Sometimes, when my husband and I relax in camp, we’ll have a
pointless conversation just for the fun of it.
We’re just back from the annual fall color road trip and happened to
stumble on a new campsite which was nearly perfect. That got us talking about what makes a top
ten campsite, and which of our favorites we’d pick. We’re getting close to 600 nights
overlanding, so there are plenty to choose from.
I’ll be a little vague describing some of these
locations. Several of the sites deserve
that. If you know us, and we think you’re
a good steward, reach out and we’ll direct you.
What makes us happy:
Solitude and quiet
A nice view
A good surface (grass wins over moon dust or mud)
Fishable water nearby
Close to several great photo opportunities
I’ll present these in no particular order.
North Wasatch National Forest, Utah
This is the place where this discussion began. We were lulled to sleep by the East Fork of
the Bear River and the willows around the river were beautifully yellowed for autumn. The site was grassy and we couldn’t be easily
seen from the road.
Mojave Trails National Monument, California
Sand, solitude, and so many photo ops. I had a hard time choosing from all of my
images of this place.
I’ve been returning to this place for many years. It’s a great perch to watch a storm at
sunset, which is what we did on this spectacular night.
Fourth of July Creek, Idaho
A long way from home, but worth the trip. We’ll get back there one day. Lovely, grassy, Creekside camping, aspens,
flowers, and views of the Sawtooth Mountains.
Bear’s Ears National Monument, Utah
We hit this one on the way home as an afterthought. After 10 days of photographing aspens, the
equally lovely oaks up here were a delightful change.
Hell’s Backbone, Utah
If I’m honest, I’ll admit that the campsite itself is small,
dusty, and close to the road. The
location and views make up for all of that, and this drone image brings it all
back.
Tributary of the Black River System, Apache National Forest,
Arizona
I’m obliged to keep the details of this one to myself. The road is a little rough, so we generally
don’t have any company other than the trout. In summer there are flowers, too.
Butte Valley, Death Valley National Park, California
This one had been on my list for a long time, mostly because
of Striped Butte. A long, bumpy ride was
required, but the quiet and the light were more than enough payoff.
Kaibab National Forest, “Aspen Island” Arizona
We made up the name.
We do that often, mostly to have an easy shorthand between us. Like many sites, we discovered it when we
camped next door and found it while hiking around. The road looks impassable, but we discovered
it was not. We kept returning, and I’m glad
we did because this spot was likely destroyed by the Dragon Bravo Fire last
summer.
More fish. In a good
year there are wildflowers and on a quiet day reflections in the rivers.
Thank you for scooting all over the west with me. Comment with some of your favorite getaways.
Stay tuned for more on the epic Autumn road trip.
