Scouting Hebgen

On Sunday, Nick and I left the house to go scout out a new campsite. We've taked about camping at Hebgen Lake, but have never done so. We left relatively early (okay, so it was really 9:00 a.m.) and drove on up. I was surprised at how close it really is. 2.5 hours later we were turning onto our first dirt road.

Denney creek road runs through field, over stream, past horses and cows and fabulous houses next to working houses and eventually arrives at the Longhurst campground. The lake is gorgeous from this side, but the boat ramp is too short for our boat. Good thing we we did this scouting trip. Nothing worse than travelling fully loaded with Jeep and Boat to the middle of nowhere only to turn around and go back...

Anyway, we drove through the cute little campground then turn around and headed back to U.S.20. (The main artery from Idaho Falls to West Yellowstone). This time we drove north into West then hooked a North and headed for the next campground site. We found one without a boat ramp at all, and one that's a private site where you too can pay a large amount to camp for the day.

Finally we crossed the Madison River, turned left and followed the dirt road to the Rainbow Point campground and boat ramp. YEAH! It has a great boat ramp and over 84 camping spaces. Yes I know which one is best, but I refuse to share that information unless I know for certain you're not camping on the same weekend I am. :) :)

There are certain criteria we use when scoping out camping sites. Things we've learned through shrewd observation and unfortuante learning experiences.

First, if you are looking for solitude and quiet always look at the outside part of the ring of campsites.

Second, you want shade in the afternoon if it's going to be hot, so look for trees on the west side of the tent/table site.

Third, shade is more important for where the picnic table is than it is for your tent (unless you want to nap then a different set of rules apply). You usually won't go to sleep till after the campfire has burned out and the dark has fallen. So trees to the west of the TABLE is important. Alternately, plan on bringing an awning or sunshade of some sort.

Fourth, sun in the morning is all well and good unless you like to sleep in. Check out the trees to the east before you make your decision.

5. It's great when the bathroom is in walking distance.

Six. It's not great when said bathroom next to your camp. This means all kinds of talking, laughing, giggling and noise at all hours.

Seven. It's okay if the water tap/spigot is nearby, but don't let it happen next to your tent.

8. If you like sleeping to the sound of running water then pitching your tent near the creek is great. If it is going to keep you up all night, it won't matter how picturesque it is, nor how much shade it has.

9. Silence is golden, watch who you're choosing to camp next to if you can. The trailers with the ATV's are guaranteed to be noisy. Although in bear country I don't mind camping near atv's, kids and especially dogs...

Ten. Shrubberies are great. They help screen out the visuals of other people in the area and can give immediate shade.

I have a notebook where I'm keeping a list of all the campgrounds we've scouted and our favorite and acceptable campsites at each. Not that they'll match up with everyone's needs.

So why do I stay in the campgrounds? First, I like to leave as small a footprint in the wilderness as possible. I'm also too old not to have some sort of bathroom facility nearby. I like having drinking water instead of having to pack it all in. AND I don't mind the company. It's kind of fun to watch the activities of the other campers. From kids on bikes zooming through to the groups with horses.

After Later
Jenny