FERN RIVER CG, Bakersfield, CA

Fern River CG, Bakersfield, CA  

RUN BY:   County

LOCATION:  35.436820  -118.876716

Last visit: 4/5/2018

UTILITIES:  None

COST:  $22 plus $5 for a dog

DISCOUNTS:  none

OUR RATING (1-5): Category I. Score 5

NOTES:  This is another county campground that really raises the bar for all others. It is in a beautiful grove of trees along the lovely Fern River.  We got a spot right on the river. The host has been there for years. He didn’t charge us for Atilla. It was peaceful, beautiful and well cared for.

Environment:  A green southern California valley.

Amenities:  None

Dump:  Yes

Public Water: Yes 

Toilets: Yes

Showers:  No

Laundry:  No

Phone Service:  4G3+ (Verizon)

Nearest Propane: Bakersfield.

Location:  North west of Bakersfield on Lake Ming north of State Hwy 178.

Proximity to shopping: Bakersfield. Maybe 20 minutes or so to a mall.

Camping Population: Mostly locals.

Sites: beautiful and roomy.

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RATING KEY:    category - score 

Categories:  I - established campgrounds where one might spend a vacation or several days

                    II -  boondocking, dry camping where there are no designated sites and no amenities but

                               one might choose to stay for more than a night.

                    III - over-night areas 

You must remember that we are scoring 1 thru 5 according to things which are important to us: the environment, cost, amenities, location, safety, camping population, site, phone service 

* There are people who are not full-timers and van-dwellers by choice. We try hard not to be demeaning or assume that they are bad people but sadly, as you find in the poorer parts of a city, there seems to be more crime. Many call these people van-dwellers. That isn’t really accurate even though they do often live in vans. We know quite a few van-dwellers who have good incomes, are full-timers by choice and prefer a van to other types of vehicles. To try to show some respect for people who have a difficult lot in life, I’m calling them ‘residential campers’.  It is only when you get a high proportion of residential campers in an area that you find an increase in petty theft, etc.  

SUNSET CG, Death Valley, CA

SUNSET CAMPGROUND, Furnace Creek, Death Valley, CA

RUN BY:  Nat’l Park Service 

LOCATION:  36.458157  -116.862595

Last Visit:  4/4/2018

UTILITIES:  None

COST: $14

DISCOUNTS:  50% with Senior Pass

OUR RATING (1-5): Category I. Score 2

NOTES:  A lot of people love Death Valley. We are not among them, so remember that as you read. We found that it is a geological wonder with some really beautiful places. We arrived on April 4^th and the temperature was still 100 degrees at sunset. The drive in and out of the valley is interesting and picturesque but we felt that it was an undue strain on our truck and trailer.  The only campground open when we were there was literally a parking lot. We have a senior pass, but we felt that even $7 was too much. We explored the area after sunset and left the next morning before it got too hot.

Environment:  desert

Amenities:  None. 

Dump:  Yes

Public Water: Yes

Toilets: Yes

Showers:  No

Laundry: No

Phone Service: none 

Nearest Propane: (sorry. No idea)

Location: US-95 north out of LasVegas and follow the signs. 

Proximity to shopping: (sorry. No idea)

Camping Population:   National Park mix.

Sites:  a parking space.

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RATING KEY:    category - score 

Categories:  I - established campgrounds where one might spend a vacation or several days

                    II -  boondocking, dry camping where there are no designated sites and no amenities but

                               one might choose to stay for more than a night.

                    III - over-night areas 

You must remember that we are scoring 1 thru 5 according to things which are important to us: the environment, cost, amenities, location, safety, camping population, site, phone service 

* There are people who are not full-timers and van-dwellers by choice. We try hard not to be demeaning or assume that they are bad people but sadly, as you find in the poorer parts of a city, there seems to be more crime. Many call these people van-dwellers. That isn’t really accurate even though they do often live in vans. We know quite a few van-dwellers who have good incomes, are full-timers by choice and prefer a van to other types of vehicles. To try to show some respect for people who have a difficult lot in life, I’m calling them ‘residential campers’.  It is only when you get a high proportion of residential campers in an area that you find an increase in petty theft, etc.   

