Center Lake

One of the few places we could find to camp without reservations. Had to use the phone at the entrance and “reserve” a spot that day, also we were forced to pay via a credit card to make the same day reservation.

We tent camped on the upper loop and it was nice and shaded. The amenities were not as clean as we had hoped but were usable.

Tent square was level and debris free.

This state park is extremely popular and hard to get into. Turns out Center Lake is the only campground you can do "same day reservations". Meaning, you call in the morning you want to go (or check online) and see if they have any spots. If they do, you can reserve one for as many days as you want (limit 14 I think). We saw online there were plenty available so we drove there and picked out a spot that was available and then called. There was no camphost on duty that we could tell, so everything is done via their online phone reservation. They even have phones next to the signs at the campground entrance, so if you don't get any service, you can use theirs. Kind of weird, but whatever.

The campground was nice enough. Lots of shade and trees so we definitely had to use our generator. Sites were not too close together though and pretty level. The road to get in was a little windy, but we managed okay in our 27 foot Airstream.

Verizon was pretty finicky. It wasn't great stable signal, but we were able to get some work in while we were there. Definitely a little frustrating.

The kids loved playing in the lake down by the beach, and its about a 45 minute drive to the state park visitor center - and they have a Jr. Ranger Badge and a lot of programs for kids and adults.

I believe there were water spigots, but the closest dump station is down by the Wildlife Loop road and the visitor center.