2006 GMC 2500HD w/2001 Lance 845

Previous years' travels: 2006 2007 2008  2009
2010 2011 2012(Alaska) 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019  2020       

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Location

Campsite & Other Photos (click links)

Comments

Ramblin' 2021 has started!  I used to start in early May, but I used to be younger, too. :)  I'm sure hoping it's better this year than last.  TBD.

Last year's short Ramblin' 2020 can be seen here.

Sign my guest book or email me with any questions or comments.  Safe travels to you!

3/27/22

A wee bit late in posting my yearly stats, but better late than never. :)

Stats for 2021 are:

- 4700 miles.  Lower miles in recent years probably due to my age. :)  16 year total about 140K mi.

- 107 nights camping (including 29 (27%) boondocking, but excluding in driveways, etc.) in 55 different campsites.  32 nights @ $0/night.

- $8.33 average campsite fee, with discount, and $13.15 without.  Free campsites (boondocking, etc.) included in average cost.

10/24/21

Back home after almost 5 months on the road.  My easy chair, bed and daily hot shower sure feel good! :)

Much more enjoyable ramblin' than last year!! Stats later on.  Thanks for following me! :)
 

 
^On The Way Home^

 55

10/21/21-
10/23/21

Upper Sweetwater CG (BLM).  From King City, CA go 15 mi NW on First St, then 2 mi N on Airline Hwy, then about 12 mi SW on Coalinga Rd (potholed at times). 2800 ft.  

Within CG #1
Within CG #2
Within CG #3
Within CG #4
Within CG #5
Within CG #6
On The Way Here

Very nice secluded CG with 6 gravel, well separated sites on hilly land.  Well developed sites with shade shelter and metal picnic table on concrete pad.  Fire ring nearby.  Tree shade depends on site.  Very peaceful here, with only sporadic traffic on adjacent road.  Hiking trails nearby.  Vault toilet.  $0.

2nd time here.  I like this place!! :)

10/20/21

Same site as 6/6/21: Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park

Convenient between where my kids live and I live to shorten a day's drive.

10/1/21-
10/19/21-
 

Visting my 2 kids in the Napa area for a couple of weeks.  Hope to get some last minute camping in before heading home.

54

9/30/21

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.

Lake View #1
Lake View #2
Lake View #3
Nice Sunset

63 paved sites in scattered oak trees in five separate areas.  Some sites on very hilly land. Minimal shade.  About 25 additional "parking lot" type sites (overflow?) shown on the map.  Lake view from most sites. Rural area,  so very peaceful at night.  Flush toilets/sinks/showers.  Free-if-camping dump station. Launch ramp.  $20.

5th time here. Very low lake (again).

53

9/29/21

Sycamore Grove CG (USFS).  2.5 mi S of Red Bluff, CA on Sale Lane.  250 ft.

Within CG
CG River #1
CG River #2
 

Very pleasant CG with 30 paved sites on level land, in a single loop.  Some sites have electric and water.  Plenty of shade from a large grove of primarily leafy type trees.  The wide Sacramento River is a very short walk, but not visible from the CG.  Several hiking trails nearby. Flush toilets and showers in one of the 2 restrooms. Has the feeling of a County CG vs. a typical USFS one  Very convenient for I5 travelers.  $16 (no hookups) + one time $8 "must reserve" fee.

5th time  here.  Still has screwy scheme to get more of your money.  If you arrive w/o a reservation and find an open site, you can't pay for it through the normal "iron ranger" method.  You must reserve it (by phone or Internet) and pay the $8 fee.  Hope it isn't  the wave of the future at FS CGs.  Note: COE CGs do the same, but don't charge the reservation fee.  

52

9/28/21

Sims Flat CG (USFS).  40 mi N of Redding, CA on I5, then 1 mi E on Sims Rd.  1700 ft.  

First California site since July 18th!

 
Within CG
CG River
Old Steps
On The Way Here #1
On The Way Here #2

19 paved or gravel sites on mostly level land among many tall trees.  Plenty of bushes for good site privacy. The very scenic upper Sacramento River is a short walk.  I5 is close, but slight noise (hardly noticeable in my camper).  Loud train track just across the river, but only a train every few hours. Small remnants of old lumber mill and CCC camp within the CG.  Flush toilets, but old building.  $15.

3rd time here.

51

9/27/21

Williamson River CG (USFS).  29 mi N of Klamath Falls, OR on US97, then 1.5 mi NE on dirt road (same exit as Collier State Park CG).  4100 ft.  

Note: 1.5 mi dirt road from US97 to CG is rough with washboarding.  Speeds of 10 to 15 mph best.

Within CG
Fire Damage #1
Fire Damage #2
Fire Damage #3

20 gravel sites on level land.  Most are large and well apart.  Plenty of pine trees.  About 1/4 mile walk to the small, clear Williamson River.  Some truck noise from US97.  $10.

