VW Camper Family2024-03-29T13:48:28ZThe Fuddshttps://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/HansPeterElmerhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1970618045?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/group/montanacampsitereviews/forum/topic/listForContributor?user=0fnqo328m59dg&feed=yes&xn_auth=noLewis & Clark Caverns State Parktag:vwcamperfamily.ning.com,2015-07-01:4450389:Topic:916912015-07-01T06:45:29.221ZThe Fuddshttps://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/HansPeterElmer
<p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cKriE6Nlao4/U8e_lwFyDFI/AAAAAAAACf0/vMIkibXCfus/s1600/IMG_5704.JPG" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cKriE6Nlao4/U8e_lwFyDFI/AAAAAAAACf0/vMIkibXCfus/s1600/IMG_5704.JPG"></img></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Let's get this out of the way right off: Lewis and Clark never visited the caverns, but they did pass through what is now the park.<br></br> <br></br> On I-90 at either exit 256 at Cardwell (if you're Eastbound) or exit 274 at Three Forks (if you're Westbound) you can take a break from the interstate--and avoid climbing a big hill besides--and visit…</p>
<p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cKriE6Nlao4/U8e_lwFyDFI/AAAAAAAACf0/vMIkibXCfus/s1600/IMG_5704.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cKriE6Nlao4/U8e_lwFyDFI/AAAAAAAACf0/vMIkibXCfus/s1600/IMG_5704.JPG" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Let's get this out of the way right off: Lewis and Clark never visited the caverns, but they did pass through what is now the park.<br/> <br/> On I-90 at either exit 256 at Cardwell (if you're Eastbound) or exit 274 at Three Forks (if you're Westbound) you can take a break from the interstate--and avoid climbing a big hill besides--and visit Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, Montana's first state park. Open year-round except Thanksgiving, Xmas, and New Year's Day. <br/> <br/> The park is essentially two things: the campground and visitors center at the bottom near the highway and the river and the caverns and visitors center (including a modest cafe) at the top. A beautiful winding drive with lots of pullouts and picnic spots and hiking trails connect the two. There are rattlesnakes around, so no turning over rocks or sticking hands in holes.<br/> <br/> If you're just looking for a few hours' diversion (and want to avoid that big hill), a cavern tour should be on your to do list. It lasts about two hours and mostly trends down, the worst part being the walk to the cavern entrance. Inside, there are lots of stairs and even a slide. The ceiling gets pretty low through some passages and the floor is wet in spots, so hold on to the littler ones' hands. Tours are guided, cost $10 for 12+ and $5 for kids 6-11, and are definitely worth it. It's the second-largest cavern in the US, after Carlsbad!<br/> <br/> If you're overnighting it, the campground is a level, fairly spread-out affair with not many trees. There are centrally-located flush toilets, coin-op showers, and a dishwashing station which makes it almost feel like cheating. The facilities are well maintained. Also right in the middle of all the camping loops is a nice and big, and new, playground. My daughter gives it two thumbs up. Cabins and a tipi are also available. Some sites are reservable, some aren't.<br/> <br/> Most Fridays and Saturdays there are programs at the amphitheater or lower visitors center or both. Schedules are posted at the bathrooms and online.</p>
<p>We went the L&CC twice during the Summer of 2014 and really enjoyed it both times. </p>
<p><a href="http://stateparks.mt.gov/lewis-and-clark-caverns/" target="_blank">website</a><br/><a href="http://www.ludwigandgertie.com/2014/07/weekend-three-or-lewis-clark-caverns-or.html" target="_blank">blog post</a><br/><br/></p> Philipsburg Bay Campgroundtag:vwcamperfamily.ning.com,2013-08-28:4450389:Topic:798092013-08-28T22:49:28.901ZThe Fuddshttps://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/HansPeterElmer
<p>This is one of several campgrounds at Georgetown Lake, and I believe the biggest. There are a lot of sites, some seem to be packed in more closely than others. The pads are all paved.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1802226568?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1802226568?profile=original" width="640"></img></a></p>
<p><br></br>Being right on the lake and all, this (like all the CGs at Georgetown) campground is geared toward the water. Hiking would consist in wandering around the campground or along…</p>
