Huhtiniemi Camping ***

Returned to this site, hoping that it would be better in the summer. No, it is just busier but still very shabby.
Next to a dismal (long-closed) Youth Hostel, the large campsite is on two levels, the lower part by Lake Saimaa being for tents and small campervans. The upper level has an area of reasonably level hard-standing, though the rest is sloping and grassy. There is a small café with free WiFi at Reception. The cramped toilets and showers are seriously inadequate and in need of refurbishment. The chemical WC dump was especially disgusting. The indoor kitchen has a microwave and kettle, though the two electric cookers have no shelves – something I pointed out to management when staying here two years ago! Lappeenranta, with its harbour, boat trips and fortress, is about 2 miles away (with cycle paths). This site needs a thorough revamp – or a drastic price reduction. We will not make a third visit!

The campsite was soon to close for the winter but that is no excuse for the grubby state of the kitchen and the smell of sewers in the uninviting toilet/shower block. The only cooker in the kitchen was unusable, having no shelves, and the microwave needed a good clean.
The youth hostel at the entrance looked abandoned, with camp reception now in a new cabin. There was no sign of a restaurant, just a small cafe (closed) at reception.
The free WiFi worked only on pitches very close to the services.
It is surprising that this popular tourist town on Lake Saimaa has such a dismal campsite, charging far too much due to its position.
With no control at the entrance, and Reception only staffed from 3 pm to early evening, there was no security and an itinerant couple used the showers and kitchen next morning!
One night was enough for us.

Seems like camping was on the top of its life several years ago and now is dying. Playgrounds are in bad condition. Toilet facilities are clean, but look like they are in use for a long-long time. Cabins look like they are crumble. Territory is big, clean and empty.