Erin M.

So , CA

Joined July 2016

Just a Mom and her fam taking every chance we can to get outside and explore.

Cute stop in off i70

Ami’s acres was a sight for sore eyes after sitting on the i70 for hours waiting for an accident to be cleared. Coming in at night is DARK but the host was friendly and welcoming even after midnight. The bathrooms were up a bit of a hill where we were situated at the top of the campground but super clean and warm. Hot Showers too! There was a larger group cooking area and a table. We didn’t have individual fire rings or tables at our site but others had them. Really cozy little campground, lots and lots of birds in the morning which our daughters enjoyed immensely. Overall for just stoping in for the night it was just what we needed. Don’t let the dark drive way scare you off, it was really a wonderful camp!

Ranger Review Mountain House Meals in Moab

Campground Review

 Moab was AMAZING! Moab Rim RV Campark was just as fabulous with 6 stars for customer service and overall experience. We came in late on Easter weekend during the Easter Jeep Safari Event. They were packed but found a place for us in the back. The host brought out a picnic table and fire ring for us, even offering a barbecue upon request. The Restrooms were Super clean and the hot water seemed endless in the shower. Guys get there early my hubby said the wait in the men’s room for anything was horrible, I did not have that experience on the Ladies side. The camping inside the inner circle seemed super nice with grass and shade, some sites even having shade structures. We were in the back lot (79) not on the map pictured. The CampPark also had several small cabins that looked adorable, and prices vary by season. Wi-Fi was available, the general store had a little bit of everything and it’s just down the street from downtown Moab! I would recommend this campground to everyone! Totally family and pet friendly and the perfect base camp for all your Moab adventures. Arches National Park is 4 miles from Moab and Canyonlands another 30+ Miles. If you have Children be sure to stop at the visitor center prior to your adventure and pick up a “Junior Ranger” packet and get your kids involved and enable them to earn their junior ranger badge for each National Park! Shaffer trail was also really cool out of canyonlands, I believe it was roughly 45 miles of dirt trail. Absolutely breathtaking red rock views and you may even catch a peak at a big horn sheep if you’re lucky!

Product Review

 Mountain House Ice Cream Sandwiches

As a Ranger for https://thedyrt.com/ I occasionally have the elite privilege of trying out fantastic products such as this. Our thoughts you ask?  WOW WOW AND WOW.. where have these been all my hiking days! An Ice cream Sandwich at the end, middle or beginning of any trail is a sure motivator in our family now. After discovering https://www.mountainhouse.com/ Ice cream sandwiches on our trip to Arches NP in Moab, Utah I don't think another backpacking or hiking trip would be complete without them. What I really enjoyed about the product was it seemed to always be enough and didn't leave me feeling dehydrated and parched. Shout out to all the parents wanting more miles out of your tiny humans, this is a game changer. No preparation or water required was a bonus, just snack and go!

Ranger Review: Morsel XL spork in Bryce Canyon Utah

Campground Review

Ruby’s Inn RV Park and Campground Definitely the closest campground outside of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah with all the amenities (absolutely positively everything) and even a buffet and restaurant within walking distance. We visited Bryce Canyon in the off season and it was still super crowded but worth the views and experience! I would highly recommend making reservations well in advance and planning your trip accordingly in the summer. You can catch the bus right outside the campground that takes you straight into The National Park so you don’t have to stress about parking (big hassle trust me). We really enjoyed this campground and would definitely stay here again!

Product Review

As a Ranger for the https://thedyrt.com/, occasionally I have the great opportunity to test and review products. At this Campground we had the pleasure of being introduced to https://morselspork.com/ and Wow.. was my first reaction! This XL Morsel is going to be a game changer.. Let’s get down and Dirty and talk sporks!

It’s length alone is the first noticeable upgrade in comparison to generic double sided utensils as seen in my pictures. Standing tall at 10.5 inches the XL Morsel will give you the ability to scrape, scour and reach deep into a dehydrated meal pouch without getting your hands a sticky mess

 The second thing I personally noticed out of the box was its giant rubber sided spoon, perfect for scooping and teething according to our little. The spork itself seems extremely durable and also able to withstand boiling water temperatures. Not to mention dishwasher safe. The serrated cutting edge is also a worthy mention! It sliced and Avocado great! 