2nd time here.  Major fire in 2020 wiped out most of the trees for about 1/2 mile between hwy and CG.  Didn't burn CG, but did close nearby State Park. :(

9/26/21

Same site as 9/20/21: Boondocking site (USFS).

Was in a different part this time and liked it better.  Further from hwy and across the dirt road from the more busy part.

50

9/24/21-
9/25/21

Boondocking site (USFS). Not a developed campground. From Sisters, OR, go about 5 mi W on OR242, then turn right on paved Cold Springs Cutoff Rd.  In about 1/2 mi turn right on unmarked, one lane dirt road. 3200 ft. 

My Backyard
Road In/Out
Trees & Sky

Nice boondocking spot on level ground with plenty of trees.  Road continues on past here for more choices.  I took the first one after turning off the cutoff road. Some slight daytime truck noise from hwy.  USFS developed CG nearby.  $0.

49

9/23/21

Lower Bridge CG (USFS).  From Sisters, OR go 10 mi NW on US20, then 13+ mi N on Camp Sherman and Metolius River Rd. 3200 ft. 

Within CG
CG River #1
CG River #2
CG River #3
CG River #4
CG River #5

12 dirt sites on sloping land.  RVs will need leveling in several sites. Absolutely beautiful Metolius River along one side, making nice music.  Thick grove of tall trees, so not much sun for solar.  Lots of flyfishing activity.  $18.

9/22/21

Same site as 8/9/21: Boondocking site (USFS).

Oops, pics "stuck" in camera. Maybe later. :)

Back to my last site around Sisters last Aug.  It was a winner, so I had to go back.!

48

9/20/21

Boondocking site (USFS). Not a developed campground. From Sisters, OR, go SE about 3 mi, then turn right on Harrington Loop.  3200 ft. 

 
Other Campers
See Me?
Snowy Mountains #1
Snowy Mountains #2

Very popular boondocking area close to Sisters.  Plenty of room, with level spots and lots of trees for shade.  Only downside is the proximity to US20 and considerable traffic.  However, it drops significantly at night.  Also, it's possible to get up to 1/2 mi away. Upside is strong cell signal (Verizon). $0.

47

9/19/21

Boondocking site (USFS). Not a developed campground. From Sisters, OR, go S on Three Creeks Rd until it becomes NF-46.  At intersection with gravel NF-4606 turn left and go about 1/2 mile.  3200 ft.  

My Backyard
Road In

Several possible sites along this road on either side. Level and plenty of trees for shade. Some traffic on 4606. $0.

Another find on iOverander.

9/17/21-
9/18/21

Same site as 8/5/21, Sisters City Park CG

Got in late afternoon and didn't want to search around for site.  Been here several times, so know it well.  Was very smoky when I arrived.  However, rained lightly that night and next day and cleared the air nicely!  Stayed Sat night too, since it was raining some that day and didn't want to search for another site then.

46

9/16/21

Cobble Rock CG (BLM).  17 mi S of Prineville, OR on OR27. 3100 ft.  

 
Within CG
CG River #1
CG River #2
Interesting Rock
Alt Site View
Not Crooked Road

14 dirt sites in 2 sections.  Most sites at the beautiful Crooked River level, but a few at hwy level. Some trees for shade. Vault toilets.  $8.

Had a great site with a nice river view.  Watched some guys fishing.  Really enjoyed my 4 days on this river and met some nice locals, who also had truck campers.

45

9/14/21

Palisades CG (BLM).  16 mi S of Prineville, OR on OR27. 3100 ft.  

Within CG
CG River #1
CG River #2
CG River #3
Bluffs At Sunset
Rock Pillar

14 gravel sites on level land, in 2 sections.  Almost all right beside the beautiful Crooked River.  Sites well apart.  Massive near vertical rock cliffs across the river.  Some trees for possible shade in your site.  Below the adjacent hwy for less noise. Vault toilets. $8.

I got a great site, with empty sites on both sides.  Enjoyed it so much I stayed for a 2nd night.

44

9/13/21

Castle Rock CG (BLM).  12+ mi S of Prineville, OR on OR27. 3100 ft.   

Within CG
Castle Rock?
Fall Fishing
 

Small CG with 6 gravel sites on level land.  Three of those sites beside the beautiful Crooked River. Very enjoyable to just sit and watch/listen to it. Some shade at certain sites.  Vault toilet. $8.

A couple of people who knew I was going to be in Oregon, recommended this area.  Sure glad they did. It's beautiful and loaded with BLM CGs!

43

9/11/21-
9/12/21
 

Boondocking site (BLM). Not a developed campground. From Mitchell, OR go 3.7 mi NW on US26, then N on Burnt Ranch Rd for 2 mi.  2200 ft.  

