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 11/3/10

My ramblin' for 2010 is over!  I've returned to my winter residence on the Central Coast of California.  The last month was spent visiting my kids and friends in CA, so no camping in campgrounds.

 This year's stats:

• 9150 miles, 11.3 mpg, $3.04/gal average fill-up
  
• 96 nights camping (including 14 boondocking, but excluding in driveways, etc.) in 66 different campsites
• $7.70 average campsite fee, with discount and $11.85 without.  Free campsites (boondocking, etc.) included in average cost.

Thanks for traveling along with me.  Next year maybe we'll go to ALASKA!     North to Alaska, They're goin' north, the rush is on  

66

10/3/10

Dimond O CG (USFS).  Just before the NW entrance to Yosemite National Park on CA120 take paved Evergreen Rd N for 6 miles.  4300 ft.
 

 
<Gray Day in Yosemite>
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7
#8 #9 #10 #11 #12

Very nice CG with 38 paved sites in a beautiful setting of tall trees of various types.  Small stream nearby. Very handy to Yosemite NW entrance.  Was here 5 years ago (my first year of ramblin').  $21.

At night it rained like the dickens.  I heard the next morning that Tioga Pass in Yosemite (@ 10K ft) got closed from the storm.  I just made it in time!

65

10/2/10

Lower Lee Vining CG (USFS).  3 mi SW of US395/CA 120 jct near Lee Vining, CA on Tioga Pass Rd.  7800 ft.
 

 
4WD Required
Hey, It's Ramblin' Ralph
It Might Rain
Mono Lake (CA)

54 dirt sites close together on level land.  Most sites in tall pines.  Only about 9 miles from Yosemite east entrance (but a steep climb to 10K ft.).  $14.

64

9/30/10-
10/1/10

Big Springs CG (USFS).  45 mi NW of Bishop, CA on US395 then 2 mi NE on Owens River Rd.  7300 ft.
 

Geothermal Hot Creek
CG Water "Faucet"
Start of Owens River

26 large dirt sites on level land.  Primitive CG (no water/trash and pit toliets).  Part time shade in sites from tall pines.  Spring fed head waters of the Owens River alongside in a small canyon.  Sites about 1/2 full.  Nicer than some CGs I've seen in the area that charge $20.  Here it is only (hold your breath)  .......$0!

63

9/29/10

Convict Lake CG (USFS).  34 mi NW of Bishop, CA on US395 then 2 mi SW on Convict Lake Rd.  7600 ft.
 

Convict Lake
Crowley Lake
Upper Owens River

85 paved sites on sloping land.  Small Convict Creek alongside.  Beautiful Convict Lake, surrounded by tall peaks, at CG entrance.  Many sites full sun.  Creekside sites have more shade.  Strictly by chance, ended up in same site as 3 years ago!  Caught 3 trout in 45 minutes before I left.  $20.

62

9/28/10

Big Meadow CG (USFS).  23+ mi NW of Bishop, CA on US395 then 4.5 mi SW on Rock Creek Rd.  8600 ft.
 

 
Rock Creek Lake
View From Back Door
Rock Creek
Big, Big Boulder

11 dirt sites on level land.  Many nestled in the pines near small Rock Creek.  Rock climbers like the steep face beyond the creek.  Creek side channel no more than 20 ft from my back door adds to "all nature" backdoor view.  Flush toilets.  Not many others here.  One of the most pleasant sites I've had this year!  $20.

61

9/27/10

Four Jeffery CG (USFS).  14 mi SW of Bishop, CA on CA168 (aka W Line St) then 1 mi S on South Lake Rd.  8100 ft.
 

 
More Fall Colors #1
More Fall Colors #2

106 dirt sites on slightly sloping land.  Most sites out in the open with no shade.  Some along a stand of aspens for afternoon shade.  Small Bishop Creek (S Fork) near these sites.  Flush toilets.  Dump station ($7).  $21.

60

9/26/10

Bishop Park CG (USFS).  15 mi SW of Bishop, CA on West Line St (aka CA168).  8400 ft.
 

 
> E. Sierra Fall Colors <
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6

Chipmunk Enjoys Colors

21 dirt sites (all but about 8 tent only) on the fast flowing Bishop Creek (N Fork).  RV sites have little shade, tent sites the most.  Almost all sites are by the creek, so you can listen to nice "music" while here.  Flush toliets.  $21.

Back in my favorite part of CA; the Eastern Sierras.  I've been coming here fishing for 40 years.

59

9/25/10

Grandview CG (USFS).  13 mi NE of Big Pine, CA on CA168 then 5+ mi N on White Mountain Rd.  8500 ft.
 

My first night back in California in nearly 3 months!

