Concho Park - O.H. Ivie Reservoir

This is camping the way we like it -- rustic, beautiful and inexpensive.  And, there was no one there in January, despite the state parks being packed!  We had the place completely to ourselves, with the exception of a few fisherman.

For $5 a night you can camp at any one of the dozens of sites scattered around the lakeshore.  Lots of space in between sites and most with beautiful sunrise/sunset views. Each campsite has a picnic shelter above the table for shade, and rain, a grill and fire ring, plus your very own trashcan – never saw all that before in such an inexpensive park but there you have it!   No hook-ups in the park, so bring your solar panel for some electricity if you need it.

The lake is used mostly by local anglers, but I can imagine it gets pretty busy during the summer months when the lake level is at its highest. The only bathrooms were centrally located near the diner/ campstore/ RV Park/ gas station near the boat launch.  So, if you are out in the campground, you'll want to bring your own method. The folks were great there and let us use the wifi for a few hours. 

There’s not much in the way of trails in the immediate area of the lake, except the dirt roads. A word about the dirt, it is mostly clay which when saturated with rain water will form the most exceptionally sticky mud to coat the underside of your vehicle. It comes off, but wow, only with some strong encouragement and a high pressure hose. 

The closest towns with grocery stores and other services are Balanger and Menard, but you can get a few things including drinking water, ice, and drinks at the camp store.

1. There is no "lake" at this time. It is more like a narrow stream that winds through a valley. At 17% capacity when I visited in June 2018.
2. There are drive-up campsites with electrical and water hookup, but apparently water had not flowed through the pipes going to my campsite in a very long time. When I opened the water valve, a flood of ants preceded a brown geyser of dirty water. I closed the valve and never opened it again during my overnight visit.
3. There are primitive sites that overlook the "lake," but in the absence of water the view is surreal. It's actually a young forest trying to establish itself.
4. You can get a burger and fries for lunch or bacon and eggs for breakfast at the Concho RV office. The staff are very friendly and helpful.
5. Black ants rule the park. Plan accordingly.
6. The Concho RV park has restroom/shower facilities that are free to use. The toilets flush, there is hot AND cold running water, and there was plenty of TP available. I had to hang the mirror on the wall myself.
7. I found only 1 campsite suitable for hanging a hammock.