Hello Tumbleweeds:
Okay, after giving it much thought and checking reservations for days at the other campgrounds in the area for the weekend of July 24-26, I have a suggestion.
Since Poison Creek is a "no-go" for camping, turns out the campground with the most trees DOES have sites available. HUCKLEBERRY CAMPGROUND, just north of Poison Creek. They are primitive sites (no water, electric or sewer), but they are $19 per night. There are water outlets around the campground and there is a dump station on West Mountain Road you can visit on your way out, if you like. Also, the showers at Poison Creek campground are available to those who are at the other campgrounds.
And yes, you can bring your ATV/UTV so we can still have a ride with the Cascade club! (Rosemary, you're in charge of that event, please. Thanks.)
There are currently 10 sites available for that weekend -- but they won't last long. (see map below).
So in the interest of not losing out on some fun for that weekend, Jim and I have booked site #93. I hope any of you interested in joining us that weekend will make your reservations SOONEST!
More information:
Huckleberry Campground is a "loop" in Lake Cascade State Park and is situated on the western shore of Cascade Lake. It is a park like setting with mowed lawns and open spaces. I like things a little more natural however this is a very busy place during July and August. Make sure you reserve your campsite well in advance. The campground has the lake on the east and West Mountain on the west. It is not isolated but you have good access to recreational opportunities all around it.
Campsites: There are 27 RV / tent camping sites in Huckleberry Campground. The roads and driveways are paved and each site includes a picnic table, fire ring with attached grill and most have a barbecue stand.
Host on Site: Yes.
Water: Huckleberry Campground has a pressurized water system with good water. You will find outlets scattered about the campground.
Garbage Services: Garbage service is available throughout Huckleberry Campground. The likelihood of a nighttime visit from a hungry black bear is not as great here as in some other campgrounds on the west side of the lake. However, I strongly recommend using the garbage service regularly to be safe.
Electricity Available: No.
Restroom: The restrooms are vault style outhouses and were clean and well supplied at the time of our visit. (You can visit the showers at Poison Creek if you like.)
Handicap Accessible: The restrooms and campground as a whole are handicap friendly. Campsites 75 and 80 are handicap equipped.
Firewood: Firewood can be purchased from a stand next to the camp host for $6.00 per bundle.
Pets: Pets are allowed but must kept on a leash or caged.
Picnic Area: No.
Recreation: Recreation from Huckleberry Campground includes; camping, fishing, biking, hiking, skiing, jet skiing and photography as well as many other activities.
Fishing: Fishing is available by boat or from the bank for trout, large and small mouth bass, perch and northern pikeminnow.
Boating: Boating is the most popular recreation here whether it is for water skiing or fishing. There are boat ramps at Rainbow Point Campground to the north or to the south at Buttercup Campground.
Swimming: There is no designated swimming area but there are always people enjoying the lake during those hot summer days.
Wildlife: Deer are common as are small woodland animals and birds.
RV Dumping Site: There is an RV dumping station in Donnelly and another on the north end of West Mountain Campground a short drive to the south. (There is also a dump station on Mountain Road, between Huckleberry and Poison Creek.)
Elevation: 4842 Feet
