Pirates Cove RV camp/launch

[richp5]

We sold our BHC house in October and now are thinking of staying in our 38 ft RV at Pirates Cove. Couple of questions though. 1) is it difficult to launch the 24 ft boat there? 2) does having the 2 air conditioners on full blast really keep the rig cool enough to enjoy it? 3) where do most people keep their boats overnight while there?

Thank you in advance for answers to these questions and any other opinions on staying there, or any other rv park at the river.

 

[Singleton]

1 - launching is easy
2 - most RV AC’s I have experienced will cool down a rig apx 20 degrees compared to outside temp. So if 100 outside, should be able to get down to 80ish inside RV
3 - anchor off-shore by campsite

 

[ArizonaKevin]

Launch ramp is no problem at pirates, on the hottest of days, you may struggle to get a 38' RV much below 80 with only 2 units. But when its 115+ outside, 80ish in the RV won't feel all that bad.

 

[Shrub Lurker]

Do not leave boat beached over night!

 

[Rbcconst]

We sold our BHC house in October and now are thinking of staying in our 38 ft RV at Pirates Cove. Couple of questions though. 1) is it difficult to launch the 24 ft boat there? 2) does having the 2 air conditioners on full blast really keep the rig cool enough to enjoy it? 3) where do most people keep their boats overnight while there?

Thank you in advance for answers to these questions and any other opinions on staying there, or any other rv park at the river.

I did this in my 5th wheel for a few summers prior to buying a place.

Already mentioned but the launch ramp is really easy.

My 3705 weekend warrior has 2 ac units and did ok, the living area in there has really high ceilings so the living area during the day did not cool down as much as I would like until I put a small room ac in there. If I were to do it again I would put the chrome bubble wrap looking insulation in every window, I think that would have made all the difference. The rv you have will make a big difference. Some people say never again and others say they could get there rig to 70 degrees

If you have a motorhome and no tow vehicle then most launch and camp on the peninsulas then leave the boat in the water. The peninsulas fill up fast so if that’s where you want to camp you need to call ASAP to book your weekends. If you have a tow vehicle Then you can pull it out and park next to your peninsula. If you camp at the launch ramp you can pull it and park close to your site.

They have a shuttle that will take you back n forth to the bar if you want to go there. I’d call in advance for any weekends you want to go. Non holidays I’d call at least 4 weeks in advance. You do have to pay in full upon making the reservation, there good about cancellations as long as you follow the policy.



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[Shrub Lurker]

actually I heard they are closed.

 

[Bigbore500r]

You can beach overnight, just be sure to have a box anchor with a stretch line at the rear, about 30-40' behind the boat if possible. This will naturally stretch and pull the boat away from shore. Then set your sand spike on shore (above high water line....) and let some line out, so the boat stays off the shore a bit. The stretch line will keep the boat straight and off the shore a bit when the water drops, and when the water comes up you can always grab the bow line and pull the boat in towards the beach for loading / etc.

Dont just beach it in the evening and pull it up on the sand and tie it off....or your boat will be fully beached by 10am the next morning

We leave them in the water all weekend just use the method above

 

[richp5]

Thanks all for the opinions/advice. Also appreciate the pic of boats stuck on shore- wouldn't have thought about it. I am not going to have a launch vehicle, just the motorhome. It is safe to rent a slip and leave it there overnight?

 

[69hondo]

Thanks all for the opinions/advice. Also appreciate the pic of boats stuck on shore- wouldn't have thought about it. I am not going to have a launch vehicle, just the motorhome. It is safe to rent a slip and leave it there overnight?

yes it is safe but for your information. I have left my boat in the slip there twice and one of the times I came out to find the ducks had used it for a home that night. Duck shit every where. Not just a few piles here and there I mean every where!. Have not slipped it there since.

 

[Rbcconst]

Thanks all for the opinions/advice. Also appreciate the pic of boats stuck on shore- wouldn't have thought about it. I am not going to have a launch vehicle, just the motorhome. It is safe to rent a slip and leave it there overnight?

It’s really far from any camping spots. They would shuttle you there. If your on a peninsula you could pull the boat to your site to load your gear. You would need to cover the boat.


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[richp5]

Okay, it sounds best to do the stretch rope thing which I'll probably screw up.

 

[Bigbore500r]

Okay, it sounds best to do the stretch rope thing which I'll probably screw up.

It's not hard. Just tie off the stretch rope to the back of the boat, and have somebody drop it as you pull in toward the beach, when your about 25-30' away from the shore. The biggest problem people have is they drop the box anchor right behind the boat once they pull in, and expect it to hold. The stretch rope isn't even tight at that point lol.

 

[Singleton]

The other option is anchor 10-15’ from shore with bow pointed up steam and stern going down. Two anchors needed.

I found that beaching during day works best and then come sunset I drop an anchor. My boat is 26’ so my anchor is usually 10-15 feet behind boat. Always pull anchor at sunrise to avoid people running it over

 

[XClutchboy725]

Used to keep my trailer there in one of the launch ramp spots and absolutely loved it! Problem is that last year they stopped taking long term reservations. I take that back! They will still let you stay as long as you want, but you have to pay $70 a day. No more monthly rates.

So bummed......

 

[Big B Hova]

yes it is safe but for your information. I have left my boat in the slip there twice and one of the times I came out to find the ducks had used it for a home that night. Duck shit every where. Not just a few piles here and there I mean every where!. Have not slipped it there since.

Flash lights and jet skis that bearly run are a must on windy nights.

 

[69hondo]

Flash lights and jet skis that bearly run are a must on windy nights.

Ha HA, thats for sure and a good buddy to wake your drunkass up in the middle of the night.