<p>This is one of several campgrounds at Georgetown Lake, and I believe the biggest. There are a lot of sites, some seem to be packed in more closely than others. The pads are all paved.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1802226568?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1802226568?profile=original" width="640" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><br/>Being right on the lake and all, this (like all the CGs at Georgetown) campground is geared toward the water. Hiking would consist in wandering around the campground or along the shore. If you had a canoe or kayak it'd be great. The fishing is good too.<br/><br/>The toilets are of the vault type and there is water. The website is kind of screwy, implying that you have to have a reservation, and that there are 69 sites. There're more than that; I suspect they mean 69 sites are reservable.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/bdnf/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=5744&actid=29" target="_blank">Official Site with Map</a></p> Flint Creek Campgroundtag:vwcamperfamily.ning.com,2012-11-03:4450389:Topic:692972012-11-03T01:57:09.044ZThe Fuddshttps://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/HansPeterElmer
<p>Located just off Montana Highway 1 to the West of Georgetown Lake in the Pintlers. Probably a great place to try when the campgrounds around the lake are full up.<br></br><br></br>Some of the 16 sites are huge and almost any could accommodate up to three VWs and all their people. The highway is up above but isn't horribly busy and at night is dead for the most part anyway. A local favorite for hunters, so it'll be busier during hunting season, but the sites are dispersed far enough from one another…</p>
<p>Located just off Montana Highway 1 to the West of Georgetown Lake in the Pintlers. Probably a great place to try when the campgrounds around the lake are full up.<br/><br/>Some of the 16 sites are huge and almost any could accommodate up to three VWs and all their people. The highway is up above but isn't horribly busy and at night is dead for the most part anyway. A local favorite for hunters, so it'll be busier during hunting season, but the sites are dispersed far enough from one another that I can't imagine you'd notice any but the noisiest neighbors.</p>
<p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T61cVPhtCoI/UGByjbTcVWI/AAAAAAAAKOs/SMv3bh1VqPI/s640/IMG_0308.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T61cVPhtCoI/UGByjbTcVWI/AAAAAAAAKOs/SMv3bh1VqPI/s640/IMG_0308.JPG" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p> No water and vault toilets, but no fees either. If you have some good filtration equipment you could just drink out of the stream that runs through the entire campground and isn't far from any given site; indeed, it's right behind most of them.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/bdnf/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=5741&actid=31" target="_blank">Official Site</a> (includes map)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ludwigandgertie.com/2012/09/farewell-summer-camping.html" target="_blank">Blog Post</a></p> Missouri Headwaters State Parktag:vwcamperfamily.ning.com,2012-08-28:4450389:Topic:660282012-08-28T22:39:14.544ZThe Fuddshttps://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/HansPeterElmer
<p>A quick few miles off I-90 at either exit 283 or 278, this decent little park is a good spot to spend a day or two. There are several modest hikes where one can leisurely explore along the river(s), through thickets, and atop a giant rock. The only wildlife we were warned against were moose (didn't see any) but bears aren't above trudging along a riverside looking for a free lunch, so I wouldn't be too lax about leaving food out. There are rattlesnakes too, so keep an eye on kids with a…</p>
<p>A quick few miles off I-90 at either exit 283 or 278, this decent little park is a good spot to spend a day or two. There are several modest hikes where one can leisurely explore along the river(s), through thickets, and atop a giant rock. The only wildlife we were warned against were moose (didn't see any) but bears aren't above trudging along a riverside looking for a free lunch, so I wouldn't be too lax about leaving food out. There are rattlesnakes too, so keep an eye on kids with a predilection for flipping rocks over.</p>
<p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WL6nBiHINOM/UDfWaGn48CI/AAAAAAAAJ90/fOLuO4P6PDI/s1600/IMG_9973.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WL6nBiHINOM/UDfWaGn48CI/AAAAAAAAJ90/fOLuO4P6PDI/s1600/IMG_9973.JPG" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>There are 17 sites all told. Numbers 16 and 17 are at the end, jutting out of the turnaround loop, and are easily the best two. Other sites are of the pull-through type and afford less privacy--though they'd be great for informal groups. Some sites can be reserved.</p>
<p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yxMDLhAY6do/UDfXFRdUpHI/AAAAAAAAJ-U/V7sF6viQ6eo/s1600/IMG_9986.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yxMDLhAY6do/UDfXFRdUpHI/AAAAAAAAJ-U/V7sF6viQ6eo/s1600/IMG_9986.JPG" class="align-full"/></a><br/> There is very faint road noise from I-90 (I only took notice of it when an ambulance went by), and you'll probably hear the lonesome call of a train a few times (also distant). Night is really, really dark. The town of Three Forks, with full services, is nearby.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://stateparks.mt.gov/missouri-headwaters/" target="_blank">Official Website</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.ludwigandgertie.com/2012/08/dad-daughter-camping.html" target="_blank">blog post</a> (not all to do with this park)</p> Lost Creek State Parktag:vwcamperfamily.ning.com,2011-11-23:4450389:Topic:572192011-11-23T05:37:44.773ZThe Fuddshttps://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/HansPeterElmer
