Post by: jackelope on August 06, 2013, 03:09:20 PM
What we didn't like about Sun Lakes... you have to put your tent in the gravel. You're camping about 8' away from your neighbor. There is a huge crowd and it's loud. Kinda like you're sleeping in a huge field with 200-300 of your closest drunk friends. Aside from that, I love that place and everything it has to offer. It's really gone downhill there the last few years. We used to go there a lot and always had a great time. This last time, we got almost literally no sleep. I think the drunks next to us finally shut up and went to bed around 3am.
Post by: lostbackpacker on August 06, 2013, 03:11:13 PM
Post by: jackelope on August 06, 2013, 03:18:19 PM
The dads are planning on some primitive camping trips with the older kids at some point and I've got some good spots for that. Thanks though.
Post by: Becky on August 06, 2013, 03:18:34 PM
You're looking for a non-primative camp ground for the family? I always loved Coho Campground off Lake Wynoochee for family outings. Gorgeous area, lots of hikes, fishing, awesome swimming lake. If you go up the forest road past the camp there are a lot of primitive areas by the river (if you can talk the wives/others involved into it). I haven't been up there the last couple years though.
http://thecampingview.com/the_camping_view_coho.html (http://thecampingview.com/the_camping_view_coho.html) (this website is neat for photos to browse through of public camps.)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pnwphotos.com%2Fgallery%2Fdata%2F531%2F66_Panorama_5.JPG&hash=9efd9ab056efe57ffb0a2147801b51aaf4d0b738)
Post by: vandeman17 on August 06, 2013, 03:19:32 PM
Post by: Mfowl on August 06, 2013, 03:23:33 PM
Post by: jackelope on August 06, 2013, 03:24:22 PM
PM sent
Got it, thanks.
Post by: Goldeneye on August 06, 2013, 03:24:38 PM
http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=deception%20pass&subject=all (http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=deception%20pass&subject=all)
Post by: firefighter4607 on August 06, 2013, 03:31:09 PM
Silver Falls is in that book, and it was a nice campground. With a trail that went up to the falls.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=58065&actid=31 (http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=58065&actid=31)
Post by: sneakyjake on August 06, 2013, 03:35:15 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on August 06, 2013, 04:09:19 PM
I know there are some primitive sites along the mt loop highway outside of granite falls. been a few years since I've been there. they are right along the road....
:yeah:
Some beautiful spots along the rivers there! If I ever move back I will definitely be camping around there a few times.
I myself don't like campgrounds either. I don't like the noise or being close to everyone else. I went camping a few weeks ago and heard those same drunk a-holes up talking adult conversations and there were kids in our camp. Other than needing to bring more water I'm not sure what there is to miss about those campgrounds. I hate the toilets myself. They smell like hell and are disgusting to even look in. I'm not sure where a campground exists that had running water and a bathroom but not a lot of other campers b
Post by: Stick em on August 06, 2013, 04:13:24 PM
Post by: hrd2fnd on August 06, 2013, 04:27:13 PM
I know there are some primitive sites along the mt loop highway outside of granite falls. been a few years since I've been there. they are right along the road....Gold Basin Campground, WA on MT Loop
http://www.recreation.gov/unifSearchResults.do?topTabIndex=Search (http://www.recreation.gov/unifSearchResults.do?topTabIndex=Search)
Activities and Amenities
Within Facility
•Accessible Flush Toilets
•Amphitheater
•Canoeing
•Drinking Water
•Entrance Station
•Firewood
•Fishing
•Flush Toilets
•Hiking
•Horseback Riding Trails
•Host
•Interpretive Trails
•Kayaking
•Picnic Area
•River Access
•Self Pay Station
•Showers
•Trails
•Trash Collection
•Wildlife Viewing
$22/Night for single unit
$11/Night for extra vehicle
$35/$125/Night for multi/group site
$5 day use fee
Family enjoyed our week there, and the wife was happy for flush toilets and showers
Post by: hrd2fnd on August 06, 2013, 04:28:48 PM
I have a neighbor who goes to Deception Pass state park every year. They seem to have a good time. Never actually camped there so I can't vouch for the noise level...Nice state park, but good luck getting reservations this time of year as the can-Asians have then reserved months in advance.
http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=deception%20pass&subject=all (http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=deception%20pass&subject=all)
Larabee is not to bad if you can stand the trains going by throughout the night
Post by: hrd2fnd on August 06, 2013, 05:52:28 PM
I have a neighbor who goes to Deception Pass state park every year. They seem to have a good time. Never actually camped there so I can't vouch for the noise level...really the only noise you will have is the sound of freedom as air station whidbey island is not that far away and the flight pattern takes them over the campground.
http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=deception%20pass&subject=all (http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=deception%20pass&subject=all)
Post by: timberghost72 on August 06, 2013, 07:55:47 PM
I know there are some primitive sites along the mt loop highway outside of granite falls. been a few years since I've been there. they are right along the road....
