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- IT'S FINALLY DONE!: Watch a YouTube slideshow video of my 2016 ramblin' here
- Shirts, hats and mugs are now available with my nifty new logo. Click on the logo (below) to see them.
- Check out my March, 2017 interview in Truck Camper Magazine, where I pick 25 of my favorite campgrounds.
- A map of every campsite (615 of 'em, with no dups) I was in for my previous eleven years of travel is here. Check it out!
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- Sign my guest book and leave comments
- Photos submitted to the Truck Camper Magazine Calendar Photo Contest: Winner: 2011 Runner-Up: 2013, 2016
| 2006 GMC 2500HD w/2001 Lance 845 |
Previous years' travels: 2006
2007 2008 2009 |
States
Visited Map |
I bought my new truck and used camper in late October of 2005. The following May, I "hit the road" full-time for 6 months. I've done the same every year since, and now 2017 will be my 12th year of ramblin'! My how time flies. Not all of my nights are spent camping, but most are. I don't make entries that are repeats of previous campgrounds or when I stay with my kids or friends. Campsite fees are for one night with no discount (and no hookups, unless specified). However, being the old geezer that I am, I get 50% off at U.S. Guvmint CGs with the valuable Golden Age card, plus free entry to National Parks.. One of the few ways (in addition to retirement) it pays to get older. All the aches and pains sure aren't fun. :)
I started my travels this year with around 108K miles on my camper and 162K miles on my truck. I took my camper to the Lance factory before my 2014 travels and had some structural repairs done to it (pics here and here). It should be in good shape for several more years of travel. Of course, my old body will probably wear out before the camper. :)
Note: Click on small photos for a larger one. Click on
the USA flag-map (
)
to see the actual camp location (balloon marker) on a map (+/- 50 ft).
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Ref # |
Date |
Location |
Campsite & Other Photos (click links) |
Comments |
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11/7/17 |
All done with Ramblin' 2017! Back in my winter home on the Central California coast. Expected to get in a few more nights of camping during Oct when visiting my kids. However, the fires in Northern CA interfered with that some. I enjoy being on the road, but it's good to get back to a "real" bed and long, hot showers. :) This year's stats:
Thanks for following my ramblin'. Feel free to contact me via email or my guest book.
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72 |
11/6/17 |
Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park. In Gilroy, CA 200 ft. |
Very nice commercial RV park with 170+ paved sites. Most RVers here appear to be "extended stay" folks, but the park does have short stay spots. All the usual amenities: showers, laundry, pool, etc. Close to large shopping centers with stores and eating places. Some hwy noise from nearby US101. $49 (back-in with full hookups). Don't usually stay in this type of CG, but it's what worked into my schedule best. Only the 2nd commercial CG for this year. |
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10/20/17- |
Same CG as 5/31/17:. Doran Beach Regional Park CG (County). In Bodega Bay, CA. |
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Camped with my son and his family. They were in a tent site and I was in a nearby RV site. The RV site was in a different area than my 5/31 one. I prefer the 5/31 one, as there is more room between sites. But, I spent most of my time at my son's site, anyway. Beautiful sunny weather. |
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71 |
10/18/17 |
Sandy
Beach CG (County). About 2 mi S of hwy 12
at Rio Vista, CA. 30 ft. |
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Nice CG with about 40 paved sites on level land, in 2 loops. All sites are pull-thru, parallel to the road. Shade varies a lot with site. Large lawn area in middle of loops. The wide Sacramento River is a short walk away and visible from some sites. Nice day use area by the river. Flush toilets and showers. Free-if-camping dump station. Launch ramp. $35 (w/water & elec); $20 if 65+ geezer (a good deal). 2nd time here. Unusual reserved site designation method here. On Sunday they put cones on all sites reserved anytime during the coming week and expect campers to check the reservation board (at the sometimes unmanned entrance station) to see if a site is really reserved for the day you arrive. Hmmm. Doesn't work too good for first-time-there campers.. Came to this CG after trying a federal Corps of Eng (COE) CG near Jackson, CA. If you had no reservation, a sign said to call an 800 number (which was Recreation.gov), and pay for the site. I called and got at least a minute of blah-blah and then was told a long wsait was to be expected. I left the CG. I hope this very inconvenient method doesn't become SOP for more federal CGs. I assume a service charge would be appliced, like a normal reservation. :( |
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10/7/17 |
Same CG as 5/14/17, Pinnacles National Park CG |
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Was in the RV section this time, since that's all that was available. Sites very close together. I like the 5/14 "standard" area better, since the sites are farther apart and it's cheaper. Here it's $36 with electric (which I didn't need or use). At least I got a site, though! |
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70 |
10/6/17 |
KCL CG (BLM) in Carrizo Plain National Monument. About
43 mi E of Santa Margarita, CA on hwy 58, then 26 mi
SE on Soda Lake Rd (part dirt), then 1/4 mi SW on gravel
rd. 2300 ft. |
8 well developed gravel sites, close together, on level land. 4 walk-in sites in a corral area. Scattered shade from a few large eucalyptus trees. Nice view of the plain. Pesky flies. This place is in the boonies and probably miles to the nearest house, so very peaceful here. Vault toilets. Lowest price you can find @ $0. 2nd time here. Had the place all to myself again. Yay! Would have liked to stay a 2nd night, but my schedule didn't allow it. |
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10/3/17- |
Was visiting friends in Southern CA for a few days. |
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69 |
10/2/17 |
Los Alamos CG (Dept. Water?), off I5 8 mi S of Gorman,
CA. Take Smokey Bear Rd exit, then S to lake entrance,
then right and follow road N & W about 2 mi. 2800
ft. Note: My Garmin GPS tried to route me another way from Smokey Bear Rd, which was longer and I don't think would have worked. |
93 sites in 3 loops on hilly, sandy land. No or little shade in sites, except for about 6 with shade structures. Flush toilets and sinks. Pyramid Lake nearby. Slight hum from I5, but overall very peaceful. Pay dump station. $20 (higher for shade sites). 6th time here, since convenient to I5 to/from SoCal. Low of 34F. This place has bounced back and forth on taking the Senior Pass. Now they are back to taking it. Yay! |
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68 |
10/1/17 |
Tehachapi Mountain CG (County). 8 mi SW of
Tehachipi, CA on uphill, curvy Water Canyon Rd. 5500 ft.
