We checked out several of the BLM campgrounds along the John Day River first, and they were all full of large groups of rowdy looking hunters. (We were here Oct. 6.) We were pleased to find this county park with a great number of sites to choose from.
Our site was sunny, so we were able to top off our battery using our solar panel.
The park also had a flagpole and
memorial to fallen motorcycle riders.
Vault toilets were clean and other campers were quiet.
Nightly Rate: $20.00
Days Stayed: 1
Site Number: 43
Cell Coverage Rating
Verizon
The price of $9 reflects the federal senior pass discount.
I had reserved our site on recreation.gov several months in advance and it was a good thing that I did. I had no idea what a perfect gem this lake is. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon, and the beach was overrun by happy kids and their families. The day use lot was packed.
The water was crystal clear, the lake is spring fed, and had lots of water compared to the Deschutes River across the road which was incredibly low, as water had been released from the Wickiup Dam fir irrigation. No motors are allowed on the lake, and the Twin Lakes Resort which is just on the other side of the boat ramp rents rowboats, kayaks, stand up paddleboards and peddle boats. (If you forgot your own) People on the beach were playing with all sorts of floaties. Once the weekend was over, the crowd died down.
The campground itself is small, and the reservable lakefront sites are hugely rutted and unlevel. The 3 best level, lakefront sites are all FCFS...that said, people arrived on Sunday, with the intention to hop over to those sites. We were in site 7, where we were able to get some solar with our long, thick extension cord and solar suitcase. Sites were huge and often had multiple rigs/families camping in them. That said, everyone was quiet and well behaved at night.
We were pleasantly surprised to find that the campground had numerous piped water spigots, and one flush toilet. There was a convenient water spigot at the exit from the boat ramp, and our water bandit fit on it just fine. There is a forest service dump station/potable water fill 1/2 mile south, it is $10 to dump (credit cards only), but the potable water was free.
We also enjoyed a great meal at the lodge, and got the granddaughter ice cream every night.
The campground host was very diligent, checked the restroom several times a day, and also cleaned sites and picked up trash.
On the negative side, the paved campground road had potholes, with chipmunk holes in the bottom of them. DO NOT walk the dog at night, without watching where you step. Chipmunks (ground squirrels?) were running rampant. Don't leave any food out on your picnic table. You may not like the crowd, if you don't, check out the very peaceful North Twin Lake.
We'll go back next year...
Nightly Rate: $9.00
Days Stayed: 6
Site Number: 7
Our stay was the nights of September 7 and 8. The campground host was getting ready to close on the 9th for the season. The elevation here is over 9000', so that was understandable.
The road up from the interstate was quite steep, but manageable.The water was clear, but it was too windy to take out the kayak. Our site had a small view of the lake. The Navajo Lake dump station was already closed for the season, so we used the one at Duck Creek campground instead.. The campground is larger than the sign in the photo shows, as half of it is located on the south side of the access road.
There was good hiking nearby, with access to the Virgin Rim trail. This campground would be a good choice for visiting Cedar Breaks NM, which is at an even higher elevation.
Nightly Rate: $17.00
Days Stayed: 2
Site Number: 14
Our price reflects the 1/2 price golden age passport, and a $8 reservation fee... somewhat steep. Regular price is $35.70/night(includes taxes) plus the $8 reservation fee.
We had read the previous review and we're astounded that they went over Lolo Pass, so we followed the directions on the resorts website and took I-84 to Hood River and truly enjoyed our drive through the orchards and past wineries and fruit stands.
We've stayed at most of the other popular and scenic campgrounds around My. Hood (@ Trillium Lake and Timothy Lake), and this was our favorite. It is huge, but sites are cleverly laid out, with nicely cleared and leveled area for tents. All roads were paved, dumpsters and clean pit toilets....yes, pit toilets for this price!
The resort has run this place for years, even our picnic table was branded with their logo. They rent rowboats, canoes, kayaks and standup paddle boards. The store was well stocked with camp necessities. The day use area had a public boat ramp....but motors are not allowed.
Loved our site...very spacious and private. Huge trees, blooming beargrass and rhododendrons.
Although they do have a water fill and dump station as you enter the campground, the turn was very tight, we made it, but didn't get a good water fill on the way in.(very unlevel) There is water available in every loop, but bring a water bandit. We decided to dump on the way home after reading the reviews of the Hood River water treatment plant....highly recommended.
As you head to Hood River, pick up a blueberry pie and huckleberry milkshake at the Apple Valley Country Store and Bakery on hwy 281.
Nightly Rate: $44.00
Days Stayed: 2
Site Number: B-15
We parked at the "Alder Flat" trailhead, and hiked the easy .9 mile trail down to the shore area. The trail was built by the job corps and is very well maintained....our 2 and 6 year old grandkids had no problem. We got there early on a hot Saturday in August, and got a parking spot. There were several cars at the trailhead, and we met some campers hiking out with their backpacks. The area is still very popular for dispersed hike in camping.
We were able to find a private spot with a suitable safe shallow area for the girls to play in, It would be a lovely spot to stay in if we were younger...
Nightly Rate: $0.00
Days Stayed: 0
Site Number: N/A
Dump station is in the back, rinse water only.