 
CG View #1
CG View #2
CG View #3
CG View #4
CG View #5

Super boondocking spot!  Large area split into 2 parts.  One side is pretty flat, while the other (which I'm in) is slightly sloped.  Some trees for a bit of shade.  Small creek along one side, but lots of bushes to go through on my side. Great view on my side of the mountains.  

Was heading further E for a FS CG I'd been to before.  Pulled off the hwy to check the iOverlander app on my phone and this spot was only a few miles away!  Liked it so much I spent 2 nights.

42

9/10/21

Depot RV Park (City). In Prairie City, OR. 3500 ft.  

 
Within CG
On The Way Here #1
On The Way Here #2
 

20 gravel sites on level land.  All full hookup (water, sewer, power).  Interesting historic railroad depot and museum in park.  About 1/2 mi to the "main drag" of town with shopping and eating places. $26.

Been through this neat little town several times, but never stayed here.  Worked out good, with ability to dump tanks and fill H2O.

41

9/9/21

Dixie CG (USFS).  9+ mi NE of Prairie City, OR on US26.  5200 ft.

Note: Look for CG turn sign just E of the summit.  My GPS did not show the dirt road to the CG at that point.

Within CG
On The Way Here #1
On The Way Here #2

10 gravel sites on sloping land.  At least one site works well  for a big rig.  Tall trees and heavy lower vegetation all around.  Very slight daytime noise from US26.  FS info sheet says huckleberry picking in the area.  Picnic area adjacent to CG. No trash service.  Vault toilet. $8.

2nd time here.  Light rain this time. Came through some nice farming country, but the views were messed up by smoky skies! :(

40

9/7/21-
9/8/21

Boondocking site (USFS). Not a developed campground. From Unity, OR go 9+ mi SE on US26, then right (SW) on Camp Creek Rd for 2 mi.  4500 ft.  

Within CG #1
Within CG #2
CG Creek
Same Site, New View
Mooo
Across Road
On The Way Out

This is called Eldorado Campground, but it's really a camping area.  No tables, toilets, etc.  Maybe it was an official CG at one time?  However, it's a very nice boondocking spot.  Large, level and plenty of tall pines for shade at some point in the day.  Teeny creek along the side.  It's popular with some cows, too, for daily grazing. Watch your step.  :)  Only a few vehicles a day on the adjacent gravel road.  Don't know where it leads.  Very peaceful here, outside of "cow sounds".  The usual boondocking fee of $0.

9/2/21-
9/6/21

Montour CG (BOR). Same as 8/27/21

Within CG
Mighty Big Tree
Field Across Road
Last Minute Of Day
Nice Sunset

Came back here since I knew it was a good place. Nearby FS CGs most likely full for the holiday weekend.  Three sites open here when I arrived Thursday afternoon.  Lots of locals spotted their rigs early.  A bit noisy with lots of kids, ATVs, etc., but not bad.  Had a nice shady spot, which was good, since it was at or close to 90F most days..

39

8/31/21-
9/1/21

Helende CG (USFS).  9 mi E of Lowman, ID on ID21.  4200 ft.

 
My Backyard
Within CG
CG River #1
CG River #2
Payette Rvr Elsewhere

Nice CG with 10 paved sites, well apart, on level land.  Plenty of tall trees.  Sites set back from adjacent hwy, so noise is less than other "beside-the-hwy" CGs in this area.  Nearby Payette River is about a 5 min walk from CG. Vault toilets.  $12.

2nd time here.  Gave a young fellow a jump start to get him on this way.  During the day drove to Stanley for something to do.  Really smoky there, so didn't stay long.

38

8/30/21

Bonneville CG (USFS).   19+ mi E of Lowman, ID on ID21, then about 1/2 mile N on dirt road.   4700 ft.  

 
CG River #1
CG River #2

22 gravel sites in a single loop, on level land.  Tent sites in separate section of CG.  Payette River on 1 side, somewhat below the CG.  Nearby hot springs accessed by walking from tent section.  Well off the hwy, so no related noise.  Vault toilets.  $15.

37

8/29/21

Pine Flat CG (USFS).   28 mi E from Banks, ID on Banks-Lowman Hwy.   3700 ft.  

Within CG
Fire Damaged Trees
River Below CG
On The Way Here #1
On The Way Here #2
 

26 paved sites on sloping land.  Payette River on 2 sides, but far below the CG.  Steep road from hwy to CG, but not a real worry.  Shade slim to some.  Looks like maybe a recent fire removed some trees. Hillside across the river is all dead, scorced trees.  Hot springs nearby for those who don't mind the walk (host said it was somewhat difficult).  Vault tolets. $15.

The drive here from Banks is almost all beside the beautiful Payette River.  Was a bit toasty, around 90F, when I arrive mid-afternoon.

