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Coming from N Kalifornia, Death Valley campsite 1 night?

Discussion in 'Southern California' started by hikerduane, Mar 19, 2018.

  1. Mar 19, 2018 at 1:44 PM
    #1
    hikerduane

    hikerduane [OP] Stove & lantern collector, retired

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    Duane
    Meadow Valley, Jefferson USA
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    Found one very long thread, decided on a separate thread to see if I could get a suggestion for a campsite for one night, prior to a group campout at Panamint Springs. Headed down 395 thru Reno, Bishop April 19. Our stovie group likes water, showers if possible. I'm just looking for a legal place to spend a night with my pup, tailgating works fine, in a tent. May even stay by White Mt area. Don't necessarily need to make DV on the 19, a couple hour drive the next day is fine.
    Duane
     
  2. Mar 19, 2018 at 4:14 PM
    #2
    OnHartung'sRoad

    OnHartung'sRoad -So glad I didn't take the other...

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    Somewhere in the Mojave Desert...
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    2017 Tacoma OR 4x4 (formerly 2002 OR 4x4, 1995 4x4 4Runner, 1985 4x4 Toy PU) ... and RIP’s (rust in pieces) to a Bronco II 4x4 & S10 Blazer 4x4
    Jail Canyon - includes a great stay in a real gold camp with miner’s cabins, mills, and several mines:

    http://www.backroadswest.com/MonthTrips/JailCyn.htm

    Edit: just saw more recent pics in the article above and it looks like the cabin has been trashed since I was there a couple years ago:annoyed:

    But if not, do what we all used to do and bring a goodie to leave in the cabin for others - soup can, firewood for the wood burning stove, candle, or other non-perishable and mouse proof gift. Pick up alter yourself and others if needed, its well taken care of but only stays that way because people care about it. (Edit: well maybe, but its still a cool canyon to see).

    Have fun, and take it slow- its a bit rough driving the last part to the site.

    Other places to consider in the park for camping near Panamint Spring include dry and primitive camps at Wildrose (easy drive but really open and busy), Thorndike and Mahogany Flat- nicer and more isolated but probably best in warmer weather due to their higher elevations.
     
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2018
  3. Mar 19, 2018 at 4:53 PM
    #3
    hikerduane

    hikerduane [OP] Stove & lantern collector, retired

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    Duane
    Meadow Valley, Jefferson USA
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    I need to order a map, don't always ask questions, nice to see if one made a good decision on a trail or campsite. I'll have vintage lanterns, vintage stoves, so don't want to bump around too much. Hard to get globe's for some lanterns.
    Duane
    IMG_4343.jpg
     
    OnHartung'sRoad likes this.
  4. Mar 19, 2018 at 5:44 PM
    #4
    Mr. Nobody

    Mr. Nobody Just a nobody

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    Benton hot springs is always kind if nice. It's a tent camping site but each site has it's own tub with plumbed natural spring water.
     
    OnHartung'sRoad likes this.
  5. Mar 19, 2018 at 6:29 PM
    #5
    OnHartung'sRoad

    OnHartung'sRoad -So glad I didn't take the other...

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    Somewhere in the Mojave Desert...
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tacoma OR 4x4 (formerly 2002 OR 4x4, 1995 4x4 4Runner, 1985 4x4 Toy PU) ... and RIP’s (rust in pieces) to a Bronco II 4x4 & S10 Blazer 4x4
    Benton Hot Springs is great! I didnt think he wanted developed, but given he cant rough it (due to antiques on board) the only places of those I suggested would be Wildrose, but really if you are touring DV and need a campsite.

    I’d rather be sitting in a hot spring enjoying a view of the back of the Sierra in the winter too!
     
  6. Mar 19, 2018 at 8:03 PM
    #6
    steezymac

    steezymac Well-Known Member

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    Chris
    Front Range, CO
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    stayed in Alabama hills Saturday night...place was awesome and free.99 ! check it out
     
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  7. Mar 19, 2018 at 10:46 PM
    #7
    OnHartung'sRoad

    OnHartung'sRoad -So glad I didn't take the other...