Overall We loved it and we would love to tell the world this this spork has everything the others don't but that’s obvious from the picture comparison. I wish I had an action shot of lunch but I know there will be more chances because  I’ll never leave for an adventure without the https://morselspork.com/ XL again! Even ordered the mini for our “minis” to test on the next stop!

Little Orchard Oasis

Cutest Campground award! Surrounded by orchards and grassy fields, this $20 a night campground was a lovely little stop! Super clean bathrooms and wonderful sites both tent and RV (loop pictures shown) We saw deer and tons of little critters. There were horses near by which my daughter went nuts to visit! If your driving between Utah parks this is definitely a refreshing stop to make! Unfortunately we didn’t hike in the area but there was a nature center and a little store that seemed to serve some kind of food. We did see signs for hiking trails on the way out of the Park. Overall super wonderful quiet little camp! Great experience!

Crazy Caterpillar Camping

Seems like a crazy title BUT have you ever sat around the campfire and had it raining caterpillars? Literally? There is apparently an invasion of caterpillars in Zion right now(end of April), millions of caterpillars everywhere.. Beyond the take-over this is a beautiful campground with the Virgin River at its side. Our Family enjoyed this campground tremendously, our 5 year old loved the caterpillars even more! Speaking of tiny humans be sure to pick up their Junior Ranger Program either at the Visitor Center(off season) or the Nature center(peak season) and they too can Earn a nifty Junior Ranger Badge! With plenty to do for all ages in the nearby museum there are also 2 trails that are accessible from the campground, the watchman trail (moderate 3.3) and the Pa’rus trail that is paved for handicap and cyclists with gorgeous views of the swift Virgin River. I would advise everyone to make your reservations 2 weeks in advance! We got lucky but spent half the day just waiting to know IF we could get a site. The town of Springdale just on the outside of the park is accessible from the campgrounds with a Market and several gear outfitters. Not to mention the Zion Brewery which was fantastic too! Overall great experience even with all the creepy caterpillars!

Bryce Canyon camping

We loved Bryce! This campground was huge! With so much close by this campground was hard to pass up, we visited the queens garden trail which was spectacular but super super crowded. The visitor center was also really nice, be sure to pick up your Junior ranger book on your way into the park if you have kiddos. The book gives them a chance to learn and earn a nifty Junior ranger badge by completing age appropriate tasks along their journey. There was a Market inside of Zion that had everything for hiking, hydration and camping galore. I would highly recommend making your reservations 2 weeks ahead of time the campgrounds fill up fast during the peak season. Overall great experience!

Cozy Utah camping

The Watchman Campground was quiet and seemed way less caterpillar infested like it’s sister camp (South Campground). Super kid friendly and tons to keep the tiny humans entertained. Be sure to visit the Nature center during the peak season or the visitor center in the off season to pick up a Junior Ranger work book for the kiddos. Complete given instructions and you too could receive a nifty Junior Ranger badge! Several trail heads such as the watchman and pa’rus trails are accessible from the campgrounds and the visitor center is right in between. The town of Springdale is just beyond that across the bridge of the virgin river where you can find an array of restaurants (we visited the brewery and loved it!), shopping and several gear outfitters. Zion National Park has some of the cleanest restrooms I’ve ever experienced while camping. The visitor center is making some major improvements that look fantastic! I would recommend camping in Zion via reservations! We got lucky with the lottery and cancellations but definitely make reservations at least 2 weeks in advance! Overall great experience!

Best spot in Moab!

6 stars for customer service! We came in late on Easter weekend during the Easter Jeep Safari Event. They were packed but found a place for us in the back. The host brought out a picnic table and fire ring for us, even offering a barbecue upon request. The Restrooms were Super clean and the hot water seemed endless in the shower. Guys get there early my hubby said the wait in the men’s room for anything was horrible, I did not have that experience on the Ladies side. The camping inside the inner circle seemed super nice with grass and shade, some sites even having shade structures. We were in the back lot (79) not on the map pictured. The CampPark also had several small cabins that looked adorable, and prices vary by season. Wi-Fi was available, the general store had a little bit of everything and it’s just down the street from downtown Moab! I would recommend this campground to everyone! Totally family and pet friendly and the perfect base camp for all your Moab adventures. Arches National Park is 4 miles from Moab and Canyonlands another 30+ Miles. If you have Children be sure to stop at the visitor center prior to your adventure and pick up a “Junior Ranger” packet and get your kids involved and enable them to earn their junior ranger badge for each National Park!