 36

8/27/21-
8/28/21 

Montour CG (BOR). 9 mi W of Horseshoe Bend, ID on ID52, then 2+ mi S on Montour Rd. 2500 ft.

My Side View
Within CG #1
Within CG #2
[Below From 2019]
Within CG
On The Way Out
 

Very nice CG in the middle of farming country.  16 paved sites (3 closed for ???) on level land with grassy areas between them.  Tent camping on dedicated grassy area.  A good number of large trees for possible shade.  Very peaceful here, but road alongside CG has minor daytime traffic.  Payette River nearby. Vault toilet.  Dump station ($3).  $8 ($3 tents).

3rd time here. Neat place!

35

8/26/21

Farewell Bend State Park CG.  About 25 mi N of Ontario, OR on I84.  2100 ft.

Within CG
Snake River #1
Snake River #2
 

90+ paved sites frequently close together, on level land.  In addition, about 30 tents sites.  On the Snake River, but not visible from many sites.  Plenty of talll trees for possibility of shade.  Train track across the river produces infrequent noise.  Flush toilets and showers.  Free-to-campers dump station.  $26 (w/water+elec).

2nd time here. Plenty of open sites on a Thur, but a lot of "reserved" signs up Friday a.m.

34

8/24/21-
8/25/21 

Union Creek CG (USFS).   20 mi W of Baker City, OR on hwy 7.  4100 ft.  

 
My Backyard
Within CG
Low, Low Lake #1
Low, Low Lake #2
 

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 (now very low). No sites near the lake, but many (including me) have a "through the trees" lake view.  Launch ramp.  Flush toilets & sinks.  $27 (w/water & elec),

Very unusual to find a FS CG with hookups.  I didn't plug in, but it sure was nice not to hear generators running. :)  3rd time here.

33

8/20/21-
8/23/21

North Fork John Day CG (USFS).  25 mi N of Sumpter, OR on hwy 220 (aka CR24 & FR 73).  5200 ft.

My Backyard
Within CG
CG Stream
Below Freezing!
On The Way Here #1
On The Way Here #2
 

Very nice CG with 13 long 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.  $8.

5th time here.  One of my favorite CGs!  Yikes, low of 26F.  Took the very scenic Blue Mountain Byway from Heppner via Ukiah to here.  Some beautiful country!

32

8/19/21

Willow Creek Park CG (Water District). Less than 1 mi S of Heppner, OR on Willow Lake.  2100 ft.

 
Other Campers
Lake View
Dam View
CG From Far Shore
Sad Event
On The Way Here

Nice CG with 24 paved RV sites on a hillside, overlooking a large lake (low now).  Not much shade.  Close to a small town for supplies.  Pay showers & flush toilets. $22 (water & elec).

Saw lots of wheat fields on the way here and grain silos.

31

8/18/21

Wheeler County Fairgrounds CG. In Fossil, OR. 2600 ft.

 
RV Sites
Waiting For A Fair
CG Sunset
Around Town #1
Around Town #2
Around Town #3
On The Way Here #1
On The Way Here #2

About 12 gravel RV sites with water and elec. Very small tent area.  I stayed in the tent area for more privacy.  Bldg with flush toilets and $5 showers.  Lots of flies when I was there.  Hey, it's a fairgrounds, after all.  On the edge of a very small town, They even have a area where you can dig for your own fossils!  $5 dump.  $30 (w/water&elec.), $15 tent.

Nice drive to get here, through farming country and some interesting scenery..

30

8/17/21

Jefferson County Fairgrounds CG. Off US97 at the S end of Madras, OR.  2300 ft.

 
Within CG
On The Way Here #1
On The Way Here #2
Microwave Tower?

65 gravel sites on a level "parking lot".  All sites have water/elec/sewer.  Some sites are pull-thru and some back-in.  Some pull-thru sites are 2 sites long. No shade.  At the edge of the fairgrounds, but I didn't detect any of that typical smell.  Building with showers, sinks and flush toilets. $30.

Needed to go to Madras to shop, so I took the long way through Maupin, rather than backtrack on US26.  Didn't expect to drop way down into the Deshutes River gorge and climb back out.  The river pics are from there.

29

8/16/21

Bear Springs CG (USFS). From Government Camp, OR, take US26 S for 16+ mi,  then OR216 for 4 mi  SE. 3600 ft.

 
Rear View
Within CG #1
Within CG #2
Hmmm????
 

Nice campground with 21 dirt sites on level land in a thick stand of trees.  Single loop with sites on the outside and inside of it.  RVs will need leveling in many sites.    Hwy along one side, but not that busy.  Vault toilet. $18.

When I arrived early afternoon, I was the only one there.  Next morning I think there was one other on the other side of the loop.

28

8/15/21

Little Crater Lake CG (USFS).  From Government Camp, OR, take US26 S for 11+ mi,  then SW on Oregon Skyline Rd for 4 mi, then NW on NF58 for 4.5 mi.  3200 ft.