<p>A small but magnificent gem tucked away in the Southern reaches of the Flint Creek Range, Lost Creek State Park has 25 sites arranged among aspen and tall, thin evergreens, all within five minutes' walk of a 50-foot waterfall. The canyon walls rise 1,000 and 1,400 feet above the campground. You can hike all the way to the source of Lost Creek, or do some scrambling on the rocks littering the feet of the canyon. Or both. It's a pretty nice place.…</p>
<p></p>
<p>A small but magnificent gem tucked away in the Southern reaches of the Flint Creek Range, Lost Creek State Park has 25 sites arranged among aspen and tall, thin evergreens, all within five minutes' walk of a 50-foot waterfall. The canyon walls rise 1,000 and 1,400 feet above the campground. You can hike all the way to the source of Lost Creek, or do some scrambling on the rocks littering the feet of the canyon. Or both. It's a pretty nice place.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1AtpIqti-s/TnP9CI1UsvI/AAAAAAAAIK8/HzXhybHMI0A/s1600/IMG_7582.jpg"><img class="align-full" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1AtpIqti-s/TnP9CI1UsvI/AAAAAAAAIK8/HzXhybHMI0A/s1600/IMG_7582.jpg"/></a></p>
<p>Only one camping vehicle is allowed per spot (or a vehicle plus a tent). I think it was $10/night, but I wasn't paying close attention since my Montana license plates let me sleep for free. Pit toilets and fresh water are available. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://stateparks.mt.gov/parks/visit/lostCreek">website</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Lost+Creek+State+Park,+Anaconda,+MT&hl=en&ll=46.202646,-112.994385&spn=4.204663,7.064209&sll=46.210428,-113.005543&sspn=0.032846,0.055189&vpsrc=6&gl=us&hq=Lost+Creek+State+Park,+Anaconda,+MT&t=h&z=7">location</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ludwigandgertie.com/2011/09/769.html">blog post</a></p> Dragonfly Westy Rentals in Missoulatag:vwcamperfamily.ning.com,2011-05-18:4450389:Topic:328812011-05-18T20:26:34.657ZThe Fuddshttps://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/HansPeterElmer
<p>If you don't know yet, there's an outfit renting Westy campers in Missoula now. I've always wanted to camp in Montana but it's a two-day drive just to get there from Sacramento. So maybe I'll try the fly-in option one day and rent a Westy!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Link:</p>
<a href="http://www.dragonflyvans.com/">http://www.dragonflyvans.com/</a>
<p>If you don't know yet, there's an outfit renting Westy campers in Missoula now. I've always wanted to camp in Montana but it's a two-day drive just to get there from Sacramento. So maybe I'll try the fly-in option one day and rent a Westy!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Link:</p>
<a href="http://www.dragonflyvans.com/">http://www.dragonflyvans.com/</a> Pintler Scenic Highwaytag:vwcamperfamily.ning.com,2010-09-15:4450389:Topic:101102010-09-15T00:22:05.000ZThe Fuddshttps://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/HansPeterElmer
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/200/509715433_eb571a4cbe.jpg"></img></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">On your way along I-90 in Western Montana, you'll have the option to take the <a href="http://www.google.com/maps/ms?msid=208075790844763513407.00048d6a21183ceffa7c7&msa=0" target="_blank">Pintler Scenic Route</a> (spelled "Pintlar" on some signs). My advice, <span style="font-style: italic;">especially </span>for those Eastbound (better views of the mountains, unless you sightsee in your rearview mirror), is to take…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/200/509715433_eb571a4cbe.jpg"/></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">On your way along I-90 in Western Montana, you'll have the option to take the <a href="http://www.google.com/maps/ms?msid=208075790844763513407.00048d6a21183ceffa7c7&msa=0" target="_blank">Pintler Scenic Route</a> (spelled "Pintlar" on some signs). My advice, <span style="font-style: italic;">especially </span>for those Eastbound (better views of the mountains, unless you sightsee in your rearview mirror), is to take it. Your trip will increase by about ten miles and maybe forty minutes, assuming you don't stop along the way.