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.

Hanna Flats Campground

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Hanna Flats Campground is located near Big Bear Lake is located in the San Bernardino mountains of California about 90 miles east of Los Angeles in southern California.  The area is a full four season resort which offers great skiing in the winter.  Back country 4×4 trails offer a variety of opportunities from the daily driver to a purpose built 4×4. Hiking, biking, boating and camping are great activities in the spring, summer and fall.

Hanna Flats Campground is an established campground located on Coxey Truck Trail – 3N14 in Big Bear, San Bernardino California. The campground features eighty five campsites and is located in a pine forest. Big Bear is a fantastic destination for those interested in outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, skiing, bouldering, star-gazing, flowers and wildlife viewing. There are many historic sites in Big Bear.

Recreation

A number of hiking and biking trails are nearby, including 3.5-mile Gray’s Peak Trail that connects to Hanna Flat Trail, and 10 miles of unmarked trails that lead to Coxcomb Creek.

Fishing and boating at nearby Big Bear Lake are popular activities. Anglers can look forward to a catch of trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish and largemouth bass. Because of cold water temperatures and the presence of underwater obstacles near the shorelines, swimming at the lake is often discouraged.

Campground Map

Campground Summary

NameHanna Flats Campground
LocationBig Bear, San Bernardino, California
Number of Sites85
Elvation7,115 feet
AmenitiesPicnic table, fire ring, – no hook-ups, Vault toilets, tap water, campfire circle

References

Callville Bay Campground

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Callville Bay Campground
Lake Mead NRA

Named for the now submerged two of Callville, Callville Bay Campground offers a unique and amazing place to strike your camp. The campground is situated from Las Vegas along the northern edge of the Boulder Basin of Lake Mead. It’s open year-round and features paved sites that can accommodate tents or RVs, along with tables, fire pits and/or grills. Restrooms and water spigots are located throughout the campsite.

The desert climate affords temperatures well over 100F (37C) degrees June-August. In May and September, daytime highs are around 90F (32C). October-April, temperatures are much cooler. The winter months can see the lows can dip to freezing temps. The desert area averages just four inches of rain each year. There is lush vegetation that provides shade. A few of the campsites provide views of the lake. 

Although Lake Mead water levels are low at the moment, the campground offers close proximity to boat ramps and boat and house boat rentals to allow further exploration of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Campground Summary

NameCallville Bay Campground
LocationLake Mead, Clark County, Nevada
Longitude,Latitude36.138337,-114.727649
Elevation1,249 feet
Number of Sites80 Total, 52 R V sites
AmmenitiesBBQ Grills, Boat Launch/Ramp, Boat Rental, Campground Host, Tables, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookup, Fire Pit, Firewood Available, Grills, Ice, Marina, Pay Phone,Pets OK, Picnic Tables, Restrooms (Flush Toilets), RV Hookups, WiFi

Campground Map

Resources

Mid Hills Campground, Mojave National Preserve

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Located in deep in the heart of the Mojave National Preserve there is an abundance of campsites to suit everyone.  The Mid Hills campground was an after thought on a recent trip in March, 2018, however the location and charm of this spot make it a new favorite destination.

Mid Hills Campsite in the Mojave National Preserve March 2018 after a rainstorm.
Mid Hills Campsite in the Mojave National Preserve March 2018 after a rainstorm.

In March 2018, I decided to take my son on our first father and son camping trip, just the boys.  We scoured maps and picked destinations and points of interest.  He was very excited to hike the Ring Trail and we opted over-night at Hole in the Wall campground.

I picked him up from school with the Jeep loaded and we drove down Nipton Road deep into the isolated areas of the Mojave.  We arrived at Hole in the Wall campground and with the sun starting to set discovered that the campground was full of motor homes and jeepers.  No place to camp.  We opted for ‘Plan B’ and headed north.

We arrived at the campground with just a few minutes to setup before the sun went down.  I was pleased that the campground was mostly empty, and the large campsites were physically spacious and located some distance away from each other.

Our tent located in a large campsite in the Mid Hills Campground in the Mojave National Preserve.
Our tent located in a large campsite in the Mid Hills Campground in the Mojave National Preserve.

That night we focused on dinner and building a campfire, which was a bit difficult with a bunch of wet tinder and fuel.  Fortunately, the Eagle Scout prevailed any my son and I roasted some march mallows and made some smores.  That evening as the cold wet air enveloped us we explored the cosmos with a telescope before falling asleep under a magnificent display.  The morning was a bit damp and silent.  Only now could I appreciate the beauty and drama located in this campground.

The campground sites within a stand of pinyon pine and juniper trees.  Sadly, on June 1st, 2005, lightning strikes started the Hackberry Fire with burned through the campground and 70,736 surrounding acres.  Twelve years later, there are still scars within the campground.  Long dead and burnt juniper trees juxtapose with new growth provides evidence of the enduring properties of nature.

The campground offers pit toilets, fire rings, tables and ample room.  The 5000 ft elevation offers cold nights in the winter months, however would offer some relief from the summers heat.  There are no ultilities, hook-ups or potable water.  There are 26 campsites, which will cost you are $12 a night and are available on a first come first serve basis.

Mid Hills Campground Map

Camp Phallus – New York Mountains

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Located in Caruther’s Canyons of the New York Mountains, Camp Phallus is named for a “unique” rock formation visible from the campsite. The campsite offers a central base camp location to the Old Mojave Road and the higher elevations may offer a nice break from the heat in the warmer months. We drove down to Goffs on our trip.

Our campsite from a distance in Caruthers Canyon
Our campsite from a distance in Caruthers Canyon

 This is a primitive site, no posted sights, just a series of short trails to isolated sites, each of which can support several vehicles. All of the sites that I have seen appear to be quite large and capable of several vehicles. One of the campsites offers table top bench under a large tree which was an Eagle Scout project. Good work!

There are no restrooms at Camp Phallus in Caruthers Canyon
There are no restrooms at Camp Phallus in Caruthers Canyon

Camp Phallus beautiful place to camp and it offers cooler temperatures during to summer months due to its 5500 ft of elevation. There was deer in the area, and when we went in March, it was quite cold at this higher elevation. A nice campfire took the chill off.

My son and I waking up in the morning
My son and I waking up in the morning

This was my sons first camping trip and he did great. He loves to go camping despite the fact he threw a high temperature at night and we needed to head home early. The camp ground was clean, remote and vacant and we vowed to return again.

Wildrose Campground

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Wildrose Campground is located at 4100 feet above sea level in the Paramint Mountains within Death Valley National Park. This semi-primative campground is located off of the migrant Canyon Road. This free campground is open all year and sites are available on a first come first server bases. The location of the campground allows access to wide open spaces, many points of interest in the Panamint Range and beautiful scenery

Wildrose Campground is in Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park

Featuring 23 sites, with tables, fireplaces, and pit toilets and campground offers great opportunities for vistas and quiet nights for those wanting to venture and camp away from the larger crowds.

Drinking water is available during the Spring, Summer, and Fall. The higher elevation of this campground allows for this campground to remain open in the hotter summer months of this notorious hot area.

Fires are permitted in NPS provided pits only. Charcoal grills are prohibited. Gas burning stoves are permitted. Fires are typically prohibited between June 15 and September 15 or during periods of high fire danger.

Campground Summary

NameWildrose
LocationDeath Valley National Park, California
Latitude, Longitude36.265848, -117.188184
Sites23
Elevation4100 feet
AmenitiesVault Toilets, Water, Firepits, Tables

Wildrose Campground Map

References

NPS.gov