The only thing that isn't new is the trees," says Community Services Superintendent for the City of Lake Elsinore Beau Davis. Davis is speaking about the Launch Pointe RV and Recreation area in Lake Elsinore, California. The City of Lake Elsinore has owned the property for decades and recently completed a renovation project. There are tons of campsites, vintage campers and yurts, beverage and food options, and, of course, the lake. It is located in southern California between San Diego and Los Angeles.
"The local residents and campers who have been coming here for years are all really excited about it and give us such positive feedback," Davis tells The Buzz. Launch Pointe has a lot of amenities. Starting with the campgrounds, there are seven different spaces that all cater to a different type of camper. "For example, the Aquaplane Lane has about 20 spots and in the middle of the square there is a really great 4,500 gallon splash pad for kids," says Davis. Another child-friendly spot is the Canopy Court, which has integrated tech games like QR code adventures. Other areas have quiet views of the lake, like The Track & Trails Parkway, or relaxed camping in old-growth pecan trees like The Fields. Some of the spaces are good for long-term rentals.
"Something that is really unique about our campground is we have 9 vintage trailers that are available for rent," says Davis, "They are small, but we rehabbed them for modern day appliances and conveniences with an old-school vibe." They have several interesting trailers, like the 1946 Spartan Manor 9, which is outfitted with a fireplace, patio, WiFi and full kitchen. They have a couple of other Spartan trailers, also. Spartan trailers were made by an aircraft company that decided to go into the trailer market. These were considered the "Cadillac" of trailers and were expensive even when they were made in the 1940s and 1950s. According to the Spartan website, "When we compare the price of a brand new home in Levittown for under $8,000 including the land, the 25 foot Spartan Manor at close to $4,000 was rather expensive." They also have several models of vintage Airstreams and rarities, such as the 1953 Boles Aero, a California-made trailer similar to Airstreams.
Inside look at one of the modern revamped vintage trailer rentals [Photo/Launch Pointe]
Launch Pointe has 6 yurts all done in different themes. One of the most interesting is the Rock N' Roll theme. There are rock posters and paraphernalia, along with Marshall Amplifier shells around the appliances. "Sometimes we'll get a call from someone asking if there is a refrigerator; we tell them to open up the amp and they always say 'that's so cool'," laughs Davis.
Launch Pointe is a catalyst for change in the area. Lake Elsinore is the largest natural lake in southern California and, quite frankly, has a negative reputation for being dirty. "In the past, we would have a lot of dead fish and things like that from algae," says Davis, "But that is just something that happens when you have a lake that doesn't have a lot of out- or inflow." Davis explains that with modern technology, the lake has come a long way in terms of its health and sustainability. "We implement a lot of resources to help improve the ecology and we are being really proactive about keeping it healthy," he points out.
The city regularly tests the water to check its levels of purity. As of the latest sample, the lake is good enough to be open to all recreational uses including boating, fishing, kayaking and more. At Launch Pointe, they rent pontoon boats, fishing boats and have a bait & tackle shop. The lake is stocked with bass, catfish and crappie. They also have a large A-Frame Community Hall for weddings, family reunions or corporate retreats, a swimming pool and spa, and a pub for food and drinks.
The grand opening of the new and improved Launch Pointe was at the end of June. “We get most of our guests from about a 100 mile radius - up to Los Angeles and down to San Diego and everywhere in between,” explains Davis. And, according to the reviews, most people are really happy with it. One user writes, “I have never been to a grand opening of a camp/boat launch area, but Launch Pointe in Lake Elsinore is open and ready for summer business. For all of you outdoorsy peeps, this is my kind of roughing it. This place has a water play area, swimming pool, air conditioned huts, an area for vintage trailers, bait and tackle shop, a community hall that is nicely air conditioned, and an eating place that serves burgers, hot dogs, some other items, beer and wine...What I enjoyed most about Launch Pointe is that is has something for all and gives you a chance to get out and mingle with so many people.”
So if you find yourself in southern California and want a great place to stay that is a bit away from all the hustle and bustle of the coast, check out Launch Pointe!
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