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">If you're Eastbound, the exit to take is 153 at Drummond. Westbound travelers take exit 208 toward Anaconda and the big smokestack. The road is officially designated as Montana 1. It is an all-weather highway and is plowed year-round but hazardous conditions may exist, especially around Georgetown Lake in Winter. There are deer <span style="font-weight: bold;">everywhere</span>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Call the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/%21ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoY6BdkOyoCAGixyPg%21/?ss=110102&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003828&navid=170120000000000&pnavid=170000000000000&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&ttype=detail&pname=Beaverhead-Deerlodge%2520National%2520Forest-%2520Contacts">Pintler Ranger District</a> in Philipsburg for campground availability, particularly out-of-season. A great map of the area and its campgrounds is <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/%21ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwgAykeaxcN4jhYG_h4eYX5hPgYwefy6w0H24dcPNgEHcDTQ9_PIz03VL8iNMMgycVQEAHcGOlk%21/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA%21/?ss=110102&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=null&recid=11592&ttype=recarea&pname=Pintler%20Ranger%20District%20-%20Home">here</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Like I said, your drive will be about forty minutes longer if you don't stop, but there're plenty of reasons to stop. Let's say you're Eastbound and are getting off at Drummond (Westbounders can of course reverse the following):</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">You'll drive right toward the foothills of those craggy peaks you've been admiring off your passenger's side for the last five miles or so, the Flint Creek Range. Drummond is a good place to get some gas if you're low. The first ten miles or so, through the tiny farming town of Hall, are fairly straight and level. This stretch of road is on the very upper reaches of Glacial Lake Missoula, the giant lake that periodically filled all the valleys in this part of Montana as recently 12,000 years ago.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img width="450" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1802226899?profile=RESIZE_480x480"/></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The valley closes up fairly abruptly a few miles past Hall, until you reach Maxville. Maxville isn't much of anything--even less than Hall--but it is a turnoff point if you want to get off pavement and explore the Flint Creek Range. You can drive pretty deep into them, but road conditions aren't going to be the greatest. Snow will also block most of them between late October and late April. You'll also want to do some checking to make sure you're camping on Forest Service land.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The lovely little twisting creek running alongside the road is Flint Creek and five miles or so past Maxville its valley widens again into about the prettiest place you're likely to see. The Pintlers (also called the "Pintlars" or the Anaconda Range) are now in full view in front of you; the higher peaks you can see top out at well over 10,000 feet (this is the view you'll have to stop and turn around for if you're taking this road Anaconda-to-Drummond). To your right are the Sapphire Mountains, named for the little light blue stones littering the creekbed gravel in these parts. Watch it around curves--sometimes ranchers drive cattle across the road and it's not like they warn you they're doing it.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iMyLiZyNW90/S1Pjv0P7n3I/AAAAAAAAG0U/xsRBIhiaVec/s400/IMG_3641.JPG"/></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">To try your hand at gem hunting, stop in <a href="http://philipsburgmt.com/">Philipsburg</a> ("P'burg" locally) at any of a few places that'll sell you a bucket of gravel to sift through. P'burg is a quaint little near-ghost town--it used to be about a thousand people bigger--that has really done a good job at retaining its dignity and spirit. The Broadway Hotel has great, if not a little cozy, rooms if you want to spend a night indoors. Ask a local how to get to Granite, a ghost town (now State Park) back behind P'burg which is still in decent shape. Or check out any of <a href="http://philipsburgmt.com/ghost_towns">several ghost towns</a> around here, actually. Things do really slow down in Winter, though there is skiing at nearby <a href="http://www.skidiscovery.com/">Discovery Peak</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">About six miles beyond Philipsburg you'll come to an intersection with Montana 38, the Skalkaho Highway, a topic for another time. For now we'll just consider the sign a warning that the road is about to quit skirting the mountains and plow right into them, which it does presently as you round the corner. Your old Volksie is going to appreciate your using third, and possibly second, gear in just a bit. There are plenty of turnouts if you feel bad about the traffic behind you. Other drivers are forgiving (don't expect to be harassed), but locals do drive pretty fast on this stretch, especially coming down. You'll want to pull out a lot anyway to get a load of the sights. This is where Flint Creek dives out of the mountains of its source. The wooden ruins you see along the other side of the valley are what's left of a sluice system that transported water from Georgetown Lake to mining and smelting operations around P'burg. There's a nice campground right around here, Flint Creek Campground.