River View RV Park&Resort-Redux, Vidalia, LA

 

River View RV Park&Resort, Vidalia, LA is one of two campgrounds located along the great Mississippi River Road sitting inside the levees on the Mississippi  River bank. Headed north on MS Route 61 we pass thru Natchez crossing the Mississippi River on State Road 425 into Vidalia. A quick turn down Magnolia St., up and over the levee and River View spreads to the left and right offering splendid views of the Mississippi River tows as they pass by and of the Natchez-Vidalia Bridge linking the two towns. This is one of two of our favorite river parks and for several reasons. First, River View sits directly across from the high bluffs of Natchez, MS, a town lost in a time warp of restored antebellum mansions and homes. The summer residence, due to the ‘cooler’ weather high above the Mississippi River, of plantation owners who operated farming operations in the rich fertile bottomland of Vidalia, LA. Second, the close-up view of constant River traffic from River View sites is unparalleled. 

As discussed in a previous review the campground is well laid out, offers spacious real estate between sites, and includes the amenity of a clubhouse, pool and hot tub. The bathrooms, showers and laundry rooms are all very clean, neat and tidy located in the clubhouse/office building. The location is relaxing sitting on large expanses of manicured lawn watching the barges carry cargo up and down the Great River. 

Both sides of the campground provide concrete pads (some with grass sites) with standard FHU, stable 50 amp service and improved WiFi with 95% signal and -36dBm to enjoy streaming movies in HD. Our OTA (over the air antenna) received several channels in HD. At 45’ plus tow vehicle we had no difficulty navigating to our site and any trees are trimmed back and up so our 13’ height was not an issue. 

Although not a resort in the true sense of the word the owners have drastically improved the WiFi so as to make outdated cable and satellite superfluous, and have also invested in grounds keeping and maintenance. This is a clean and neat park on the banks of the Mississippi River. 

Along the River bank and running thru the campground is the 1.5 mile Vidalia Riverwalk, a concrete walking, jogging, and bicycle path that runs under the Natchez-Vidalia Bridge, past Vidalia Riverfront Park, the Vidalia Conference&Convention Center, the Vidalia Concert Hall and terminating at Clarion Suites. This offers a unique exercise opportunity along with the beautiful vista of the high bluffs of Natchez, the bridge and river traffic. And plan to spend enough time here to enjoy the restaurants (unfortunately a top BBQ joint downtown, Pig Out Inn, has closed) and remarkable walking tours of historic Natchez. 

The Takeaway: River View RV Park&Resort offers never ending entertainment watching tows move up and down the River. The manicured lawns and expanse between sites contributes to the Sawyeresque atmosphere as one lounges in the pool and hot tub overlooking the great Mississippi River. Historic Natchez sits across the River to be explored. WiFi is exceptional, and unique in its broadband quality which many parks have yet to install; this 21st century amenity is a necessity to millennials. Go to  www.rickpicks.com for other reviews, critiques and essays with links to area attractions and a more detailed review of this park as well as reviews of restaurants, etc.