I wouldn’t quite go as far as to say we’re cheapskates (although my dad taught me well – and early – the importance of looking after your pennies). But the more we camp, the more we are finding a bizarre correlation between the price of camping and the attractiveness of the camping spot. Should I say an adverse correlation. So the less you pay, the better the views, the more space you have, and the more authentic the camping experience. Free = Freedom!
As an example, this was the most expensive place we camped (like a ridiculous $100 a night!!!) – Jackson, Wyoming. Well situated for checking out the local bars and restaurants, not to mention decent loos and showers. But really, we’re like ducks in a row…
Some of our favorite camping spots on this trip included:
⁃ A riverside campground on Grassy Lake road in the Grand Tetons (free). A campground with just two(!) allotted sites, so space and privacy was not an issue. It also came with a picnic table, fire ring, and even a toilet. And the riverside location gave Darren another opportunity to get into his fly fishing groove.
⁃ A random spot in the Gros Ventre Wilderness, near Granite Hot Springs, south of the Tetons was a treat (free). Perfect after a dip in the hot springs pool, this is just open land you can camp on so no amenities (other than fire rings), but oodles of space. And out comes the corn hole.
⁃ Another random boondocking spot overlooking Henry’s Lake (free). There was a campsite maybe 2 miles away, campers all tightly lined up in a row, with no view. And then there’s us. And a night sky to die for.
⁃ Not forgetting good old Walmart (free). Not big on privacy or space and you might find yourself parked up between weirdos. But the real reason to go here is so you can visit local breweries, bars or other recommended drinking/dining establishments in a city location. When quite frankly any other central campsites tend to be even more densely packed than a Walmart car park and uber-expensive.
When you’re in a National Park your options are, shall we say, limited. Some are certainly better than others. But you are still likely to be packed in a campsite with way too many other campers. Even at the so called end of season when it’s supposed to be quiet(er).
One of the better National Park campsites – St Mary’s in Glacier NP
Luckily, Darren had done his research, and found a tiny rustic campsite in one of the lesser visited areas in Yellowstone: Slough campground in the Lamar valley. One slight problem: first come first served. Surely not a problem for the Hamiltons, we were up at the crack of dawn with the intention of securing a spot, a few choice words uttered as we tried to hitch up in the dark. What we hadn’t factored in to the sunrise drive was the need to stop for the buffalo traffic jam, gawp at the scenery, and savor the early morning light. After our 2 hour + scenic drive through Yellowstone, we arrived at Slough campground at 8:30am, only to find it had filled up over an hour earlier. Booooo.
Undeterred, we actually secured a great alternative (free!) spot along the Beartooth scenic highway outside the park with expansive mountain views, a spectacular sunset, and sooo much space.
We resolved to try again the next day: Slough Campground Take Two. The drive this time would take us over an hour, so the alarm was set for 3:45am. I repeat 3:45! In. The. Morning!!! An uneventful drive in the dark had us arriving at the campsite before 5:30am – second in the queue. We were just tucking into our hot oatmeal in the Basecamp when the ranger approached apologetically to let us know that for the first time in over a month, no one was leaving. As in no site available – move along. Oh well, mustn’t grumble, you can’t win em all. Let’s go find some wildlife instead.