Quiet little camp on a busy Road

This camp had amazing Red rock Views and Shade! Named After the “ Father of the Arches” Doc Williams, this 17 site primitive campground was super cool! Since the campground is Located off Highway 279 it seemed a tad noisy at times. For those headed out for the OHV trails, it is located near the poison spider and Potash road 4x4 trails. 5.6 Miles from Highway 191 and about 20 Minutes from Moab. The sites are First Come first serve and owned by the BLM. There was 1 bathroom (Vault) and no water when we were there. Bring BUG SPRAY, with the Colorado River nearby we noticed increased bug activity in the evening when the sun disappeared behind the canyon walls. Not bad for $20 bucks a night!

Renogy Review at Lake Mary

Ranger Review: Renogy Solar Backpack at Lake Mary …… Campground review Lake Mary is Located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains roughly 2.5 miles south south-west from the village of mammoth lakes. The campground itself is very large with plenty of Amenities Including 2 small stores / Marinas pokonobè and Lake Mary. Both locations offer simple amenities and treats as well as fishing supplies and bait. Also available at both locations are kayak, paddle board, fishing and pontoon boat rentals by the hour or full day. We payed 15.00 to launch our own boat at the pokonobè marina marina and beached it next to a tree closer to where we were staying. This is very active bear country. We personally had a bear this trip with her two baby cubs rip the fish off the stringer connected to our boat as we unloaded our gear. So be cautious! The campground itself straddles the road with several loops, some offering access to the lake. All campsites included a fire ring, bear box and picnic tables. Restrooms, water and trash receptacles are located in each area throughout the campground. There is a wonderful bike path winds its way through the lodgepole pines up and around lake Mary, all the way up to horseshoe lake or down to the twin lakes basin all with breathtaking views along the path. There’s even a free trolly that runs during the summer that you can ride around the lake basins or all the way into the village or town of mammoth for some extra fun! The fishing at lake Mary is fantastic! Rainbow, brook and brown trout are stocked regularly attracting anglers of all ages. No Swimming is permitted in the lake. There are several hiking trails in the area offering a wide range and variety of terrain and fun for all ages. I would highly recommend this campground to anyone looking to explore the mammoth lakes area and beyond! …………

Product review- Renogy Multi-functional Solar Backpack

As a Ranger for the Dyrt.com sometimes I get to test amazing products. During our trip to lake Mary I had the opportunity to test out theRenogy Solar Backpack. Upon receiving the backpack my initial reaction was “wow” this thing is great! The pack itself is made of cationic dyed polyester and has several compartments and storage throughout, with a 20L capacity for a whooping 2.2lbs.

The panel itself is secured by a double layer Anti-theft zipper that is designed to protect your belongings. The double layer zipper also enables you to flip the panel making it reversible and protected while traveling (PRO). I tried charging various items such as cellphones, power banks, tablets and even my daughters little R/C car with success.. The recommendations from the company suggest using the panel to charge a power bank then use the bank to charge your devices. My phone died mid day so I hooked it up but panel would not charge a dead cell phone in direct sunlight even after 2 hours (CON). The pack itself is very comfortable to wear, having very papped shoulder pads with adjustable straps(PRO). The fact that the panel is detachable from the backpack is amazing and makes it super convenient to take backpacking or even on the road in the car(PRO). I do wish it had some kind of loop or hook attachments to use for the panel itself when not attached to the backpack. It would’ve been super convenient to hang it on a tree or even a tent pole in direct sun without the fear of it blowing away or falling off (CON)

Overall a truly wonderful product and campground! The Renogy Multi-function Backpack has moved its way up to the top of my packing list for all of our Adventures to come!

