LegendParagon Dispersed Camping Area
Beautiful & Free, but Lots of Trash Around
We simply love camping in the National Forest Service campgrounds, most often because they are isolated, beautiful, inexpensive and usually, very quiet. We rolled up on a Tuesday night in mid-July and found the campground about ¾ full but still plenty of space for our little trailer. With about a dozen or so sites, some along the lakeshore, others closeby, lots of options exist to be alone or with a group.
There is no potable water or electrical hookups, but with our solar panel we are always ready for primitive sites. There were portable pit-toilets (bring your own TP, if you want to have some). There are no trash cans or dumpsters in the area, so plan accordingly. The main activity of folks in the campground seemed to be fishing, so I assume the fishing is good, or at least the trying is. But launching a kayak for an easy paddle about the lake couldn’t be easier from your site.
We arrived right after a busy holiday weekend, and found our site (and those next to it) full of extra fire rings and heaps of trash. It’s discouraging to love these camping areas and find them in such a rough state after others use them. It’s a good reminder to come prepared to pick up after yourself and others who aren’t as thoughtful. We spent a good hour cleaning up the area, and filled one section of our truck bed with it when we left. Carry it in, folks, and then carry it out.
