This site is quite local to me and is well worth a visit for a nights camping with the kids. Gosfield Lake is one of Essex' hidden gems and with a bit of thought this site should be a little goldmine in the summer. It really is a very nice location. Over the years I have stayed here quite a few times. Some years ago the tent pitches were located behind the (then) cafeteria. Sadly the site management have seen fit to move the camping pitches to the farthest point they could from the toilet block and the cafeteria (nice breakfasts) has been replaced by a coffee shop trailer (I don't know how regularly this is on site)! Gosfield resort is predominantly a water ski centre and the people wealthy enough to pursue this sport are without question given priority. Their mobile homes now dominate the old camping pitches. Facilities on site are fairly basic; the toilet/shower block is adequate and reasonably clean. There is a nice looking Indian restaurant (I have never eaten in it) on site and a pub about twenty minutes walk away in the village. Water skiing is naturally available and the site has recently introduced weeekend, early morning triathlon swimming sessions for the devoted. There are some basic swings for children but little to rave about. Day fishing tickets are available and the lake is popular with anglers. [No independent water activities are allowed e.g. canoeing.] All and all a site worth a short stay if you are travelling in the area. Having covered the positives I will now mention the downside! I cannot think of a campsite I have experienced that has had more miserable, unwelcoming and aggressive staff. It appears that the casual camper is an unnecessary burden endured to assist with paying the bills. No effort is made to make you feel welcome and I found this business ethic very bizarre. I have no idea how the business survives. The management are like a rent-a-'Fawlty' crowd that make you wonder if they actually want to open the place to anyone. A genuinely nice site spoilt by bad management/ownership who show no sign of actually caring. A pity!
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