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Nice CG with 60+ dirt sites spread out in different sections over a large area on hilly land. Lots of pine, oak and other trees. At the end of the road and past any housing developments for peaceful camping. The section I was in wasn't suitable for large rigs. No sure about the rest of the CG. Vault toilets. $18. 4th time here. Low of 35F. Boy was it windy driving S on CA14 today. Had to work to keep my rig in my lane! |
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67 |
9/29/17- |
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. |
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A very large area with dirt roads throughout. Very interesting rock formations close by and the majestic Eastern Sierras in the distance. Mt. Whitney visible from some locations, but not mine. Sites are usually beside the dirt roads, so you might get someone driving by every now and then. However, absolute quiet at night. $0. 5th time here, but in late May all other times. My usual sites were taken, but found a new one. A couple of hours later a small RV parked within a 100 ft of me. Grrrrr. Some people started climbing up the rocks by my site just as I left. No thanks!! This area was the site of many, many movies, especially old cowboy ones. In the middle of the night I awoke to the sound of a galloping horse and the shout of "Hi Ho Silver". Could it have been the ghost of ...... naw. :) |
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66 |
9/27/17- |
Tuttle Creek CG (BLM). 5 mi SW of Lone Pine,
CA via Whitney Portal Rd & Horseshoe Meadow Rd.
5100 ft. |
80+ dirt sites, well apart, on sloping ground. Zippo significant shade. Beautiful view of the Eastern Sierra mountains and the Owens Valley. Very small creek in CG, but sometimes stocked with trout. Just several miles away from the highest point in the lower 48 - Mt. Whitney, 14,494 ft. Vault toilets. $5 dump station and $8/nite. 5th time here. Was $5 last year. Not many others here (yay!). Nice weather and not too hot. I really enjoy the open feeling here, where you can see miles and miles. Saw a long-eared jackrabbit. Don't see them very often. |
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65 |
9/26/17 |
Upper Gray's Meadow CG (USFS). 6 mi W of Independence,
CA on Onion Valley Rd. 6000 ft. |
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35 paved sites (most close together) on sloping land at the base of the Eastern Sierra Mountains. Small creek alongside CG making nice music. Sites near creek have trees for shade, but others very sunny. A wide variety of trees; oak, birch, pine, plus ???. Even some ferns around. Nice views of the mountains and valley from much of the CG. Vault toilets. $21. 3rd time here. Lower Gray's CG with 14 sites about 1/4 mile away. |
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64 |
9/24/17- |
Goodale Creek CG (BLM). 29+ mi S of Bishop,
CA on US395, then 2 mi W on Goodale Rd. 4000
ft. |
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43 sandy-dirt sites on sloping & level land in a high desert setting. Just a few trees here and there. Concrete tables and metal firepits. Spectacular view of the Sierras just a few miles away. View to the Owens Valley the other way. Interior paved road has many pot holes. Vault toilets. $5. Glad to have an overnight low of only 40F after the 2 nights at high elevation. :) A bit windy here, but not bad. |
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63 |
9/22/17- |
Bitterbrush CG (USFS). About 12 mi SW of Bishop,
CA on Line St (aka CA168). 6800
ft. |
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Nice CG with 30 gravel sites on level land, well apart. Bring your own shade. Small creek along one side of CG. Beautiful views of the Sierras. Lots of fishing spots (lake and creek) in this area, along with other FS CGs. Very nice and helpful CG hostess. Vault toilets. $26. Camped with a long time friend from SoCal. We tried some fishing, but not much luck. However, still had a load of fun, including a couple of hours of jamming each night in his comfy trailer. Beautiful sunny skies, which were welcome with day temps in the 50s. Lows at night of 29F and 27F. Brrrr! Fall colors in the aspens just starting. Met someone who follows my website there! Only the 2nd time that has ever happened. |
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62 |
9/21/17 |
Brown's Millpond CG. 4.5 mi W of Bishop, CA on US395,
then 2 mi on Ed Powers Rd and Sawmill Rd. 4400
ft. |
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65+ wide dirt sites on level land; 18 with water & electric. Close together, as with typical commercial CGs. Far enough off US395 for minimal noise. Great views of the Sierra mountains. Tiny creek runs through middle of CG, separating the 2 rows of sites. Many trees along the creek.. Flush toilets, pay showers and laundromat. $25 (or $30 with water & elec.) Scrubbed staying at a nearby BLM CG because the wind there was howling 20 to 25 mph , but not here. |
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61 |
9/20/17 |
Iris Meadow CG (USFS). 23 mi NW of Bishop,
CA on US395, then 4 mi SW on paved Rock Creek Rd.
8400
ft. |
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14 rather primitive sites on level land. A few out in the open, but the rest in aspen trees at the back of the CG. In a canyon, with steep walls. Creek flows along one side of CG at base of canyon wall. Large meadow at front end of CG. Flush toilets. $25. Back to high priced USFS CGs in California. :( Very windy in the afternoon and rained some at night. Next morning cold and dreary (see pic). |
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60 |
9/18/17- |
Boondocking site (USFS) Not a developed campground. From
the June Lake, CA loop road (S end) junction
with US395 go 7+ mi SE, then 1/2 mi NE on Owens River
Rd, then 1/4 mi N on unmarked dirt road (map says 02s214). 7500
ft. |
Nice, good size clearing in the tall pines and easy to get to. Only about 1/4 mi off a paved road via a one lane dirt road. US395 is about 1/2 mi away, but only trucks produce a bit of a hum. Had it all to myself. The usual boondocking fee of $0. 3rd time here. Other spots in this general area. Lots of wind, especially one night. Didn't get a good sleep. Low of 33F. |
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59 |
9/16/17- |
Hartley Springs CG (USFS). From June Lake Jct
on US395 go SE about 3.5 mi, then SW on dirt Obsidian
Dome Rd 1 mi, then NW on Glass Flow Rd less than 1 mi
to marked CG entrance, then another 1/2 mi to CG. 8400 ft. First night camping in California since 7/14/17. |
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About 25 primitive dirt sites spread out over a wide area. Sites only have a wooden picnic table and a fire ring (rock or metal). Lots of pines, including some very large ones, among large open areas. Sandy soil. Seems more like a boondocking area, but the sites are numbered. About 1 mi from US395, so no noise. Pit toilets. Same price as boondocking at $0. Low of 35F. Only a few others here, so pretty quiet. Some minor ATV/motorbike activity. Stayed 2 nights because I'm not in a hurry. :) |
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58 |
