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I'm sure that it is getting WAY too late to find a camping spot for this weekend, huh? Just in case, where would I camp out the night before/after for a Humphrey's ascent?

Brian,

check under the "Camping" topic and Randy's post titled "Camping info for Humphries" has quite a few suggestions.

It will be pretty busy for the Labor Day weekend--always is. Randy's topic under the camping section mainly deals with Hart Pra. area. There are some other spots on the other side of Hwy 180. Our favorite is a lot closer than driving out into Hart's. Drive past the Snow Bowl turn off and through the housing area. Take the next main Forest Road to the left that is not a perpendicular 90-degree turn. The road is about a half-mile past the housing area and turns left obliquely in the middle of a highway curve which curves right. Drive out there aways, maybe a mle or two, and explore the left hand turns off this cindered road. Eventually you will find a spur that goes to a meadow with a nice view of the peaks. We first went to that spot for a friend's wedding many years ago. Over the years, it gets more and more impacted and there's bound to be people there this weekend. But it's big and there should be room for plenty of people. If that isn't suitable, drive farther on the main road and explore around. Plenty of places tucked into the trees. Good luck
J&S

Couple of ideas:

I've actually camped in the parking lot at the trailhead a couple of times. I don't believe there are any regulations against it. There are usually a few groups camping out. This isn't, however, a place where you can make a fire and have a true camping experience. It's more like, lay down your pad and get some zzz's.

Also, there's a nice Nat'l Forest campground ($8/night) off of Lake Mary Rd. just south of town. It's about 5-6 miles east of 17 on the north side of the road. You'll pass 2 cattle guards, the campground is just after the second on the left. Nice view of the peaks if you get the right spot.

Don't forget to stop by Macy's in town on Beaver St. for great coffee and Mogollon Brewing for tasty microbrews after the hike.

--Eric

The road off Hart Prairie that goes around the north side of the peaks is good too, follow the north entrance to Hart Prairie off 180, I think it's FS400 something.

In addition to Macy's, pm offerings in the restaurant arena include Dara Thai, for those so inclined, and Busters on the right side of Milton just after crossing I-40. buster has great prime rib and everything else is good too. It is in the $12-18 range excluding drinks, and Dara Thai in the $7-12 range.

Hmmm, maybe I should head north this weekend....

We are heading north to do Kendrick and plan to do the dispersed camping thing...found a spot we like 2 weeks ago.


After the hike we're hotelling it and plan to enjoy the tasty food at Beaver Street Brewery and of course, breakfast at The Place.

I've camped in the inner basin, Locket Meadow, and gone up from there. It helps you acclimate a bit for the climb up the next day.