. “The Coyote Howl” is a 2400 sq. ft. activity hall with ample indoor and outdoors seating areas for hosting events. Karaoke is hosted every week and other events including a disco are offered on long weekends in season. The Hall is available for event rental and houses toilet, shower and kitchen facilities. The property has a beautiful pond for fishing, swimming, and boating, as well as miles of nature trails for hiking. Take advantage of the group fire ring, volleyball court and horseshoe pits, as well as all the amenities of The Village at Pigeon Lake only 15 minutes away.

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Directions:
From Edmonton
One hour travel time. Go South on HIGHWAY 2 to HIGHWAY 39. Turn right onto HIGHWAY 39 travel West to Calmar 16 km. Turn left onto HIGHWAY 795 the last set of lights in Calmar. Travel South for 7.8 km. Turn right onto GLEN PARK ROAD and travel West 15.5 km. Turn left onto HIGHWAY 778 and travel South for 9.9 km. Turn right onto HIGHWAY 616 travel West 7.8 km. (Do not follow the Pigeon Lake 6 km sign!) Turn left onto HIGHWAY 771 travel South 7 km keep an eye out for our sign! Turn right onto TWP 472 Road. This is the first right after the bridge and it is a gravel road. Travel West 3 km. Turn right onto Range Road 23 (the second intersection) you will find Pine Trails Getaway on the left side.

From Red Deer
One hour travel time. Go North on HIGHWAY 2 to HIGHWAY 13. Take HIGHWAY 13 West turn off and travel West. Pass through Ma-Me-O Beach, Westerose and the Village of Pigeon Lake 42 km. Continue for 3 km. Turn right on HIGHWAY 771 travel North along the lake, keep going right at the 90 degree bend on HIGHWAY 771 stay on the pavement travel 3 km more. Do not go straight ahead onto the gravel road to Yeoford. Turn left onto TWP 472 Road. This is the first gravel road on your left after you pass Harbour Lights. Travel West for 3 km. Turn right onto Range Road 23 this will be the second intersection on TWP 472 Road. You will find Pine Trails Getaway on the left side.

From Calgary
Two and a half hour travel time. Go North on HIGHWAY 2 to HIGHWAY 13. Take HIGHWAY 13 West turn off and travel West. Pass through Ma-Me-O Beach, Westerose and the Village of Pigeon Lake 42 km. Continue for 3 km. Turn right on HIGHWAY 771 travel North along the lake, keep going right at the 90 degree bend on HIGHWAY 771. Stay on the pavement and travel more 3 km. Do not go straight ahead onto the gravel road to Yeoford. Turn left onto TWP 472 Road. This is the first gravel road on your left after you pass Harbour Lights. Travel West for 3 km. Turn right onto Range Road 23 this will be the second intersection on TWP 472 Road. You will find Pine Trails Getaway on the left side.

Progressive campground near Lake Livingston with miles of walking trails and wooded campsites. Tent camping as well as 20, 30, & 50 amp hook ups for RV’s, Big Rig friendly with pull through sites available, Wi-fi, cable TV, camp store, laundry, rec. room, playground,and Livingston Lake only 2 miles away.

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Directions: Take HWY 59 North to Shepherd, TX. Turn left onto Loop 424 and go to the 4-way stop sign. Turn left onto HWY 150 towards Cold Spring. Turn right onto FM 222 toward Lake Livingston Dam. Go approximately 7 miles to the Rock’n E RV Park. Lat. 030.58106 / Long. – 95.05027

LGBT, private clothing optional primarily male (women welcome) on 40 acres, 15 tent & 15 RV level sites of various sizes, will accommodate big rigs, water and 30Amp electrical service, dump facilities, washrooms with coin showers, picnic tables, fire rings, overlooking mountain vistas, old growth forest, and Shadow Falls and Connor Creek. Clubhouse with Wi-Fi, Office/Store, ice/wood sales, supplies/snacks. Near by fuel, snacks & ice at Chehalis Band Store – 2km South of Campground, Medical Services: Clinic – Agassiz, Hospital – Mission

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Directions: From #1 take exit 135 toward Agassiz #9, go 0.3 km, at the traffic circle take the 2nd exit to stay on #9, go 4.9 km, turn left to stay on #9, go 1.7 km, turn left at Chearn Ave., go 0.3 km, turn right at Evergreen Dr., go 0.2 km, slight left at Lougheed Hwy., go 1.5 km, turn left to stay on Lougheed Hwy., go 15.0 km, turn right at Chehalis FSR, go 0.3 km, slight right at Morris Valley Rd, go 10.0 km to Shadow Falls Campground