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    Somewhere in the Mojave Desert...
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    2017 Tacoma OR 4x4 (formerly 2002 OR 4x4, 1995 4x4 4Runner, 1985 4x4 Toy PU) ... and RIP’s (rust in pieces) to a Bronco II 4x4 & S10 Blazer 4x4
    Any pointers on good sites there? Maybe heading up 395 to DV in a couple weeks for spring break :)
     
  8. Mar 19, 2018 at 11:03 PM
    #8
    CODOTUS

    CODOTUS I know how to get places

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    Cody
    Denver and everywhere West!
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    Before you go down the hill on 190 to Panamint Springs bust a left on Saline Valley Rd. It is a dirt road and will have some washboard, but if you take it easy it wont be too bumpy. You will make a big bend to right not long after getting on it. Pay close attention to your left and you will see the "Boxcar Cabin" (you can miss it if you aren't paying attention). You can camp outside or the inside is maintained and has a wood burning stove. There is also an old outhouse not far from the cabin. I don't know what you are looking for, but this is what I consider "luxury" camping. It's not to far off of 190 and the road has been graded recently (I was just on it 2 weeks ago).

    Just so you know what kind of digs I am talking about: http://deathvalleyjim.com/buckhorn-boxcar-cabin/

    Go up Whitney Portal Rd out of Lone Pine and shortly after getting outside of town you can shoot off in any direction and find plenty of campsites. This is mainly BLM land, but there is some private property around the area. Just look at the signs.

    If I was coming from the south to DV though this isn't where I would camp. A little out of the way. Check out Panamint Valley - plenty of camping all over there and a really big old mining cabin with a couple of beds. (not putting exact location of this cabin on the web)
     
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2018
    2000man likes this.
  9. Mar 20, 2018 at 7:53 AM
    #9
    hikerduane

    hikerduane [OP] Stove & lantern collector, retired

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    Duane
    Meadow Valley, Jefferson USA
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    RCI sliders fuel tank skid plate, Softopper, tailgate insert
    Thank you for the replies, have snagged a spot by Mammoth, Bishop, Big Pine a few times, just leaving buried treasure in the morning. Hate paying to camp, but have to sometimes. Prefer someplace before Panamint Springs, final decision may hinge on what two friends may do who are coming from different locales. I have ordered some maps, will peruse them when received. One young friend said to bring extra gas, not sure I'll be driving much this trip, want to get a little lay of the land.
    Duane
     
  10. Mar 20, 2018 at 11:29 AM
    #10
    steezymac

    steezymac Well-Known Member

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    Chris
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    Hard to not get a good site out there. We drove by a few that were already claimed and everyone was unique in its own way. Show up early to get a good one!
     
  11. Apr 23, 2018 at 8:38 AM
    #11
    hikerduane

    hikerduane [OP] Stove & lantern collector, retired

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    Duane
    Meadow Valley, Jefferson USA
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    '16 Blazing Blue Pearl TRD Sport AC V6 manual, tow pkg
    RCI sliders fuel tank skid plate, Softopper, tailgate insert
    Stayed with our Coleman Collectors a couple nights at Panamint Springs, no decent shower water temps, cool or hot, depending on when you took a shower.
    Ended up staying a couple nights in Lone Pine before meeting the others in DV. I hung out, a few others ventured out in their truck or a trio of dual sports went for six hour rides.
    Duane
    IMG_4648_opt.jpg IMG_4654_opt.jpg IMG_4637_opt.jpg IMG_4647_opt.jpg
     
    Mr. Nobody and EDDO like this.
  12. May 10, 2018 at 6:49 PM
    #12
    Topanga Taco

    Topanga Taco BUZZING NITRO

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    Rick
    Topanga Canyon, Southern California
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    The Magic of ALSD RCI-skid BlackSumos Bilstein 6112/5100
    You guys got me rolling! Alabama Hills/Lone Pine reminded me of those pancakes they call The UFO or something to that effect. Freaking largest pancake on earth. Crazy good too. Not sure if they are still there, but it was up in Mt. Whitney. Looking forward to the summer fun up and down the 395 in the Taco.
     

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