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Joined: Aug 2005
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I would like to stay at Horseshoe Meadows (HM) for a night before arrving at the Portal. I see that the camping spots at HM are walk-in only. Does anyone know if these spots are typically available, or are they usually booked up and filled on a Saturday night in August?
I hate to drive all the way up there and find out that there are not spots left.....
Thanks,
hikerneil
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Joined: Jun 2010
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If it's a weekday there should be plenty of spots.
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 80
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Does anyone have any experience with Saturday's this time of year?
If I got up there and spots were filled, could I park and car camp?
thx.
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,446
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Camped there MANY times. Never seen them all filled, but no one would care if you slept in your car.
There are actually three campgrounds there: Cottonwood Pass Trailhead, Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead (both walk-in), and Cottonwood Lakes Horse Trailhead. You don't actually have to have a horse to use the third, and I've often not seen anyone at all at that site, with I think 7 drive in spots.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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If you get there early on any day you should be able to find a spot, if not you could probably share a spot. Bring bug spray.
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Joined: Jun 2010
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The busiest time (I think) is Friday night. I've seen the campground full on Friday nights a couple of times. On Saturday, it's better, and, especially if you get there before sundown, there should be plenty of room.
Worst case scenario, if there's no room, walk 50 feet in any direction from the nearest campsite and sleep there. No one will say a word ...
+1 on bug spray.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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Worst case scenario, if there's no room, walk 50 feet in any direction from the nearest campsite and sleep there. No one will say a word ... Thank you Eugene, Where can you store your food in this case?
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,446
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Worst case scenario, if there's no room, walk 50 feet in any direction from the nearest campsite and sleep there. No one will say a word ... Thank you Eugene, Where can you store your food in this case? I'm not aware of there being a bear break-in problem up there, and I'd be comfortable storing my food in my car and have done so, but if you were not, you could store yours in the multiple boxes at the trailhead, or ask to share with one of the ones in the campsites....or use a portable bear can if you have one and have it with you.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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friday nights get very very busy I have shared campsites before.
the problem is storing food, half the bear boxes are to small to fit a cooler. and they fill up very very quick
saturday night gets a little better
Sunday - thursday you may be there by yourself this time of the year
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Joined: Aug 2008
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I can't say that there is or is not a bear break in problem, but the rangers do check cars. I was up at Cottonwood Lakes trailhead end of July and saw many cars with warnings from the ranger about things visible through the windows of cars. Cottonwood Lakes TH has plenty of bear boxes, we stayed one night and left some things in one box, including an ice chest, with no problems with them when we returned after bping for 4 days. As far as spots available don't know we stayed on a Sunday night and had no problem getting a site...as for the mosquitoes, be very prepared, netting works good.
Patty
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Joined: Aug 2011
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Hi Hiker Neil,
Plenty of room at the Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Backpackers Campground. One night max stay and has private bear boxes and some benches.
Don
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Joined: Dec 2002
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I have used Horseshoe Meadows many times and I agree with Eugene and Ken that if all campsites are full and it's after dark you could just find a level spot and camp there or in your car. I've never seen a Ranger at night. Most likely you'll find a spot in one of the three campsites.
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