I've heard about this park a few times from fellow camping buddies. I've heard only good things and I've come to learn from a recent camping adventure to the park that the good things I heard were all valid.
So there are a few campgrounds that are part of this county park. I am reviewing for the group campground, Pamplin Grove, but will mention another campground nearby that we showered at.
The teardrop trailer group held their event at Pamplin Grove and to find out this was not the first time. But, it was for me and my the first time to attend the event and camp at the campground. It is a difficult entrance to notice if you are not paying close attention. Because of the natural habitat it is a challenge to locate the entrance but noticing the paved road will help guide you in.
This is a beautiful spot and if you ever get a group invite to camp here, do it! It is gated so you will be given a combination to enter.
As you drive in you will notice camping areas, they are not numbered. It is on a first come, first served basis. When you drive in you will find some signs/bulletin boards with info. You will eventually come to an open area, and off to the right you will see an open field which we were told is called the, Meadow. There is only one entrance and exit and that will be found towards the end of the trail. Cars can pull into the field and is open to camping there. We were told at one time that about 120 trailers attended and filled the campground! This time around, we were only 40 trailers and camping vans.
There are two areas that have pit potties. The bathrooms have motion lights inside, doors with lock. It is very spacious and was always supplied with plenty of TP. Water spigots outside of bathroom to wash hands. There is a couple bathrooms next to each other on the lower part of the campground and another couple at the upper part of the campground which is also near the Camp Kitchen, Picnic area , and large fire pit. BBQ grills are need the the Camp Kitchen .There is also a BBQ pit! The kind that is underground. It was not used at this event but I heard it had been used in the past.
I can't express the beauty of this spot! Oh and near by there is a short trail to get to the river. We found wild blackberries on the way to the riverbed.
We could hear the birds but were difficult to find, except for the vultures. Banana slugs were also visible, pretty interesting. You should google it for more info. The yellow of the slug was vibrant. I event found one that had spots. Please be kind and leave them be.
We did drive to the Swimmer's Delight campground to take showers (quarter operated). It was nice to have a warm shower with good pressure. Pamplin Grove is a non hook up (dry)campground. Also no showers. We did bring our portable shower, but when it came to washing my hair we visited the other campground for showers.
There is a camp host located at the lower part of the campground.
When you are in the trees it is pitch dark! Walk into the meadow at night and go star gazing.
TIP - Upper bathroom you tend to get a whiff of it once in awhile if you are near the bathroom. So if you camp in the upper part you may want to keep this in mind.
Also they said they try their best to keep the area poison oak free, but once in awhile you will see them, so be on the lookout where you and your pet walk.
Please, Please be aware of the Loggers and people that drive this route. Especially when you are entering the campground. They follow close at high speed. read more