BURRO CREEK REC AREA, Wikieup,AZ

Burro Creek Rec Area, 
Wikieup, AZ 

RUN BY:  State of Arizona

LOCATION:  34.538063 -113.450788

Last Visit: 4/3/2018

UTILITIES:  None

COST:  $7

DISCOUNTS: none 

OUR RATING (1-5): Category I. Score 4

NOTES:  This is one of those places out miles from anywhere and anything. We would probably have missed it if one of our full-timing friends hadn’t mentioned it. If you look at an Arizona map you will see that Wikieup is the only thing listed between Wickenburg and I-40. Look for Burro Creek on the map. The campground is just off the highway on Burro Creek. If you love the desert you are going to love this place.

Environment:  Desert

Amenities:  None

Dump:  No

Public Water: Yes 

Toilets: Yes (Pit)

Showers:  No

Laundry:  No

Phone Service: None 

Nearest Propane: Wickenburg, AZ to the south or Kingman to the north. Both quite a long distance.

Location: Turn west (left) off of US-93 about half way between Merritt Pass and I-40, a short distance south of the town of Wikieup. It is marked.

Proximity to shopping:  Nothing close.

Camping Population:  Mixed. Most travelers and full-timers

Sites:  Nice.

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RATING KEY:    category - score 

Categories:  I - established campgrounds where one might spend a vacation or several days

                    II -  boondocking, dry camping where there are no designated sites and no amenities but

                               one might choose to stay for more than a night.

                    III - over-night areas 

You must remember that we are scoring 1 thru 5 according to things which are important to us: the environment, cost, amenities, location, safety, camping population, site, phone service 

* There are people who are not full-timers and van-dwellers by choice. We try hard not to be demeaning or assume that they are bad people but sadly, as you find in the poorer parts of a city, there seems to be more crime. Many call these people van-dwellers. That isn’t really accurate even though they do often live in vans. We know quite a few van-dwellers who have good incomes, are full-timers by choice and prefer a van to other types of vehicles. To try to show some respect for people who have a difficult lot in life, I’m calling them ‘residential campers’.  It is only when you get a high proportion of residential campers in an area that you find an increase in petty theft, etc.  

RODEO GROUNDS CG, Wickenburg, AZ

RODEO GROUND CAMPGROUND

RUN BY:   City of Wickenburg

LOCATION:  Wickenburg, AZ 

Last Visited: 3/30/2018

UTILITIES:  NONE

COST:  $8

DISCOUNTS:  N/A 

OUR RATING (1-5): I – score 4

NOTES:  Some city campgrounds are hidden treasures, and this is one. The campground is just across the road from the rodeo grounds, so this place is filled when there is an event going on. Wickenburg is the home office of the US Senior Rodeo Association, so this is a cowboy, rodeo town. The campground sits on the side of a hill looking down over the town. Very pleasant place to stay.

Environment:  Desert

Amenities:  None

Dump:  At Fast Mart – 1115 W Wickenburg Way

Public Water:  Yes

Toilets: Yes

Showers:  No

Laundry:  No 

Phone Service: 4G3 (Verizon)

Nearest Propane: Fast Mart – 76 Station.  1115 W Wickenburg Way 

Location:  On E Wickenburg Way (US-60 east) El Recreo Dr turns north.  El Recreo merges with Constellation Rd a short distance up.  Continue on to the Campground across the road from the Rodeo Grounds. 

Proximity to shopping: On the edge of town. Everything you need.

Camping Population:   Most of us were from out-of-state. Going to be lots of cowboys if you would happen to get a site during an event across the road. 

Sites:  Roomy and most seem fairly level or easy to level. 