Absolutely Fantastic Family Camping

Twin lakes is Located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains near the town of Mammoth Lakes, California. Upper and lower twin lakes are a fantasic place to set up base camp and explore the sierras. This Review is specific to the lower loop which is on the east side of the lake just past the tamarack lodge and store. The store (open 7-7) offered a variety of amenities from clothes to souvenirs. Also available at the store were showers ($6 per person and from 7am to 6pm) and boat rentals($20 per hour) . The restrooms had sinks and flushing toilets that were immaculate!We had an awful bear Problem during our visit with other campers not securing their food in the provided bear boxes but other than that we had a truly enjoyable time! The Campsites are very spacious and shaded. The amount of shade in the campground did keep things on the cooler side all day. There is Plenty to do in the area from a lengthy bike path that covers the entire lake basin to the numerous hiking trails that cover the mountain sides. You’ll want to make sure you check out the visitor center as you come into town for a fascinating history lesson and tips to make the most of your trip! Mammoth mountain itself offers a variety of entertainment during the summer from concert series in the village to zip lining across the mountain. You’ll want to head to Main Lodge for any ticket purchases for mammoth mountain activities. In my pictures you’ll find the transit schedule for the free trolly that runs up around the lake basin and throughout the town of Mammoth along with a map of the campground!

Wonderful Family Sierra camping

Lake Mary is Located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains roughly 2.5 miles south south-west from the village of mammoth lakes. The campground itself is very large with plenty of Amenities Including 2 small stores / Marinas pokonobè and Lake Mary. Both locations offer simple amenities and treats as well as fishing supplies and bait. Also available at both locations are kayak, paddle board, fishing and pontoon boat rentals by the hour or full day. We payed 15.00 to launch our own boat at the pokonobè marina marina and beached it next to a tree closer to where we were staying. This is very active bear country. We personally had a bear this trip with her two baby cubs rip the fish off the stringer connected to our boat as we unloaded our gear. So be cautious! The campground itself straddles the road with several loops, some offering access to the lake. All campsites included a fire ring, bear box and picnic tables. Restrooms, water and trash receptacles are located in each area throughout the campground. There is a wonderful bike path winds its way through the lodgepole pines up and around lake Mary, all the way up to horseshoe lake or down to the twin lakes basin all with breathtaking views along the path. There’s even a free trolly that runs during the summer that you can ride around the lake basins or all the way into the village or town of mammoth for some extra fun! The fishing at lake Mary is fantastic! Rainbow, brook and brown trout are stocked regularly attracting anglers of all ages. No Swimming is permitted in the lake. There are several hiking trails in the area offering a wide range and variety of terrain and fun for all ages. I would highly recommend this campground to anyone looking to explore the mammoth lakes area and beyond!

HOT but EMPTY!

We visited the walker river in July and stopped into this site. Boy was is hot… The campground was Empty with the exception of the camp host. This would be a good place to stop in over night and pack up before the afternoon heat sets in. The fishing in the area is PHENOMENAL! I mean absolutly outstanding! The Campground itself was decent with no complaints except the heat and lacknof shade.I didn’t have cellphone service at all back in this area. The town of Bridgeport Is roughly 8 miles.. or the Warefare training center is close by if there is an emergency.

High traffic Busy campground

Pine City sits right on the lake Mary loop Road. The campground and lake are separated by a high traffic road. The campground was very hot in the middle of the day. Seems the place to spend the day is down by the lake in the shade. With the constant traffic from the road this campsite was very noisy and just a constant flow of traffic. If your looking for a more quiet campground i would look up the road at coldwater campground or Lake George. Unless you're in an RV and just there to enjoy the lake access I would suggest another site. There are several in the lake basin that aren't as busy.

Fun sierra camping

Cold water campground is located in the Lake Basin area of Mammoth lakes California. This HUGE campground is nestled above lake Mary between Coldwater creek and Mammoth creek which run on both sides of the campground. This campground is seasonal so you'll want to make sure if camping in early season that it is open. The campground is well maintained with gorgeous tall pines throughout. At the top of the campground there are several trail heads that lead to the upper lakes and Duck Pass. You do not need a permit to hike these lakes for day hikes but if your hiking out of the campground and over duck pass you will need to acquire a specific permit for the trail you will be hiking. There is fantastic fishing if you can make the rigorous hike to Hart lake or even Arrowhead with several more to choose from. Take plenty of water. I would say the mammoth lakes area is almost a fisherman's paradise with creeks and lakes galore. The beauty of the sierras is always worth a visit. This campground is wonderful and I would suggest it to anyone looking for a base camp to explore mammoth. The facilities were great and they are everywhere. Each campsite is equipped with picnic table and Bear Box for food storage. You'll want to Make sure that all food products or anything that smells delicious is stored in the bear box (especially out of your car). This is a Very Very active bear area. We had a bear steal the fish right off our stringer docking the boat at lake Mary. She and her two cubs and had no problem approaching us walking past and going straight to the boat where this fish was and she was not deterred by our shouts or bear bell. Overall Amazing campground with plenty to do. The town of mammoth is also just a few miles down the road and always wonderful to visit any season.

