Absolutely loved this place in late October 2023. We stayed at Campsite #1 right at the entrance. Plenty of room for a 40’ coach and level enough to enjoy. Had a creek next to us, clean fire pit, grille and picnic table and a very peaceful week.
The camping fees are currently FREE with the usual 14 day max limit. The road in is narrow and dirt but easy to travel, even pulling the toad. The sites are spread far enough apart for privacy and there’s even a group site. All free.
There is a bridge crossing the creek at the campground entrance that others have said is narrow. Our full size Class A navigated it with zero issues and room to spare. Unless you’re pulling a 14’ wide trailer, you’ll be fine.
The campsites vary in size but all are within easy access of vault toilets that were immaculately clean during our visit. Props to BLM for that. Zero odor, well stocked with TP and in great shape.
There is no potable water but with proper filtration and treatment, the supply from the creek is refreshing and endless.
If you are an old mine buff, the Victorian, Horton, Klondike and Bi-Metallic mines are a short Jeep ride away.
The Horton has a bat gate that someone has “modified” for access for whatever reason. Being a conveyor haulage drift, there’s no much to see other than dangling chains that once suspended the conveyor and the ore pan feeder at the end. No, the Horton Mine is not haunted. The adit provides ventilation to the upper diggings and that nice breeze through there not only mists with humidity but makes hanging things move when the airflow is altered by something like someone standing in its path….
The Victorian is falling victim to senseless acts of vandalism. The dry house has holes kicked in the walls, windows busted and interior artifacts destroyed. The portal provides entrance to a mostly reclaimed haulage tunnel. The roof bolts are showing signs of significant fatigue and deterioration so the days are numbered before it subsides.
The Bi-Metallic and Klondike require some hiking but are relatively dry, well timbered and of historical interest.
Folks - Please don’t high grade anything from these mines. Whatever is there looks better where it rests than in your junk drawer. If it interests you, take pictures but leave it for the next enthusiast.
I’d stay here again and to the maximum days, it’s that nice.
Buy a license and go up the road to Grove Lake. There’s some nice sized trout in there that like red worm and cheese bait. They hit light, they fight well and they...
Read moreWhat to say about Kingston... the settlement was getting all of it roads paved when we arrived, to access was absurdly smooth until the dirt road. The dirt road was in great shape for early autumn, had no issue with driving a 2WD car on it at the posted speed limit. The campground area had tables at each site, a firepit and grill as well (didn't use them due to high fire hazard). The area has trees, shade and the stream running through it, campsites are spaced pretty well - not packed in or distant. No running water, bring your own. Campsite had room for two tents, did not notice any mid-sized stones covering the area. Some of the camp sites would be better for RVs than tents, and vice versa - unless the area is packed, take a look around. No ants. Some flies. No mosquitoes (the temp. had dropped below 50°, might have killed/sent them dormant) even though there was water near the site. There's a lake and an old 'guard post' further up the road - a short hike). It was a quiet, secluded and...
Read moreBeautiful, hidden gem of a campground. Almost had the whole place to ourselves! Very easy to get to, just past the quaint and wonderful little town of Kingston. Lots of trails to explore around the campground (Weathwr with an ATV or hiking), to include some very cool abandon mines on the hills across from the campground. Very nice lake just 5 mins west of the camp, and if you continue down the Kingston Canyon Rd very pretty views! The town is only about at 10 min drive down the hill, there's a small general store open from 12-4 if you need anything, they have a limited supplies (Food, ice, beverages, a few camping items) ran by an very sweet elderly couple. The Saloon in town is awesome as well. Highly suggest this spot for a fun camping trip! Also only about 25 mins away from The Spencer...
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