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RATING KEY:    category - score 

Categories:  I - established campgrounds where one might spend a vacation or several days

                    II -  boondocking, dry camping where there are no designated sites and no amenities but

                               one might choose to stay for more than a night.

                    III - over-night areas 

You must remember that we are scoring 1 thru 5 according to things which are important to us: the environment, cost, amenities, location, safety, camping population, site, phone service 

* There are people who are not full-timers and van-dwellers by choice. We try hard not to be demeaning or assume that they are bad people but sadly, as you find in the poorer parts of a city, there seems to be more crime. Many call these people van-dwellers. That isn’t really accurate even though they do often live in vans. We know quite a few van-dwellers who have good incomes, are full-timers by choice and prefer a van to other types of vehicles. To try to show some respect for people who have a difficult lot in life, I’m calling them ‘residential campers’.  It is only when you get a high proportion of residential campers in an area that you find an increase in petty theft, etc.  

WINDY HILL CG, Roosevelt Lake, AZ

WINDY HILL CAMPGROUND,  
Roosevelt Lake, AZ

RUN BY:   National Park Service

LOCATION:   32.793828 -109.592354

Last Visited:  3/15/2018

UTILITIES:  NONE  (there are pole-power sites available)

COST: 

DISCOUNTS:  50% for senior pass

OUR RATING (1-5):

NOTES:  Roosevelt Lake is in the middle of Tonto National Forest.  The campground is rather typical of a large national park campground. The sites were nice and we had a view of the lake.  The best part of this spot is what is around you. Tonto National Monument is nearby. We were fortunate enough to visit on Heritage Day weekend so the trail to the cliff dwellings was open. Otherwise you have to sign up for a guided trip, and they are limited.  The drive across the mountains to Apache Jct on  State Rte 88 is beautiful but not for the faint of heart. It is dirt and often barely wide enough for two vehicles to pass. If you’re on the outside you have a looooong way down. (Sorry. I can't find my picture of the actual campground.)

Environment:  Basically desert. You’re between the Sonoran Desert to your west and the Chihuahuan Desert to your east.

Amenities:  There are some sites you can get with hookups.

Dump:  Yes

Public Water: Yes 

Toilets: Yes

Showers:  No

Laundry:  No

Phone Service: 4G Verizon 

Nearest Propane:  Globe, AZ

Location:  State Hwy 188 north out of Globe. Watch for campground signs and visitor center just after the small community of Roosevelt.

Proximity to shopping: At least 27 miles away in Globe.

Camping Population:   Quite mixed. Typical national park.

Sites:  Nice size for park campground. Easy access. Ours was pull-through.

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RATING KEY:    category - score 

Categories:  I - established campgrounds where one might spend a vacation or several days

                    II -  boondocking, dry camping where there are no designated sites and no amenities but

                               one might choose to stay for more than a night.

                    III - over-night areas 

You must remember that we are scoring 1 thru 5 according to things which are important to us: the environment, cost, amenities, location, safety, camping population, site, phone service 

* There are people who are not full-timers and van-dwellers by choice. We try hard not to be demeaning or assume that they are bad people but sadly, as you find in the poorer parts of a city, there seems to be more crime. Many call these people van-dwellers. That isn’t really accurate even though they do often live in vans. We know quite a few van-dwellers who have good incomes, are full-timers by choice and prefer a van to other types of vehicles. To try to show some respect for people who have a difficult lot in life, I’m calling them ‘residential campers’.  It is only when you get a high proportion of residential campers in an area that you find an increase in petty theft, etc.  

HAEKEL RD, Solomon, AZ

HAEKEL ROAD,  near Solomon, AZ

RUN BY:  Bureau of Land Management

LOCATION:  32.793828 -109.592354

Last Visited:  3/11/2018

UTILITIES:  NONE

COST:  NONE

DISCOUNTS:  N/A

OUR RATING (1-5):  Category II.  Score 5

NOTES:  Hackel Rd is a large flat desert area south of Solomon, AZ.  It sits up on a ridge above highway US-70, which is far enough away that it doesn’t bother you.  It has a lovely view and is convenient to services as well as places you will want to visit.  There is a hot springs a few miles south on the BLM road (dirt).  Lots of beautiful country to see nearby. We stayed four nights.