 
Bike Racers
Wilderness Beyond Mtns
South Lake ( E Sierras)

Primitive CG with 26 dirt sites scattered among short trees.  Look for picnic tables, as sites not obvious.  Vault toliets.  Great views E and W with a short walk from CG.  Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest up the road a couple of miles.  $5 donation requested.

Coming down to Big Pine the next day, I passed a couple of hundred bicycle riders participating in the Everest Challenge.  They were going from Big Pine (4K ft) to around 10K ft at the Bristlecone Forest.  I got tired just watching them climb the hill!  :)

58

9/24/10

Hilltop CG (USFS).  From US95 NW of North Las Vegas, NV take Kyle Canyon Rd W for 17+ miles, then right on Deer Canyon Rd for 4.5 mi.  8300 ft.
 

Awesome CG View
Radar (??) Dome

An aptly named CG.  35 paved sites on a hilltop.  Some with awesome views.  Lots of small, scrubby trees and some tall pines.  Most sites were reserved, but I lucked out and got one of the 2 or 3 remaining open ones at 1:30 p.m. on a Friday.  Unfortunately, it is one close to some obnoxious, frequently barking dogs that the owners must not see the need to silence (oh honey, isn't Rover so cute when he barks).  Grrrr.  No generator noise, though. :)  Way cooler than Lost Wages is (temperature wise).  $19.

57

9/23/10

Quail Creek State Park CG.  About 7 mi W of Hurricane, UT on UT9, then 2 mi N on hwy 318.  3000 ft.
 

Lake Near Sunset
Moonrise Over Lake

23 paved sites on sloping land in a desert like environment.  On the shore of a nice, medium size lake.  No natural shade, but covers over picnic tables.   Bluffs to W give entire CG shade before sunset.  Hwy alongside results in some traffic noise.  $15.

Enjoyed sitting out in the balmy evening and looking at the lake.  Bats were out for a while.  Beautiful full moon rising over the mountains, spreading moonglow on the lake.

56

9/21/10-
9/22/10

Bryce Canyon National Park Sunset CG.  7.5 mi NW of Tropic, UT on UT12, then 5+ mi S on UT63.  8000 ft.
 

 
Bryce Canyon Views
#1  #2  #3  #4  #5  #6

110 dirt/gravel sites in 3 loops on level land.  "A" loop (52 sites) is for RVs only (tent trailers OK).  Other loops limited to vehicles less than 20 ft.  Most sites get some shade during the day, due to tall pines.  $15.

Wow, spectacular scenery here from up high at 8000 to 9000 ft.  Camped next to someone I was next to 2 days ago in Capitol Reef NP.  Small world!.

55

9/19/10-
9/20/10

Posey Lake CG (USFS).  16 mi N of Escalante, UT on FR153 and 154.  Last 14 mi gravel with moderate washboarding in places.  8900 ft. (a tie for highest CG this year).
 

More Fall Colors
Is It Dead?
The Color Yellow
Pretty Posey Lake

Remote CG with 25 gravel sites on hilly land.  Aspens and pines.  Small, pretty lake at entrance.  Only one other site occupied each nite.  Nice and peaceful that way. :).  I'm surprised it only got down to 44F at night up this high.  $10 ($5 now, since water off).

Highest point on very scenic hwy 12 coming here was 9300 ft.  Got out at an overlook and the wind must have been close to 35 mph!  Almost lost what little hair I have left. :)

54

9/17/10-
9/18/10

Capitol Reef National Park Fruita CG.  12 mi E of Torrey, UT on UT24.  5400 ft.
 

Capitol Reef Rocks #1
Capitol Reef Rocks #2
Capitol Reef Rocks #3 
Capitol Reef Petroglyphs
Fruita Schoolhouse
 

Nice CG with many tall trees for lots of shade.  75 gravel sites in 2 level areas. Sites not packed close together (like some other NP CGs), but still little privacy, since no bushes.  Very limited generator hours (2 hrs AM & 2 hrs PM) - YEA!  It was very quiet there, for as crowded as it was.  I got one of the last of 2 sites when I arrived Friday around noon - whew!.  $10 (a deal).

The scenery at the park was spectacular (photo album when I get around to it).  Also really enjoyed  the historic orchards and buildings from an early Morman settlement (Fruita, UT) in the late 1800s.

53

9/16/10

Mackinaw CG (USFS).  About 35 mi S of I70/UT24 jct via UT24 and UT25.  8900 ft. (my highest CG this year)
 

Utah Early Fall Color
Manti UT Temple
Fish Lake

High altitude CG overlooking a big lake..  68 paved sites in 3 loops.  On sloping ground with many small aspen trees.  Partial views of lake through trees.  Mid-week, late season means not many campers here.  Yea!  $14.

