ABOUT DHOON LODGE & RV RESORT: We stayed in this campground twice before in 2019. This is an independent campground with 36 RV sites. It is located not too far from the city of Stephenville where you can get groceries, gasoline, and propane, and 12 km. from Trans Canada Highway-1 on Route 460. It is also near Barachois Pond Provincial Park and is on the way to the Port au Port peninsula scenic drive. Route 480 branches off the TCH just above Barachois Pond Provincial Park. The 480 is the only road that travels 148 kilometers to the village of Burgeo on the southern coast of Newfoundland.
Dhoon Lodge & RV Park is situated on 23 acres of wilderness. The edge of the property runs adjacent to Harry’s River, one of Newfoundland’s premier Salmon rivers. Much of the campground is occupied with seasonal campers. This time of year, there weren’t many people camping. I wouldn’t call it a “Resort”. It’s been around for awhile, and in its heyday probably was a popular fishing, golfing and hunting lodge and resort. Now the property is for sale, but the owners are still running most of the facilities. There is a lodge, but now it’s a residence. The former restaurant is only open for banquets and not to the everyday public. There is a golf course; we don’t know if it’s still in use. And there are several buildings that may act as a motel/cottages. This doesn’t mean the place is in disrepair. We’ve stayed here three times now and would stay here again.
The campsites are not numbered anymore. In 2019 we camped along the outer loop. Now that part of the campground had seasonal campers there. This year we camped in the pull-through section (near a big bush for the cats to do their birdwatching). We liked it just fine. The campsites have full hook-ups including sewer, a picnic table and a firepit. There is an adequate internet signal. Other amenities include a beach, dumping station, laundry, showers, restrooms, and playground/play area. They are one of the few campgrounds south of Gros Morne still open through October and opening as early as the beginning of May.
Their 2023 season ran from May 1 to October 31. There are no official check-in & check-out times. It cost us $170.20 (Canadian currency) for 4 nights; this includes taxes & fees. NOTE: This property is for sale for 2.2 million and has been for several years. IF and when it is sold, there’s no guarantee it will still be an RV park.
Dhoon Lodge & RV Resort: Their address is 11 Route 460 (but their payment receipt says 10 Lights Road & the 2023 travellers guide says 10 White’s Road; who knows?) Black Duck Siding, NL A0L 2G0. The phone numbers are (709) 646-5177 or (709) 214-0226. The e-mail address is dhoonlodge22@gmail.com. The website is at www.dhoonlodge.ca.
- 2019 – 09/24-10/01, 10/05-10/07
- 2023 – 09/22-09/26