Our early fall adventure in the eastern Sierra was coming to a close and many of the campsites were closing down for the season. We stopped at the ranger station outside Bridgeport to get the lowdown and found out our first choice had just closed but got recommendations for other nearby campgrounds. 

We ended up at Crags Campground which is actually 2 loops. We stayed in the Matterhorn loop after seeing that Crags was mostly big RVs with generators. Most of the primo sites were double sites (at double the price). We ended up in site #20 which was next to the empty camp host site. 

• Beautiful, high desert scenery, surrounded by granite peaks
• Great star gazing
• Dog friendly 
• Very clean vault toilets (public campgrounds in this area are managed by a third party vendor) 
• Great hiking nearby. Our campsite neighbors shared an 8 mile hike to Barney Lake that delighted us with fall color, a stunning lake view and moderately easy hiking (there was some easy elevation gain). The trailhead was a short drive away.
• We needed to dump and shower and were able to get both at the Twin Lake store for small fees. There was also a nice, clean laundry facility next to the showers open to the public. 

We definitely will be back to this area and explore this and other campgrounds.

We needed an overnight stay en route to the eastern Sierra and decided this spot would work. We knew we'd taking a risk for a one night stay on a Saturday without reservations but it was October 1 so what the heck. 

When we arrived there were several sites along the stunning Topaz Lake that appeared reserved for the weekend (F-Su) but were empty and a few that were open. We travel in a Class B van so typically will dry camp unless we have chore days.There were lots of sites in the primitive camping area but it was just a dirt parking lot with no shade (our propane fridge is cranky in heat so we needed shade). 

There was no staff on site. The only way to pay is via a kiosk but ONLY for day use and primitive sites. The only way to pay for the RV Hook Up sites (most without sewer at site) was via phone call (M-F) or online reservations. I had a weak Verizon signal and was able to reserve our spot for the night after a few attempts on the very funky county website. 

• If lucky enough to get a site, along the lake, you'll be rewarded with stunning views but it can get windy 
• Decent sized, level sites along the lake with lots of open space between campsite and lake
• Upgrades since past reviews must have happened recently as the bathroom floors and stalls appeared new. The central sewer dump concrete looks new as well and was working. All were were very clean. 
• Showers were working (and free) but didn't use so not sure about water temp. They were not updated but were clean. 
• This is a boaters' paradise and VERY loud during the day (and we were there off-season) Quiet at night. 

We'd probably pass on staying here again unless we were going to use the amenities (dump, showers, water refill) because it was pricey for just dry camping (unless in the primitive spots). We can do better at some  of the Forest Service campgrounds we saw along 395 for less money.

We originally went to the dispersed campground down a very bumpy road but that area was a dirt parking lot, extremely exposed and unappealing so we headed back North Eagle Lake for an overnight stay. 

• Cleanest sites and bathrooms you'll ever experience 
• Water spigots conveniently located throughout 
• Friendly camp host (she took immense pride in maintaining the sites and bathrooms) 
• Tree coverage was great (we hit this on an exceptionally warm fall day) 
• Some road noise from Hwy 136 but quiet at night 
• Did I say cleanest vault toilets ever? There was hand sanitizer, air freshener, waste baskets and holiday decorations in each one to make them "homey.

It appears some upgrades have been done since one of the earlier reviews as there were 3 new vault toilets and a new entrance sign. Not sure why that review said there were no trees as we had plenty of them as did many of the other campsites. There were multiple vans, a Class A, tents and a tear drop so this campground can accommodate all rig sizes. 

We'd definitely stay here again.

We avoid KOAs and other full amenities campgrounds because they're pricey and not the camping experience we desire but when we have chore day, we like a one-stop shop and will seek these out to dump, shower, do laundry. This is our second stay at this particular KOA over a couple of different trips. 

• Easy to reserve online, great communication 
• Friendliest staff ever! 
• Clean, clean bathrooms and laundry room (I observed them cleaning on a regular schedule) 
• Easy access from highway 
• Lots of road noise and bright lights all night 
• Cramped spaces (they pack 'em in) 
• Dump station in non-FHU is oddly placed near the very busy propane refill area
• Cheapest propane in town (this is why many of the food truck and restaurant vendors come here) 
• Nice little convenience 
• Conveniently located near restaurants, grocery and other stores-- many within walking distance 
• OK wi-fi. It's better by the laundry room 
• Good little walking path nearby 

We'll definitely keep this on our favs list when we have chore day.

