Chinook Ramblings

Rusty Rogers

Just another HTMLy user

  • Posted on
    Winter Rally - March 2 to 5, 2026

    Winter Rally March 2 to 5, 2026 Lake Oklawaha KOA 15991 NE 243rd Place Rd Fort McCoy, FL 32134 Phone 352-546-5500

    Nature is the main attraction at this location: Lake Oklawaha sits between a 12,000 acre lake and the Ocala National Forest. People who were there before had high praise in particular for the large clubhouse. The campground told me there’s no kitchen but plenty of electricity. (I don’t quite know why the pictures from our previous rally show a full kitchen).

    Prices for next year haven’t been set yet, but my one day deposit at the current rate was $65. That is 10% off the standard rate. KOA members can opt to take the 10% discount as a KOA discount, but you only get one 10% discount or the other: no double-dipping.

    Make your reservations by phone. Tell them you are with the Chinook Camping Club and you’re coming for the rally. They told me they’ll make every effort to give us sites near the clubhouse.

    Another thing you will hear me say a lot is that this location is isolated. Stock up on your supplies!


    I can’t say often enough that you must pay close attention to the directions how to get there. The most “direct” way according to GPS is down a truly un-navigable road. Last time two people needed to be towed out.


    Directions: Driving south: I-75 to Exit 368 (CR 318), turn left (East) to Hwy 441 (2nd red light) turn right . Turn left on Old 301 (200A), turn left on CR 316, follow signs and go through Fort McCoy and Eureka on CR 316. Cross over tall bridge to first road on left (160th Ave Rd), go about 11 miles to Lake Oklawaha KOA, on left.

    Driving north: I-75 to Exit 358, turn right (SR 326) to Hwy 441/301. Turn left, go to second light turn right onto SR 329. To Hwy 200A (old 301) turn left (North) to CR 316. right on CR 316, go through Fort McCoy and Eureka. Cross over tall bridge to the first road on left (160th Ave Rd). Go about 11 miles to Lake Oklawaha KOA, on the left.

    IF COMING FROM 95 NORTH PLEASE CALL FOR DIRECTION OR STAY ON HWY 19 SOUTH TO SALT SPRINGS. DO NOT TURN RIGHT (onto Rodman Dam Road) AFTER THE TALL CROSS CITY FLORIDA BARGE CANAL BRIDGE! YOU WILL TURN ONTO COUNTY ROAD 316 IN SALT SPRINGS. If you turn onto Rodman Dam Road, that road will turn into a dirt road.;

  • Posted on
    Fall 2025 Rally and Annual Business Meeting

    Fall 2025 Rally and Annual Business Meeting at Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA Sept 15-17 2025 Note that the dates for this rally have changed. Officially beginning on Monday Sept 15, the KOA will hold sites for us starting on the 14th since so many people have been arriving on Sunday lately. I’ve been working with Amanda but anyone can help you. Just be sure to let them know you’re signing up for the Chinook rally. Sites are a mix of full hookup and water/electric and prices vary accordingly.

    Please call your reservations directly to the Hagerstown KOA at 301-223-7571 and tell them you’re with the Chinook Camping Club and that you’re signing up for the rally.

    Do not place your reservation online, do not call the national KOA reservation number. Call the campground directly and you will be sure to get one of the sites assigned to our group.

    Even more importantly, you’ll be sure to get the group discount.

    Mark McCluski Rally VP

  • Posted on
    SANTA BARBARA, CA Rally 2025 (21ST Annual)

    SANTA BARBARA, CA Rally 2025 (21ST Annual) Monday Oct 6 (In) - Friday Oct 10 (Out) Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara 100 El Capitan Terrace Ln, Goleta, CA 93117 805-879-5751

    This fantastic resort is situated in Santa Barbara, where the Pacific Ocean and Ynez Mountains offer a spectacular setting and stunning backdrop for activities and adventure. You can enjoy fun amenities like a heated swimming pool, our amazing market that features camping & beach gear, souvenirs, local wine, and craft beer. Gather for our seasonal outdoor movie nights on the market lawn or explore trails on docent-led hikes. The Chinook Club has reserved sites for 4 nights for a total cost of $391.20 which includes the nightly rate, a resort fee, a Military Discount, and a special Managers Discount. Sites still available: 844, 846, 847, 848, 849, & 874. Please call the RV Park at 805-879-5751 and reserve one under Mary-Esther Chaverela/Chinook Club. Possible Chinook group activities include a tour of Old Mission Santa Barbara, wine tasting, and a city tour of Santa Barbara. Hope to see you there! Host - Mary-Esther Chavarela Jan Pavia-Colabella VP Rallies, 310-503-7914

  • Posted on
    Beautiful Wyoming

    Wyoming is a landlocked state in the Mountain West subregion of the Western United States. It borders Montana to the north and northwest, South Dakota and Nebraska to the east, Idaho to the west, Utah to the southwest, and Colorado to the south. With an estimated population of 587,618 as of 2024, Wyoming is the least populous state despite being the 10th largest by area, and it has the second-lowest population density after Alaska. The state capital and most populous city is Cheyenne, which had a population of 65,132 in 2020. Wyoming's western half consists mostly of the ranges and rangelands of the Rocky Mountains; its eastern half consists of high-elevation prairie, and is referred to as the High Plains. Wyoming's climate is semi-arid in some parts and continental in others, making it drier and windier overall than other states, with greater temperature extremes. The federal government owns just under half of Wyoming's land, generally protecting it for public use.