This is a convenient and fun escape from the city. Just above Fraizer Park you can find mountaintop hiking and sledding depending on the time of year. When fire restrictions are down they allow fires within the provided rings and there are restrooms that are well maintained. Only one car per site I believe… but there is a parking lot at the main road as well. The ranger station at the peak of Mt. Pinos provides security and information for all the guests whether a day trip or overnighters.

This is a traditional, clean, accessible and beautiful. Just an easy option while staying on the island and enjoying all the city of Avalon has to offer. Close to Botanical Gardens, hiking and plenty of money spending opportunities including activities, food and entertainment. Speaking of spending money… you gotta get to the island first and then be prepared to drop some coin. =)

Unbelievable ocean views and crashing waves at the bottom of this cliff-side site nestled among the massive pines above a waterfall. Words just don't describe this experience. It was nearly impossible to get reservations. Seems the days get bought up immediately upon availability.

I was looking for a remote Cove to set up for a couple nights on Lake Mead and found this little gem off the beaten path but still accessible on a rugged and steeply graded access road. There is a sign at the entrance of Mead-Davis Powerline Rd road that says 4x4 recommended… Take this to heart.

(We came down from north of the cove off of Princess Cove Rd. There is also access from the south off of the same Princess Cove Rd. We didn't see that route driving in at night… Probably try that next time.)

This Cove is sheltered from wind by trees and tall grass. A small peninsula also blocks direct site from the water so this is a very private site.

The water is the clearest I've ever seen and the water fowl dive freely along the banks. There is a treasure trove of wildlife here apparent just from the birds singing. It was a cacophony of songbirds just before the sun went down over the mountains over the water to the west, Nevada's coastline to the Colorado River fed Lake. There are also Gila monsters, tortoise, mules and many more creatures that come visit the water-side.

It was refreshing rinsing off in the crisp, clear water! Bring water shoes as most of the coastline is rocky. 

Do not leave food out and also there are no glass containers allowed at this location! Respect your wildlife community and those enforcing the sustainable practices. Shout out to the upstanding rangers working this area! Thanks for watching over us and the respectful reminders.

Here was a neat and remote experience. We explored the ruins of this early 19th century mining town. We were by no means alone though. Each day a dozen or so off-road vehicles and explorers visit the desert centered attraction. Nestled in amazing landscape with massive saguaro cactus towering sporadically, this campground offers spectacular views for hundreds of miles.

There are informational pedestals in front of the numerous foundations in the area. The mines are closed off with welded metal grates and i-beams supporting them for safety. The main mine, so deep that the bottom cannot be seen. After vandals in the 1970s harvested the wood roofing materials for firewood the structures deteriorated quickly in the desert environment.

Vaulted toilets are a short hike from the provided campsites. Each site has a picnic table under a tin roof shelter with a cornerstone wall and a fire ring with cooking grate attached.

The drive out there was nearly 2 hours of slow creeping through a nighttime desert. I wouldn't recommend going in at night anywhere but especially here. Swansea mine road just after an off-road racing event was all torn up! Ha! The ruts were deep and large rocks littered the uneven road. Luckily, and unbeknownst to us, the road was graded and redone while we were camping at the abandoned mining town. It took us a quarter of the time to get back out after our two-night stay.

Hiking and views for days. Clean vaulted toilets and well maintained site. Each site has a table and fire ring as well as parking for one, sometimes two vehicles. Plenty of tree coverage to slow the occasional chilly breeze that crept up on us. 4x4 or all-wheel drive recommended but on a dry day with a well maintained grade a crossover had no problem with the ascent.

All in all a wonderful three night stay with the entire campground to ourselves! I would assume this is a popular place in warmer weather times. And I'll be back!