Disappointment with pets policies, new management's communication of new policys to long time return campers, refunds not given, and raw sewer smell on the regular.
We’ve been loyal campers at Milton Lake Region for over 10 years, participating in Camp-in-Store every fall since 2020 and booking multiple long weekends each year. We have always recommended this campground to others — until now.
This season was extremely disappointing due to poor communication, new policy enforcement, and ongoing maintenance issues.
🔹 Pet Enclosure Policy Enforcement
A new ban on pet enclosures was suddenly enforced late in the season, with no prior notice.
The rule appeared mid-fall, after reservations were made, and was never announced by email, phone, or posted notice.
We learned of it during our fourth week, when the manager called demanding immediate removal, even though we were off-site and our dogs were not present.
Our small pugs have never caused complaints, and we never leave pets unattended.
At least five other campers were also notified that weekend, suggesting this was a recently added or newly enforced rule.
In our experience, temporary pet enclosures are safer than lead lines — recommended by the ASPCA and breeders — reducing risk of tangling, escapes, or dog altercations.
If the concern is children approaching dogs, campground policy already states that children must be supervised and not enter others’ campsites. Enforcement should apply to individuals not following rules, not a blanket restriction penalizing responsible campers.
🔹 Refund and Handling
The situation was handled poorly, with no advance warning, no accommodation, and no refunds.
We did not receive a partial Camp-in-Store refund, nor a full refund for our extended trip (Sept 26 – Oct 7), even after cancelling early.
Enforcement this late in the year felt unfair and inconsiderate toward long-time campers.
🔹 Ongoing Maintenance Issues
Our site, #226, had a persistent raw sewage smell throughout our stay — a repeat issue for over 4 years.
We only booked it, because it was the last site available for Camp-in-Store in the fall. This ongoing issue made the experience highly unpleasant.
🔹 Final Thoughts
Due to poor communication, last-minute policy enforcement, and unresolved maintenance problems, we cancelled our remaining stay and future reservations.
Our family members with their own reservations also cancelled in response.
We urge management to reconsider the pet enclosure rule and improve site maintenance.
After many great years here, we are deeply disappointed and will be camping elsewhere going forward — at locations that are more transparent, pet-friendly allowing pet enclosures, and customer-focused.
