This rustic campground offers an arid natural beauty with endless walking. It's a popular place for birdwatchers –the resident owls who roost in the eucalyptus trees above the campsites are very vocal and they inspire daily gazers donning binoculars.

During spring there are poppy runs blooming in a couple places close to the campground. Venturing up on the ridges will yield a spare bit more floral variety if you watch the ground.

It's BLM, so amenities are basic – be prepared to bring your own water, the single spigot isn't potable due to agricultural nitrate impact on the water table. Vault toilets are kept clean, but bring your own tp if you arrive after the weekend. Not smelly, the rooms are airy, fairly large and free of flying bugs.

Surprisingly, my TMobile was fairly consistent 90% of the time and I was able to tether my laptop/kindle to my phone on occasion. This allowed me to extend my stay and upload my artwork.

It's an inspiring place for creativity. And I was so happily surprised to hear a group of really excellent blue grass musicians playing from the campsite across from mine during the first few days when I arrived.

Most sites are back-in. There are a few sites that could accommodate RVs-dry camping only, all sites include a gravel tent pad, concrete table, post for hooking up things, and a fire ring. And there is an adjacent lot for the four walk-in sites behind the barn. No fires permitted in the walk-in area.

The 19mile access road from highway 33 can be grueling in places with heavy washboard.

But for the walks, stargazing, creative inspiration and abundant wildlife, the payoff is well worth the driving effort. And there are more remote opportunities in the nearby hills for folks with good tires, who prefer a quieter boondock place to camp.