DeSoto State Park, This is defiantly one of the higher end parks we have ever stayed at. It is more pricey so to speak then most state parks, but the quality of the campground was worth the premium. We were running very close to closing time, so we called ahead and they said that if your late you can check in at the lodge. We made it there 15 min prior to the store closing time and the lady had just locked the door. She felt sorry for us and opened it up to check us in. "very nice lady" She recommended us a spot and said if we didn't like it just put the tag on one we did and the camp host would take care of the move. There is no reserving of spots so its first come, first serve. We arrived on a weekday so it wasn't very crowded. We stayed at spot #26 and I think it was one of the best ones they had.
Below is a shot of some of the other sites. I can't say enough good things about this CG. The grass was kept cut, they had street lights, cable TV, Full hook ups. The sites were level and plenty of room to spread out. Perfect place to stay a week or two.
Made for hammocks
The CG had washers and dryers at the bath house, but they also had some down by the store.
We visited the "Nature Center" and let me tell you this little guy does not like being caged up. If you see a squirrel on chicken wire like this one... stand back or be prepared to be strayed "if you know what I mean" This little guy was defiantly pissed... LOL
We proceeded to start our day's hike. It looks like they have put a ton of money into making this boardwalk which is about a 1/4 - 1/2 mile long wheel chair accessible. "Super Cool" thing to do for people who may be older or who don't get around very well.
Let me tell you the trails map is very confusing when you don't have all the colors as you do on
this one I'm not sure who made the map, but the bends and turns aren't like they are on the trail.
Below is where where board walk ends... There is supposed to be a wide stream down here, but not this summer.... "Dry as a Bone" at least we didn't have to worry about getting our shoes wet.
We knew ahead of time that their wouldn't be much if any water running but we decided to hike to the Lost Falls anyway. Sad because we had came to this SP to see DeSoto Falls.... But nothing would be falling while we were staying here... :(
My daughter is our family "Berry Scout".... if there are any along a trail, she'll find them and find them she did.... so we had a mid trail snack of both black berries and huckleberries. They were everywhere ....
Like having a natural side walk in the woods
Turns out our hike took us back to the CG. Trouble is.... my truck was back at the trail head so "Somebody's got to go get it"
Below is the bath house for the CG.... looked new and was even air conditioned. Did I mention there is even a small laundry room....
The Bath house was clean and bright
Baby Stick Bug...
So the one thing I can complain about is this campground did not have fire pits with cooking grids... "Just a pile of Rocks"..... Which is cool, but we usually cook over the fire pit. The first night, we were lucky enough to have scavenged enough from other sites that had left them behind to make dinner. The next day when the store was open...... you guessed it... " charcoal run...." Its either that or no flame broiled burgers.
Our site had a really nice patio area, without the patio blocks....
The SP is pretty far from civilization, So if you stay, make sure to pack in enough food, because the grocery stores are pretty far away. We were only here for a couple of days, but the CG is one of the best we've stayed at and someday I'd like to come back and stay a little longer. Its one of those places that you wish was closer to home. "TWO THUMBS UP"
