Camping/Outdoors Getaway

[kevinb]

This might be my dumbest idea to date:-$
I know its hectic working on the upgrade and this ventures off from fishing. But here goes.

My fishing trips typically involve camping,even if the facility has no water source. I camp in the general area of a lake or stream. Maybe a section where people could pose or suggest a great campsite. The State parks website has some info,but very limited on specifics and I would rather hear from somebody who has been there. I know of a few nice spots that aren't state or national parks. Just an idea:-k

[Lotech Joe]

kevinb,
I think it's a great idea. If I had the time and money I'd do the research myself. With all of us pitching in together, I think we could come up with an incredible database. Maybe we could just include camping facilities in our lake reports. Info on rates, amenities and proximity to the water would all be helpful.

[ReelFisher]

I think you guys are onto something here. I too camp often and it would be awsome to just go to one place to check out everything I would need to know about where I'd be going. BUT then again that is just due to my lazyness. Mike, Aaron and Marc have done a great job with this site as it is. More is always better I guess.

[fishing collector]

Seems like something that would work and would be really nice but it would take time....Maybe just use the search feature and when you post something about a fishing spot, just add a blurb about the accomodations...Then we could pick it up on the search feature. It could be available for all or just those that are members depending on which search feature is used. Some words could be deleted in the Public search feature.ie accomodations,motel,camping etc and not in the member search feature..... Just a thought.. I hope I made a little sense!...Steve

[kevinb]

Seems like something that would work and would be really nice but it would take time....Maybe just use the search feature and when you post something about a fishing spot, just add a blurb about the accomodations...Then we could pick it up on the search feature. It could be available for all or just those that are members depending on which search feature is used. Some words could be deleted in the Public search feature.ie accomodations,motel,camping etc and not in the member search feature..... Just a thought.. I hope I made a little sense!...Steve

Something like this would work fine. I camp alot and recommend many locations. I would have no problem contributing and I know others would help. We may have to fine tune some ideas but I think we are starting to see a picture here.
I know this new site is alot of work,I think this might make it just that much better than others.

[ReelFisher]

If you build it we fisher's will come.

[fishing collector]

If you build it we fisher's will come.

By making a site that has a lot of features that are available for members will make it so people will want to join rather than looky loo.... Maybe having some young person sponsor a kids corner might help also. By offering a spot for kids might work towards a grant for children to learn publishing, software engineering, etc... Work it out with schools.

The more that is offered for a membership will bring in more revenue.....The free stuff is just a ploy to gather the flock!

Sorry a little off topic... Getting back..Maybe a little group of special little smilies.....They would alert the paying members that something special is offered on the post. It would be easy and not to hard to make happen. Oh well....back to Indy trials.

[Dave]

Great idea. I would love to read about where everyone likes to camp. I would especially like to see pictures of camp grounds and camp sites everyone likes to stay at so I can decide if a posted campground interests me. For example, I have never really checked out Jack’s Resort at Jameson Lake. It would be great to see some pictures of the resort to get an idea what it looks like, (how close the sites are to each other, hook-ups or not ect ect). Same goes for Jameson Lake resort at the other end of the lake. I’ve always just camped in the gravel area overlooking the lake but would love to check out pics of the other two camping areas. I haven't been to the Potholes for years. I would love to see pictures of Mar Don Resort and other campgrounds in that area. I also have lots of great camping spots to pass on. I think it would be a great forum addition.

[fishing collector]

Great idea. I would love to read about where everyone likes to camp. I would especially like to see pictures of camp grounds and camp sites everyone likes to stay at so I can decide if a posted campground interests me. For example, I have never really checked out Jack’s Resort at Jameson Lake. It would be great to see some pictures of the resort to get an idea what it looks like, (how close the sites are to each other, hook-ups or not ect ect). Same goes for Jameson Lake resort at the other end of the lake. I’ve always just camped in the gravel area overlooking the lake but would love to check out pics of the other two camping areas. I haven't been to the Potholes for years. I would love to see pictures of Mar Don Resort and other campgrounds in that area. I also have lots of great camping spots to pass on. I think it would be a great forum addition.

If you put in to much you would have to get some ad money from resorts but if a overview without phone # and names of specific resorts would be ok I would think. If the resort wants their name mentioned, they would have to pay for that privilage.

[Kokonuts]

This sounds like a great idea!
I have a permenate RV at Lake Merwin, But I would like to camp & fish other Lakes.

How about a Great Campout Weekend at a Lake that several could meet & fish? I have room for 1 or 2 in
my boat & would love to fish a new lake with someone who knows it.

Kokonuts

[Mike Carey]

Great idea. I would love to read about where everyone likes to camp. I would especially like to see pictures of camp grounds and camp sites everyone likes to stay at so I can decide if a posted campground interests me. For example, I have never really checked out Jack’s Resort at Jameson Lake. It would be great to see some pictures of the resort to get an idea what it looks like, (how close the sites are to each other, hook-ups or not ect ect). Same goes for Jameson Lake resort at the other end of the lake. I’ve always just camped in the gravel area overlooking the lake but would love to check out pics of the other two camping areas. I haven't been to the Potholes for years. I would love to see pictures of Mar Don Resort and other campgrounds in that area. I also have lots of great camping spots to pass on. I think it would be a great forum addition.

If you put to much you would have to get some ad money from resorts but if a overview without phone # and names of specific resorts would be ok I would think. If the resort wants there name mentioned, they would pay for that privilage.

Not to put a damper on the idea, but our current ad model is for resorts to advertise on the lake reports page they have a business on, as well as rotate their ads on open pages. I'm pretty protective of the resort sponsors that actually pay to advertise on this site. So if I see information posted on resorts that are not sponsors, my policy is to delete it. It's just not fair to the ones that do support this site. Over the years I've sent out plenty of postcards and letters to resorts so they should know about us (which reminds me it's time to do that again!).

Something that WL.com members can do that would really help is to mention this site to fishing resorts. If they are already sponsors, thank them and give them your support. If they aren't sponsors, mention what a great way it would be for them to be better known by advertising on WL.com.

Thanks!

[kevinb]

Would this be a no on campgrounds too?

[Mike Carey]

Would this be a no on campgrounds too?

Let's just say if it's a business that makes a living providing services on a lake I'm not thrilled about letting it having free advertising on this site. I don't see much difference between a resort that has cabins and tent spaces and a campsite that just has RV/tent sites.

I love the enthusiasm guys have for WL.com and I like all the ideas people come up with for additional features. Trust me, we look at these ides and suggestions. It's just there's only so much we can incorporate into thesite. Better to do a few things great than a bunch of things mediocre. :chef:

[kevinb]

No worries.
Thanks for the consideration.
Kevin