Question for you 1-3 week fiberglass trailer vacationers - Page 2 - Fiberglass RV
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 03-11-2008, 09:01 PM   #21
Senior Member
 
Byron Kinnaman's Avatar
 
Trailer: Scamp
Posts: 7,056
Registry
The important thing is to do your home work. Since I live in Oregon I can tell you bit about things here. Any State Park from Memorial Day to Labor Day generally will require a reservation. Week-ends are often booked 9 months in advance. Most Forest Service campgrounds along the coast fill up for the week-end by Thursday noon. However, if you look a bit inland there's lots of places in NFS and State Forest Lands that usually have a space. RV parks are like Motels. If the No Vacancy sign is out got to the next one.

To further avoid the crowd and the congested camping go farther inland. Skip I-5 and go all the way to hwy 97. (assuming a north, south trip) There you'll find numerous FS campgrounds, and dispersed camping sites within a few miles of the highway. One Labor Day week-end we pulled into a campground that had 2 empty sites, all week-end there was at least 2 sites open. Labor Day week-end is a very busy week-end.

Armed with this kind of information about any area one should be able to find someplace almost anytime to camp for the night or 3. I've been reading Forest Service camping information for northern California, it doesn't take long to weed out the places to avoid.

The other important thing is be flexible. If one place looks too busy, full, or undesirable, move on. Don't be too picky about the exact site, but look at the area as a whole. Some real gems are found that way.
__________________
Byron & Anne enjoying the everyday Saturday thing.
Byron Kinnaman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2008, 10:26 PM   #22
Senior Member
 
Pete Dumbleton's Avatar
 
Trailer: Scamp
Posts: 3,072
Send a message via Yahoo to Pete Dumbleton
One thing I have noticed in my Full-Timing years is that there are getting to be fewer dispersed sites in some NFs, esp Back East. The FS rolls big rocks to block the back roads and then have regs about camping within X feet of a road, so the wide spots are off limits.

It often pays to find the headquarters or a ranger station and ask about dispersed camping, because they know they aren't likely to have to clean up after you (which is probably why they close off so much to begin with). I make it my policy, besides keeping a clean camp, to pick up trash and litter, esp when the camping is free.

I have also found that it's best not to move between campgrounds later than a Wednesday during summer and esp on holiday weekends, although Sunday afternoon is not a bad time. Likewise, if there is water (lake, pond, creek, etc.) stay away from it because the Party-Hearty folks are drawn to it...
Pete Dumbleton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2008, 10:49 PM   #23
Senior Member
 
Gina D.'s Avatar
 
Trailer: Former Burro owner and fan!
Posts: 9,015
Registry
Yep, especially down here.. if there is a dribble of water.. the campgrounds are full of cretins.

My favorite place here has:

No bodies of water within 20 miles. (There is a stream WAY down in a meadow, but ya gotta hike to it)
No hook ups
Pit toilets.
No motorcycles or off road vehicles allowed.

Pretty much limits it to those the camp because they LIKE to camp, and aren't looking for a gathering spot or cheap alternative to hotels.
Gina D. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2008, 10:57 PM   #24
Senior Member
 
Byron Kinnaman's Avatar
 
Trailer: Scamp
Posts: 7,056
Registry
Concerning the Forest Service blocking dispersed sites, I've seen a couple here in Oregon, but not many. Usually it because the quads and motorcycles are tearing up the place or shooters are leaving a huge mess. Last summer I did notice an interesting "change of heart" or such. In many of the common dispersed sites the FS is putting steel fire rings with cooking grates. In one 5 mile stretch of road I counted about 8 brand new fire rings. Maybe there's hope yet, eh?
__________________
Byron & Anne enjoying the everyday Saturday thing.
Byron Kinnaman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2008, 11:06 PM   #25
Senior Member
 
Doug Mager's Avatar
 
Trailer: 1975 13 ft Trillium
Posts: 2,535
Registry
As we have a preference to knowing where we are going to be shacking up, we ALWAYS, Always, always make reservations WELL in advance. We go so far as to keep the little campsite maps that are often given out to help you find your spot. We use this in the future (if we want to return, or show others where to go) to make reservations. If we like a certin site, we make note of it OR other sites in the park we may have discovered on a walkabout!!!

It seems to me that the Trailer Goddess and myself seem to be in the minority on this site as to the type of campsites we frequent, favoring KOA's and some State Parks. We choose these places mainly because they seem to have standards which need to be maintained and as 'they' say: "The Best Surprise Is NO Surprise".