9/15/17 |
Sportsman's Beach CG (BLM) on Walker Lake, NV. 15
mi N of Hawthorne, NV on US95. 4100 ft. |
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18 paved (but broken) sites on sloping land with great views of a large lake. (Note: Other sites closer to lake, but I didn't see them or count them). Only shade is from shade structures that cover the picnic table. Very near a moderately busy hwy that still has some traffic at night. Vault toilets. $6. For some weird reason BLM put the pay station down by the lake, not at the CG entrance where many of the sites are?? |
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57 |
9/14/17 |
Bob Scott CG (USFS) 6 mi SE of Austin, NV on US50 ("The
Loneliest Road in America"). 7100 ft. |
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10 paved sites (1 for groups) on sloping land. Many sites not level, Lots of small trees, including pinyon pines. Very convenient to US50 travelers, but also results in some primarily daytime noise. Not really that busy of a hwy, though. Flush toilet. $10. Down to 36F at night. Fourth time here. |
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56 |
9/13/17 |
East Creek CG (USFS). From Ely, NV go about
17 mi N on US93, then 3+ mi E on NV486 (Duck
Creek Rd), then follow CG signs E about 3 mi on
dirt good road. 7200
ft. |
Remote and primitive CG with 7 dirt/gravel sites on either side of a 3/4 mi single lane dirt road. A variety of trees, including aspens, and low bushes. Small creek alongside some sites. Not a place for big rigs or trailers. Absolute quiet at night. Vault toilets. $4 (usually $8, but no water now). I think I was the only one here. Did hear an ATV come by, but only one time. |
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55 |
9/12/17 |
Ward Mountain CG (USFS). 7 mi SW of Ely, NV on hwy 6. 7300
ft. |
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Very nice CG, with very well developed and equipped sites. 30 gravel sites on level ground in 2 widely separated loops and another area signed as "For RVs". Two group areas, also. Plenty of pinyon pines and junipers. Some slight hwy noise, but not bad. Less in Loop B, farther from the hwy. Various trails nearby. $4 (usually $8, but no water now). Fifth time here. It's one of my favorite CGs! Rained quite a bit at night. Stopped by the train museum in Ely. Interesting place. Decided not to take a train ride the next day. |
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54 |
9/11/17 |
Wheeler Peak CG (NPS) in Great Basin National Park,
NV. 67 mi SE of
Ely, NV on hwy 50, hwy 487 and Caves Rd. (Note: Once inside
Park, take Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive about 10 mi to CG
- no vehicles over 24 ft allowed).. 9900 ft. Highest CG so far this year! Might also be the highest in my entire ramblin' career (have to check)! |
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37 paved sites on hilly land with picnic table and firering on concrete pad. Paved road within CG. Various pine & spruce/fir trees, plus aspens. Some aspens starting to have color. Several hiking trails start from the entrance to the CG. Vault toilets. $12. Tried a short hike to a lake I did way back in 2009. Got tired, so I turned back. Looking at a map afterwards, I think I was close. :) Had really planned on heading to Ely,NV today. However, it was a beatiful sunny morning, so I decided to make the trip to the top of the road, at 10K ft, which I diid back in 2009. Glad I did. Beautiful scenery. Once here I thought I might as well camp here. :) This area is loaded with small bushes filled with pretty yellow flowers. Forgot to ask what they were. Anyone know? |
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53 |
9/10/17 |
Baker Creek CG (NPS) in Great Basin National Park,
NV. 67 mi SE of
Ely, NV on hwy 50, hwy 487 and Caves Rd. (Note: Once inside
Park, take gravel Baker Creek Rd about 3 mi to CG.) 7600 ft.
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Somewhat primitive CG with 38 gravel sites in 2 loops on sloping land. Sites only have a concrete picnic table and firepit ring on dirt. Area trees include pinyon pines, junipers and aspens. Small creek along one side of CG. Vault toilets. $12. Third time at this NP. |
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52 |
9/8/17- |
Oak Creek CG (USFS). 4+ mi SE of Oak City,
UT on Center St. and paved Oak Creek Canyon Rd. 5900 ft. |
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Nice remote CG with 19 gravel or dirt sites in 2 sections. Loop near entrance (where I am) has 6 sites around a grass area. Second section is separated from first by a group area and a 200 yard dirt road (no map on CG board, so I didn't know it was here at first). CG is in a canyon with scenic orange-ish rock bluffs on either side. Many leafy trees, including CG namesake oaks. Small creek along one side of CG. Vault toilets. $12. Liked it here so much that I stayed a 2nd night. Both nights only one other site in the 6 site loop was occupied. A family reunion was in the group area, but they were too far from me to be noticed. Almost like boondocking. :) Rained a bit on Saturday morning Finally got some smoke free skies here. Yay! |
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51 |
9/7/17 |
Utah Lake State Park CG. About 2 mi W of I15
on Center St. in Provo, UT area. 4600 ft. |
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, but sites well apart. Boat harbor/launch ramp and day use area. Nearby airport generates sporadic noise. Free-to-campers dump station. Flush toilets and sinks. $30 (w/water & elec). 3rd time here. Another smoky drive today, but seems less here in Provo. |
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50 |
9/6/17 |
Scout Mountain CG (USFS). About 9 mi S of Pocatello,
ID on I15 take exit 63. Follow FS brown signs
to Mink Creek Rec area and CG. Most of the way
is on Mink Creek Rd (paved). Last few miles very
curvy. 6400
ft. |
Very nice, remote CG with about 25 gravel/dirt sites on sloping land. Sites in a long loop with 2 crossroads with other sites. Many sites very deep. Very well developed sites. Plenty of tall Douglas fir trees. Excellent site privacy in most sites due to spacing and low bushes/leafy trees between sites. Very quiet at night. Vault toilets (w/tile walls & floors!). $12. Another loop (D), with a separate entrance, appears to be for groups. Didn't ask host. Still very smoky skies driving today. :( |
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49 |
9/5/17 |
Stoddard Creek CG (USFS). 12 mi S of MT/ID
line on I15 then take exit 184 and drive 1 mi W on campground road. 6300
ft. Bye, bye Montana. Hello Idaho (again). |
Very nice CG in a heavily wooded area. 21 sites (including 1 group and some doubles), split between 2 levels. I'm on the "hilltop" level. Some sites paved and others gravel or dirt. Well developed sites, with parking, eating and tent areas nice and level and boxed in with wood. Many sites very long for large rigs. Very handy to I15 with only very slight truck noise. $10. 5th time here. Very smoky drive to get here. Nice boondocking area about 1/2 mi W past the CG (see 8/20/17 entry). |
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8/22/17- |
