GuideFR 9710 Dispersed Roadside Camping
Mediocre Pines
Adding a more balanced take after staying here overnight.
We’ve seen a few very positive reviews of this area, but our experience landed somewhere more in the middle — honestly leaning a bit rough around the edges.
The site felt somewhat grungy and under-maintained in places, with scattered belongings that made it seem like a few long-term or semi-permanent campers may be using it. There was also enough trash that I ended up picking some up just out of respect for the area.
In terms of layout and access:
- Easy enough entry overall
- Some dirt sections, but still manageable in a 2WD vehicle with reasonable clearance
- Vans and smaller rigs were getting in and out while we were there
- Likely much busier during peak season
We were in the off-season, and even then there were still several people dispersed throughout the area. Driving through, we also noticed multiple pullouts near the road and closer to the Lava Lands Visitor Center that looked like people were camping in informally — though I’m not sure what the actual rules are there when the visitor center is open vs. closed seasonally.
Location-wise, it’s basically right off the highway. That means:
- You can hear traffic at night
- You can see the highway glow after dark
- It’s not secluded or quiet in a natural sense
For us, it worked as a simple overnight stop, but it didn’t feel like a place to settle in. I wouldn’t choose it for a campfire evening or anything slow-paced. With a kid, it also didn’t quite feel like the most comfortable or secure environment for lingering beyond a night’s sleep.
Good for transit. Not really a destination.