This season (2 weeks starting July 3th.) we plan to stick close to home, or at least up here in the sPacific North Wet.
Doug Mager is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2008, 12:08 PM   #26
Senior Member
 
Pete Dumbleton's Avatar
 
Trailer: Scamp
Posts: 3,072
Send a message via Yahoo to Pete Dumbleton
Quote:
Concerning the Forest Service blocking dispersed sites, I've seen a couple here in Oregon, but not many. Usually it because the quads and motorcycles are tearing up the place or shooters are leaving a huge mess. Last summer I did notice an interesting "change of heart" or such. In many of the common dispersed sites the FS is putting steel fire rings with cooking grates. In one 5 mile stretch of road I counted about 8 brand new fire rings. Maybe there's hope yet, eh?
When they don't have enough resources to clean up, the solution is make it off-limits. Really glad to hear about the fire rings!!
Pete Dumbleton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2008, 12:53 PM   #27
Senior Member
 
Joy A's Avatar
 
Trailer: 2001 13 ft Scamp / 1993 Jeep Cherokee
Posts: 1,294
I'm headed to the Great Lakes this summer for just about 4 days short of a 3 month trip. My first 4 and last 5 days are simply travel days to great across some vastness that holds no interest to me. W/M, Flying J's will be fine.

Since I have never been to MN, WI & MI I have a route that I'd like to be on because of all the things I'd like to see. I have reservations 3/4 of the time, mostly at SP's with w/e. That is because of the locale I'll be in and the things of interest. In addition, I'm apt to have to leave Lily in the Scamp with the A/C on if it's too hot and humid to take her along with me on a day trip. July 4th is also a biggie for reservations.

During the period of time that I have no reservations I may just stay at Elks clubs, WalMarts or Casinos parking lots and drag the trailer behind me during the day. I won't be in populated areas where I might have to worry about a parking space big enough for the Jeep and Scamp. Then, I may just find some nice campgrounds tucked away as well. We'll see.

I've done quite a few trips of length and like to "wing it" but sometimes can't. You have to think about where you're going and what you're really going to be doing.
__________________
Joy A. & Olive
and "Puff", too
Fulltime
2019 Ram Longhorn
Joy A is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2008, 12:57 PM   #28
Senior Member
 
Gina D.'s Avatar
 
Trailer: Former Burro owner and fan!
Posts: 9,015
Registry
The dispersed site here have always had fire rings. It discourages folks from building ground fires. They may be doing this as a "lesser" than two evils, self protection thing.

The first thing they do when we go on high fire danger here is literally lock down the rings and only allow fires in hosted campgrounds.
Doesn't mean stupid folks WON'T build a ground fire, but it keeps honest folks honest.

Not all "Yellow Post" sites (What they call the dispersed sites here) have tables tho.
Gina D. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2008, 01:28 PM   #29
Member
 
Trailer: 82 Burro 13 ft
Posts: 91
Quote:
No motorcycles or off road vehicles allowed.
a few years ago i "returned" to a campground my family used when i was a kid, just planning to tent-camp overnight for nostalgia... it was Hatfield, WI...
when i arrived, every site was occupied by a bulgemobile, & most had ATV's & motorcycles... there were riders buzzing up & down the roads, loud music, & a definite party atmostphere... & it wasn't even noon... i was so disappointed, i ended up driving through & finding a campground along the mississippi...
on a side note, they were doing a booming business, & the fees had nearly tripled... i guess they found their niche... apparently, some local private landowners had found they could charge fees to let ATV's & motorcycles run wild...
--- steven
steven jones is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2008, 01:46 PM   #30
Senior Member
 
Byron Kinnaman's Avatar
 
Trailer: Scamp
Posts: 7,056
Registry
Quote:
The dispersed site here have always had fire rings. It discourages folks from building ground fires. They may be doing this as a "lesser" than two evils, self protection thing.

The first thing they do when we go on high fire danger here is literally lock down the rings and only allow fires in hosted campgrounds.
Doesn't mean stupid folks WON'T build a ground fire, but it keeps honest folks honest.

Not all "Yellow Post" sites (What they call the dispersed sites here) have tables tho.
Dispersed sites with tables?? You gotta be kidding me. Don't they stop being "dispersed sites" then and become something else. And yellow posts to mark the site? I don't think we're really talking about the same thing.
__________________
Byron & Anne enjoying the everyday Saturday thing.
Byron Kinnaman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2008, 03:26 PM   #31
Senior Member
 
Gina D.'s Avatar
 
Trailer: Former Burro owner and fan!
Posts: 9,015
Registry
yes. we are.