As usual, had a great time at my cousin's in Dillon, MT. But, like Willy, I'm on the road again. |
Big
Hole River |
Had lots of fun, but it was smoky most of the time from fires out of the area. Enough to ruin the views, but fortunately, not enough to affect breathing. Hotter than usual, too. Had a great day of fishing with a guide on the famous Madison River. I caught around 6 in the 14 to 18 inch range (and several smaller). See pics to left. My cousin caught more - one around 20 inches! Fished several other days on local rivers and lakes with less impressive results. |
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48 |
8/20/17- |
Boondocking site (USFS) Not a developed campground. Off
I15 near Spencer, ID. 6300 ft. |
Very nice boondocking spot, with plenty of shade from tall spruce/firs and space for many rigs. Convenient to I15 travelers with only minimal sounds from it. The usual boondocking fee of $0. Wanted this area due to the eclipse. Very near the 100% zone. Tried a nearby CG, which I've been to before, but naturally it was full. Continued on the dirt road and spied this spot. Only a couple of more rigs here when I arrived, but by dark there were at least 6 more (mostly cars w/tenters). Almost all left the next morning. Before the time for the eclipse, a fellow from near Helena, MT came in and started setting up a telescope. I went over and chatted with him. He was projecting the eclipse on a sheet of paper. I took several pictures as the eclipse progressed (see left). Stayed there for the whole eclipse and we had a great chat about various subjects. Thanks Dave! |
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47 |
8/18/17- |
Bannock County Fairgrounds, near Pocatello, ID, for
the Bannock
County Bluegrass Festival. 4600 ft. |
Small bluegrass festival, but some very good music! Mostly local and regional acts. Headliner was a band from KY, that I've never heard of. RV parking was near an arena with some sort of horse event, resulting in frequent PA announcements. Also, sporadic horse "whinny" sounds occurred, since the horse people had their trailers close to the RV parking. Music stage was across the street, where the horse event PA couldn't be heard. Weather was around 90 and very sunny. However, there were awnings to shade the seating area, which made it comfortable. Didn't do any jamming, but some kept me awake the 2nd night. :) You might wonder why I've been hanging around SE Idaho for a while, before crossing into MT. It's because of the big eclipse event! I wanted to be close to the 100% zone on the big day (which is tomorrow). Standby for the results. :) |
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46 |
8/17/17 |
Blackfoot Reservoir CG (BLM). 11 mi N of Soda
Springs, ID on ID34, then 4 mi NW on China Camp Rd and
Dike Rd. 6100 ft. |
Well above average BLM CG with 16 well developed sites on sloping land. Each site has electric. The usual BLM "no tree shade" environment. Nice shade structures over picnic tables, however. On the finger of a very large reservoir. Lots of geese flying around and honking. Launch ramp. Free-if-camping dump station. Vault toilets. $10 (add $5 for use of electric). There is an area with less developed sites for $5/night, but I didn't see it. |
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45 |
8/16/17 |
Summit View (USFS). 8 mi NE of Georgetown,
ID via Stringtown Rd and then Left Hand Georgetown Canyon
Rd for about last 5+ miles. 7200 ft. [Note:
Not really any "summit view" from here]. |
18 dirt/gravel sites in 2 loops (plus 3 group sites). Lots of aspens/firs/pines, low green stuff and wildflowers. Very slight noise from the nearby dirt road, but super peaceful at night. Pit and vault toilets. $14. Was headed to another CG, but FS office told me it had been closed. They suggested this one. Was here in 2010, also. |
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44 |
8/15/17 |
Emigration CG (USFS). 16+ mi W of Montpelier,
ID on US89 and ID36. 7200 ft.
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25 gravel or paved sites, in 2 loops, on sloping land in a mix of conifers and (I love 'em) aspens. Medium busy hwy near the CG, with mostly daytime noise. Some wildflowers still around. Saw people with buckets heading out to pick huckleberries. Flush and vault toilets. $17. Low of 35F. Was here in 2013, also. |
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43 |
8/14/17 |
Paris Springs CG (USFS). About 4.5 mi W of
Paris ID on Paris Canyon Rd (paved then dirt), then 1+ mi on dirt
NF427 (watch
for CG signs at intersections). 6500 ft. |
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Nice secluded CG with 11 gravel sites in a single loop. At the end of a canyon. Plenty of aspen and spruce/fir trees. A wide variety of lower vegetation, including sagebrush. CG namesake springs are a less than 1/4 mi walk (it's worth it). Springs create creek around one side of CG. Very peaceful here, since in the boonies. Vault toilets. $14. All but one site in this CG are reservable and all were occupied when I arrived. Fortunately, the only non-reservable one was empty and I snagged it! :) When I left about noon the next day, there was only one site occupied. |
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42 |
8/12/17- |
Palisades Creek CG (USFS). 7+ mi SE of Swan
Valley, ID on US26, then 2+ mi NE on good gravel
Palisades Creek Rd. 5300 ft. |
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Really nice, small CG. In a canyon and well away from the hwy. 8 gravel sites (incl. 1 for host and 2 doubles) on level land, with a small creek alongside. Well developed sites, with sand tent pads, metal mesh picnic tables, fire pit and BBQ stand. At the end of the road, so very quiet at night. Large parking area for horse trailers near CG. Several hiking trails in the area, with a trailhead for a creek trail a few hundred yards from CG. Very friendly CG hostess. I like this place, so I stayed 2 nights. :) $12. Was here in 2013 on the same exact dates! This time I got the best site in the CG, at the end of the CG road. Great view of the creek and far from the next site. Tried fly fishing for about 30 minutes and not a hit. :( |
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41 |
8/11/17 |
Boondocking site (BLM) Not a developed campground. About
19 mi E of Idaho Falls, ID on US26, then 10 mi
zig-zagging on various backroads (use your GPS). 5000
ft. |
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I was headed for what I thought was a 22 site developed BLM CG. However, it was really a dispersed camping area (with fire rings) along the beautiful Snake River. It was late Friday afternoon and plenty of spots were taken. However, I found one that worked out fine. River is on the otherside of the road. Not visible, but a short walk away. Lots of empty boat trailers parked nearby, awaiting fishermen floating the river. $0. The backroads to get here go through a very popular area with commercial campgrounds and a golf course. It's interesting that you can see US26 from the river, but it takes 10 mi of driving to get back to it! |
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40 |
8/10/17 |
Little Wood River CG (BOR). 10 mi N of Carey,
ID on (paved, then dirt) Little Wood Reservoir Rd.
