My description of the park itself, which this poster ignores completely, notes the small size of many sites, the darkness of sites in one campground loop, and the fact that the park is on shoreline of “shallow, tepid Hood Canal.” Any delusions this camper had of bracing dips in cold saltwater were clearly the makings of his own imagination. And most people with even basic knowledge of the area know that the south end of Hood Canal is prone to significant tidal swings. If every saltwater campground description came with its own “Warning: Tides Happen” section, the book would run a bit long.

In spite of all this (or perhaps because of it) I am surprised in retrospect that I gave Belfair a four-star rating. I’ll revisit it again before any future editions. It’s possible the place has gone downhill since I last visited. This happens (something also noted clearly in the guide.)

Like any guidebook author, all I can ask is that people judge campground descriptions by their factual information, rather than placing all their stock in a ratings system the author himself calls highly subjective. Everyone’s taste in quality campgrounds differ, and no guidebook author can control logging-truck traffic, or where and when someone camps.

– Ron Judd

If your rating system is so utterly devoid of significance to others, then why use it at all? You gave Belfair four stars, which according to the back cover of your book translates to, “A stunner. Among the best. Bring lots of film and site-finding patience.” It’s misleading.

I’ll be checking out Twin Harbors State Park, which you rated three stars, in about a week. I’ll be sure to report back.

Moving on, you wrote above, “And most people with even basic knowledge of the area know that the south end of Hood Canal is prone to significant tidal swings.” Pardon me for my lack of basic knowledge of the area, for my lack of knowledge of the area is what induced me to read this section of your book. I’m familiar with the tides in some parts of Puget Sound, but not here. The difference between low tide and high tide here at the end of Hood Canal is simply astounding. Standing on the “shoreline” at Belfair during low tide, it looked like I could walk across the canal and barely get my feet wet. Take a look at the picture above. I took that at low tide and the lens is even pointing up the canal, which is why you see water at all in the picture.

I appreciate the effort it takes to put together a book like this. I hope the 3rd edition will be the definitive one.