They are exactly the same as location type, areas and usage. Nothing but spots cleared of brush and other burnables..in the way of things, and they are either off hiking trails or logging/fire roads.

Remember, I am from where you live and have spent much time out in the Oregon dispersed areas. They are the same.. except for amenities.. if you can call them that.
Gina D. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2008, 03:30 PM   #32
Senior Member
 
Gina D.'s Avatar
 
Trailer: Former Burro owner and fan!
Posts: 9,015
Registry
from San Bernardino NF website:

Quote:
Yellow Post Sites

Yellow Post Sites are campsites located off main travel routes, where campfires are allowed as long as the fire stays within the designated fire ring. Current fire use restrictions still apply at these sites. A visitor permit is not required. Sites are available on a first-come first-served basis. It is not possible to make reservations.

An Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass is required for most sites. Check with the local Ranger Station for Yellow Post Site locations, Adventure Pass requirements, and current fire use restrictions.

Though many Yellow Post Sites are located within highly used recreation areas, they still offer a sense of peace and solitude. Yellow Post Sites were specifically created to provide a place where human impacts could be properly managed, thereby reducing those impacts in the surrounding areas.
You may also stay pretty much anywhere in the forest as long as it is X feet away from a road or stream, you don't have a fire and you observe all the same rules you would in any other National Forest.

Just because this is So. Cal doesn't mean the Nation forest is managed, in this aspect, anyway, any differently.
Gina D. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2008, 03:52 PM   #33
Senior Member
 
Byron Kinnaman's Avatar
 
Trailer: Scamp
Posts: 7,056
Registry
Quote:
from San Bernardino NF website:



You may also stay pretty much anywhere in the forest as long as it is X feet away from a road or stream, you don't have a fire and you observe all the same rules you would in any other National Forest.

Just because this is So. Cal doesn't mean the Nation forest is managed, in this aspect, anyway, any differently.

Differences in management.

National Forest Region 6 ..

No campfire restrictions most of the time. During extreme fire danger camp fires can be restricted to developed campgrounds.
Campfires are not allowed in designated wilderness areas within 100 feet of any body of water.
No stove permits. (This had been mentioned earlier on another thread)
No fees or permits. (exception trail heads with toilets and some developed campgrounds)
Dispersed sites are NOT created by the FS.
No markers designating dispersed sites.
Camping allowed anyplace in NFS lands unless posted otherwise.
No restrictions on how far or how close to a road you can camp. (I've seen people camped in tents with the tent against the inside of a guard rail.)




__________________
Byron & Anne enjoying the everyday Saturday thing.
Byron Kinnaman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2008, 04:44 PM   #34
Senior Member
 
Gina D.'s Avatar
 
Trailer: Former Burro owner and fan!
Posts: 9,015
Registry
Quote:
During extreme fire danger camp fires can be restricted to developed campgrounds.
None rule difference, actually. As far as fires go, we are in a decades long drought and the whole forest here is in high danger thru most of the year. You may have heard of those pesky fires recently...and over the last decade or so. Thus OUR fire rule.

Fire rings are placed in the yellow post dispersed "sites" so that fires can be built safely. And yes, these ARE dispersed areas, even by Oregon definition. Down here they call it "soda", not Pop, even if it's the same thing. Not all dispersed camping is Yellow Post either, as mentioned previously

From the Willamette NF website.

Quote:
Dispersed Camping

Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. "Dispersed camping" is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest [b]OUTSIDE of a designated campground, and is generally allowed anywhere except where posted as closed.
Yellow post "sites" are nowhere near campgrounds. They are single areas, single cleared spots. Sometimes by nature, sometimes by earlier campers, sometimes by the Forest Service. Sometimes you will run into a group of them together, but they are not campgrounds, in the traditional sense. Go up the Salmon River Trail to the east of the river and you will find 14 such sites.. all meeting this criteria. All patrolled by and maintained by the FS. And volunteers. I have been on many others as well.

Also, from the WNF website...

Quote:
Where no campsites exist, camp at least 100 feet of a water source, as plants and wildlife near water are especially fragile.
There may be minor little rules differences from Forest to Forest based on the unique aspects of that region, but they are basically all the same. (Such as the adventure pass) Any minor differences are insignificant. At least from the ones I have been in. Can't speak for those I haven't.
Gina D. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2008, 05:02 PM   #35
Senior Member
 
Byron Kinnaman's Avatar
 
Trailer: Scamp
Posts: 7,056
Registry
Quote:
None rule difference, actually. As far as fires go, we are in a decades long drought and the whole forest here is in high danger thru most of the year. You may have heard of those pesky fires recently...and over the last decade or so. Thus OUR fire rule.

