roadtripper5079801

Came here with a Tesla model X and a 22' Airstream. Came in from the west side of Wild Horse Canyon Road. Had no problem getting to the camping area, but once there we found a small section of road that was probably a little more than my towing setup could take. That partly limited options of where to stay but we still found a great spot. I was surprised how many other people were camping there on a Wednesday night but it wasn't an issue at all. Beautiful and well worth the trip.

I unhitched and went to Rock Springs to charge the car. Be very careful if GPS sends you East along the dirt road and onto country road 69 aka Gookins-White Mountain Road. There are signs warning about a 13-33% grade, 4WD required, no trailers allowed. That's no joke! With my X suspension raised to it's highest setting and great weather I just barely made it. Would not do again.

It would be 5 stars if there's wasn't quite as much litter and if it was easier to get to the water (I camped in the spot 1/2 way around the bend). Happened to be very strong wind gusts, so happy to overnight. Nice paved road going in with gravel spots to camp in.
A note on navigation: I was going west on I-80. Google Maps wanted me to get off early, at the California Trail Interpretive Center. Pretty sure that wouldn't work - just go to exit 221 for East Carlin. Also, Tesla nav thought I could get right back on the freeway from the BLM area but that ramp is closed and you have to go all the way back to exit 221.

First: although I had 5 bars of 5G service using Google Fi, the internet was so slow it was mostly unusable. I believe there is an issue with the local cell towers - hopefully temporary.
Second, there was a lot of construction on the residential streets leading up to the campground and an active Trout Derby. Both led to a lot of uncomfortably narrow roads barely wide enough for my modest airstream. Wouldn’t stop me from going back again though.

I grew up in San Diego county and lived in Escondido for a few years - never knew about this place. Got a great site. No hookups but very private, shady, beautiful view. Pad was just long enough to fit the trailer + car. My trailer rides low and just barely scraped the dirt when leaving. Some distant noise from folks there for day use but wasn’t distracting and cleared promptly at dusk. Bugs seem like they could be an issue, but want a problem for my one-night stay.

I struggled to find any availability at the local beaches or even at the better options up in the mountains like Julian. From now on this will be the first place I look when in the SD area.

Also $50 dump fee for non campers seems extremely unreasonable. Don’t go here just for that!