Pine Flats Lake, Island Campground, Sanger, CA
Friday, May 19, 2017
Hume, California, United States
Don't try to find this place, it's a secret! Was afraid I couldn't get a spot at Kings Canyon/Sequoia since websites all say "full", so headed out to this Army Corp of Engineer Park. I avoided the southern entrance to Sequoia since road is very twisted, and not recommended for vehicles greater than 22 ft (I'm 25). So I drove to Centerville, took left turn to Piedra, then right on Tumbler Springs Rd and wind around mountains for about 8 more miles until you are confronted with a full view of lake in the canyon. Another twisty road down to the campground, and a gorgeous view came with electric hookups! And I got about 4 TV stations via antenna! Drawback was that it got a little rowdy late in the evening, but was a tremendous site (Monday - Wednesday would have been quieter days here). The camp hosts were from Sun City West in Phoenix, and so very nice! Drove about 1.5 hrs this am to get to Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Park via CA 180 - apparently the route to travel if driving an RV! Arrived about noon after stops for gas, line at park gates, visitor center crush and hurried on to Azalea campground since I'm told it is one of the "first come, first serve campgrounds" (no reservations) - had no trouble getting a site, but see that campground is almost completely full and I am site #106, so there must be a lot. Definitely not level around here, and again, no hookups, but can't beat the location. I followed CA 180 out toward Cedar Grove Visitor Center, but didn't go the whole way. Road became very tight, hugging the rock cliffs so I turned back at Boyden Cave. However, views of canyons, wildflowers, rivers, mountains were fantastic. Would have been much easier drive in a car! On return, stopped to do a short hike to see General Grant Sequoia - pictures cannot do them justice. They glisten with cinnamon color, and have such a broad trunk that you feel like a pin next to them. Sara was again not happy that I left her to go see General Grant, but she enjoyed one sedative pill and 2 calming natural remedies. We were back to camp by 4:30 where all sites are taken - dinner, a walk, birthday call to Aunt M and Don, and blog work. It's 57 degrees at dusk, probably colder tonight!
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