Camp Allen DGC reviews
6
0
The Ghost Course in the Woods 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Nov 8, 2013
Played the course:once
Pros:
Camp Allen is a huge park with plenty of things to do and one of those things is play disc golf at it's not 9 hole, not 18 hole, but a 21 hole course that plays throughout the camp.
For playing on such a huge expansion of land the navigation was very easy to follow. Both red and blue tees were distinctly marked and in great shape. The blue tees are much tougher and harder than the red tees, the camp counselor I played with said the red tees are for the campers and the blue tees are for the counselors
The course, for the most part, is in the woods and for the most part the lines are fair minus a few holes.
For playing on such a huge expansion of land the navigation was very easy to follow. Both red and blue tees were distinctly marked and in great shape. The blue tees are much tougher and harder than the red tees, the camp counselor I played with said the red tees are for the campers and the blue tees are for the counselors
The course, for the most part, is in the woods and for the most part the lines are fair minus a few holes.
Cons:
A few of the holes need trees taken out to create lines that do not feel like spray and pray (this is a religious camp though) 14,19, and 30 comes to mind. 14 is actually a very silly hole where I'm sure scores can range from 3s all the way up to 8s and it is based solely on luck.
The baskets all were single chained, which is fair for the environment but not something that could be used in tournament play.
Because the course plays throughout the camp there are plenty of places that could be dangerous for other campers. A few blind shots to what could be crowded areas and a few holes that play near or on the main camp road. But because this course sees little use the average car or camper should not worry about getting hit by a rouge disc.
The baskets all were single chained, which is fair for the environment but not something that could be used in tournament play.
Because the course plays throughout the camp there are plenty of places that could be dangerous for other campers. A few blind shots to what could be crowded areas and a few holes that play near or on the main camp road. But because this course sees little use the average car or camper should not worry about getting hit by a rouge disc.
Other Thoughts:
I was greatly impressed by the course that I thought would not be good. It would be hard to play here during the summer when kids are here constantly and you would need an escort to play with that is familiar with the camp. There are signs when entering the park not to trespass and those signs should be honored.
6
0
Come for the Disc Golf, stay for the Post Game Message! 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:May 26, 2013
Played the course:once
Pros:
How does a 21 hole course all to yourself sound? Camp Allen DGC is a fantastic, quiet, and fun course. The length is fine once you factor in all of the wooded areas, and the course offers a wide variety of blind shots that force you to employ both hyzer and anhyzer shots. I also enjoy that a few holes even incorporate some water. Granted, experienced players will not have to worry about losing a disc, but the variety is nice.
Each hole has two tee box locations. The front (red) tee box is perfect for new and younger players, while the back (blue) tee offer a real challenge to any intermediate to semi-advanced level player. All tees are marked, but you'll have to get a map at the registration desk if you'd like layouts and distances.
Finally, just having 21 holes over 18 is a nice little bonus. The additional three holes were probably crated simply to get you back to #1 tee, but they're not throw away holes so I'll take it.
BEST HOLE/S: #10
Each hole has two tee box locations. The front (red) tee box is perfect for new and younger players, while the back (blue) tee offer a real challenge to any intermediate to semi-advanced level player. All tees are marked, but you'll have to get a map at the registration desk if you'd like layouts and distances.
Finally, just having 21 holes over 18 is a nice little bonus. The additional three holes were probably crated simply to get you back to #1 tee, but they're not throw away holes so I'll take it.
BEST HOLE/S: #10
Cons:
As far as the course cons - the biggest may be lack of traffic. This means that general upkeep is lower, so holes like #14 and #19 are heavily overgrown. The course needs about one good week of pruning on about a third of the holes, as well as some the transitions like #7 to #8. #7 to #8 is also a good reason to bring a map - there is signage, but the trail is long and thick - also watch out for the numerous water moccasins in this area.
In addition, there are only a few good holes that you can really air out your disc. While I prefer a shorter wooded course, some may be turned off at the ample amount of tighter corridor shots that typically range in the 175 - 250 foot range. Finally, the baskets are in average shape and the tee boxes are natural so footing can be treacherous on some holes.
Some major factors to consider about the camp itself is that Camp Allen is essentially a bible camp in the summer, so unfortunately unless you are part of the bible camp parties - you will not have access to the disc golf course. The reason it that the middle portion of the course plays right through bible camp area. I find it a huge negative that most of us while not have access to the course in the prime months of June, July, and August. It opens back up to all park users once the summer bible camp season is over.
This also plays into the other obvious con that you must be staying at the facility to have access to the course. Technically, the place is huge and you may be able to sneak on without much of an issue, so you'll have to let your conscience be your guide. We stayed with a big group in an awesome five-bedroom cabin on the lake and had an amazing time. At $300 a night, it was a really good deal once you split it up four or five ways. There is also camping and a hotel facility at regular rates if that is more to your liking.
WORST HOLE/S: #14
In addition, there are only a few good holes that you can really air out your disc. While I prefer a shorter wooded course, some may be turned off at the ample amount of tighter corridor shots that typically range in the 175 - 250 foot range. Finally, the baskets are in average shape and the tee boxes are natural so footing can be treacherous on some holes.
Some major factors to consider about the camp itself is that Camp Allen is essentially a bible camp in the summer, so unfortunately unless you are part of the bible camp parties - you will not have access to the disc golf course. The reason it that the middle portion of the course plays right through bible camp area. I find it a huge negative that most of us while not have access to the course in the prime months of June, July, and August. It opens back up to all park users once the summer bible camp season is over.
This also plays into the other obvious con that you must be staying at the facility to have access to the course. Technically, the place is huge and you may be able to sneak on without much of an issue, so you'll have to let your conscience be your guide. We stayed with a big group in an awesome five-bedroom cabin on the lake and had an amazing time. At $300 a night, it was a really good deal once you split it up four or five ways. There is also camping and a hotel facility at regular rates if that is more to your liking.
WORST HOLE/S: #14
Other Thoughts:
The Camp Allen facility itself is pretty amazing, and offers plenty of varieties besides disc golf in case you need to convince some people make the trek. The camp offers horseback riding, archery, lake swimming, canoeing, fishing, playgrounds, hiking trails, park area, lakeside cabins, a rope course, spa message, etc...
Basically, you can get a group and hit the disc golf course, or maybe the wife spends the day at the spa while you enjoy a few rounds. Either way - there is no reason not to make the trip. It may not be a championship caliber course like Selah Ranch, but my bet is you'll still be pretty satisfied with the experience.
Basically, you can get a group and hit the disc golf course, or maybe the wife spends the day at the spa while you enjoy a few rounds. Either way - there is no reason not to make the trip. It may not be a championship caliber course like Selah Ranch, but my bet is you'll still be pretty satisfied with the experience.
