By:
Submission
Don’t get me wrong, the camp area is great and yes you can get right on the water for close access to your beached boat. The problem is with access. Access starts with gravel, then turns into what was once pavement now broken beyond repair, then turns into a recommended 4x4 trail. We pulled our 34ft 5th wheel to the end but it was NOT easy. About 2 miles of trail took us 50 minutes trying not to damage our truck through navigating the rocks, side hills and dry washouts. There were other 5th wheels and even a few motorhomes but if you have a small lifted camper or tent trailer, no worries at all. One piece of advice, unhook your trailer and drive your truck or SUV down to scout the area before you drag everything down. In this way, you can make sure you are up for an adventure to get to a final, albeit beautiful campsite, in one piece. Did I say the lake is AMAZING....wow.
Nice area to camp when you find the right spot. Lots of places to pick from and bathrooms in the area for you to use. Bring your own shade as you are on wide open ground near the water.
The lake level is really low so you aren’t actually camping at the campground. High clearance vehicles are best for driving down to the shore. This is primitive camping with no hookups. There are some scattered outhouses.
The water is always so warm and inviting. It can get windy so be prepared and keep your gear secure always. I’d recommend not leaving an awning unattended. There are no trees and it will get really hot in the summer.
Remember to get your watercraft inspected when you leave. The invasive muscles can spread to the other lakes and reservoirs and nobody wants that please. Have fun, wear a life jacket and stay hydrated!
I was the only one in the upper section of the ground and it was perfect! Water is crazy low this year but still wasn’t too long of a drive to the marina to put the kayak in. Do not hike down the gorge next to the camp to the water! There is a lot of quick sand! Little to to no shade. Definitely recommend having 4 wheel drive. The deeper you onto the grounds the rougher it gets. Bathrooms weren’t in best shape and super full but happy to have somewhere with a door to sit! All in all I Plan on being back!
We took the road recommended for 4x4 only but there were many 2 wheel drive vehicles accessing the water via this route. There are no amenities so it is upsetting you are required to pay an additional camping fee but it is a good place to access the lake. Other federal agencies can only charged a standard amenity fee when at least 3 amenities are provided- toilets, tables, fire rings.
