We covered a lot of territory in the last 10 days, revisiting, reviewing and re-enjoying all the locations in my California Desert and Eastern Sierras boondocking guide. Here are some of the highlights:
Joshua Tree National Park
It was Easter weekend and the park was so busy that we couldn’t get a campsite. Not a problem – we knew we could boondock south of the park. There were at least 30 or 40 other RVs there! By chance, we ended up camped beside this adventurous, fun family. We recognized their each other (especially, their cute little boy) from Escapade where they had signed up for a Boondockers Welcome membership and bought my guides. We enjoyed our tour of their beautiful Airstream’s original vintage interior.
What’s new here? Salvation Mountain has a fresh coat of paint. And, if it’s possible, there may be even more garbage in The Slabs permanent residence area than before. (Not sure how one could tell.) It made us comment that, as interesting as it is to visit this alternative-lifestyle community, there’s something to be said for communities having at least some, minimal level of rules and regulations!
Anza Borrego Desert State Park
We spent 3 nights, camped in two of our favorite boondocking sites at Anza Borrego Desert State Park: Blair Valley and Hawk Canyon.
Jojoba Hills – our favorite California resort
And 3 nights at our favorite Escapees Resort, Jojoba Hills. We reunited with friends we’ve met here on previous visits, met new ones, spent a lot of time in the pools (it was a hot weekend), attended social events, and played a bit of pickle ball.
The grounds seem to be quite overgrown and neglected but the statues (there are at least a dozen) and the bell are amazing. And huge!
Moving on now, refreshed, renewed, and inspired, we’re ready to make our way slowly north on what we feel is one of America’s most beautiful, scenic routes: Hwy 395.
RV Dreams Summit
Tune in to learn about all things RV
I was interviewed recently as a “boondocking expert” for the upcoming RV Dreams Summit. There will be many amazing interviews with “experts” on various facets of RVing and you can catch them all for free on the scheduled dates. I believe, my interview will air on day two of the event, if you’re interested.
Days in the road at time of posting: 45
Total camping costs to date: $45.50
“Slow down, you move too fast, you’ve got to make the morning last.” Just remembered that song after reading your post. I know there are valid reasons for traveling fast, including HOT weather. 395 should be grand! We loved every mile of it…well almost. Glad to see you out there again and sharing your discoveries. Thank you (again)!
You are so right, Sunny. We did rush through a couple of those stops and it was entirely because of the heat. If it wasn’t for the “work” part of this trip and wanting to have eyes-on at ever location in my guide, we would not have been going to them this late in the year. We’ve never been ones to spend more than a few days in a row before moving on but we’re getting better at it. I think we’re caught up now and, like you say, moving into territory appropriate to this time of year.
Hi, Marianne. I am Oljo from Montreal. We are on the road since April 12 and just realise we where at mountain palms campground in Anza Borrego.when we where in Joshua tree. You recommand this place in your books and we love it. We where there for easter time. Not far from you. We really enjoy kayaking at Prescott for 4 days as you also recommand. Thanks a lot for your books . It’s so helpfull.
Monique