Men only, year-round lodge with an indoor heated pool, 14 man hot tub, 14 man wood-fired sauna, large common showers, workout equipment, bathrooms, and a large recreation hall with satellite television, billiards, and ping-pong. There are many tent sites, and 16 RV sites with full hookups (sewer, water, and choice of electric). There are 5 cabins with a shared bathhouse and several rooms with a shared bath and kitchen in a small house on the property. We have 60 lockers for members with day passes, and these are also available for those camping or staying in a cabin or room. We have 82 acres including many trails running through fields and woods, and of course our two ponds including a dock out to deeper water. There are a few canoes for enjoying the pond, and wildlife is abundant throughout. This is a place where freedom is key and everyone is respected.

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Directions: Will be provided with your reservation.

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Private, LGBT, clothing optional, campground resort with 250 fenced and gated acres. 70 Big rig full service and water and electric accessible sites, poolside service cabins with kitchens and private bathrooms, private sleeper rooms, bunkhouse accommodations, tent sites – both primitive and with utilities, honey wagon service and dump station, rest rooms, laundry facilities, in-ground pool with sundeck, hot-tub set in a tropical garden, clubhouse with fireplace, landscaped gardens, fishponds, fishing ponds, entire property clothing optional, adult playroom, several hiking trails, free WI-FI service with wide hot-spot, pets welcome.

Directions: From I-75 take exit 16 to US 84 west towards Quitman, go approximately 13 miles to a left at Brooks County Courthouse on US 221/GA333, at the fork stay right on Hwy. 221, go about 5 miles until you see a sign for Hickory Head Baptist Church, turn right on Hickory Head Rd., go 1.8 miles to Bobcat Resort on your left.
From I-10 take exit 241 to US 221 north towards Greenville, follow Hwy. 221 through Greenville to the GA. State line, go 4.5 miles until you see a sign for Hickory Head Baptist Church, turn left on Hickory Head Rd., go 1.8 miles to Bobcat Resort on your left.

A private, LGBT, gated, 18+, membership only, RV, tent campground, with full hook ups including cable tv. Swimming pool, day passes, shower house, store, Wi-Fi at clubhouse, lounge, pool table, laundry, & activities. Exercise equipment, horseshoes, pet friendly, open year round

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Directions: From Cross City, travel 2.55 miles south on Hwy.19 to the entrance on SE 74th Ave. (Fowler Rd.) on the right. From Old Town travel 6.77 miles north on Hwy.19, make a U turn and go .16 miles to the entrance on SE 74th Ave. (Fowler Rd.) on the right.

Gay is a term used to label homosexual men and as a catchall term for “LGBT society”. Friendliness of a person or group of people can only be gauged by our personal experience or the experience of those with views that we know to be aligned with our own.

When we hear a phrase used by someone with whom our views are not necessarily aligned, and we apply their usage to our understanding, we unknowingly alter our meaning of the phrase. The varying interpretations of “Gay Friendly” have resulted in it becoming a very ambiguous phrase.

“Gay Friendly” is typically used to describe new attitudes, feelings, inclusiveness, or level of acceptance of our culture, which is striving to affect a huge social change in the world. Change does not occur easily. When it involves social development and realignment of the social order it is a long and difficult process. This process invokes personal attachment, passion, and emotion. The goal of advancing LGBT culture can easily become compromised when emotions are allowed to influence decisions and actions.

Lack of understanding when presented with information different from the norm further complicates the advancement of LGBT culture. Changing the norm can be interpreted as a threat. Those that are more progressive do not feel threatened. Individual’s understanding and rates of growth vary, and so will their degrees of “Gay Friendliness” or progressiveness.

Progressive describes that development is occurring gradually or incrementally. In the context of gay culture it tells us there are new ideas and ways of doing things that encourage societal change. It indicates advancement and reform from an existing condition or norm. Progress indicates evolution and when we talk about people in society evolving it is human nature that they do so at different rates.