52

9/15/10

Utah Lake State Park CG.  About 2 mi W of I15 on Center St. in Provo, UT area.  4600 ft.
 

Great Salt Lake View #1
Great Salt Lake View #2
Island Antelope

Very nice state park CG.  55 paved sites in 2 loops.  Little natural shade, but nice size "gazebos" for each site.  No bushes = no privacy.  Nearby airport has mostly small plane traffic.  $20 (w/water & elec)..

Visited the interesting Antelope Island State Park (on the Great Salt Lake) today.

51

9/14/10

Box Elder CG (USFS).  From I15/US89 jct in Brigham City, UT go E on US89 for 5 mi then take Mantua exit and follow CG signs for 1 mi.  5200 ft.
 

Both Locomotives
Jupiter Locomotive
Locomotive 119

Not the typical USFS CG location.  Feels more like a county CG.  1/2 mi from a busy hwy and next to a small town.  25 gravel sites in 2 loops.  Lots of broad leafed trees and bushes. Some hwy noise, but not too bad inside the camper.    $15.

Visited the interesting railroad related Golden Spike National Historical Site today.

50

9/13/10

Malad Summit CG (USFS).  8+ mi N of Malad City, ID on I15, then take Exit 22 and follow signs N and W for 6 mi.  Last mile is one lane dirt road.  6100 ft.
 

Road In Campground
The Idaho Falls #1
The Idaho Falls #2

Relatively primitive CG with 11 gravel sites, some very short.  Lots of shade due to dense trees and bushes.  Very narrow road within CG.  Not a good place for big rigs.  Small creek alongside.  $10.

49

9/12/10

Stoddard Creek CG (USFS).  12 mi S of MT/ID line on I15 then 1 mi W on campground road.  6300 ft.
 

Very nice CG in a heavily wooded area.  About 25 gravel sites, split between 2 levels.  I'm on the "hilltop" level.  Many sites very long for large rigs.  Only one other site occupied.  Very handy to I15 with only slight truck noise.  $10.

8/29/10-
9/11/10

At my cousin's in Dillon, MT.
 

Montana Barn & Mtns
Montana River & Mtns
Ride 'Em Cowboy!
Run Clown Run

 Spent a great 2 weeks at my cousin's in Dillon, MT visiting and fishing.  Caught a 20 inch brown trout!  Went to the rodeo.  Yeehaw!  Now I'm back on the road, after getting hundreds of emails from my website followers clamoring for me to do so.  OK, OK, I didn't even get one, but I'm doing it anyway. :)

48

8/26/10-
8/28/10

Madison CG (USFS).  34 mi S of Ennis, MT on US287, then across river and 1+ mi S on dirt road.  6000 ft.
 

Wide Open Montana
Madison River & Mtns

10 gravel sites, in a line, well apart.  Some have very good afternoon shade.  Famous-for-fishing Madison River on the other side of the dirt access road, within walking distance.  Hwy across river a bit noisy.  Cell tower across river gives me a great Net connection!  Heavy rain and pea sized hail on Saturday afternoon.  My usual luck fishing - little.  $12.

47

8/25/10

Wade Lake CG (USFS).  39 mi S of Ennis, MT on US287 then 6 mi on fairly rough dirt road.  Turn off US287 at "Three Dollar Bridge" sign.  6200 ft.
 

Sack Cabin Floor
Sack Cabin Door
Fish in Air?

24 site CG on a pretty, very clear lake.  5 or 6 sites on (and above) the lake.  Very secluded and peaceful (just like I like it).  I got the same site I had 3 years ago (almost to the day).  $12.

On the way here, I visited the very interesting built-by-owner Johnny Sack Cabin (on National Historical Register) in the Island Park, ID area.  He was quite a craftsman!

46

8/23/10-
8/24/10

Boondocking site (USFS)  Not a developed campground.  About 1/2 mi S of the Island Park Reservoir Dam in Idaho.  6200 ft.
 

 
Island Park Reservoir
Henry's Fork Box Cyn

Found this site when looking for a fishing spot below Island Park Dam.  Ideal, since the two are only 1/4 mile apart.  Ironically, it's also very close to the Buffalo River where I was last night.  Only my 2nd time boondocking this year.  What a wimp!  $0.

45

8/22/10

Buffalo CG (USFS).  Across US20 from Pond's Lodge in Island Park, ID.  6200 ft.
 

 
Buffalo River (ID)
Bird Launch

Mega CG with 127 sites in 7 loops.  Doesn't seem that big when you're camped in your loop, though.  The clear and shallow Buffalo River runs alongside the CG..  Caught 2 teeny brook trout.  $12.

