Everyone has their favorite camgrounds. This is one of mine. It’s free, it’s rustic, and it’s right on an amazing river. There are only a few sites and no trailers are allowed which helps keeps things quiet. There are moose, elk, wolves, bears (both kinds), fisher, marten, goshawk, cougar, wolverine, mountain goats, mule deer(along with antelope and white tail further down the valley) and various other animals like bighorn high up on the cliffs. It’s also raptor heaven - with golden eagles, bald eagles, osprey and hawks plentiful. The camp also borders a one million acre wilderness area. There’s a small meadow witha mixture of aspen and pine, as well as wildflowers. There are also mountains surrounding the site and thick pine forest. Every single aspect of this area - right down to the forest floor is scenic. Coming from suburbia to this camp for the first night is an incredible revelation. The quiet is stunning, the air incredibly clean,and the ambience very wild yet also soothing. Water is obtained by a hand pump or by boiling what you get from the river. While some look down on car campgrounds, I see them as our most important campgrounds. People can get to them easy, they are “the beginning” of the wild country, and they provide alot of fun for families and those weary after driving long distances(arriving at night,tired or disabled etc). Keeping these open and affordable to all Americans is a step in maintaining interest in our public lands and the endangered species that live in the habitat. Passion and love for the outdoors is not measured by how expensive your tent is, or how much gear you own from a high end company, or wether you only camp at long hike-in campsites. It’s measured by heart, and by those who share these specials places with people they care about.