“Gay Friendly” is static and does not give us any indication there may be varying degrees. Most think of “Gay Friendly” absolutely. The truth is several levels exist. Treating society with the expectation that everyone is evolving at the same rate is harmful to the change gay culture is seeking. A growing culture cannot afford to live with disdain for the society it is encouraging to evolve for its benefit. We will invariably come across people who feel threatened by differences and express it inappropriately. Evolution is a state of flux, which does not occur uniformly. It is essential that we are positive and practice the very acceptance and compassion we seek. We need to meet others where they are without judgment. This does not mean that we have to like them.

LGBT culture has been stigmatized as being only about our sexual orientation. Our culture has no more to do with sex than any other culture, be it African-American, American Indian, or Asian, etc. If we are mindful of our personal presentation and the manner in which we interact we can better move our culture above the negative perceptions that now hinder our evolution. It truly is not about what we do, but how we are perceived. LGBT society is not that different from the rest of society. We are a cross-section of the population that has different looks, thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and standards. We want to be respected for who we are, not as a stereotype. Playing into the stigma does not benefit our fight for personal freedom, civil rights and acceptance. We need to respect society as a whole using the same standards of respect that we want to be treated with. We won’t all see eye to eye but through mutual respect we might agree to disagree.

We need to ask ourselves these questions:
Where do I stand on “Gay Friendly”?
What is my level of respect for all members of LGBT society?
Do my actions show pride in my culture?
How might my actions negatively affect my society?
What is my level of respect for mainstream society?
Do my actions match my words?
How am I setting the tone for the worldview of LGBT culture?

Roseland Store & Office Building

Finally, in Moundsville we start heading up the mountain. In some places the road is indeed very narrow, with multiple switchback turns and the rig is working very hard to tow the 22k pounds up the mountain. If you know your rig, use common sense and know how to handle those mountain roads, you will not have too much difficulty getting to Roseland—otherwise, don’t plan to go there with you rig, drive a car and stay in the facilities they provide!

As we reach the entrance, there is a Class A Motorhome parked at the entrance, which had to move before we could pull into the entrance road. We later heard they felt they were experiencing brake problems or maybe they simply could not handle the mountain roads and someone was coming to help them. We drive nearly a mile down the gravel road to the office and park the rig, getting the dogs out to allow them to stretch their legs too.

Residence

In the office Matt checks us in and tells us that there has been a change of plans we will be staying at 104 the original site scheduled for us. Well, that is almost a half of a mile back down this very narrow, gravel road. We don’t really feel we can back up that distance, so we turn around in the parking area in front of the cabins. That turned out to present a very difficult situation, because then at the other end of the road, there was not enough room to turn the rig around to back into our site. After a couple of various attempts to make a tight turn and back up we gave up and headed the next half a mile outside the resort. Finally, we find a small patch of land adjacent to a barn I was able to back the trailer into and just enough room on the ridge to turn the truck in the other direction. We drive back along the ridge into the entrance and then back up the hill into our site. The phone call Sunday sure made this whole situation much more difficult than it should have been!

We are set up adjacent to the owner’s home, on Nob Hill which includes 3 rental rooms and a cabin. Their driveway heads just past our awning, so we do not have a large site, but the view to the south over the mountaintop is breathtaking!

Roseland Santa Fe Pool Complex

Walking the dogs around the cg is a challenge, the hills are steep and it is very hot, so we are all panting and sweating when we come back. We do enjoy the pool. It is new this year and also has a waterfall, so the sound is soothing, once you get over the sound of the pump. Also, the water appears somewhat cloudy. When you walk down the steps into the pool area it does feel like you are Scarlett O’Hara coming down the steps at Tara! All eyes are on you too! The people turn out to be very friendly just like most other places.

We are told to wander around and look at the cabins and rooms for rent in the owner’s house. The cabins offer limited and full accommodations including refrigerators, stoves and microwaves sharing a bathroom in the adjacent house. The owner’s home is fairly new and has two nice rooms with private bath and a loft sleeping area, all complemented with a shared kitchen and a baby grand piano.

Roseland Hiking Trail

We took a hike around the blue trail, cutting off on the red trail to hike further to the waterfall. Unfortunately, it has been very dry and there is no waterfall, in fact, there is very little water in the “run”.After wearing ourselves out on the hike we went to the pool to cool off only to find 10 – 15 guys groping each other in the pool—so that is why the water is so cloudy.

