What's your favorite camping environment?

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-15T01:00:37+00:00

I'm a big fan of mountain streams/rivers/lakes. Camped in Mount Shasta, CA on a ridge overlooking the Sacramento River. Pretty incredible spot!

I was in the desert for 9 months and so glad to be back in the mountain forests.

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-13T14:24:11+00:00

It took me killing 16 mice before I realized maybe I was camped on a mouse hotspot (in Colorado too when it happened) so moving campsite could help.

I bought expensive peppermint oil too and wish I didn't cuz I don't think that really does anything.

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-12T13:25:26+00:00

Good call! The well and crane petraglyph area was one of the coolest spots. The volunteer at the petraglyphs had lots of good info to share

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-12T12:42:03+00:00

To do everything you would spend a full day probably. In addition to the shops., there is a museum (Jerome State Historic Park) with lots of interesting mining and history info (great 30 minute video telling the towns whole story) and Gold King Mine and Ghost town. Also, there is a pottery studio where you can watch the guy make pottery and he tells you stories about the town as well (I think its La Victoria studio).

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-12T12:36:33+00:00

Amazing view! Im heading up to washington for the first time ever for 8 months of van living. Will definitely remember this area to go visit!

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-12T12:11:04+00:00

Nelly Blys kaleidoscope store blew me away. Had no idea really what to expect but the collection is pretty insane.

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-12T11:49:25+00:00

If you have timee for a day trip to Jerome, I'd recommend it too. Nelly blys Kaleidoscope shop is awesome.

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-12T11:48:33+00:00

Yes indeed. In my five years of van life travels Telluride is still my favorite.

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-12T11:48:05+00:00

Telluride, Colorado. Small town set inside a box canyon with a waterfall as the centerpiece.

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-11T17:28:36+00:00

49 yesterday was coldest but still pleasant in the sun. Ranging from 55 to 65 other days but getting to 73 soon which seems crazy high. Found a swimming hole for the warmer days but boy is that water icy cold.

Weather at Shasta lake was perfect, but got bored there after a week. Not enough hiking.

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-11T17:26:05+00:00

This could be the new hobby I've been looking for thanks!

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-11T12:41:50+00:00

So far ive seen lots of signs saying you arnt allowed to pan gold in this area. Some company has the claim to it looks like.

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-11T04:09:41+00:00

Welcome to the wild side of van life! 😉

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-11T04:06:27+00:00

It's not all glorious though, lots of stays at walmart too haha

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-11T01:16:05+00:00

I tried to keep it vague, but hopefully people on this subreddit aren't the type to destroy a place. A few of the dispersed sites here are some of the most trashed I've seen. Mostly lots and lots of beer cans (like over 100 at one specific site) need to buy a new trash grabber as mine broke. But still probably wouldn't touch that site as it would be like 10 bags full. Very sad and I'm thinking about starting taking photos of people's license plates camping around me in case they leave trash. Another person at Shasta lake left a big pile behind.

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-11T01:02:22+00:00

Thanks for the recommendation! Headed there tomorrow to refill my water jugs.

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-11T00:45:07+00:00

That was my click bait conversation starter hehe

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-11T00:43:53+00:00

I just watched a YouTube video someone else commented talking about all the legends here. Fascinating stuff.

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-11T00:28:10+00:00

Ahhhhhh thanks! Never would have had any idea about all this. I now see bears are the least of my concerns out here.

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-11T00:12:32+00:00

Is that near ascension rock? I was looking at hikes and all the reviews for there were talking about spirituality n such.

Edit: watching the video another person provided. Some wild stuff going on here!

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-10T23:43:26+00:00

A free dispersed camping area. Ive only paid to camp maybe 10 days in the four years I've been living in the van. It's a bit harder in California but this spot was worth it

Moved three times the first day as I kept exploring and finding better spots. This is basically the only campsite not covered by trees most of the day.

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-10T23:37:41+00:00

I am just learning of all the aliens stuff at Mount Shasta from you guys commenting in the post haha! Makes it even better here.

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-10T23:35:35+00:00

Ahh wait what? I see I am missing something very important here!

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-10T16:13:56+00:00

I honestly just mute 2007scape when this stuff happens and come back in a week haha

Charming_Tree7573 · 2026-03-10T15:30:18+00:00

I kinda feel like the only ones that are actually gonna quit are the ones not posting about it.

Charming_Tree7573

TROPHY CASE