Tag: Campgrounds

Campgrounds offer a rustic haven amidst nature, where the serenity of towering trees and the whispers of rustling leaves create a tranquil escape. Tents and RVs dot the landscape, nestled into cozy clearings or tucked beneath the canopy. Trails beckon adventurers to explore lush forests, while campfires crackle under starlit skies, casting a warm glow over shared stories and toasted marshmallows. Whether beside a bubbling stream or overlooking a serene lake, campgrounds blend the simplicity of outdoor living with the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world, inviting travelers to unwind, reconnect, and savor the simple pleasures of life away from the bustling cityscape.

Goblin Valley Utah

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A Goblin formed from a soft limestone, water and time offer a unique hiking experience. Photograph by James L Rathbun

Goblin Valley is located in Utah is a state park and campground which is adjacent to eroded flood plain. Formed by water, time and a soft sandstone, erosion sculpted the limestone into unique rock formations which some have stated appears to be goblins.  The Goblin Valley itself is a day use hiking area which allows one to get lost in the maze of spires and rock formations.

Valley Queen, Goblin Valley, Utah Photography by James L Rathbun
Valley Queen, Goblin Valley Utah. Photograph by James L Rathbun

Each rock spire ranges in height from 3 feet to about 20 feet tall.  The fragile structures litter the landscape and sadly on occasion have been felled by people who do not have respect for nature.  There are three established self, however the Valley of the Goblins is a open trail flat mud plane after a easy and short trail down from the parking area.

Goblin Valley State Park does offer an established campground of 22 campsites just over a hill from the Valley of the Goblins.  The campground features, paved sites, bathrooms, showers, water and dump stations. The campground is very popular destination due to location next to Goblin Valley and is also a wonderful centralized base camp location for exploring the San Rafael Swell.

A solitary Pronghorn ( Antilocapra americana ) found near Golbin Valley, Utah
A solitary Pronghorn ( Antilocapra americana ) found near Golbin Valley, Utah

We stated in Goblin Valley in the off season several years ago. We were greeted with lots of camp sites available, privacy and a minor wind and rain storm. Despite the less then desirable conditions, we enjoyed our stay and will try to make it back again in the future.

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Hole in the Wall Campground

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Hole in the Wall campground is found deep in the Mojave National Preserve in San Bernardino County, California. The Campground is a popular location for hikers, star gazers and explorers of the Old Mojave Road.

The Ring Trail is a short fun little hike in the Mojave National Preserve.
The Ring Trail is a short fun little hike near Hole in the Wall Campground

The campground is nestled up against a small hillside and offers access to the Ring Trail which is a short and very fun hike around a mesa of sharp sculpted volcanic rock. The Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center is located nearby and offers a book store, bathrooms and ranger programs. The campsites are suitable for RV’s, trailer and tent camping and does have 2 sites dedicated for walk in camping.

The campground is at a reasonable higher elevation, which offers mild weather in the spring and falls months. Winter will be cold and obviously the summer months will allow a visitor to experience the harsh, hot, arid Mojave.

Directions


From I-40: Exit Essex Road and drive north 10 miles to the junction with Black Canyon Road. Hole-in-the-Wall is 10 miles north on Black Canyon Road.

Campground Summary

Campground NameHole in the Wall Campground
Latitude, Longitude35.0484172,-115.3963526
Sites35
Elevation4,400 ft
AmenitiesPit toilets, trash receptacles, fire rings, picnic tables; no utility hookups. Firewood is not available in the park.

Hole in the Wall Campground Map

Resources

Oh! Ridge Campground

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Oh! Ridge Campground

Oh! Ridge Campground is the first campground in the June Lake Loop located in the Eastern High Sierra in Mono County, California.

The campgrounds is at an elevtion of 7,600 feet. Campsites are a ridge in an open area above the shoreline of scenic June Lake. There is a day use area which has a a swimming beach located adjacent to the campground.

The outstanding lake and mountain views at this campground are a favorite spot for both families and anglers. Every campsite has a bear locker for food storage. Active bear area, bear boxes are provided and must be used (typical bear box size 48″x 30″x 36″).

June Lake serves as a wonderful place to camp and can be a great jumping off point to explore many of the Central Sierra’s attractions including Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park , Mono Lake, Lee Vining, Bodie State Historic Park, Bridgeport, Green Lakes, Devil’s Postpile National Monument, Mammoth Lakes, Crowley Lake and the Long Valley Caldera, Lundy Canyon, Virginia Lakes, Big Springs and the Upper Owens River, the Mono Craters, the Inyo Craters, and the Benton Hot Springs

Campground Summary

NameOh! Ridge Campground
LocationJune Lake Loop,
Mono County, California
Latitude, Longitude
Elevation7,600 feet
Number of Sites143
AmenitiesBear Locker, Water, Flush Toilets

Campground Map

References

June Lake Campground

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June Lake Campground

June Lake Campground is nestled next to June Lake In the Sierra Nevada of California and the scenery of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The Campground is located in the Eastern Sierra, near the town of June Lake, at an elevation of 7,600 feet.

This campground has 28 campsites which are situated in an aspen grove and pine forest and the lake is easily accessible for each campsites. The high mountains which form the valley walls in which the lake is situated offers some majestic views and the long light of the late afternoon.

June Lake fishing has world class fishing, a marina, and boat rentals make this a favorite spot for both families and anglers.

This is a wonderful location to camp and can be a great jumping off point to explore many of the Central Sierra’s attractions including: Mono Lake, Lee Vining, Bodie State Historic Park, Bridgeport, Green Lakes, Devil’s Postpile National Monument, Mammoth Lakes, Crowley Lake, Lundy Canyon, Big Springs and the Upper Owens River, the Mono Craters, the Inyo Craters, and the Benton Hot Springs

Bear activity is very high in the area. A bear-proof locker is located at each site at campsites. All food and scented items must be stored in the lockers. All trash must be disposed of in the bear proof trash receptacles. Do not store food, trash or scented items in your vehicle.

Campground Summary

NameJune Lake Campground
LocationJune Lake Loop,
Mono County, California
Latitude, Longitude37.7819488,-119.0761371
Elevation7,600
Number of Sites29
AmenitiesBear Boxes, Table, fire rings

Campground Map

References

Grant Lake Campground

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Grant Lake Campground, June Lake Loop, Mono County, California
Grant Lake Campground, June Lake Loop, Mono County, California

Grant Lake Campground and marina is the northern most campground of the June Lake Loop located in Mono County, California. The lake is also the largest of the four lakes in the June Lake area and home of the brown trout. The German Brown Trout is a native species is highly sought after by anglers around the world. Grant Lake’s German Brown Trout are 100% native to this lake.

June Lake Loop, Mono County, California
June Lake Loop, Mono County, California

The lake offers a full service marina and has snacks, refreshment, tackle, gasoline and boat launching. Grant Lake is the only lake of the four to allow water-skiing, wake-boarding and personal watercraft are allowed after 10:00 am.

The campsites are nestled among Aspen trees and features high sierra mountains, lake views, tables, fire rings and flush toilets. The campground observes quiet time beginning at 10pm and ends at 7am daily. During this time, please refrain from loud talking and partying, playing radios, running generators, or any other loud activities that may disturb other guests.

This campground is located in bear county, so prepare accordingly and camp responsibly. The campground is open from last Saturday in April through mid October.

Campground Summary

NameGrant Lake Campground
LocationJune Lake Loop,
Mono County, California
Latitude, Longitude36.2373876,-115.3430201
Elevation7,200 feet
Number of Sites70
AmenitiesShowers, Water, Tables, Sewer, Fire Rings – No Electricity

Campground Map

References