I was recently working on linking up some old blog posts to Campendium and realized that we camped in some pretty awesome spots in 2013. So, in addition to posting a top 10 list (tomorrow) for this year, I’m doing one for the year before. One cool thing to note, our favorite spots for 2013 were all free!
10. Blair Valley – Julian, CA
This spot was tough to access, but was a great escape from the warm temps at lower altitudes. Cost: $0
9. Darby Well Road – Ajo, AZ
We loved being surrounded by the saguaros, though the cell service was slowwww. This is a great spot if you don’t have to work. Cost: $0
8. Toats Coulee Campground – Loomis, WA
This spot is in north central Washington and sits next to a loud roaring river. Cost: $0 (with a Discover Pass)
7. Elgin Park Trailhead – Buffalo, WY
This beautiful National Forest campground was a great stop for the night on our way from Jackson, WY to Deadwood, SD. Cost: $0
6. Alabama Hills Recreation Area – Lone Pine, CA
Camping on the location of over 400 movies. This spot would have ranked higher for us if we were able to get workable cell/data. Cost: $0
5. Joshua Tree South – Chiriaco Summit, CA
Our first visit to Joshua Tree South was in 2013, and it satisfied all of our camping requirements. Cost: $0
4. Buckeye Hills Regional Park – Buckeye, AZ
Just east of Phoenix, this is a free county park that has covered picnic tables and trash service! It also has cell and over the air hdtv reception. Cost: $0
3. Rocky Point East – Susanville, CA
Located in northern California, this is one of the most beautiful spots we’ve ever stayed. Cost: $0
2. Pole Mountain Area – Buford, WY
Just west of Cheyenne is this is an awesomely isolated campsite that has 4G Verizon & AT&T. Cost: $0
1. Upper Teton View – Moose, WY
We proclaimed this our favorite spot of the year in 2013. Spectacular views of the Teton Mountain Range. Cost: $0
Our #1 and #2 spots of 2013 were brought to us by our friend Van Tramp.
The featured photo (honorable mention) at the top of this post is from Box Wash in Wickenburg, AZ. It’s a beautiful spot, without any cell service. All the cactus makes this spot not very dog friendly.
14 Comments
Can’t beat that Teton spot. Happy you guys enjoyed it (and Pole Mtn). I anxiously wait for the 2014 list in 12 months.
Ha! It’s ready to go – I’m going to publish it tomorrow. 😉
Hello from another full-timing Leigh 🙂 I am definitely bookmarking both the 2013 and your 2014 lists for future reference! We work as seasonal guides, so the suggestions definitely will come in handy as we make our migrations between jobs. Bonus points for the price point on these 😉 thanks!
~Leigh
http://www.oursunnyday.wordpress.com
Leigh!!! I wish we had tips on Florida to share with you. We’ll get there eventually.
Thank you guys, this is a list I will definitely make use of on our travels.
Now, what I would really like – the holy grail – is a list of your top west coast beach sites. Or is that wishful thinking!!
Have a very Happy New Year……Peter
That’s a great idea, not wishful thinking! Stay tuned. 🙂
Thanks Guys! (I hate that when there is a “girl” or “gal” in the mix)
For us wanabees planning our own Great Escape, this list, as well as the one coming “tomorrow”, will be filed away. The Susanville and Teton locations are our favorites. We plan to get to those for sure.
The solar project is getting closer and closer to completion. Hope it works.
That’s so exciting!! Cross fingers.
Love it!
Signed up for Campendium right away.
Thanks for the great blog.
Thanks you guys!!
Love the list, thanks!
Great list! Small correction on #4. Buckeye is west of PHX, not east… 🙂
Thank you so much for your reviews and recommendation of Buckeye Hills Regional Park. We stayed there the last two nights and really enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing this hidden gem!
Hi Courtney! I’m glad you liked it, it’s really well kept for a free spot.