This was the go-to campground for climbers before the AAC one was built, because it met certain criteria:
- relatively close to the ‘gunks climbing areas with shops and gas nearby.
- very affordable for the area. Every now and then, I’d think, there’s gotta be a more scenic campground, maybe I should try another one…and all the other ones I’d look up in the area would cost 3x as much and advertise how great they were for “families.” I’m not a family, so I camped here several times, spent the days climbing, saved a lot of money, and appreciated the absence of kids.
- low-frills. if you are a tent camper who gets excited about an electrical outlet sticking up out of the ground here and there, the possible chance of a picnic table, fire ring, the existence of running water, a toilet, and consider a shower room a bonus, this is the campground for you. If anyone in your party expects spacious public park quality shower and changing rooms, covered open air seating for meals, sinks for washing up, tent pads, bright lights, paved trails, high pressure showers or anything like that, this is NOT the campground for you.
- relatively quiet at night. Climbers tend to tire themselves out at the crag, have a couple beers, and get to bed early so they can head out early in the morning to try to beat the heat and crowds. High energy guys and gals who are noisily blowing up stuff to make their campsite an inflatable bouncy world, blasting a boom box and staying up all night drinking and talking are going to get confronted by someone who needs their sleep.
Lessons Learned:
Arrival - This is common sense, but, be proactively friendly to the person who works at the campground. Park by the entrance, go in and say hello & confirm it is cool to go ahead and set up your tent - if the campground is crowded there are sometimes extra instructions or your spot might be reassigned. The guy who takes payment is nice, but fair warning - do not try to bypass him, he will not be ignored. The first time I camped here someone reserved a “group” campsite & paid in advance, and because we arrived via multiple cars some of our folks just rolled in & started setting up without asking where he wanted to put us, and they did not like that at all.
Picnic Tables - well-worn, not bolted to the ground, not a guarantee, if using one just be gentle and keep them load-balanced, and consider bringing a folding table if you have it.