Yvonne G.doesn't recommendJuly 11, 2022
Drone Zone Campground
Mistreated by host
In the spirit of providing as balanced a review as possible, here are both the pros and cons.
PROS:
-Lovely view of cornfield & trees
-Unheated pool was good on hot days
-Large open lawn space was good for frisbee, playing catch, flying kites
-Large trampoline
-Fire pit w/ bench seating all around it, firewood available to buy
-water park and provincial parks nearby. Relatively short drive to Bowmanville and Port Perry.
CONS:
-dog kennel on the property, not mentioned in the listing. Sound of dogs barking was near constant
-Host flies camera drones over the property several times a day and sees through them with a VR Headset. Lack of privacy made me uncomfortable
-Host unable to turn off outdoor light on the barn; shone into our tent all night
-Flush toilets/kitchen/shower are shared with the host (+ other campers/Airbnb guests) as they are within host's personal living space.
FINALLY:
-Bad personal experience with host in which he yelled and swore at me over the matter of a clogged toilet (toilet paper was out and only paper towel was provided). Host proceeded to send me angry texts after I left, then when I politely asked for a refund for our final night since we were leaving early, he threatened that if I left him a bad review, he'd retaliate by leaving me a bad review too.
This matter was resolved by HipCamp customer service with a refund for our final night.
Drone Zone Campground
Owner is very particular about his property but not very responsive when trying to communicate. I found myself in trouble when arriving after explicitly following the written entry instructions. Nice enough guy once you get this worked out but don't assume the written instructions are sufficient. Make sure you speak to the owner and get him to confirm where you can/can't park your vehicle well in advance of arrival because he may not pick up your call when you arrive which may leave you in a bit of a bind
Julia S.doesn't recommendOctober 14, 2021
Drone Zone Campground
The site itself was nice -- lots of options for tent sites, and very scenic, particularly in the autumn. I was very uncomfortable with how the host spoke to me, though, like I was a teenager who was about to be grounded by their dad. I also felt like he didn't make things like house rules clear from the beginning (e.g. which door to go in to access the washroom) so I found myself unintentionally breaking the rules before I found them out. When he was ready to show me around a few hours after I arrived, he signalled that by calling and texting me a bunch and saying that I needed to come to the front of the house *now*. If there had been another place nearby for me to go, I would have left that night.
Heidi M.recommendsSeptember 19, 2021
Drone Zone Campground
Great family get-away
We had a great time! Ari was an excellent host. There is a dog kennel on the site but the noise was not an issue; in fact, we quite enjoyed seeing the dogs during their exercise time.
The site is cut grass with beautiful views of the farm, crops, and general scenery if the area. We are looking forward to returning next season.
Stephanie R.September 6, 2021
Drone Zone Campground
Ari was a kind host (demo'd his drone and RC car for my kids) - the landscape is beautiful, great 80s style trampoline and pool. We chose to set up camp right beside the firepit (only one) but heard dogs barking well into the night as it was right beside the kennel (we were aware it was there). Ari is very particular - cautioned against turning vehicle wheels on the grass, cautioning kids behaviour (I was with them the entire time) - he did mention that he doesn't usually allow kids to stay, but my kids had a blast. Ari sold us a medium tote of firewood for $20.
Jenny Lee D.recommendsAugust 31, 2021
Drone Zone Campground
Beautiful place to stay with a great host!