The Barn dance did not get going until nearly 10:30. It appeared everyone was having fun, but in wandering around we discovered that parties happen everywhere you want them to happen.The nighttime skies were mostly clear and beautiful. They do have an observatory under the supervision of the resident astronomer “Doc”. They have specific organized and unorganized events with the equipment to show how amazing and small a part we really play in the universe.

The barn offers the most comprehensive and one of the nicest “play facilities” of anyplace we’ve been! I am glad to see that condoms are being used, but it was disgusting to see used ones left lying on the floor.

Roseland Observatory

There was a complete power failure on the mountaintop on Monday night. Daniel the owner stopped by and chatted for a while. He told us that he originally bought the land in the 1980’s as a private weekend retreat. As his life unfolded he ended up moving from Baltimore and starting the resort in the 90’s. It is amazing how he has grown from a private residence and some outbuildings to the huge complex he now operates.We have enjoyed our stay but are heading back home. We have been gone over two months. I have mixed emotions about heading home—that means this is coming to an end, but it will be good to be off the road for a while too.

Read the next sequence to our blog: “Gay Friendly”

Men only, private members only, 21+, clothing optional resort for RV’s with water & 30 amp electric, primitive campsites, sleeper, junior deluxe, and deluxe cabins, guest rooms and barracks available. General store, mens specialty store, town hall bar with full service liquor, game room, gym, steam room, sauna, and 2 full size hot tubs. Walnut tree restaurant, pizza shop, sante fe bar and snack shop, poolside service, cabana brew coffee shop, restrooms, showers, outdoor showers, laundry room, pool, sun deck, exercise room, wi-fi, ponds, hiking trails, stream, waterfall.

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Directions: 32 miles south of Wheeling, WV. Directions given with reservations.

Evaluation

Roseland Resort in Proctor West Virginia is located on a ridge line at 1400 feet above sea level. If you haven’t previously traveled in West Virginia to mountainous destinations like this, be sure to plan extra time for your drive up the mountain. The roads are windy and very narrow in some spots. Someone that typically has a white knuckle type of towing experience should leave the rig at home and take advantage of the other various accommodations. We did take our 38’ fifth wheel up the mountain which took about an hour to go just under 19 miles. Although we were told it could not be done, we did it without a scratch. If you have a big rig and you are going to bring it to this destination do not do so without telling the folks at the resort. Special arrangements must be made! They only have a couple of sites that you will be able to get to and they will direct you to use a different road to reach the resort. Once you are at the resort be prepared for a John Denver “Almost Heaven” experience. You are at the highest point for as far as you can see with nothing above except the sky.

The office/store is in the central part of the resort and is nicely stocked with convenience items. Our check in did not go very smoothly as there seemed to be some miscommunication amongst the staff. Once we got that sorted out we got backed into our site at Nob Hill and setup went smoothly. Nob Hill is somewhat removed from the rest of the Resort as it is the only spot for big rigs. These two sites were put in just to accommodate people just like us that insist on coming with big rigs. They are located next to the Residence and deluxe cabin near the entrance for that reason.

The Residence is a modern two level house with exposed beams and natural wood trim. The main room has soaring ceilings, a loft, full kitchen, dining area, and living room with comfortable furniture, a baby grand piano, wood stove, and a row of sliding glass doors providing access to a large deck and the incredible view. The bedrooms each have a queen size bed, private bath and a sliding glass door opening to the deck.

The Deluxe Cabin is very cozy and consists of a single room with bedroom loft. The cabin features a queen size bed, kitchen, fireplace, comfortable furniture, and a wrap around deck. Bathroom facilities are located several feet away in the lower level of The Residence.

The remainder of the developed area of the property is organized in to different areas or neighborhoods, by name. Each has its own characteristic or aesthetic nature and accommodates various types of seasonal sites, RV sites, tenting areas, and small cabins. The area outside of this has well marked walking trials that intersect and go around the entire perimeter of the property.

The heart of the resort is home to the store/office, friendship hall, a sizable gym/shower facility with adjoining laundry area, Torso gift and toy store, guest houses, dining hall, Santa Fe Pool Complex, hot tub, large viewing deck, and barn for intimate encounters.

Roseland Resort is very appropriately named in that it is more than a campground/RV park and more than a guest house. This facility has accommodations and features that are suitable for any gay man or couple that is seeking a mountain retreat. With all of the choices and options available you should be able to find what ever you are looking for to make your stay very enjoyable.

Check out Steve & Phil’s Blog from this location

Should you worry about driving up the mountain to Roseland?