5300 ft. |
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Nice remote CG with about 14 gravel sites on level land, in a prairie grass and sagebrush setting Most sites have grass in the picnic table area. Alongside a 2.5 mi long reservoir. About 5 sites overlook the water. Some leafy trees, but no significant shade for sites and some have none. However, there is a very nice, large picnic area with plenty of trees for shade and grass. Very peaceful here. The lowest price you can find at $0. A couple I met at a landromat in Hailey told me about this place. Glad I came to check it out. My first CG in about 3 weeks w/o pine type trees. |
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39 |
8/8/17- |
Murdock CG (USFS). About 8 mi N of Ketchum,
ID on ID75, then 1+ mi N on North Folk Rd. 6400 ft. |
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Nice remote CG with 11 gravel sites on level land in a canyon. A mix of pines,firs/spruces and aspens in the CG. Hillsides on either side of the CG are loaded with trees. Pretty meadow at my end of the CG. Nice stream, a fork of the Wood River, across the road. Very quiet here, since well off the hwy. Vault toilet. $16. Had one of the most bizarre things happen at a CG in all my years of ramblin'. Looked out the back window and hundreds of sheep were moving into the meadow behind me! See pictures to left and a short video here (might take some time to load). Really liked it here, so I decided to stay 2 nights. Fished the stream across the road and in 30 minutes caught and released a couple of 11 inch rainbows on my spinning rod. Yay! :) Rained both afternoons I was here. |
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38 |
8/7/17 |
Pettit Lake CG (USFS). About
18 mi S of Stanley, ID via ID75, then 2 mi W on dirt
NF208 (watch for CG sign on hwy). 6900 ft. |
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13 dirt sites on level land. Scattered pines for possible shade. On a good size lake, although no sites right on the lake. Many have lake view through the trees, though. Lake is very shallow at the shore. What you see from the CG is only a small part of the lake, though. The CG entry road continues to a trailhead parking lot. Some sites are along this road and might get dust. A few private houses also use the CG road for access. Vault toilet. $16. Leaving Stanley I visited the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery. Chinook (aka King) Salmon were currently making the 900 mile return trip from the ocean, via the Columbia, Snake and Salmon Rivers, to their birthplace at the hatchery. |
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37 |
8/6/17 |
Sunny Gulch CG (USFS). 4 mi S of Stanley, ID
on ID75. 6300 ft. |
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Very nice CG with about 45 gravel-over-asphalt sites in 2 loops. Back loop has 2 levels. Some double sites. Very well developed sites, including gravel tent pads. Sites spaced well apart. Privacy mostly from spacing. Skinny pines for skinny shade. Hwy alongside will generate some daytime noise, but back sites are farther away from it. Salmon River is behind back sites, down a hill. Was here in 2016. Vault toilets. $18. Today I visited the very interesting Stanley Museum. Saw a few "old" things that I remember in use as a kid. :) |
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8/5/17 |
Same boondocking area as 7/31/17. 6500 ft. |
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After checking out another nearby boondocking area, which was very crowded, I returned back to this one I used earlier this week. Not same exact spot, but less than 1/4 mile from it. Since it's Saturday there are way more rigs here than my first visit. Many pulled out on Sunday before I left around 2 p.m. Must still be "worker bees". :) $0 Very smoky skies appeared today due to (I'm told) fires in Oregon. Compare the "Smoky Mountains" picture on the left to the "Nearby Big Mountains" from 7/31. |
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36 |
8/4/17 |
Iron Creek (USFS). About
2 mi NW of Stanley, ID via ID21, then 3+ mi on somewhat
rough Iron Creek Rd. 6700 ft. |
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8 gravel sites on level land in pines and spruces. Sites arranged on either side of the one way dirt road through the CG. Small creek near sites on one side of the road, but not visible from the sites. Road through CG is the biggest downside, as vehicles frequently drive through to see if a campsite is available and create dust. However, since it's one way, they don't come back in the other direction. Vault toilet. $16. There was one site available when I arrived in late afternoon. Even though I wasn't impressed with the CG, I decided to take it. Later, however, I changed my mind about the CG. There was a teeny stream at the back of my site. This made a great spot to put my chair and read and enjoy the stream music. :) |
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35 |
8/3/17 |
Bear Valley CG (USFS). 21 mi NW of Stanley,
ID on ID21, then 12 mi W on dirt Bear Valley Rd. 6400 ft. |
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Remote CG with 10 gravel sites on 2 levels. Upper level has 3 long pull-thru sites. Pine trees for shade, but amount depends on site. Alongside a dirt road, but very little traffic. Small stream nearby, but not visible from sites. Skeeters, but they are slow and easy to swat. Only 2 other sites occupied. Vault toilets. A gift from Uncle at $0. Last summer I traveled the adjacent Landmark-Stanley dirt road for 45 mi from the other direction going to Stanley. Had to use it due to fires near other roads. I'm hanging around in this high elevation area until the temperature at Idaho lower elevation cools down next week. Plenty of different CGs to checkout. :) |
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34 |
8/2/17 |
Lola Creek CG (USFS). 18 mi NW of Stanley,
ID on ID21, then 1 mi N on dirt and bumpy Lola Creek Rd. 6500 ft. |
Nice secluded CG with 21 gravel sites on sloping land. Plenty of tall pines for shade. Very pretty stream (Salmon River fork) alongside the CG, but not visible from sites. Just a very short walk through the trees to get to it, though. Tall bluffs across stream. Bothersome skeeters and flies. Vault toilets. $10 |
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33 |
7/31/17- |
Boondocking site (USFS) Not a developed campground. About
7 mi NW of Stanley, ID via ID21 and Stanley Lake Rd.
6500 ft. |
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At first I checked the 3 campgrounds around Stanley Lake. All were full. On the road to the lake I saw many rigs parked in the forest, so I did the same. Got a nice open spot w/o any close-by neigbbors. Full sun, but I used my camper for shade when outside, until late in the day. My solar panel was happy here. Very few sounds of civilization, except for the infrequent hum of distant generators. Did a lot of reading, played my mandolin some and took a couple of short walks. Daytime highs in the mid to high 80s and a low both nights of 33F. $0. A lot of the drive to get here was along the beautiful Payette River. |
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7/30/17 |
A motel in Ontario, CA. |
Oregon Trail
Ctr #1 |
Hardly ever motel it while ramblin', but was not up to camping in 100F+ weather! Since the weather was getting hotter in E OR, I decided to head for higher elevation in Stanley, ID. However, too far to drive in one day. That's why I ended up in a motel for one night. That loooong, hot shower sure felt good the morning I left. :) Before arrving here, I did my laundry in Baker City, OR. Afterward I visited the very interesting Oregon Trail Interpretive Center outside of town. We sure have it a LOT easier than those making the 2000 mi trek from Missouri to Oregon, with many walking most of the way! Even saw some trail wagon ruts that are still there 150 year later.
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32 |
7/28/17- |
Union Creek CG (USFS). 20 mi W of Baker City, OR on hwy 7. 4100
ft. |
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Very nice CG with 56 gravel sites in 3 loops. Site spacing is about the widest I've seen in an FS CG. Plenty of tall pine trees. Most sites have some shade, except maybe mid-day.. Tents sites also avaiable. On the large Phillips lake. No sites near the lake, but many (including me) have a "through the trees" lake view. Launch ramp. Flush toilets & sinks. $20 (w/water & elec), $22 (w/full hookup). Note: 50% discount does not apply to the utility part of the site fee. E.g., $20 site is $13. Very unusual to find a FS CG with hookups. I didn't plug in, but it sure was nice not to hear generators running. :) 2nd time here. Stopped in La Grande to get my oil changed and tires rotated. Took longer than I expected. Since it was Friday, was worried I wouldn't find an open site. However, more than one available when I arrived about 5:30 p.m. Yay! Since it was the weekend and I had a good site, I stayed 2 nights. Was in the low 90s Sat. The heat is starting to get to me. :( |
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31 |
7/27/17 |
Bear Wallow Creek CG (USFS). 10+ mi E of Ukiah,
OR on OR244 3900 ft.
