KC Poe
Google
Some people seem to really like the camping experience, I don't. I camp here for Labor Dave weekend sometimes because there aren't really any other great options in the area. I love Dave Matthews and I love the venue, but the campground is like the penance I pay to access the show on time. Although I admit my bias, the Gorge campground seems to be a uniquely unpleasant experience. Firstly, it's the new enhanced security. It ruins the vibe. They search your car with DOGS each and every time you enter the camp. I feel like a criminal just for trying to pitch a tent. I remember a time when you used to be able to just come and go freely. It was much more pleasant. Secondly, the camp is huge, and rarely full, but they pack you in next to the people you camp by. Why? There is plenty of space to spread out. Thirdly, for a campground, it is extremely barren and hot. No shade at all. Many people seem content to sit around in the heat, but it drives me crazy. Many August days easily break 95F. Finally, people roam around the camp playing loud music until at least 2 am. Sorry, but I need to sleep after being up all day in the heat with a huge five hour concert in the middle. They literally have a loudspeaker on a cart, and drag it through every single row of the campground. It seems intentional to wake people up; like they don't want you sleeping just because they can't. Maybe I just don't enjoy camping, but I bet I would like this a lot more if it were more like a normal campground with no K-9 security, normal size camp lots, some trees, and no obnoxious concert goers insisting you shouldn't be able to sleep because they are insomniac partiers.