:yeah:
Some beautiful spots along the rivers there! If I ever move back I will definitely be camping around there a few times.
I myself don't like campgrounds either. I don't like the noise or being close to everyone else. I went camping a few weeks ago and heard those same drunk a-holes up talking adult conversations and there were kids in our camp. Other than needing to bring more water I'm not sure what there is to miss about those campgrounds. I hate the toilets myself. They smell like hell and are disgusting to even look in. I'm not sure where a campground exists that had running water and a bathroom but not a lot of other campers b
:yeah: x2
Wiley Creek is a big group site that you can reserve through the ranger station. No one else there except your group. No neighbors and its right on the Stilly river. Room for multiple RV's. Not sure about bathrooms but they do have outhouses. The nicer ones I think. There are a few other group sites along the MLH also. Lots of hiking around too if you want to do that.
Post by: turkeyfeather on August 06, 2013, 08:00:57 PM
Post by: stevemiller on August 06, 2013, 08:30:13 PM
Banks Lake has some nice spots in that area up around Osborne Bay, next to the golf course. The Tucannon Valley has a lot of nice campsites through out. I also like the Sinlahekin Valley, beautiful country up there and lots of camping and lakes from Concunully all the way to Palmer Lake. Haven't been up that way in a long time. I should make it a point to get back there! Mostly it is Primitive camping though. In the Tucannon you can stay at the Last Resort. Nice little place with a general store and the bathrooms with showers. The MacArthurs are good folks too!(owners)This i agree with completely,awsome fishing,clean sites,the wives will have no probs. with these camping sites.even a restraunt and lodge
Post by: sled on August 06, 2013, 08:32:30 PM
I have a neighbor who goes to Deception Pass state park every year. They seem to have a good time. Never actually camped there so I can't vouch for the noise level...really the only noise you will have is the sound of freedom as air station whidbey island is not that far away and the flight pattern takes them over the campground.
http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=deception%20pass&subject=all (http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=deception%20pass&subject=all)
Post by: jeffro on August 06, 2013, 09:18:45 PM
Post by: smdave on August 06, 2013, 09:38:14 PM
http://thesuncoveresort.com/ (http://thesuncoveresort.com/)
Post by: jackelope on August 06, 2013, 09:43:49 PM
Post by: xd2005 on August 06, 2013, 09:49:05 PM
PacifiCorp also has a number of cam grids along the Lewis River reservoirs (Swift, Yale, and Merwin) that look nice.
Granted, these are all in SW WA.
I've also spent time at Dosewalips State Park in Brinnon. It's riverside, right by the Hood Canal. They too have restrooms and showers.
Post by: snowpack on August 06, 2013, 09:52:54 PM
Post by: Whitpirate on August 06, 2013, 10:00:15 PM
Post by: CAM38 on August 07, 2013, 04:07:41 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on August 07, 2013, 05:27:12 AM
http://www.recreation.gov/camping/Spring_Canyon/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=74071 (http://www.recreation.gov/camping/Spring_Canyon/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=74071)
Post by: boneaddict on August 07, 2013, 06:13:08 AM
Post by: huntnnw on August 07, 2013, 06:39:27 AM
Post by: boneaddict on August 07, 2013, 06:56:50 AM
Post by: boneaddict on August 07, 2013, 07:02:59 AM
Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon. The KOA was across the street.
Post by: toothfangclaw on August 18, 2013, 06:15:42 PM
Post by: dscubame on August 18, 2013, 07:30:36 PM
After a crappy weekend at Sun Lakes State Park I'm wondering where you guys think are good car camping spots around the state. I'm a big fan of primitive camping but when there's multiple familys and small kids/babies/etc the primitive sites are not ideal in the eyes of the wives(mostly). I don't care what part of the state, just looking for the places you all think are the good ones. We like to go all over and we're not afraid to drive a ways.
What we didn't like about Sun Lakes... you have to put your tent in the gravel. You're camping about 8' away from your neighbor. There is a huge crowd and it's loud. Kinda like you're sleeping in a huge field with 200-300 of your closest drunk friends. Aside from that, I love that place and everything it has to offer. It's really gone downhill there the last few years. We used to go there a lot and always had a great time. This last time, we got almost literally no sleep. I think the drunks next to us finally shut up and went to bed around 3am.
jackelope you brought back a bad memory.... Last year at Blue Lake by Ephrata I thought it may be a good idea to join family friends for a weekend camp out. They brought their motorhome I brought the boat and a tent for myself, wife, and two kids.
I had some foresight to explain to my 11 year old that this is going to be a different camping experience than what she is use to.
I will say we lasted one night. The craziness was exactly how you described it to a tee!
Ya we will not be doing that again. On the positive side she did see a version of camping that we discussed in detail. The discussion was not negative nor did I imply we were better for what we enjoy rather it was simply a discussion of observation and that we did not enjoy that scene. It was apparent many people do enjoy it as the party did not stop until early in the morning.