 
My Backyard
CG Forest
CG Meadow #1
CG Meadow #2

16 sites (some tent only) on level land.  No traffic noise here, since it's out in the boonies.  Short trail to the lake through a meadow, but I didn't take it.  Someone told me it's very deep and clear.  Vault toilets. $18.

27

8/13/21-
8/14/21

Alpine CG (USFS). From near Government Camp,  OR, take Timberline Hwy (173) about 4.5 mi up the mountain.  CG is on the left.  5500 ft.

My Backyard
CG Flora #1
CG Flora #2
CG Flora #3
CG Flora #4
Mt. Hood (fm CG)
Mt. Hood (up close)

Almost at the end of the road up Mt. Hood.  Primitive CG with 16 dirt sites on the side of a steep hill.  Many sites small and unlevel.  Some sites right along the hwy to the ski area.  Others on the side of the hill or at the base (with less hwy noise).  Big advantage of the CG is that all sites are first-come, which is almost impossible to find in this area.  A 1+ mile drive up to the ski lodge and  restaurants. Lots of wildflowers.  Vault toilet.  $22.

I'm  lucky a CG host told me about this.  Almost impossible to find an open site on the weekend down lower.  Besides, it's cooler up here. :)

26

8/12/21

Trillium Lake CG (USFS) 1.7 mi E of Government Camp, OR on US26 then right on paved Forest Road 2656 for 1.4 mi.  3200 ft.

Within CG
CG Lake #1
CG Lake #2
[below from 2009}
Beautiful Mt. Hood 

Really nice campground!  About 60 paved sites with excellent privacy from heavy vegetation between sites.  Beside a nice little lake, with no motor boats.  Fantastic view of the impressive Mt. Hood from the fishing dock at the S end of the lake. (Not this year, though, due to smoke haze).  $23.

3rd time here.

25

8/11/21

Clear Lake CG (USFS).  10 mi SE of Government Camp, OR on US26 then 1 mi S on Forest Rd.  3500 ft.  

My Backyard
Low Lake #1
Low Lake #2

Nice CG with 26 dirt sites on land sloping towards the shore of Clear Lake (very low now).  In a dense stand of tall trees, so plenty of shade.  Vault toilets.  Launch ramp nearby  Vault toilets.  $23.

2nd time here.

24

8/10/21

Frog Lake CG (USFS).  7 mi S of Government Camp, OR on US26, then E on Frog Creek Rd.  3900 ft.  

Within CG
Low Lake
 

33 dirt sites on level land.  Plenty of tall trees for shade.  Many sites have lots of room for tents, chairs, etc.  RV leveling may be needed on some sites.  Small lake nearby, but very low now. Nearby busy hwy results in some noise, but less inside camper.  Vault toilets. $23.

2nd time here.

23

8/9/21

Boondocking site (USFS). Not a developed campground. From Sisters, OR go NW on OR242 for 1.4 mi, then SW on NF15 for 2.2 mi, then S on NF15-100 for 1/4 mi. Site will be on your left.  3400 ft.  

My Backyard
Natures's Art
Road In

Very nice boondocking spot on the side of dirt road with hardly any traffic.  Would have stayed another night, but wanted to head to higher elevation to escape the predicted 100F highs later. $0.

Thanks again to iOverlander for the find.  Would love to have a little cabin at this spot.  Wait a minute, I DID!

22

8/6/21-
8/8/21

Cold Springs CG (USFS) 5 mi W of Sisters, OR on hwy 242.  3400 ft.  

 
Within CG
The Old Way
Zoom To See Me
CG Creek
UFO?

Nice CG with 23 dirt sites spaced well apart.  Still got the old style pit toilets, though.  Tall, tall pine trees and some of the tallest aspens I've seen. Plenty of shade.  Hwy alongside results in intermittent daytime noise from trucks and motorcycles. $18.

Third time here.  Lucked out and got a site for 3 days that had a cancellation.  Don't get me started on FS CGs that allow ALL sites to be reserved!!

21

8/5/21

Sisters City Park CG, Sisters, OR.  3300 ft  

Within CG #1
Within CG #2
Town Main Drag #1
Town Main Drag #2

60 dirt/gravel sites very close together.  Many tent only.  Some tall pines for shade.  Some hwy noise from busy US20.  Very convenient place to stay for investigating the neat little town of Sisters or taking care of domestic duties (laundry, etc.).  Free showers.  Flush toilets. $10 dump.  $25 (-10% Sr).

About my 4th time in this town.  I really like it here (except it snows in the winter). :)

20

8/3/21-
8/4/21

Sno-Park (USFS).  From junction of OR58 and Crescent Cutoff Rd go 3.5 mi NW on OR58, then left (W) on Crescent Lake Hwy.  Sno-Park is about 1/2 mi on the  right.  4700 ft.  

