Camping at the Mt. Shasta KOA. Isn’t that just for RV’s exclaimed my wife with a sigh of disappointment? No! I shot back! KOA just stands for Kampsites of America, I explained to her. Wouldn’t that be COA. Lol that is how our weekend started. We wanted to take a camping trip, and we wanted to go somewhere new. And if you are a fan of our LGBT Camping Blogs of the past, then you know we have had our fair share of adventure, as well as disaster! I decided. To opt for the KOA as opposed to The Lake Sis campgrounds due to the reviews that explained there was not a lot of shade. And in 92+ degree weather I figured that did not sound like a good time. So we began our 4 hour (which became 5 due to road construction) journey to Mt. Shasta, and it was a beautiful drive. If you've never done any driving on the 89, please do yourself a favor!

We arrived shortly after 7pm and as we pulled into the KOA I was excited, for there I were beautiful thick forest all around, and ample shade. I went in the office to check in and was greeted with smiles, laughter, jokes, and warmth. They all know how to make you feel at home. We arrive to our designated site to get settled to find that someone had moved in already haha! So, it was back to the office which turned out to be the biggest blessing of all, for we got to select our own site.

We chose site 63 and if you make your way here for tent camping you’ll see why. The area was 24hr shade, which We’ve never experienced at any other campground. The area was clean and quiet, and not too bad with the bugs. A little bug spray or a repellent bracelet and you’ll be great for your whole stay! The KOA also offers RV sites, adorable furnished cabins, and group sites all for very reasonable prices!

Now then, being an interracial, lesbian couple can be a scary thing when camping in smaller towns, rural areas, etc. & that’s one of the reasons we began travel blogging.

We wanted to rate campgrounds and other travel spots, not only for their comforts, amenities, and quality, but also for their safety and openness for those of you who might find reason to feel uncomfortable or discriminated upon. (I will note that there was one employee of the campsite that seemed bothered by the existence of my wife and myself. However, we vowed not to let this one woman dictate out overall perception of the site as well as the integrity of the town. I’m so glad we didn’t let her put us off because the rest of the staff was wonderful!) No strange looks, no rude comments. Just general kindness, and great conversation. The staff at the KOA were all very helpful, very kind, very funny, and made us feel welcome and loved the store stay. After our 4 days in Shasta, I realized that the one bad egg, could have been having a bad day, so I had to let it slide as the stay can easily be rated a 4.9 out of 5. The only reason I can’t offer the full 5 is the trains. While we loved the sound of the trains, I have to let our fellow travelers know, that there is a track right butt up against the back of the campgrounds which gets rather lively about 8pm-12pm. However, earplugs are free at the office. For those of you that are not constant complainers, you could easily give this place a 5 star rating. But I have to be true to my readers. What I learned from this experience is GIVE KOA’s A CHANCE! I know that we are beyond glad we did! We love you Mt. Shasta!!! We can’t wait to come back and explore the rest of what you have to offer! Lastly, Seven Sons coffee is less than 2 miles from camp, and had the best coffee I’d had in a long time!!! Do not miss it, and treat yourself to an apple turnover, ( Top 5 of my all time favorite pastries!). Avoid Mt. Shasta Pastry Shop altogether as it was overpriced and tasted like they bought the baked goods somewhere else and put them up for sale. They were a disappointment, but then we found. Seven Sons and all was perfect!

MDo yourself another favor and get pizza at “Say Cheese”. I was in awe of their perfect pies! Haven’t tasted pizza that good since I was 12 years old on the Oxnard, CA marina at Armondos pizzeria. Go to Mt. Shasta, enjoy your stay, and take in the town one amazing shoppe at a time!! You’ll thank me later!!! Safe Travels!! And as always, stay open!nnnnb