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8 gravel sites, well apart, on level land. In a grove of pines, which shade most sites. Short interpretive trail starts behind CG. Hardly any water in the creek now. Alongside the hwy, but not a lot of traffic. Another similar CG (Lane Creek) just a mile or so to the W. Vault toilets. $8. Had the place all to myself. Almost like boondocking! :) The drive from last night's CG was along the beautiful Blue Mountain scenic hwy (see pics). Made the same drive in the past. |
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30 |
7/26/17 |
North Fork John Day CG (USFS). 25 mi N of Sumpter,
OR on hwy 220 (aka CR24 & FR 73). 5200 ft.
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13 gravel sites, plus some walk-in tent sites and a group site, on level land. Lots of medium sized trees, but some sites get a lot of sun. Next to the very clear North Fork John Day River (designated Wild & Scenic). Trail into the wilderness starts at CG. Alongside a paved FS road, but hardly any traffic. Third time here. $8. On the way here I passed through Sumpter and went to see the historic gold dredge. Sure is a big thing! Rained a bit in Sumpter and at my campsite. First time since I left for MT. |
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29 |
7/25/17 |
Boondocking site (USFS) Not a developed campground. About
9 mi NE of Prairie City, OR on US26, then 1/2 mi N on
USFS road. 5200 ft. Note: The turnoff from the hwy is about at the summit of the road. I think there was a sign for a "Sno-Park" there. |
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Just call me "The Accidental Boondocker". :) Was headed to a USFS CG that was in my GPS. When I got to the coordinates, there was nothing there. I didn't want to continue on down the narrow road, in case there was no place to turn around. So I just used a nice wide place in the road where I was. There was a homebrew firepit there, so looks like it had been used before. Nice and peaceful here. Only minimal noise from the hwy. Later when I got a Net connection, a Google map showed a campground a bit further down the road. Since there was no sign on the hwy at the turnoff, I suspect it was one that had been closed. Oops, I was wrong. Sign for CG turnoff is about 1/2 mi further E on the hwy. Oh well, I saved a few bucks. $0. On the way here, I took a side trip to the John Day National Monument Painted Hills area. Some nice and unusual scenery there (see pics). |
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28 |
7/24/17 |
Ochoco Divide CG (USFS). 31 mi NE of Prineville,
OR on US26. 4700 ft. |
Nice CG with 25 gravel sites on sloping land. Most sites are level, deep and well separated. Plenty of tall conifer type trees for shade. Only negative for this CG is the very noticeable daytime noise from US26 alongside the CG. CG located at the summit of the hwy. Vault toilets. $13. |
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27 |
7/23/17 |
Blue Bay CG (USFS). 13+ mi NW of Sisters,
OR on US20, then 1 mi SW on Suttle Lake Loop Rd. 3500 ft. |
27 dirt sites in 2 separate areas. Most sites are on sloped land, above the lake, with a "through the trees" view of the lake. The remaining 6 sites (where I was) are on a flat area near the launch ramp. Several sites in the main area are not suitable for an RV, due to slanting. Plenty of tall trees for shade. On the 1.4 mi long Suttle lake. Hwy 1/2 mi across the lake results in some noise. 2 other FS CGs within a mile or so. Vault toilets. $18. Close to 90F when I arrived in late afternoon, but cooled off quickly later. |
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26 |
7/21/17- |
Lost Lake CG (USFS). 33 mi SE of Detroit, OR
via OR22 and US20. 3900 ft. |
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Primitive CG with 14 dirt sites on level land. Sites split between near the entrance and at the end of a 3/4 mi dead end road. All sites have a nice view of a pretty meadow and the "lost" lake (low now according to people I talked to). Most sites are in tall trees for some shade. Very busy US20 nearby produces a steady hum during daylight hours. Sites at end of road, where I am, are the farthest away from it (about 3/4 mi). Vault toilets. $8. I liked it here so much, and because it was the weekend,
I stayed 2 nights. Had a beautiful view of the
meadow. Saw some interesting nature sights: |
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25 |
7/20/17 |
Southshore CG (USFS). From Detroit, OR go about
3 mi SE on OR22, then about 4.5 mi on paved, zigzag Blowout
Rd. 1700 ft. |
30+ sites (a few tent only) in a beautiful setting. All but tent-only sites are paved. Tall spruce/fir trees and a wide variety of other vegetation, inlcuding ferns, create lots of shade. Add to that the beautiful Detroit Lake alongside the CG and it's really nice. Several sites have a good view of the lake, but access is difficult to impossible due to a steep bank. Easier to get in at the boat launch ramp. Even though OR22 is almost a mile across the lake, you'll still hear a bit of hum from it. Vault toilets. $20. This CG just went on reservation service this year. I got a really nice site, but it was reserved starting the next day. Host said all sites booked for the weekend. That was also true for the other 3 FS CGs nearby on the lake. After traveling up the CA/OR coast for over a week, I got a hankering for warmer weather. Headed inland for it. Hope it doesn't turn to "too hot". :) |
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24 |
7/19/17 |
Devils Lake RV Park. At N end of Lincoln City,
OR just inland of US101. 100 ft. |
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Nice place with about 80 paved sites with full hookups, on sloping ground. Flush toilets/sinks/showers/laundromat. Rec room also. Nice office people. $43. Passed 2 nearby state parks that had FULL sign up. Decided to bite the bullet (and the credit card) and use an RV park. Lucked out as they only had one space left. It was a gravel overflow site behind the office. Worked out fine, as it was nice and private and I wasn't crammed between 2 big rigs. :) |