As spontaneous travelers, we tend not to reserve spots in advance and seek first come campgrounds which county parks tend to be. We don't need nor desire all the cozy amenities of "resort" campgrounds so county parks are some of our favorite places to stop if we aren't boondocking. Florence Keller ranks on the low end of the county parks we've stayed in but was good enough for an overnight stay. 

• Easy access from main highway (road noise could be heard from certain sites)
• Sites are best suited for small rigs (our 170 wheelbase class B van barely fit in the site) and they aren't incredibly level 
• Little to no privacy between sites 
• Nice small walking trails amongst old growth within campground 
• Dog-friendly (leashed) 
• 2 camp hosts on site but never saw them (that may be different during peak season) and the campsites were dirty. We had to pick up trash in the fire pit and around the site that was left behind by the previous occupants.
• Sites near the playground can be overcome by joyful screaming of the kids during peak season. We were there off-season and it was tolerable. 
• Very quiet at night-- road noise even tamped down (peak season may differ)
• Pricey for what it is

This campground is well-loved and it shows. Be sure to go through all the loops. We almost missed the one we ended up in (by the playground) and it wasn't crowded and was quieter (at night when the playground wasn't being used) since it was away from the highway noise.

Fall color and camping in the Sierra is what we we were after. This gem of a campground did not disappoint on the color and its location made it easy to explore the Mono Lake area since there's no camping in that area.

• Beautiful aspens with rushing river surrounded by high peaks. Lots of fishers were taking advantage of the river. 

• Sites are very close and pretty small. There were a few sites that accommodated the few Class C and larger travel trailers that came through, but the turns in the loops were tight. Less experienced drivers might be challenged. 

• Many (most) sites are not very level and/or sloped. 

• Super quiet and dark at night. Star gazing was amazing. 

• Bears are very active. One camper had their car window broken and door frame bent because they had left something in the front seat. Another camper told us a bear walked through her site while she was sitting near the campfire but was easily scared off. 

• Not a lot of hiking without getting in your car but the dirt road connecting to the other campground (Big Bend) wasn't busy so served as a good walking trail to exercise our dogs. 

• Good location to access Lee Vining (groceries, fuel, restaurants, laundry) and explore the phenomenal Mono Lake area. 

• Water available but at a central spigot at the entrance. 

• No Verizon cell service but good signals down the road at the Mobil station and excellent free wi-fi at the Mono Lake visitors center both in Lee Vining. 

Nice little first-come campground. It was almost full by 4 pm each night we were there. We'd consider it again but only in shoulder season. Getting a spot in peak season seems challenging.

Our GPS took us to the Union Creek Forest Service office. If you're looking for this campsite, watch for the campground signs on Hwy 62 that say "Wayside".  Further in, you'll see a sign that says Union Creek. 

For clarity on the features there are only 3 FHU sites (reservation only) with sewer that are separated from the main campground and nearer the road. They were sloped and not private. There is no central dump for the other campsites. 

We travel in a Class B van but saw lots of tear drop, Scamp/Casita, truck campers and tents. This campground is not well-suited for large RVs. 

We dry camp and usually don't reserve in advance so looked for first come sites. When we visited  the early fall, there were plenty of both FC and reserve sites available. The camp host was super friendly and flexible. We extended our stay twice over the week and saw a good amount of turnover each week day of the sites. The camp host made sure they were spotless. 

• Flush toilets available at entrance 
• Water spigots and large trash receptacles are available but sparse in the back loops toward the Rogue river so water/trash carries were far away unless in the front loops. 
• Bottle and can recycling available (why is it so hard to recycle in Oregon??) 
• Lots of pit toilets that were cleaned regularly
• Dog friendly (leashed) 
• Lots of easy walking within the campground but be aware that trails skirt many of the campsites near the creek so wayward (clueless? rude?) hikers could be tramping through your site. 
• Great hiking trails along the Rogue river that connected to several other campgrounds 
• Easy access to Crater Lake and other areas, making it a great base camp 
• Closest fuel and stores in Prospect (about 10 miles away) 
• No Verizon service 

We will definitely return to this campground but only in shoulder seasons. We suspect that in peak season, it can be loud, crowded and not as enjoyable.