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iMyLiZyNW90/S71GndA_sbI/AAAAAAAAHCs/z2jRyYI9uoA/s400/IMG_4013.JPG"/></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">As you climb past some pretty imposing roadcuts, keep an eye out for a little waterfall on your right and you'll know you're almost done going up. Suddenly you'll see a somewhat inobtrusive dam and then, the next thing you know, Georgetown Lake. It's decently-sized and high--6,400 feet. The road will level out and you'll likely notice the locals (Montana plates beginning with "30" and "46") driving even <span style="font-style: italic;">faster </span>along the lake. For a pleasant detour around the lake, take Georgetown Lake Road. Watch closely for it if you're headed Westward, because it'll sneak up on you; it's right at the dam. If you're headed toward Drummond and want to drive around the lake, take Denton's Point Road on your left a little over a mile past Silver Lake. Georgetown Lake is pretty heavily developed, with lots of houses and full-fledged neighborhoods around it. Personally, I'm not a big fan. The lakeside campgrounds are often full and crowded and the lake is rife with jetskis and fast boats. But once the lake freezes, it's another story. Georgetown Lake is a great ice-fishing destination and emerging ice-kiting destination (it's pretty windy). In Summertime though, your better bet for fishing is East Fork Resevoir; watch for the signs along the lake. All that said, the lake is pretty and the only place I've seen a wild moose in Montana after four years of living here. The camping off into the forest away from the lake is better, though I suspect it can fill up quickly in season.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/60883_604925024406_116504459_35009526_8119146_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/60883_604925024406_116504459_35009526_8119146_n.jpg" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">There's a kind-of community toward the end (or beginning, depending on your direction) of the lake informally and predictably named "Georgetown". It's not much of anything except some tackle shops, overpriced houses, and a place that I've been told serves some fantastic fried chicken.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Past the lake you'll drive past another lake, smaller and often glass-smooth Silver Lake. I don't know anything about what to do on or around it, but it is pretty. Mostly I mention it because as you go past it you'll start the long slide into Anaconda. There are a couple very nice campgrounds tucked away into the mountains, the best one to my eye being <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/%21ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwgAykeaxcN4jhYG_h4eYX5hPgYwefy6w0H24dcPNgEHcDTQ9_PIz03VL8iNMMgycVQEAHcGOlk%21/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA%21/?ss=110102&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=null&recid=5750&ttype=recarea&pname=Warm%20Springs%20Campground%20and%20Picnic%20Area%20-%20Home">Warm Springs Campground</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">You'll notice some increase in settlement as you go down the valley but not enough, it would seem, to justify the reduced speed limits. You'll want to keep sailing down the road at 65mph, but don't do it, especially in Winter as bighorn sheep tend to congregate on it and they're not skittish around cars like deer are.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">As you enter <a href="http://www.discoveranaconda.com/" target="_blank">Anaconda</a>, a town much longer than it is wide, you'll notice an ominous smokestack at the far end of the valley. It's the Anaconda Smelter Stack, the tallest freestanding masonry object in the world at 585 feet. Other highlights in Anaconda include: the wonderful art deco <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washoe_Theater" target="_blank">Washoe Theater</a> (one of the ten most beautiful theaters in the country, according to the Smitsonian); the <a href="http://www.hearstfreelibrary.org" target="_blank">Hearst Free Library</a>, an imposing red-brick building commanding the corner of 4th and Main (stop inside to see the artwork and say "hello" to the director if nothing else); and Washoe Park, across the tracks (turn North on Sycamore or Main) and sprawling along Mill Creek with two playgrounds, campsites, a swimming pool, a goose pond, horseshoe pits, and the state's oldest fish hatchery.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Anaconda is a town that's been in steady decline since the 1950s, and in steep decline since 1980 when the copper smelter was permanently shuttered. The only thing left of the smelter is the stack, and there's a small interpretative park at the East end of town showing you just how big it is (you can't go to the stack itself). As you might imagine for a town that's still trying to find its economic bearings, you're not going to find any lavish accommodations, frilly boutiques, or oo-la-la eateries in Anaconda. The closest thing to finer dining is Barclay's II, a nice steakhouse and lounge on East Commercial Avenue. If you're looking to avoid Subway, Pizza Hut, and McDonalds (the three restaurant chains in town), try there or Gallicano's Pizza (very good pizza), or Donivans, both on East Park Avenue. The Daily Grind Deli and Goosetown Grill are also good. There are a couple Chinese places too.