Tag Archives: Kirk Creek Campground

Top Ten Campgrounds of 2013

In 2013 we crossed the country, staying at more than three dozen campgrounds along the way. Below is list of our favorites.  These are, of course, subjective to our tastes and preferences.  We prefer scenery and proximity to cool stuff above all.  We enjoy the luxuries of a full service campground from time to time, and when stationary for extended periods,  but we are happy to rough it a little for a great trail or view.  We also appreciate a good value, expensive campsites really have to be something special to impress us.

Campgrounds with excellent scenery from the site:

Valley of Fires Recreation Area

This New Mexico Park is enchanting.  It has sweeping vistas of the “wild west” and is surrounded by an ancient lava flow. The park has a nice hiking trail through the flow so visitors can get a closer look at the unique fauna. Camping here is a memorable experience. New Mexico parks have nice amenities, well maintained and inexpensive, less than $20.  Each site has water and electric, concrete pad and a shade pavilion with picnic table.

Moonrise in NM
Continue reading

Pacific Coast Highway

California’s fabled Route 1 is one of the most scenic drives in the world and it does not disappoint.  Our trip on this classic drive almost never happened.  Several people cautioned us about taking an RV up this stretch of road, sufficiently spooking Alayne, and nearly resigning us to take the 101 instead.  However, this is a drive I have always wanted to do, and after talking with a few fellow RVers, who had taken the trip in larger rigs than ours, we regained confidence and headed up the coast.

California Route 1 has many different personalities.  At times it is an in-town freeway, sometimes a two lane country road, and at others, it clings to the sides of cliffs with sharp switchbacks and steep drop-offs.  It is these changes that make the 1 always interesting.
Continue reading