Roar and Snore Campground

Are you searching for a "Camping Near Me" adventure with a twist, offering exclusive overnight access to a zoo environment and close encounters with wildlife? Roar and Snore Campground, situated at 32X3+66, Escondido, CA 92027, USA, presents a concept that once held promise for a memorable experience. However, it is crucial for local users to be aware of very recent and concerning customer feedback, specifically from late 2024 and potentially continuing into 2025, which strongly suggests a severely diminished experience due to ongoing and disruptive construction.

An updated review, explicitly dated after the initial positive review, begins with a stark warning: "Wish we could still recommend the Roar and Snore experience, but that wouldn't be honest or fair." This immediately signals a significant decline in the quality and value of this offering. The reviewer contrasts their past positive experiences, where the "exclusive access" to the zoo and a sense of "fun rough'n it" somewhat justified the "pricey" and "bare bones accommodations," with a recent, deeply negative encounter.

The core issue appears to be the ongoing construction, which was allegedly not disclosed at the time of booking. This lack of transparency led to the reviewer spending a substantial "$1000" for what they describe as a severely substandard experience. They were led by an "angry park employee" through the zoo to "dirty, wet and moldy tents," provided with a basic "camp food buffet," and then promptly escorted out the following morning. This starkly contradicts the expectation of an immersive and enjoyable wildlife overnight adventure.

The reviewer meticulously details the significant changes and omissions attributed to the construction. Key aspects of the experience that were reportedly absent include: "Bathrooms with hot water," access to the "Elephant exhibit," the iconic "lions roaring" (replaced by the sounds of "lawn mowers and construction roars"), the "cheetah run," "campfire fun and storytime for the kids," and any meaningful "interaction or guidance from the staff" (who were instead described as "snippy" and occasionally "harassing" families). These omissions represent a drastic reduction in the promised and previously enjoyed amenities and atmosphere.

A particularly alarming concern raised in this updated review is the state of the water supply: "Even their water supply was off?! Check out that picture, there was black b and brown bits in all the water. In like ALL the water, the hot water for tea, the cold water for drinking, the water for the kids hot chocolate..." The reviewer's account of this issue and the staff's seemingly inadequate response raises serious health and safety concerns for potential visitors. This description of contaminated water is deeply troubling and should be a significant consideration for anyone contemplating a stay.

The reviewer summarizes the current offering for a minimum of "$250 per person" as including limited access to see "sleeping tigers" and the "platypus enclosure in the dark," a basic dinner and breakfast, and a restricted overnight stay in "10 year old tents with mold on the walls, holes in the bottom," all while interacting with "grumpy camp dudes who clearly don't want to be there." Based on this experience, the reviewer strongly advises against recommending Roar and Snore Campground in its current state, suggesting potential improvement only after the projected completion of construction in "2026."

In contrast, an earlier review from July 14, 2024, provides a more positive, albeit not entirely flawless, account. This reviewer found the "Park staff was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable" and reported "lots of fond memories." However, they did note an issue with their tent ("Tent #27 was not so nice (sides of tent had awful stains that looked like mold on the inside and a slight smell too)"), indicating that substandard tent conditions might have been a pre-existing issue.

The cost for this reviewer's basic package was $145 per person plus park entry fees, totaling $448 for two, in addition to parking. This included an overnight stay with basic bedding, a buffet dinner and breakfast, s'mores, non-alcoholic drinks, and guided tours. The check-in and check-out procedures, as well as the itinerary including park tours and animal viewings, were detailed. The reviewer highlighted the unique experience of the night tour and hearing lions roar.

However, even this earlier positive review mentions "bare minimal" tent accommodations and the lack of power outlets in the basic tents. The presence of mold in at least one tent is a recurring concern across both reviews, albeit significantly amplified in the later, negative account.

Considering both reviews, the current environment of Roar and Snore Campground appears to be significantly impacted by ongoing construction, leading to noise, closure of exhibits, and a diminished overall atmosphere. The tents are described as basic and, critically, in some instances as dirty, wet, and moldy. Basic amenities like hot water in the bathrooms and even clean drinking water are reportedly unreliable due to the construction. The unique aspect of hearing animal sounds might be overshadowed by construction noise.

The services have seemingly declined considerably. While the earlier review praised friendly and knowledgeable staff and guided tours, the more recent account describes "angry" and unhelpful employees. The promised "campfire fun and storytime" and other interactive elements appear to have been discontinued due to the construction. The quality of the provided meals is also called into question in the negative review.

The features that once made Roar and Snore unique, such as exclusive nighttime access to certain animal exhibits and the overall immersive zoo experience, are now severely compromised by the construction and reduced accessibility. The basic tent accommodations remain, but their condition is a major concern. The tram tour of the safari area might still be offered, but the overall value proposition seems significantly diminished.

Given the extremely negative and recent feedback highlighting significant issues with accommodations, basic amenities like clean water and functioning bathrooms, and a lack of the promised experience due to ongoing construction, local users should be extremely cautious. There is no indication of any current promotional information that would outweigh these serious concerns. Potential visitors should directly contact the campground to inquire about the current status of the construction, the availability and condition of amenities, and any temporary closures or reductions in the advertised experience. It would be prudent to seek very recent and reliable information before considering a booking and to be prepared for a potentially significantly different experience than what might have been offered in the past.

In conclusion, while Roar and Snore Campground once offered a unique "Camping Near Me" experience with exclusive zoo access, recent customer reviews, particularly the updated review from late 2024 or early 2025, paint a dire picture of a campground severely impacted by ongoing construction. Reports of dirty and moldy tents, unreliable basic amenities like clean water and hot showers, reduced access to animal exhibits, and negative staff interactions should give any prospective local user serious pause. It is strongly recommended to seek up-to-the-minute information directly from the campground and to carefully weigh the potential for a unique experience against the very real and significant negative impacts reported by recent guests. Proceed with extreme caution and be prepared for a potentially disappointing and uncomfortable stay.

Roar and Snore Campground

32X3+66, Escondido, CA 92027, USA