44

8/20/10-
8/21/10

Grandview CG (USFS).  14 mi NE of Ashton, ID on hwy 47.  6000 ft.
 

Lower Mesa Falls
Upper Mesa Falls
Warm River Springs
Marmot?

9 gravel, roomy sites, spaced well apart, adjacent to the impressive Lower Mesa Falls overlook area.  Sound from falls just audible (maybe louder to younger ears).  Close to hwy, but not much traffic.  All I can see from my back door and side window is lots of trees and bushes (that's good).  $12.

43

8/19/10

Warm River CG (USFS).  9 mi NE of Ashton, ID on hwy 47.  5300 ft.
 

River Tubers
Distant Tetons

25 sites (12 tent only) on the very clear and scenic Warm River.  Not sure where the name came from, since it's spring fed and cold!  Very popular for floating in tubes or rafts by the young uns.  Sites very close together, so better hope you get a nice neighbor.  More like a KOA than a typical FS CG.  Even caught a couple of small trout here.  Met a middle aged couple bicycling from Canada to Mexico.  Yikes!  $12.

42

8/16/10-
8/18/10

Riverside CG (USFS).  15 mi N of Ashton, ID on US20, then 1+ mi E on Forest Rd.  6100 ft.
 

Henry's Fork @ CG

57 sites (some gravel, some paved) in 3 loops.  Loop "A" has sites on the Henry's Fork River with limited shade.  B & C loops have more shade (C the most).  Far enough from hwy so no noise.  Caught a whopper 7" trout!!  $12.

41

8/13/10-
8/15/10

Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival @ Grand Targhee Ski Resort.  12 mi NE of Driggs, ID on Ski Hill Rd.  7800 ft.
 

^Camp area B4 Full ^
Music Stage
Below pics from 10K ft.
Hey, That's Me!
Grand Tetons
Valley Below
 

3 day festival with a lot of "not bluegrass" music.  :)  Enjoyed it anyway.  Good weather, except for rain Friday night and below freezing 2 nights.  Nice folks camped around me, including one providing free coffee each morning.  Got a big surprise Monday morning - dead battery in truck.  I think the freezing weather took its toll on my nearly 5 year old one.  "Coffee guy" gave me a jump and I drove down to Driggs and got a new one.  Took the ski lift to the mountain top (9800 ft) before I left.  What a view!!

40

8/12/10

Teton Canyon CG (USFS).  6 mi NE of Driggs, ID on Ski Hill Rd, then 5 mi E on dirt Teton Canyon Rd.  7200 ft.
 

 
Nice Creek
Lotta Trees
Tetons Up Close

 Very nice small CG in a beautiful canyon setting.  20 sites, a few with 100% shade due to a very thick stand of tall trees.  Popular hiking trailhead across the road.  Two small creeks nearby.  $10.

39

8/11/10

McCrea Bridge CG (USFS).  About 2 mi N of Island Park, ID on US20, then 2 mi W on Kilgore-Yale Rd.  6200 ft.
 

Henry's Fork (not @ CG)
Big White Pelican

26 gravel sites in 2 loops (one adjacent to the Henry's Fork River).  Amount of shade depends on site.  "A" loop has some nice river view sites (got one).  Moderate hwy noise.  Very nicely constructed sites with gravel in all areas (i.e., picnic benches, tent pads, etc.).  Plus there are metal stands for BBQs, pots and pans, etc.  Talked to people who caught some nice size fish from the boat ramp.  $16

38

8/10/10

Lonesomehurst CG (USFS).  7 mi W of West Yellowstone, MT on US20, then 3.5 N on Denny Creek Rd (paved, except for last mile).  6700 ft.
 

My View of Hebgen Lk
They Got Stuck!

27 gravel sites, rather close together.  Sparse trees, but they were planting more when I was there.  Spectacular view of Hebgen Lake (especially from my site).  One of the best campsite views for me this year!  $16.

37

8/9/10

Swan Creek CG (USFS).  32 mi SW of Bozeman, MT on US191 then 1 mile E on Swan Creek Rd (paved, but narrow one lane).  6000 ft.
 

Gallatin River
Gallatin River & Mtns

13 gravel sites in 2 loops (but 0.5 mile apart).  Small Swan Creek alongside.  A couple of other nearby USFS CGs are on the pretty Gallatin River.  However, also by a very busy hwy.  Better here, IMHO.  $14.

36

8/8/10

Battle Ridge CG (USFS).  21 mi NE of Bozeman, MT on hwy 86.  6400 ft.
 

View Leaving CG
Bridger Mountains

13dirt sites in tall trees.  Some sites not level.  Old style outhouses.  Hwy close by has truck noise, but quiet at night.  Another freebie! $0.