 
For My Chair
Noise Makers

A large paved parking lot, split into 2 halves, used for winter activity parking.  Boondocking in it allowed in summer. Vault toilet. $0

My first time at one of these places.  Worked out fine first night.  Only one other RV there, who was parked in the other half.  2nd day off-roaders started coming and parked at the other end of my half.  No problem until about midnight someone repeately tried to get their motorcycle started and it wouldn't keep running for long. Kept trying for 10-15 minutes.  Grrrrr!

19

8/1/21-
8/2/21

Spring CG (USFS).  From junction of OR58 and Crescent Cutoff Rd go 3.5 mi NW on OR58, then left (W) on Crescent Lake Hwy..  Follow signs to CGs.  This CG is about 8+ mi further (and about 6 mi past the Crescent Lake CG). 4900 ft.  

 
My Backyard View
Low Lake Launching
Looks Like Hawaii
Sun Up View
Sundown View
History Lesson

68 sites, plus about 6 tent sites on mostly level land. On a large lake (the same one as previous CG), but it's low right now.   Plenty of pines.  Vault toilets.  $20.

I got a great site close to the lake, with a very nice view.  I liked this "flat land" CG better than the hilly one the previous stop.  The 2nd day a large family reunion group took up several nearby sites, so things were a bit more busy than I like. :)

18

7/30/21-
7/31/21

Crescent Lake CG (USFS).  From junction of OR58 and Crescent Cutoff Rd go 3.5 mi NW on OR58, then left (W) on Crescent Lake Hwy..  Follow signs to CG, which is about 2.6 mi further. 4900 ft.  

My Backyard
Rig From Rear
Hilly Site
Within CG
Low Lake #1
Low Lake #2

46 dirt sites on hilly land.  I was near the peak of the hill.  Didn't see any sites right on the lake, but the lower ones have a lake view.  Plenty of tall pines.  On a large lake, but it's low right now.  Some loud engine noise from speed boats.  Vault toilets.  $18.

Pulled in Friday and lucked out and got a space for 2 nights!  The guy across the road from me was traveling in a small trailer.  He'd been in many of the same western  areas I have and even in some of the same CGs!

17

7/27/21-
7/29/21

Kiahanie CG (USFS).  From Oakridge, OR take hwy 58 W about 1 mi, then right on Westfir-Oakridge Rd and Aufderheide Dr for about 23 mi.  Watch for campground sign on left.  Note: Once in CG, you take a dirt road on the left about 1/4 mi before any campsites.  2200 ft.  

Aufderheide Dr is paved and very scenic.  Sometimes you're in a "tunnel" of overhanging trees.

 
My Backyard
CG River #1
CG River #2
CG River #3
Within CG
Never Saw It
Road To CG
 

Nifty, peaceful CG with 19 gravel sites on level land.  Excellent privacy between sites.  Beside a fork of the Williamette River, although it can't be fully seen from the sites, due to heavy vegetation. Very short walk, though, and you can hear its music from the sites.  Tall, tall Douglas fir trees, various short leafy ones, and some ferns.  Moss hangs on the lower branches of some of the large trees. Beside a paved road, but very little traffic. Very few skeeters. Water pump.  Vault toilets. Freebie this year, for some reason.  $0.

3rd time here. One of my favs!  Highs were reaching about 90F and it was humid, so I left.

Had planned on heading N from here, but found out the road was closed by a landslide (as it was in 2018). Backtracked  to US97 to get N.

16

7/26/21

Gold Lake CG (USFS).  About 25 mi NW of the US97/OR58 jct, then 2 mi N on gravel Gold Lake Rd (less than 2 lanes with some pullouts).  4800 ft.  

 
Looking Up!

21 sites near or beside a small lake.  Some sites near the lake and others (like mine) a bit above it.  Plenty of pines, although some large ones have recently been cut down and left on the ground. Hardly any skeeters.  Vault toilets.  $21.  

Rained a bit that night, so I left.  Was worried a hard rain would come and make it difficult to leave.

15

7/23/21-
7/25/21

Broken Arrow CG (USFS).  About 2 mi NW of the OR138/OR230 jct N of Crater Lake National Park.  5200 ft.  

Within CG #1
Within CG #2
My Site Again
 

Very nice CG with about 130 paved sites in many loops.  Sites are usually large and spead apart well,  making the CG one of the more spacious I've been in.  Plenty of tall pines, but one area seems to have had many cut down.  Diamond Lake is across the paved road, but not visible from the CG.  Flush toilets, showers and dump station ($10 donation).  $15 ($20 for pull through).

Just a few miles S of last CG.  That one was filled for the weekend.

