We recently addressed a complaint to Trailer Life (Joe Daquino) in reference to the WAC (We Always Care) RV Park, located in Sarcoxie, Missouri. This park is listed in the 2002 Trailer Life Directory on page 987 with additional advertisements on pages 979, 990 and 991. According to the 2002 rating system, WAC RV Park is rated 7.5/ 9.5*/7. It is, in our opinion, this rating was grossly overstated in all categories. TL responded on 10/14/02 with "I have more information on WAC and am not surprised you found conditions to have deteriorated. Without getting too into the details, there seems to have been a change in the way things are managed at WAC. In any event, we found conditions similar to what you described when we inspected for the 2003 Directory (available in six weeks). WAC will have a temporary listing in that edition - just name and phone number information". In September of this year, we traveled extensively through the state of Missouri. Working our way from the south and moving toward Columbia, Missouri, we intended to stay a week or longer in the Carthage, Missouri area. On September 16, 2002, after reviewing the Trailer Life Directory and having been persuaded by the ratings and options available at WAC (which are numerously advertised in the Directory), we selected this facility. Visually, as we approached the campground, it appeared to be attractive with many trees and a number of recreational vehicles already parked on the grounds. At the entrance, and upon arrival, we were greeted by someone and personally escorted to a site as stated in the Directory. We were curious and somewhat hesitant, however, when at no time, were we asked to register our name or RV. The office building was in some disrepair, but we overlooked this seemingly minor detail. We also noticed as we passed by the pool and recreational hall, the surrounding area was cluttered with equipment (which had not been moved in some time as grass was growing in and around the equipment). We disregarded this at the time, as we were not pool users and we expected the pool to be closed this time of year. However, later inspection proved and it was obviously apparent the pool had not been in use for years as the concrete was broken and moss and slime was abundant. Nor was there a locked gate or enclosure around this area even though water was in the pool. And, livestock (buffalo and donkey) was stabled nearby and was grazing and depositing droppings around the pool area.) We setup at the site, which, as stated in the Directory was a pull-through, had adequate space and hookups for our 35' diesel pusher, a porch swing, picnic table and mature trees. Since it was late in the day, we opted to partake of the advertised "supper" and walk the grounds before retiring. We located the dining area accidentally, as were not given proper information on where the meals were served. Inside the office building was a small room setup with six tables. The meal, primarily precooked and served from hot tables was adequate, but nothing extraordinary. However, the ceiling was very noticeably water damaged and the atmosphere was dampening. We were somewhat concerned about the health conditions surrounding this area. At the time the meal was to be paid for, the camping fees were collected. Based on the advertisements in the Trailer Life Directory and according to the paper distributed when escorted to the site, an option to "pay for 4 days, stay a week" were available, which fit our plans for this area. However, at the time of payment we were told this did not apply to the month of September. It is noted, and very clear in the advertisements and on the paperwork, only the months of July and August were the exception ("pay for 5 days, stay 7). It is also advertised; a 20% discount is given for cash. We were only given a 10% discount. We argued the discrepancy, but the management discounted the claims. Our decision to stay more than one night was reversed at this point. After the meal, we continued our inspection of the grounds. To state the conditions were deplorable is an understatement at best. We found the following additional discrepancies (Trailer Life descriptions are listed first; actual findings follow the semicolon): · Free Mini Golf: Facilities have not been in use for years. All courses were in disrepair, torn and broken. · 2 Laundries: One Laundry room in the middle of the complex was available and was housed in a building, which was ready to fall down. · Big Screen Satellite TV: It was nowhere to be found. · Rec Hall/Game Room: At one time the game room was attached to the office building. The glass doors to this room were off track and broken. The room no longer was useable and appeared to be a storage facility filled with broken parts, boxes and appliances. There was no attempt to be discreet about this unsightly room. The only other building available for congregation was located across from the office. Here nightly entertainment performed, but no gaming facilities were available. · 2 separate Restroom Facilities: The only useable restroom or shower is now located in the office building complex. The other restroom/shower area once was located in the laundry facility building in the middle of the campground. Pipes were broken, doors were nailed shut and/or broken and debris was laden throughout the building. · Tent Sites: The designated tent area now houses livestock (mules, donkeys, horses), which have been purchased and taken in by the owner. The animals are stabled in and around a designated "Club House", which advertises meals and snacks served. It is disgustingly unclean with animal droppings surrounding the entire area. · Efficiency Cabins: This is no more than a prefab grouping of modular apartments which currently house transient or permanent boarders. It is in terrible disrepair and an unsightly addition to the grounds. Additionally, we noted an unusually large group of permanent boarders. Located next to the laundry facilities in the middle of the grounds is a very old and dilapidated trailer, which is permanently fixed to the site. A very large dog is chained up near the trailer and the animal droppings from this dog have never been cleaned up. The stench and filth is deplorable. Located within easy walking distance of the overnight camping area is a very large community of permanent trailers and mobile homes. The area, is extremely unkempt, invites disturbance and compromises the safety of overnight guests. We camped here in a Motorhome.

This was my third stay in 2002. No changes from before. Still enjoyed it. We camped here in a camper.

We stayed at WAC twice in June, 2002, on the way east, and returning. We found the staff to be friendly, informal, and always helpful. Campers are taken directly to their site by an employee who will fit you into a site big enough for your RV. The restrooms and showers were clean, but the water pressure seemed low. Their supper special is great. For $25, the two of us got the RV space, and a meal with dessert. The smoked beef is good, but we really liked the fried chicken. Kitchen and restaurant conditions appeared to be clean and spotless. When in the vicinity, we'll stay again. We camped here in a camper.

This place is an unsanitary dump. Its high ratings can be explained by the two full pages of advertising found in the directory books. They try to sell you a dinner package at check-in, avoid at all costs. When you see the staff and the "care" they put into food handling and prep you'll know why. Disgusting. We camped here in a camper.