The Bridger Canyon drive from here towards Bozeman has spectacular scenery!

35

8/5/10-
 8/7/10

Jumping Creek CG (USFS).  22 mi N of White Sulphur Springs, MT on US89.  5900 ft.
 

Campground Creek

10 gravel sites in tall spruce trees on level land.  Many sites have plenty of shade.  Easy to hear truck traffic on hwy, but little at night.  Nice medium size Sheep Creek flows through CG.  I verified that the creek has some small brook trout.  $10.

34

8/3/10-
8/4/10

Smith River State Park (MT), Camp Baker Site. 16 mi NW of White Sulphur Springs, MT on hwy 360, then 8.5 mi N on Smith River Rd (good gravel), then, at sign, 1.5 mi W.  4400 ft.
 

Smith River
Interesting Rock Bluffs

Not a typical state park.  Just 8 grass sites and vault toilets.  It's here because this is the launch point for floating the very popular Smith River.  So popular you need to win a lottery and pay $25/person ($50 non-resident)!  Finally caught a few fish, including two nice (12" or so) brown trout.  Yipee!  The price is right @ $0.

33

8/2/10

Grasshopper Creek CG (USFS).  7 mi E on White Sulphur Springs, MT on US12 then 4 mi S on FR 211.  5800 ft.
 

Campground Creek

11 gravel sites, well apart,  in a dense stand of spruce trees  Plenty of shade.  Small creek in CG.  Rough road within CG.  $10.

32

8/1/10

Spring Creek CG (USFS).  About 26 mi E of White Suphur Springs, MT on US12 then 4 mi N on Forest  Road 274 (one lane with turnouts and last part dirt).  5300 ft.
  

Road To Campground
Old Hotel in Harlowton
Big Electric Train

Nice small secluded CG in plenty of trees.  10 wide, gravel sites well apart.  Small gurgling creek alongside (not big enough to fish, unfortunately).  I'm the only one here.  $7.

31

7/31/10

Cowbelle CG in Roundup, MT.  From Main St. go about 1 mile E on 2nd St (@ "Fairgrounds" sign).  Right at the "Y".  3200 ft.
 

Custer Battlefield #1
Custer Battlefield #2
Custer Battlefield #3
Campground Deer

Nice county park with plenty of shade from tall trees.  No real designated camping sites, but several picnic tables scattered around (maybe 10 or so).  Nice and quiet.  $0 (donation requested, but I couldn't find a locked box).

Toured the interesting Custer Battlefield before I came here.

30

7/27/10-
7/28/10

Cliff Swallow Montana Fishing Access Site.  10 mi W of Absarokee, MT on hwy 420.  4300 ft.
 

Scenic Stillwater River
Rainy Day
Pasture and Mountains

About 6 dirt sites right on the scenic Stillwater River.  Easy access to the river.  Some sites about 10 feet above the river and 20 feet away.  No shade.  Vault toilet.  A freebie @ $0!

Tried fly fishing in two different area, but no luck (not unusual for me).  Rained late afternoon both days.

29

7/26/10

Parkside CG (USFS).  12 mi SW of Red Lodge, MT on US212, then 0.5 mi on paved road.  7200 ft.
 

 
Awesome Valley View
Nice House
Another Nice House

26 paved sites in 2 loops among various types of trees.  Fast flowing Rock Creek goes through CG.  Very nice CG in a scenic area.  $14.

28

7/25/10

Rattin CG (USFS).  About 8 mi SW of Red Lodge, MT on US212, then exit E on dirt road at large National Forest "welcome" sign.  Dirt road goes back NE for a mile or so to CG.  Note:  Don't follow GPS directions (mine was wrong).  6300 ft.
.

Wooded Mountain Side
Red Lodge Court House
Red Lodge Main St

Very small, 7 site CG in firs/spruces and broad leafed trees.  Alongside Rock Creek.  Hwy just past the creek, so some slight hwy noise.  Road within CG leads to area with private houses (somewhat unusual).  $14.

Red Lodge sure is a busy little town!

27

7/24/10

Cascade CG (USFS).  About 12 mi W of Red Lodge, MT.  Go S on US212 for about 1 mile then turn right on Ski Run Rd and follow signs.  Last 3 miles are good, one lane dirt road, but with plenty of turnouts.  7400 ft.
 

Clarks Fork Cyn (WY)
CG Flowers
Creek & Burned Trees

Nice CG with 30 dirt/gravel sites, well apart,  in 2 loops among the pines and firs.  Alongside the pretty and musical Rock Creek (W Fork).  Fire from a few years ago has burned trees outside the CG.  $10.

Had a short jam session with my CG neighbor!  Wish it happended more often in my travels.  Fun!

