Here is my personal ranking of Parksland Retreat sites based on several visits in the past year. I hope this helps anyone looking on which site to choose for their first time or next time. I haven't gone to each site, yet, so take this how you will. But no matter what you should go to Parksland and have a great time with whatever place go pick.
In descending order:
4. P2 Creekbend: Now this is in last place only because it's 1/8 mile down hills over rough terrain. I still love it, just not the hike. First off the pros are that its one of the more secluded spots in the campground. You won't have to worry about other sites too close to you if that is what you're looking for. Its also right there next to the stream where you can take a dip if you like or just listen to the running water. Its also a fairly large spot that can fit many tents and gear so its perfect for larger groups up to 7. I also like that Creekbend has the privy and sink easily assessible so you don't have to go far. Now the downside and the one reason why its not higher on the list, and that is the hike down and up. Down is not to bad but the packing out to leave even gave my in-shape body a beating. It has taught me a valuable lesson that I'm using from now on, and that's only pack and bring to the ACTUAL site what you need. Because taking everything up from a 1/8 mile hike UPHILL will humble you. The only other downside I see with it is that if you're a more communally driven person then you'll not like that you'll have to go back and forth from the site and to the group area throughout your visit. Choose this spot if you have a larger group, you're relatively fit, and you can pack super light!
3. FF2 Hillside: Nearly a year to the day of this writing my partner and I first visited Parksland and stayed the weekend at the glamping tent at Hillside. Immediately I fell in love with the location being semi-private with a view overlooking the valley below but still secluded enough to make you feel like you have the campground to yourself. I like that its not too far from the parking area and that it's fairly stable and not too gradually of a climb going and coming. Now, I wrestled with this one on putting it at #3 or #4 and could go with either position. But what makes this number 3 is that it's better for couples who just want a nice clothing optional getaway without having to bring a bunch of camping supplies. Choose this spot if you're a couple who are probably new to clothing optional places and/or just prefer glamping compared to traditional camping.
2. P5 BYO Tent Platform: This was our most recent trip and the most surprising. The tent platform on the website says its 6x7.5 but it feels bigger. It was able to fit a 2 person tent with ease while still having plenty of space for our supplies all around it. So to me this is perfect for those who are seasonal campers and don't need all the extra space. I like that this platform, among the other 2, are easily assessible to the communal area. Its was also much easier than expected to carry supplies to and from the parking area. I like that the firepit is just on the other side of the pathway with enough room for a handful of people to sit around. And this is where we noticed our little glass frog chilling out in the tree trunk! Why this is my number two is because I like that its perfect for the "leave no trace" or backpacker in me that is starting to lower my camping footprint to bring only the essential stuff. However, I can see this going to someone else's bottom of the list for that same reason. If you need more space or prefer to have a ground area then you're probably better off with another site. One other downside is that its must less secluded than the camping area near the parking. I didn't mind being on top of other sites or having people walk right by my tent while I rested, but can see how one could feel vulnerable. Nevertheless, if you don't do glamping or need 10 person tents for a one person setup, then these platforms are great for you.
1. P1 Hilltop: For anyone who has the camping gear and it's their first time at Parksland Retreat, I recommend staying at Hilltop. First of all it has the best view of the surrounding landscape of all the sites. Since I went last in August it was partially covered from the foliage, but I bet it looks awesome in the pictures. Its close enough to your parking site with minimal walking. The site also has plenty of space if you're camping alone or for a group up to 7, as long as you all have one or two person tents. Now the only downside to this site is that it's not exactly private like how it states on the website. The main, and only, driveway is right there next to the campsite making it probably hard on light sleeper. Again, not a deal breaker for me, but if you prefer as much peace and quiet as possible then you'll probably need to go further in the campgrounds. Still you cannot beat the view or the relaxing site where you feel like your on your own little mountain top in the middle of the forest. And of all the sites I've camped at I feel like this one embodies the Parksland retreat experience the best.
Now there are 6 other sites to go that I'll update my ranking after a few more visits. If you've been to any of those help me choose where to go next. And if you've been to these four do you agree or disagree with my ranking?
I'll be happy to answer any questions also. Until next time, stay naked!