Environment:  open desert  

Amenities:  NONE

Dump:  NO

Public Water:  NO

Toilets: NO

Showers:  NO

Laundry:  NO

Phone Service:  4G 2-3 bars (Verizon)

Nearest Propane: Safford, AZ

Location:  About 5 miles southwest of Solomon, AZ near the junction of US-70 and US-191.  You will turn south off the highway. The camping area we used was at the top of the hill on the right. (see coordinates).

Proximity to shopping: Solomon is about 5 miles away and Safford, a much larger community, is about 5 miles beyond Solomon.

Camping Population:   Travelers.

Sites:   N/A  - dispersed camping on BLM land

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RATING KEY:    category - score 

Categories:  I - established campgrounds where one might spend a vacation or several days

                    II -  boondocking, dry camping where there are no designated sites and no amenities but

                               one might choose to stay for more than a night.

                    III - over-night areas 

You must remember that we are scoring 1 thru 5 according to things which are important to us: the environment, cost, amenities, location, safety, camping population, site, phone service 

* There are people who are not full-timers and van-dwellers by choice. We try hard not to be demeaning or assume that they are bad people but sadly, as you find in the poorer parts of a city, there seems to be more crime. Many call these people van-dwellers. That isn’t really accurate even though they do often live in vans. We know quite a few van-dwellers who have good incomes, are full-timers by choice and prefer a van to other types of vehicles. To try to show some respect for people who have a difficult lot in life, I’m calling them ‘residential campers’.  It is only when you get a high proportion of residential campers in an area that you find an increase in petty theft, etc.  

CITY OF ROCKS SP, Faywood, NM

CITY OF ROCKS STATE PARK

RUN BY:  State of New Mexico

LOCATION: near Faywood, NM  32.589827 -107.975028

Last Visited:  3/7/2018

UTILITIES: None

COST:  $15

DISCOUNTS:  None

OUR RATING (1-5): Category I. Score 5

NOTES:  This is a very unique place. The rocky area that has been carved by erosion does look like an abstract city from a distance. There are some good trails and it is fun exploring all of the nooks and crannies of the “city”. 

Environment:  Desert

Amenities:  NONE

Dump:  Yes

Public Water: Yes

Toilets: Yes

Showers: No

Laundry: No

Phone Service:  4G2 on north side of campground. 

Nearest Propane:  11824 Highway 180 East, Silver City, NM   

Location:  Take US 180 north out of Deming, NM. Watch for State Hwy 61 and turn right. Follow signs. You’ll see it from the road well before entrance.

Proximity to shopping:  There are a cluster of small towns just before Silver City to the northwest and Deming to the south. None are close.

Camping Population: Travelers and vacationers. Met people from several different states.

Sites: Most are nice size and easy access. 

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RATING KEY:    category - score 

Categories:  I - established campgrounds where one might spend a vacation or several days

                    II -  boondocking, dry camping where there are no designated sites and no amenities but

                               one might choose to stay for more than a night.

                    III - over-night areas 

You must remember that we are scoring 1 thru 5 according to things which are important to us: the environment, cost, amenities, location, safety, camping population, site, phone service 

* There are people who are not full-timers and van-dwellers by choice. We try hard not to be demeaning or assume that they are bad people but sadly, as you find in the poorer parts of a city, there seems to be more crime. Many call these people van-dwellers. That isn’t really accurate even though they do often live in vans. We know quite a few van-dwellers who have good incomes, are full-timers by choice and prefer a van to other types of vehicles. To try to show some respect for people who have a difficult lot in life, I’m calling them ‘residential campers’.  It is only when you get a high proportion of residential campers in an area that you find an increase in petty theft, etc.