14

7/21/21-
7/22/21

Within CG
CG Lake View #1
CG Lake View #2
Crater Lake #1
Crater Lake #2
Crater Lake #3
Crater Lake #4
Crater Lake #5 

60 paved sites on level land in 3 loops.  On the large Diamond Lake. Sites well apart and well screened.  Dense trees give many sites shade most of  the day.  Not many sites right on the lake (vs. just across the CG road from it). Great view of the unique "spikey" Mt. Thielson across the lake. Minimum skeeters. Vault toilets.  $15.

4th time here.  A bit hazy across the lake, sometimes.  Passed through Crater Lake NP to get here.

13

7/19/21-
7/20/21

Farewell Bend CG (USFS).  About 54 mi N of Medford, OR on OR62.  3400 ft.  

 
Within CG
CG River #1
CG River #2
 

Very nice CG with about 60 paved sites in 2 separate sections.  Loaded with tall trees and "Oregon Green Stuff".  Very good privacy between most sites.  Rogue River (small near my site) is along one side of CG.  OR62 is on the other side, with moderate traffic.  Flush toilets.  $25.

2nd time here.  One of my long time followers, who lives near Medford and I'd never met, came up for a visit.  Had a very enjoyable time!!

12

7/16/21-
7/18/21

Patrick Creek CG (USFS) 26 mi NE of Crescent City, CA on hwy 199.  800 ft.
 

Within CG
My Backyard
1930s Building #1
1930s Building #2
Clear Water #1
Clear Water #2 

Nice small CG on the beautiful Smith River.  13 paved, level sites, well apart and well shaded.  Right on a busy hwy, so quite a bit of daytime road noise.  However, the peaceful river music offsets it some.  River access difficult from campground, but easy from picnic area about 100 yards away.  Beautiful clear river.  Flush toilets.  $14.

2nd time here and the price is the same as 2009!

11

7/14/21-
7/15/21

Within CG
Big Stumps
Crescent City Bay
US101 Stopped

On the way here, I was stopped on US101 for about 1/2 hour.  If I'd left earlier it would have been worse.  101 was closed from 8->noon  and 3->7 for landslide repair.  My lane was the first to be let though.  Wow, you should have seen the 2 to 3 mile backup coming the other way!

10

7/13/21

RV Meadow Sites
RV Woods Sites
Old Building
Old School
Sign Boards
My Backyard

I was in the meadow the last time I was here, in 2017.  No meadow sites available this time, so I took a tent site in the woods.  Liked it better than the busy meadow.

7/11/21-
7/12/21

Motels in Redding, CA and Arcata, CA.

Got up to 100F at my last site, so I decided I'd better head for the coast.  No use looking for a CG around Redding, since it was 110F.  Tried one RV Park in Arcata and it was full, so I said to heck with it and found a motel.  Around 60F in Arcata.  Almost too cool for me. :)

9

7/7/21-
7/10/21

Boondocking site (USFS). Not a developed campground. Go about 4 mi S of Old Station, CA on CA44, turn on Big Pine Rd then about 2 mi to the site.
4700 ft.  

 
CG Creek #1
CG Creek #2
Lassen NP #1
Lassen NP #2
Lassen NP #3
Lassen NP #4
Lassen NP #5
Lassen NP #6

Popular boondocking area, but plenty of room (like 100 yards) between existing sites.  Lots of tall pines, but shade varys between sites.  Nice, small creek alongside sites, but about 10 ft below my site. Weather hot, so would have been nice to take a dip, but too steep to get to it.  FS developed CGs in the area.  $0.

To get here drove through Lassen NP from S to N.  Beautiful drive.  Around 8500 ft at the peak of the hwy.

8

7/6/21

Boondocking site (USFS). Not a developed campground. 6+ mi E of S Entrance to Lassen NP on CA36 take gravel Wilson Lake Rd about 2.5 mi E.
5300 ft.  
 

 
Around The Site
Back Porch Setup
Nearby Lake
Emergency Stop

Easy to get to, since only 2+ mi off hwy.  Several "sites" to chose from.  Lake is filled with lily pads (or similar). Some FS CGs further down the road. Very little traffic on road when I was there midweek. Very quiet at night. $0

While here saw a small black bear and heard a pack of coyotes howling at night!

7

7/2/21-
7/5/21
 
Happy Birthday USA!  

Boondocking site (USFS). Not a developed campground. From I80 near Truckee, CA, take CA89 N for 8+ mi.  Turn left on Sagehen Rd and take the next 2 right turns.
6400 ft.  

Me Again
My Backyard  #1
My Backyard  #2
Easy Chair
On A Walk #1
On A Walk #2
On A Walk #3
Inside View
 

Super nice boondockiing spot near CA89, but far enough from it to barely hear traffiic.  Amid tall, tall pines.  No other feasible sites within my view, so I had it all to myself!  Road in front of my site had a few vehicles a day pass.  Road about 50 yards away had more, but not loud.  $0.