26

7/22/10-
7/23/10

Buffalo Bill State Park North Shore Bay CG, 10 mi W of Cody, WY on US16.  5400 ft.
 

Reservoir
Buffalo Bill Center
Howling Wolf
Chuck Wagon Cooking

32 paved sites in 3 loops.  8 sites reservation only.  On the banks of the Buffalo Bill Reservoir.  Plenty of afternoon wind and hwy noise, but little shade.  However, handy to town w/o paying RV park prices.  $17.

Visted the very interesting Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody.  Lots to see.

25

7/21/10

Threemile CG (USFS). 49 mi W of Cody, WY on US16.  6700 ft.
 

N Fork Shoshone River
Big Cliffs

22 paved sites on sloping land.  Between hwy and very nice N Fork Shoshone River.   Plenty of pines and firs.  Not all sites have shade.  Note: No tents allowed (bear country).  $15.

24

7/20/10

Grand Teton NP, Gros Ventre CG.  7 mi N of Jackson, WY on US89, then  5 mi NE on Gros Ventre Rd.  6600 ft.
 

Jackson Lake Shore
Jackson Lake Dam
Willow Flats

Another mega CG with 360 sites in many loops.  However, the gravel sites are well apart in sagebrush and cottonwood trees.  Site shade varies widely between plenty and none (that's mine).  Gros Ventre River nearby.  Tip: Pronounce it "Grow Vant", so they think you're a local.  $20.

Was thinking about get a fishing license and staying another day.  However, big thunderstorm started in late morning, so I'm moving on.

23

7/19/10

Grand Teton NP, Colter Bay CG.  27 mi N of Moose, WY on US89.  6800 ft.
 

Tetons & Snake River
Jackson Lake Marina
LakeThrough Trees

Mega CG with 350 sites.  "Sardine" style camping in 8 loops with site parking parallel to the road.  Tables about 10 to 20 feet into the pines/firs.  On Jackson Lake, but you can't see it from the CG.  $20.

22

7/18/10

Station Creek CG (USFS).  11 mi NE of Alpine Junction, WY on US26(89).  5900 ft.
 

Wyoming Scenery
Afton, WY Antler Arch
Snake River Rafters
Snake River from CG

16 gravel sites on slightly sloping land.  Between a very busy hwy and the beautiful Snake River (50 ft. down).  Sites well apart with good privacy.  Lots of tall pine and fir trees.  Even with the daytime hwy noise, it's a nice CG.  $15

21

7/16/10-
7/17/10

Summit View (USFS).  10 mi NE of Georgetown, ID via county road and then Left Hand Georgetown Canyon Rd for about last 5 miles.  7500 ft.  [Note: Not really any "summit view" from here].
 

OR/CA Trail Center
Nice Meadow

22 dirt/gravel sites in 2 loops.  Several sites look like they hardly get used (grass growing in them).  Lots of aspens/firs/pines, low green stuff and wildflowers.  I got here about 5 p.m. Friday afternoon and no one else in the smaller loop of 8 sites (1 came later).  Slight noise from the nearby dirt road, but super peaceful at night.  Lots of troublesome flies (including horse flies).  I stayed in my camper a lot (but it was still fun).  $10.

Had a nice chat with a FS "bug guy" checking on the bark beetle damage in the CG.  He even showed me some live ones!

20

7/15/10

Porcupine CG  (USFS).  8 mi W of St. Charles, ID on Minnetonka Cave Rd.  6700 ft.
 

 
Nice View
Paris, ID Tabernacle

17 paved sites on sloping land.  Scattered aspens/firs/pines.  Most sites very sunny.  Small creek alongside.  In a small canyon.  Minnetonka Cave 5 mi up the road.  $12.

Took the cave tour the next day.  A lot of up and down stairs and a temperature of 40 degrees.  Glad I survived it. :)

19

7/14/10

Sunrise CG (USFS).  32 mi NE of Logan, UT on US89.  7800 ft.
 

Campground Road
Bear Lake

27 paved sites on level land (w/several pull thrus).   Many pines/aspens/firs for lots of shade.  Good privacy between sites.  Some truck noise from hwy.  In the top 10% of FS CGs I've stayed at (about 200), for layout, appearance and surroundings.  Very helpful CG hostess.  $15.

18

7/13/10

Tony Grove Lake CG (USFS).  22 mi NE of Logan, UT then 7 mi W uphill on excellent paved road.  8100 ft.
 

Tony Grove Lake
Reason For Lake Name
Beautiful Flower
All Sorts Of Flowers

39 dirt/gravel sites on hilly land.  Very scenic setting in the spruce (fir?) trees with loads of different wildflowers.  Nice small lake a short walk from the W side of the CG.  Several canoes out.  Rough road thru CG.  Fairly full CG.  $15.