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Leaving Anaconda to the East and coming to the end of the Pintler Scenic Route, you can't miss two <em>huge</em> piles of, <em>some</em>thing, on your right (on your left if Westbound). That is slag, what's left over when 100 years' worth of massive loads of rock from Butte have the copper, gold, silver, platinum, lead, and zinc extracted out of them. (To see the hole(s) in the ground where all the rock came from, visit Butte and the Berkeley Pit.) The Deer Lodge Valley opens up in front of you and in about nine miles you're back on I-90.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.google.com/maps/ms?msid=208075790844763513407.00048d6a21183ceffa7c7&msa=0" target="_blank">Map of the Route</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/%21ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ%21%21/?ss=110102&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003705&navid=110130000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&recid=11592&actid=29&ttype=recarea&pname=Beaverhead-Deerlodge%20National%20Forest%20-%20Pintler%20Ranger%20District">Area Campground Map</a></p> Beavertail Hill State Parktag:vwcamperfamily.ning.com,2010-07-21:4450389:Topic:85242010-07-21T18:56:45.000ZThe Fuddshttps://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/HansPeterElmer
<p style="text-align: left;">Since Beavertail Hill State Park sits about 400 ft from an active railroad and maybe 800 ft from I-90, hardcore car-camping enthusiasts may deride this choice, but I stand by it. The trains are the worst of the noise, but it doesn't diminish the camping experience much in my opinion. I've always liked train sounds anyway, and I've never noticed the road.</p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">Since Beavertail Hill State Park sits about 400 ft from an active railroad and maybe 800 ft from I-90, hardcore car-camping enthusiasts may deride this choice, but I stand by it. The trains are the worst of the noise, but it doesn't diminish the camping experience much in my opinion. I've always liked train sounds anyway, and I've never noticed the road.</p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">The park is of two discontinuous parts, on either side of I-90 Exit 130: a small pond (complete with a couple tiny islands) on the North side, and the campground and trail on the South side. The pond is stocked with trout and I'm told makes for excellent ice fishing, but there's enough swimming going on in the Summer that I doubt you'd catch much then. Maybe in the evening or early morning though.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Back at the campground, there is a pleasant nature trail that's short enough you might as well take it twice, once in each direction, at different times of day for variety. The grounds are nicely wooded with riparian trees and pine, offering plenty of shade.</p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">There are a couple dozen level sites and I'm thinking most or all will handle a couple VWs. The best ones are along the Clark Fork River and my very favorite is #22, which I believe is the most isolated; our neighbors were distant and entirely unnoticeable. Bring a canoe or a tube (and fishing gear), but you probably should stay out of the river during Spring runoff (April/May), when it'll be pretty full and fast. Little ones and dogs especially. The pond would be a great alternative when the Clark Fork is high.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://fwp.mt.gov/parks/visit/parkSiteDetail.html?id=280871">Official Site including fee information</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p> Painted Rocks State Parktag:vwcamperfamily.ning.com,2010-06-23:4450389:Topic:80012010-06-23T04:12:42.000ZThe Fuddshttps://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/HansPeterElmer
Tucked away up the West Fork of the Bitterroot River is Painted Rocks State Park, a decent park on the Painted Rocks Reservoir. It's not on the way to anything (in fact it's very out-of-the-way) but it is certainly enjoyable, especially if you were to bring a canoe. The walks along the shore are pleasant as well.…<div><br></br></div>
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Tucked away up the West Fork of the Bitterroot River is Painted Rocks State Park, a decent park on the Painted Rocks Reservoir. It's not on the way to anything (in fact it's very out-of-the-way) but it is certainly enjoyable, especially if you were to bring a canoe. The walks along the shore are pleasant as well.<div><br/></div>