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23 |
7/18/17 |
Alder Dunes CG (USFS). 7+ mi N of Florence,
OR on US101, then W on access road. 100 ft. |
Nice CG with 37 paved sites in 2 loops. One loop appears to be the reservation loop, while the other is first come. Sites typically sloped a bit, so RVs might need leveling blocks. Excellent site privacy due to low growing bushes. Alongside US101, so trucks are noticeable. Didn't know there was a small lake near my site until I peered through the bushes. Surprised I hardly saw any skeeters from it. Vault toilets. $24. |
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22 |
7/16/17- |
Eel Creek CG (USFS). About 11 mi S of Reedsport,
OR
on US101, then 1/4 mi W on access road. Watch
for CG sign on US101. 50 ft. |
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Very nice CG with 52 paved sites on level land in 2 loops. Excellent site privacy due to low growing Oregon "green stuff". Lots of shade, too. Sand dunes just a short walk from CG. US101 nearby, but you'll only hear the trucks a bit. Like new restroom bldg with flush toilets and sinks. Host said place hardly ever fills. $22. Very few other sites occupied. Liked it so much I stayed a 2nd night. Host warned me about thieves driving through CG late at night trying car doors to see if they are open and (naturally) stealing what they want. |
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21 |
7/15/17 |
Huntley Park CG (County). 7 mi E of Gold Beach,
OR on Jerry's Flat (aka South Bank) Rd. 50 ft. |
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70 grass sites on level land, alongside the wide Rogue River. Some sites tent only Shade varies from heavy "grove of trees" type to nil. The river view sites (where I am) have the least. You must cross a gravel bar of about 100 yards to get to the water. Flush toilets and showers. Nice and quiet here at night. Good deal at $12. Was here in 2014 at same price. |
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20 |
7/14/17 |
Miller Bar CG (USFS). From US101 in Brookings,
OR, take North Bank Chetco River Rd NE for 10.5 mi to
Miller Bar Rd, then down the narrow, curvy, steep hill for
1/2 mile to the CG. 150 ft. |
|
Was expecting a typical FS CG, but found a dispersed camping area, wiith no designated sites, on a gravel bar by the pretty Chetco River. Campers are strung out along the river farther than I can see. I stayed at the base of the road leading here in order not to get stuck in the sand/gravel nearer the river (no 4WD). Lots of people in the water swimming or boating. Vault toilet at base of access road and porta-potties elsewhere. Neat place! $10. Reminds me of my childhood in Arkansas being on the gravel bar of a river. :) Several large trailers along the river. Would hate to drive one on the very steep access road and encounter someone coming the other way! |
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19 |
7/13/17 |
Florence Keller Park CG (County). About 4 mi NE of Crescent City, CA
on US101, then W on Elk Valley Crossroad. Follow signs from there (sign
for park entrance kind of hidden).. 150 ft. |
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Nice CG with 50 paved sites on level land, although some sites sloped considerably. In a beautiful, dense Redwood forest, so plenty of shade. Some gigantic stumps around. Several walking trails. Just off of US101, but the trees do a good job of decreasing the noise. Flush toilets (restroom interior a bit messy). A real deal at $15! Much road construction on US101. Have had to stop for 1 lane traffic multiple times the last 3 days. Glad I'm not in a rush. :) |
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18 |
7/12/17 |
Elk Country RV Resort CG. About 48 mi S of Crescent
City, CA on US101. 50 ft. |
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100+ grass/dirt RV sites with full hookups. Also many tent sites, some with electric. About 40 RV sites are in the woods (didn't check them out). The rest are in a large meadow. CG slongside US101, but at the back of the meadow (where I was) it wasn't that loud. Wild elk come into the CG some parts of the year (office said they had just left). Flush toilets/showers/sinks/laundry. $37 (w/hookups). Stopped at 2 state/county CGs that were full. Later saw this one and decided to stop. Glad I did. Got nice site in the back of the meadow with no one real close to me. |
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17 |
7/11/17 |
Standish-Hickey State Park CG about 90 miles S of Eureka, CA
off US101. 700 ft. Off to Montana now. Constant camping for the next 6 weeks! |
Very nice CG with about 160 dirt sites (some sloped a bit). Three CG sections on 2 levels; two by US101 (where I am) and the other "down the steep hill" by the Eel River. Loaded with tall trees, including Redwoods, that provide a lot of shade. Noise from busy US101 noticeable from upper level sites, but less so at night. Flush toilets, showers and sinks. $30 ($40 by the river). Was here in 2007, by the river, for $20. |
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7/7/17- |
Because I changed my original route to Montana, I passed near my 2 kids N of San Francisco. Decided I'd better do some more visiting with them. :) |
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16 |
7/6/17 |
Mt. Madonna CG (County). About 9 mi W
of Gilroy, CA on CA154, then 1 mi NE on Pole Line Rd.
1600 ft. |
Beautiful 3000+ acre park with 117 paved sites in tall Redwood trees. 30 of these sites have water and electricity for RVs. Yurts are also avaiable. Four well separated CG sections on hilly land. 20 miles of hiking/equestrian trails among the trees. Some skeeters, but they were slow and I could swat them. Flush toilets. $34. A bit warmer here than I expected when I arrived. Thought that by going towards the ocean 10 miles from 95F Gilroy, it would be significantly cooler. Still 90F at my campsite. Had a nice shady backyard, though, so it wasn't bad. Really nice CG. Would like to visit it again. |
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15 |
7/5/17 |
San Lorenzo CG (County). In King City, CA.