17

7/12/10

Guinavah-Malibu CG (USFS).  8 mi E of Logan, UT on US89.  5100 ft.
 

Logan River
Logan Canyon
Big Spring

40 dirt/gravel sites (11 closed) on level land.  Between the hwy and the small, fast flowing Logan River.  Most sites very shady from broad leaf trees.  In the beautiful Logan Canyon.  Not many other campers.  $15.

16

7/9/10-
7/10/10

City of Rocks National Reserve.  17 mi SE of Oakley, ID on dirt roads for west entrance.  Some washboarding.  Alternate east entrance from Almo, ID.  6400 ft.
 

City of Rocks Entrance
Flowers & Rocks
More Rocks
Big, Big Rock

Not really a campground, but 60+ scattered sites (many tent walk-in) among the rocks along a few miles of road.  Since most sites were booked for the weekend, I ended up in a parking lot site.  Picnic table behind me on the dirt.  Very interesting rock formations, some of  them gigantic.  A very aptly named place.  Very popular with climbers.  $13.

15

7/8/10

Bear Gulch CG (USFS).  14 mi E of Rogerson, ID on dirt roads.  Start on 1600 Rd north of Rogerson and go east towards Magic Mtn Ski area.  No road signs.  No CG sign at turnoff, but "Bear Gulch" road sign.  1 mi to CG from there.  Map suggested first time.  6000 ft.
 

Campground
Backroad Beauty
Oakley, Idaho Old Bldgs

12 or so dirt sites on level land.  Aspens, pines and bushes around.  ATVers seem to like it here.  Surprised to see 4 or 5 other campers out here in the boonies on a Thursday.  $0 (no water or trash containers).

Continued on the dirt road to the ski area the next day and saw some beautiful scenery higher up.

14

7/6/10-
7/7/10

Thomas Canyon CG (USFS).  Go about 20 mi SE of Elko, NV on NV227 then 8 mi on FR660.  In the Lamoille Canyon of the Ruby Mountains.  7500 ft.
 

 
Waiting To Get There
Mountain At Sundown
Spectacular Mountains
Down Canyon
Hike Photos

40 paved sites on level land in 3 loops.  Lots of aspens and flowering choke cherry bushes  Fast flowing creek flows through CG.  Good privacy and some shade in most sites.  Absolutely spectacular scenery 360 degrees all around.  Wow, never knew Nevada had these types of mountains.  All the rock reminds me a bit of Yosemite.  Lots of hiking trails in the area.  Took one of them and shot picture after picture.  Great spot!  Check it out!  $15.

7/5/10

YIKES, RAMBLIN' RALPH GETS STUCK!  READ ABOUT IT HERE

13

7/2/10-
7/5/10
 
Happy Birthday USA!!

Wildhorse Crossing CG (USFS). 73 mi NE of Elko, NV on hwy 225 (10 mi past Wildhorse Reservoir).  5900 ft.
 

Wildhorse Reservoir
It's The 4th!
Unusual Clouds
Pretty Creek Flowers
Down Canyon
Award Photo (maybe)

20 gravel sites on level land among scattered aspen groves and small pines. Several sites have no shade.  Small Owyhee River alongside.  In a beautiful canyon.  A few skeeters when breeze stops.  Some ATVers cruising the CG, but not obnoxious.  Low of 30F at night.  Wow, only about 1/2 full on July 4th wknd!  I really enjoyed it here!  Nice CG host, too.  $5.

12

7/1/10

Bob Scott CG (USFS) 6 mi SE of Austin, NV on hwy 50 ("The Loneliest Road in America").  7100 ft.
 

This Tree Grows Shoes!
Austin, NV Bldgs

Nice little CG!  Only downside is that it's close to the hwy.  10 paved sites on sloping land.  Many not level, though.  Lots of small trees.  Was free when I was here in Sep07, but now it's $10.

 11

6/30/10

Lahotan State Recreation Area.  From Silver Springs, NV take hwy 95A S about 2 miles then east on Fir Rd.  Watch for sign on left to camping area.  4100 ft.
 

Beach Campers
Loner Me

Very unique camping spot on the sandy beach of the large Lahotan Reservoir.  "Camp where you want" style camping.  Access road follows perimeter of lake with access to various camping beaches.  Most people are right by the water.  However, I stayed back a bit, cuz I was worried about getting stuck in the sand.  Yep, fraidy cat!  $15.

 10

6/29/10

Wa Ka Luu Hep Yoo CG (USFS) near Dorrington, CA.  Take Boards Crossing Rd from hwy 4 for about 5 miles.  4100 ft.
 

