State of New York Mills Norrie State Park

My fiance and I rented a cabin in Mills-Norrie. We drove two hours to get there, only to find that there was a vehicle parked next to our cabin (about 8-10 ft. away). I thought perhaps the park had made a mistake and given our cabin to someone else. Turns out, the vehicle belonged to the cabin down the hill. I asked them to move it. They claimed that they were allowed to park there because they weren't able to get their vehicle, a truck, down their own driveway because there were trees (there weren't) and rocks (there weren't) in the way. Both parties went to speak to the park worker, Sheryl, and in an effort to resolve this petty dispute at 10pm on a Friday of their last weekend open, I offered a myriad of alternatives to placate everyone involved. For example, I suggested they move their truck to the cabin next door that appeared empty, and that if someone else came to that cabin that night we could once again resolve the issue. I offered that we both park our cars near the office, again, to be fair and to resolve the issue. Sheryl stated that that was their park policy and had always been that way. She claimed there was no where else they could park (except I guess she forgot they had a driveway made for their cabin, or about the parking area near the front office) despite the availability of space on the grounds.

Furthermore, it was clear to me that she and the other party knew each other as she was talking with them about their children, and I also heard her give them personal information about us.



Needless to say, we left, and drove two hours home. I spoke with Frank Bolger, the park manager, who also became hostile to me on the phone, and he said he would not issue a refund. I am in the process of pursuing my $175 refund from the General Parks manager. I will not be charged that amount of money without being provided the service.



In my mind, if a cabin is inaccessible by truck, then it's certainly inaccessible by ambulance, and should therefore not be open to the public. I should also not have to think that at night there is someone creeping around my cabin because their vehicle is right behind my window. What if they came in and out all night? What if they wanted to hang out by their truck? What if I have to wonder if they are doing something to my vehicle, or otherwise? I shouldn't have to wonder, and I shouldn't have my money taken because of it. They falsely advertised their service because I certainly wouldn't have paid nearly $200 for a cabin whose grounds are used as a common space. This park has violated my Right to Be Informed, and has acted poorly in remedying the situation.



When I originally looked into this location, I was disappointed learning that the cabins have no bathrooms or fireplaces for ~$85 a night, but I booked anyway because I knew they offered beautiful views of the Hudson. What a headache, and I'll be sure never to go back to this backwards, locally nepotistic place that readily stole my money