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<div>Most sites are along and above the water on the Southeastern shore of the lake. The boat ramp/swimming area is a little North of there and is a pretty active place, so the further away from it the better. Unfortunately there are an abundance of jet skis, I suspect primarily on the weekends. I think, but don't know, that this park would be ideal in the early and late seasons, and better during the week. It is open year-round. Nights are likely to be chilly regardless of the time of year. The road is paved the whole way, if I remember correctly. <br/></div>
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<div>The spots are perfectly flat in sparse conifer, many will take two VWs. They also lie just off the road, but since the road doesn't go anywhere it's not really noticeable. There is supposed to be water, but when we were there there was some kind of contamination problem, so it was turned off. There are vault toilets. The camping fee for most Montana state parks with water and trash is $15/night, but the website doesn't list a fee anymore (which is usually the case for campgrounds without water). This makes me suspect the water problem hasn't been cleared up (as of June 2010), so bring in your own, but also bring some cash just in case.</div>
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<div>I've probably made it sound mediocre at best but really I think it's nice, overall. And the drive is gorgeous (no, the rocks aren't really painted). It'd be a great place to spend a week during April or October (if you weren't afraid of some cold) just getting away from everything.</div>
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<div><a href="http://fwp.mt.gov/parks/visit/">Park website</a></div>
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<div><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF8&q=painted+rocks+state+park+montana&fb=1&gl=us&hq=painted+rocks+state+park+montana&hnear=painted+rocks+state+park+montana&hl=en&view=map&cid=5385373594603014931&ved=0CBkQpQY&ei=bokhTOLDM6jOoASLjeHvCA&ll=46.214051,-114.093018&spn=2.052595,4.493408&z=8">Area map</a><br/><div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" color="#000000" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre;"><br/></span></font></div>
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</div> Polebridge MT near Glacier National Parktag:vwcamperfamily.ning.com,2010-02-17:4450389:Topic:42432010-02-17T02:43:23.000ZThe Fuddshttps://vwcamperfamily.ning.com/profile/HansPeterElmer
This isn't a campsite review exactly, but it is a suggestion of where to go if you're near the west side of Glacier National Park (GNP)...it's not a developed campground either.<br></br><br></br>Starting from the west side of GNP, near Whitefish, MT, head east to Columbia Falls. You should end up on 9th St, also known as HW 2. Keep an eye peeled for state highway 486, which you'll want to turn north onto. This turns into North Fork Road, a sweet ass road that gets all gravelly at some point and will…
This isn't a campsite review exactly, but it is a suggestion of where to go if you're near the west side of Glacier National Park (GNP)...it's not a developed campground either.<br/><br/>Starting from the west side of GNP, near Whitefish, MT, head east to Columbia Falls. You should end up on 9th St, also known as HW 2. Keep an eye peeled for state highway 486, which you'll want to turn north onto. This turns into North Fork Road, a sweet ass road that gets all gravelly at some point and will take you up to Polebridge, MT, with is 30ish miles north.<br/><br/>The road somewhat sucks, which seemed to deter the riff raff (ie - normal people / casual travelers / yuppies.), but it's well worth the trip. Polebridge is a collection of houses, a mercantile, and a hostel. It's a very small town and is near the Polebridge gate to GNP. The hostel is run by a laid back Scandinavian guy named Ollie. For $10ish you can rent a canoe, borrow Ollie's red Ford pickup, and drive into Glacier to go canoing for the day on Bowman Lake. Then when you're done, just ask if you can campout on the hostel's land. When we (we being Jenn and I) were there, he offered before we even canoed, so you may not have to ask. I can't see it being an issue though. He seemed to like VW buses.<br/><br/>At night, the Mercantile seems to be the place to go. They have wine/beer and also support a byow (bring your own whatever) policy. Expect the breaking out of instruments and general<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
merriment to ensue. Or spend your time camped out by the hostel, which is pretty much on the river. Also, if you drive back down the N Fork Rd, there's a bar/pub type place that has good food and good beer for a decent price. I can't recall the name of the place, but it's on the westerly side of the road about 2-4 miles (ish) south of Polebridge and has a large gravel parking lot.<br/><br/>It is also possible to camp at Bowman Lake I believe, and it looked to be a nice place. But given the amount of National Forest land around, as well as Ollie's hostel, we didn't have the desire.<br/><center><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1307/929372435_f2c81d0499.jpg"/><i>The sign you see coming into Polebridge</i></center>
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