Was worried about finding a place on the 4th weekend, but iOverlander pointed me to a winner!  Hated to leave. :)

6

6/30/21-
7/1/21

Alpine Meadows CG in Martis Creek Lake NRA (COE). From I80 near Truckee, CA, take North Shore Blvd S about 3 mi then 2 mi E on Martis Creek Rd.  5800 ft.

Note: I hope to be on the road continously for the next 3 months!!  Where? TBD.

 
From The Rear
CG Views #1
CG Views #2
CG Views #3

 

Nice CG with 25 paved sites on level land.  Groups of tall pines provide varying shade to sites. Beautiful view of large meadow from back of CG. Very peaceful at night.  Dirt road from CG leads to small, narrow lake with good fishing reputation (catch & release only). Some small aircraft sounds from nearby airport.  Some planes are towing up gliders.   Fourth time here. I like this place! $20.

Would have stayed longer, but all booked for the 4th weekend.  Oh well, you snooze you lose. :)  Ironically, the last time I was here was the 4th weekend in 2015 and I got a spot.

6/19/21-
6/29/21

Visiting my kids in the Bay area.

5

6/18/21

Boondocking site (USFS). Not a developed campground.  South of Lake Tahoe, CA in the Hope Valley area.  2.5 mi SW of the hwy 88/89 jct and 4.5 mi S of hwy 88 on Blue Lakes Rd.  7500 ft. 

(Note: GPS might not find proper entry road)

Creek At Site
Red Robin Resting
Wildflowers #1
Wildflowers #2
Wildflowers #3
Wildflowers #4

Popular boondocking area spread out over about 3/4 mile alongside Blue Lakes Rd.  Spots for both small and large rigs.  Views of creek/meadow/mountains vary with site.  Creek size Carson River (West Fork) nearby. $0.

Camped in this area over 10 times  I like it here!! :)

4

6/11/21-
6/17/21

Robinson Creek CG (USFS).  9 mi SW of Bridgeport, CA on Twin Lakes Rd.  7000 ft. 

 
Site 2
CG Creek #1
CG Creek #2
View From Hwy
Beautiful Sunset
Nearby Lake #1
Nearby Lake #2
On The Way Here
 

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 and two large lakes nearby.  $23.

Another fun family campout with my daughter and son and family.  This was my 45th straight year to camp in this area!  Had to change sites for last 2 days, since we stayed longer than expectd.

 3

6/6/21

Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park.  In Gilroy, CA  200 ft.   

First stop of the summer part of Ramblin' 2021.

[Pics below other yrs]
Within CG
Nice Sunset

 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.  $60 (back-in with full hookups).

5th time here.  Don't usually stay in this type of CG, but it's what worked into my schedule best. .

CAMPER UPGRADES DURING WINTER

Lithium Battery
Solar Upgrade
Variable Fan Speed

• Installed a high tech 100Ah Lithium battery to replace two worn out lead acid ones.
• Added another 100w of solar to keep it charged.
• Modified vent fan for variable speed control (vs 3 speed).

SHORT VIDEOS MADE DURING WINTER

GMC Hits 200K Miles Critter Cam
Day At The Bay
Christmas Walk 
A Hilltop View

SHORT TRIPS DURING WINTER
(Would have made more, but the "guv" said no)
                                  

2

4/14/21-
4/15/21

Washburn CG in Hearst San Simeon State Park. 5 mi S of San Simeon, CA on CA1.   200 ft.

Field Of Flowers
Out My Backdoor
Within CG
Big Log
View From CG #1
View From CG #2
View From CG #3
View From CG #4
View From CG #5
View From CG #6

 65+ gravel sites on mostly level land on a plateau.  Sites usually well apart.  Some small trees.  Nice views from the CG.  Hiking trails.  About a mile walk to the beach.  Vault toiilets. $25.

I stayed a the nearby SP Creek CG a few years ago.  I like this one better for its open feeling.

1

3/25/21-
3/27/21

Selby CG (BLM) in Carrizo Plain National Monument.  43 mi E of Santa Margarita, CA on hwy 58, then 16 mi SE on Soda Lake Rd, then 4.5 mi S on marked dirt road.  2500 ft.  

 
Within CG
Old Barn
Nearby Soda Lake
Full Moon #1
Full Moon #2
Blooming Bushes
Old Fence Posts
Unique Rocks
Road In/Out
Looking Down on CG
Surrounding Mountains

12 primitive sites in the foothills overlooking the valley.  Each site has a picnic table with a shade structure (the only shade you'll get) and firepit. Vault toilet.  Very secluded and peaceful.  $0 (w/donation box)

4th time here. Nice weather in the high 60s to low 70s.  Campers filled all sites and overflowed to adjacent grass area on the weekend.