Stanislaus River #1
Stanislaus River #2
Alpine Lake
High Country Lake

Beautiful campground in tall pines.  50+ sites on hilly land.  Over 1/2 are tent only.  Alongside the pretty Stanislaus River (N Fork).  Wish I had time to fish it.  Some mosquitoes.  $16.

6/29/10

I'm on the road to Montana!  There will be very frequent camping entries for the next 3 months.  Check back often!

9

6/17/10

Fremont Peak State Park CG.  11 mi S of San Juan Bautista, CA on San Juan Canyon Rd.  Note: Last 5 miles very narrow and curvy.  2800 ft.
 

 
Campsite View
Rd Wiithin Campground

25 paved sites in two areas on hilly land.  Lots of trees.  Very tedious driving to get here, but quite a view at the top.  Very quiet at night, since no through road.  Just me and one other camper at the other area.  $25.

8

6/16/10

Pinnacles National Monument CG.  29 mi S of Hollister, CA on Airline Hwy, then 2 mi SW on CA146.  1000 ft.
 

 
Up High Reservoir
Snake
Peaks

120 paved sites (incl 37 w/elec) on level land.  Several really big oak trees and other smaller trees and bushes.  One lane, sometimes rough, road thru campground.  Swimming pool.  Lots of rabbits in the evening.  No generators allowed.  Yea!!  Lots of hiking trails nearby.  $23.

7

6/2/10

Tehachapi Mountain Park CG (County) 8 mi SW of Tehachapi, CA on Water Canyon Rd.  5500 ft.
 

Town Clock
Old Water Tank

60+ dirt sites on hilly land.  Lots of pine trees.  New vault toilets.  Was also here in 2008.  $14.

6

5/31/10 -
6/1/10
 
Remember the fallen 

Boondocking site (BLM).  Not a developed campground.   In the Alabama Hills area a few miles W of Lone Pine, CA, off Whitney Portal Rd. 4700 ft.  

Alabama Hills Album
Mt. Whitney (right peak)
Museum of Film History

The site of  many old western movies.  I could be camped where Roy Rogers galloped by on Trigger. :)  Very interesting rock formations close by and the snow covered Sierras in the distance.  Absolute quiet at night.  Military jet sounds during the day.  Mt. Whitney visible from my site.  $0.

Visted the very interesting Museum of Lone Pine Film History.  Highly recommended!   

5

5/28/10-
5/30/10
 

Tuttle Creek CG (BLM).  5 mi SW of Lone Pine, CA via Whitney Portal Rd & Horseshoe Meadow Rd.  5100 ft.
 

Owens Valley
Snowy Mountains
Patriotic Guitar
Local Flowers

80+ dirt sites, well apart, on sloping ground.   Pit toilets.  Beautiful view of the snow capped eastern Sierra mountains and the Owens Valley.  Very small creek in CG, but stocked with trout.  Just several miles away from the highest point in the lower 48 - Mt. Whitney, 14,494 ft..  Got here Friday a.m., before the holiday weekend crowd, and snagged me a great site.  $5.

4

5/27/10

Ricardo CG, Red Rock Canyon State Park.  25 mi north of Mojave, CA off CA14.  2600 ft.

Red Striped Rocks
Sculptured Bluffs #1
Sculptured Bluffs #2
Desert View

50 dirt sites.  Desert environment.    Interesting rock formations here.  Off highway far enough to be very peaceful.  A bit windy, but not bad.  $25 (ouch, was $12 in '07).

3

5/13/10

Doheny State Beach CG in Dana Point, CA.  40 ft.
 

 
Backdoor Sailboat Race

My usual campground when visiting Orange County.  100+ sites.  Very popular.  Some campsites right on the sand.  I'm the next row back to save $25 (8+ gal of gas).  $35.

2

5/11/10

Steckel Park CG (County), 5 mi N of Santa Paula, CA on Ojai Rd.  700 ft.
 

My frequent stop to and from SoCal.  25+ sites between the hwy and a large river bed.  Quite a few large trees.  I'm in the cheap, no hookup section, with dirt sites.  $22 (up $2 from Oct 09).

1

5/6/10 -
5/8/10

Parkfield (CA) Bluegrass Festival.  NE of Paso Robles, CA in farming country.  About 15 mi off of CA41/46 or  25 mi off US101, via San Miguel.  1500 ft.  

 
Spiffy Outhouse
Music Stage
Earthquake Invitation
San Andreas Fault

My first time at this neat, mid-sized festival.  Since I live on the CA Central Coast during the winter, I knew several people that were there.  Had a great time and the weather was very nice, until Sunday when it was so so.  Try it, you'll like it!  Wow, haven't seen this many stars in a long time!  No city lights to compete.