Desert camping on the moon..

I only gave it four stars because in the summer it’s HOT! The Rock formations are out of this world, my daughter asked if we were on the moon, we all had a good laugh. Water was accessible in serveral locations throughout the park along with restrooms. The park did have its own visitor center with a small museum inside. There were also several hiking trails located throughout the park. Dogs permitted on leash. The Park also had a picnic day use area that was very nice. It had shade covers, fire pits and bbq’s that were all newly updated. Overall a very cool campsite. Snakes and scorpions do inhabit the Mojave desert so I would use extreme caution in the spring to fall months while hiking day or night. I also didn’t have cell service towards the back of the Park. We can’t wait to go back this fall when the temps are cooler!

Beautiful Campground!

Pumice flat was absolutely gorgeous! Very quiet campground with clean restrooms and water. The River runs right through the campground with several access points for fishing. I had No cell service in the Reds meadow valley. Tons of trails in the area such as Rainbow falls and the Devils postpile which is a National Monument. You can see them both on a 4 mile loop which also stops in Reds Meadow that will add .7 to your hike. The pct also runs through Reds Meadow if you’d like to hike a short section on that. Reds Meadow has a cafe and general store with WiFi and all the amenities. You’ll need to purchase and adventure pass on your way into Reds Meadow valley for 10$ either at the guard station on your way into the park or from the Mammoth mountain adventure center. Please remember to properly store food in provided bear boxes while camping for this is very active bear country.

Backcountry car camping!

Wonderful campground with gorgeous views that won’t disappoint! Plenty of shade and spacious camp sites. Restrooms and water were also available. You can also purchase firewood from the camp host. I had no cell phone service in the Reds meadow valley. There is plenty to do in the area with hikes to the Devils postpile which is a National Monument, and Rainbow falls. You can see them both on a 4 mile loop that leaves from the postpile parking lot. There is also river access In the campground for great fishing. You will need to purchase an adventure pass on your way into the valley either from the mammoth mountain adventure center or the guard station upon entering the park for 10$. Take plenty of water on your hikes and remember to leave no trace on trails. Also remember to properly store food in the provided bear boxes this is very active bear country!

Hikers paradise!

Reds Meadow is a refuel station for thru-hikers from the PCT and JMT. There’s a store with all the amenities, a cafe and hot showers! The campground itself was gorgeous with beautiful scenic meadows and within walking distance to the Devils postpile, a National monument. After visiting the postpile you can continue down the trail to Rainbow falls (4 mile loop) Take plenty of Water! The mosquitoes were relentless! I had zero cell phone service in the Reds meadow Valley. If camping in the Valley, you’ll need to purchase an adventure pass from either the mammoth adventure center or on your way into the park at the guard station (opens 7am). Restrooms and Water were also available for campsite patrons along with a camp host who had fire wood for sale. Please check road and wether conditions before heading into the valley and remember to properly store food this is very active bear country.. not to mention the pesky rodents!

Gorgeous Sierra camping!

This campground was wonderful.. the first campground you come to heading down into Reds meadow or devils postpile area. You’ll want to purchase your adventure pass from either the Mammoth lakes adventure center or from the guard station as you enter the park. The guard station opens at 7am. Once you turn off the main road the campsites are about a quarter mile down a dirt road. Most of the sites seemed to be trailer or RV accessible. Plenty of shade and access to the river for spectacular fishing. There are NO hookups or Cleanout areas located In the valley. There is also a camp host with Firewood for sale. The nearest store Is located In Reds Medow or back up the hill to the town of mammoth which in the summer can take up to 45 minutes to get to up the hill due to the high traffic entering the valley. Note: I had zero cell phone service. Restrooms and water were available. There is also plenty to keep busy such as The devils Postpile and Rainbow falls loop (4 miles) take plenty of water! Scotcher Lake Is also worth a cast or two! Please remember to store your food properly in the bear boxes provided for this is active bear country!