Fire rings are placed in the yellow post dispersed "sites" so that fires can be built safely. And yes, these ARE dispersed areas, even by Oregon definition. Down here they call it "soda", not Pop, even if it's the same thing. Not all dispersed camping is Yellow Post either, as mentioned previously

From the Willamette NF website.



Yellow post "sites" are nowhere near campgrounds. They are single areas, single cleared spots. Sometimes by nature, sometimes by earlier campers, sometimes by the Forest Service. Sometimes you will run into a group of them together, but they are not campgrounds, in the traditional sense. Go up the Salmon River Trail to the east of the river and you will find 14 such sites.. all meeting this criteria. All patrolled by and maintained by the FS. And volunteers. I have been on many others as well.

Also, from the WNF website...



There may be minor little rules differences from Forest to Forest based on the unique aspects of that region, but they are basically all the same. (Such as the adventure pass) Any minor differences are insignificant. At least from the ones I have been in. Can't speak for those I haven't.

I would consider a "Yellow Post" site as a designated campground even though it might me just one site. I also noted that in the earlier quote that permits were and were not required.

Anyway, there are differences and it's good to have knowledge of the more restrictive differences. At some point in time I want to visit some of the southern CA National Forests and now I'll know to not assume that all the same rules apply as what I'm used to. Thanks for information.

__________________
Byron & Anne enjoying the everyday Saturday thing.
Byron Kinnaman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2008, 07:07 PM   #36
Senior Member
 
Pete Dumbleton's Avatar
 
Trailer: Scamp
Posts: 3,072
Send a message via Yahoo to Pete Dumbleton
Byron, on one group the dispersed sites you like are referred to as 'flat-spotting'.

Most NFs I've been in would call the yellow-post (or yellow paint on trees) sites dispersed because they aren't in a CG of organized sites and at least an outhouse.

It's always wise to check the regs in any new NF because some have vastly different rules than others.
Pete Dumbleton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-13-2008, 06:57 AM   #37
Senior Member
 
Dave and Kathie's Avatar
 
Name: Dave & Kathie
Trailer: 2013 Escape 21
Oregon
Posts: 426
Registry
Back to the original question...

Like Doug and the Trailer Goddess, we also prefer to have reservations (private, state, county or national campgrounds). But, half the fun to us is planning the trip, pouring over maps and guidebooks, discussing what looks interesting along the way. We try to leave time for exploring, knowing that we have a place to stay at the end of the day .

Happy Trails!

(Dave) & Kathie

__________________
"I do not understand how anyone can live without some small place of enchantment to turn to." M K Rawlings


Dave and Kathie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-13-2008, 07:54 AM   #38
Senior Member
 
Chester Taje's Avatar
 
Trailer: No Trailer Yet
Posts: 4,897
Quote:
I was wondering,

When warm weather hits and all you small trailer owners decide to hit the road, do you follow an interary and make resevations for places to stay?

Or,

Just hitch up the camper and head out in a direction that sounds good. And if so, How well does/did that work for you? Do/Did you have problems finding campsites available last minute?

And if you have done both, which did you enjoy better?

Cheers,

Mike
I think this thread got a little off topic. As i said in another post I just take off and hope for the best. This way I am not tied down. I really don't like to go on long weekend holidays. If i do I would then have a specific destination and would have reservations. The only other time I would have reservations, is if i was going to organized RV get together.

I have had problems on a few occasions where I could not find a place to camp when travelling. In this case I have ended up over night in some parking lot (Walmart etc).

When travelling I find its best to start looking for a place at around 3PM. If I am just going local I don't worry about it unless its a very popular place.

I have been right across Canada and was never turned down for a camping spot.
__________________
Retired Underground Coal Miner.
Served in Canadian Army (1PPCLI)
Chester Taje is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Question – fiberglass repair– gap between wood-floor and “wall” of ori lenny247 Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 13 04-06-2022 10:49 AM
Question for Fiberglass repair experts John Perry Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 7 01-03-2008 11:02 AM
Embalmed in Your RV: Formaldehyde Poisons Vacationers Donna D. General Chat 20 07-07-2007 10:58 PM
Dumb question re: fiberglass Daisy Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 7 05-19-2006 08:32 AM
Question about trailer sizes General Chat 0 01-01-1970 12:00 AM

» Upcoming Events
No events scheduled in
the next 465 days.
» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:41 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.