290 ft. |
Part of a large county park. Amost 100 sites, close together, on level land. In 3 concentric loops. A mix of paved and grass sites. Most sites have water & electric (25 have sewer, also). Many sites have significant shade, due to large leafy trees. About 1/2 mile away from busy US101, but noise level low. Flush toilets, showers & laundry. Agriculture museum in the park, along with much old farm equipment spread around the grounds. $32 (w/o hoolups). Third time here. Expected it to be about 95F when I arrived about 5 p.m., but it was a very pleasant 85F with a nice breeze. |
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14 |
7/3/17 |
Aliso Park CG (USFS). 2-1/2 mi W of New
Cuyama, CA on CA166, then 6+ mi S on paved (and somewhat
narrow at times) Aliso Canyon Rd. 2800 ft. |
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Primitive CG with about 10 unmarked dirt sites on level ground. Look for a picnic table. In a tall grove of leafy trees. One of the shadiest CGs I've been in. Vault toilet. Very peaceful at night. $0 (Adventure Pass Required). It was 95F when I arrived about 4:30. Hooray for the shade! That and a slight breeze made it tolerable. Down to 75F at 9 p.m. and a low of 65F. Talked to a nice young gal who was also there. ND school teacher on a summer trip tent camping around the West. Never seen a vault toilet in a FS CG this bad. A few sacks of trash inside and the toilet was filled with something (trash or ????). Glad I had my toilet. |
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13 |
6/30/17- |
Wheeler Gorge CG (USFS). About 8 mi N of Ojai, CA
on curvy hwy 33. 1800 ft. |
70 paved sites, sometimes close together. Most well shaded by large leafy trees, including live oaks. In a narrow canyon, so late sunrise and early sunset. CG is alongside hwy, but minimal traffic. Small creek runs though CG. Vault toilets. Fifth time here. $25. Arrived about 5 p.m. on Friday. Sign said "Campground Full". Talked to host and she said a couple of spots available. I got one. Yay! Later decided to stay a 3rd night. Very helpful hostess told me a nice spot had just come open for one night. I like it! I had planned to go to MT via AZ and NM this year. But too dern hot there (90F-115F), so I decided to take a cooler route. |
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6/19/17- |
Visiting with my kids and friends. |
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12 |
6/13/17- |
Robinson Creek CG (USFS). 9 mi SW of Bridgeport, CA on
Twin Lakes Rd. 7000 ft. |
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Very popular CG with 54 paved sites in tall pines on level land. Shade varies significantly with site. The very nice Robinson Creek wraps around the CG. Usually good fishing, if they have stocked recently. Many sites on the creek. My favorite Sierra CG. Several other CGs nearby. $23. Had a great time camping with my daughter and son and family. This was my 41st straight year to camp in this area. The campsite I had reserved was closed due to flooding from the very fast running creek. Host had arranged a good replacement, though. |
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11 |
6/9/17- |
Buckhorn CG (COE). On Black Butte Lake. 12
mi W of I5 near Orland, CA on County Rd 200 (aka Newville
Rd), then 1
mi S on lake road. 500 ft. |
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63 paved sites in scattered oak trees in five separate areas. Minimal shade. About 25 additional "parking lot" type sites (overflow?) shown on the map. Lake view from most sites. Flush toilets/sinks/showers. Free-if-camping dump station. $20. 3rd time here. Last time, in 2012, lake was very low due to drought. |
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10 |
6/8/17 |
Potato Patch CG (USFS). About 44 mi NE of Chico, CA
on curvy CA32. 3400 ft. |
Very nice CG on level land with 30 paved sites, many very deep, in 2 loops. In a beautiful setting of tall trees and bushes.. Usually good site privacy site due to spacing and vegetation. Fast flowing Deer Creek on one side of the CG and a fairly busy hwy on the other. Creek access difficult, since about 25 ft befow CG level. Vault toilets. $14. Rained just before I got up and on and off til I left, about 11 a.m. |
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9 |
6/7/17 |
Elam CG (USFS). About 51 mi NE of Chico, CA
on curvy CA32. 4400 ft. |
11 paved sites, in a canyon, alongside the pretty Deer Creek. 4 sites are beside the creek. Fairly busy hwy across the creek, but the music from the stream masks it out some. Vault toilets. $14. Got the last site! Rained some during the night. Made for a cloudy, cool next day. Some people were catching fish. Not warm enough for wimpy me to fish. :) |
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8 |
6/6/17 |
Domingo Springs CG (USFS). 8+ mi N of Chester,
CA on paved Feather River Rd. 5000 ft. |
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18 dirt sites on level land, in 2 sections. RVs will need leveling in some sites. A small creek running through a meadow separates the sections. 14 sites in the main section (where I am) in a single loop. In a grove of dense, tall conifer type trees. On the bend in a paved road, but very little traffic. Remote, but easily accessible. Absolue quiet at night. Vault and pit toilets. $14. I'm the only one in the main section. Yay! So no one complained when I played my mandolin. :) Looks like lots of boondocking possibilities on the road to here. |
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7 |
6/4/17- |
Gurnsey Creek CG (USFS). 15 mi W of Chester,
CA on hwy 36. 4800 ft. |
Nice CG with 30 paved or dirt sites, well apart, on mostly level land in dense, tall conifer type trees. Very shady. Group sites in separate loop. Right alongside a fairly busy hwy, so some related noise. Handy to S entrance to Lassen National Park. Vault toilets. $14. Low of 39F. Was here in 2011, also. Same price. |
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6 |
5/31/17 |
Doran Beach Regional Park CG (County). In Bodega
Bay, CA. 20 ft. |
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Nice CG with 120+ sites (a few tent only). Beautiful location on a long sand spit dividing the ocean from the bay. Two sections, about 1/4 mile apart. The one I'm in has 81 paved sites in 9 circles, more suitable for RVs. The second has paved sites with more room for tents. Pit toilets nearest me, but flush elsewhere. Dump station for $7. $35. Very scenic drive coming here on CA1 from Pt. Reyes Station. Tomales Bay on one side and farming land on the other.. |
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5 |
5/26/13- |
San Benito County Fairgrounds (Bolado Park) for
a bluegrass festival. 8 mi S of Hollister, CA
on Hwy 25. 600 ft. |
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Fun little bluegrass festival with local acts. Met a local friend on Saturday there. Was too lazy to do any jamming. Lots of it going on into the wee hours, though. Nice weather. |
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4 |
5/24/17 |
Pinnacles National Park CG. 29 mi S of
Hollister, CA on curvy-at-times CA25, then 2 mi SW on CA146.
1000 ft. |
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120 gravel sites (incl 37 w/elec) on level land. Also 14 group sites. Several really big oak trees and other smaller trees and bushes. Swimming pool. Saw lots of quail, some rabbits and a deer in the CG. Lots of hiking trails nearby (easy and hard). Flush toilets & showers. Free dump station.. $23 (no electric). Park entry fee also required 3rd time here. Was a National Monument when last here in 2011. |
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3 |
5/22/17- |
San Simeon Creek CG in Hearst San Simeon State Park.
5 mi S of San Simeon, CA on CA1. 100
ft. |
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Nice CG with 110+ paved sites, plus about 18 tent-only sites. 35 sites are on a hilltop (where I am), while the rest are in a flat area. Flat area sites have many trees and lots of grass. Pacific ocean view is a short walk from flat area sites, by going under CA1 Noise from hwy depends on site location. All will have a least some. Temporary porta-potties. $25 (normally $35 if flush toilets and showers open). Adjacent more primitive Wahburn CG has 60 sites at $20. |
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2 |
5/21/17 |
Islay Creek CG, Montana de Oro State Park. 5 mi SW of
Los Osos, CA (via Los Osos Valley Rd and Pecho Valley Rd). 100
ft. |
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Secluded CG in a beautiful State Park on the coast. 50 paved sites on level land in two sections in a canyon. Feels more like a typical USFS CG, than a State Park one. Loads of hiking available along with a beautiful beach cove. Spectaclular scenery. You can even hear the waves crashing at your site when the surf is big! Vault toilets. $25. Fourth time here (since it's only 5 mi from home). |
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1 |
5/11/17- |
Parkfield, CA ("The Earthquake Capitol
of the World") for the Parkfield 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. |
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My 5th time at this great mid-sized bluegrass festival. Try it, you'll like it. Weather nice, except one day cloudy and cool. Lots of good music by primarily regional and local acts. Three of the bands were made up of young guys and gals between ages 15 and 25. Wish I could pick that good! :) |
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