West Fork Carson River Dispersed

Tried to camp here twice. May have been Blue Lakes Road Dispersed we tried the first time, but they connect (though there is one tough place in the road between them see photos).

Once at the height of summer it (or Blue Lakes Road Dispersed or both) was (were) bumper to bumper crowded with good folks having a good time, fishing, riding horses. Etc. But it was so crowded we couldn't find any room. I mean none at all.

Had to go back to near the sno-park area where the large concrete lot had room, that time. Not sure if it was the official sno-park or just the parking lot where Blue Lakes Road hits 88. Large flat parking area, perfect if nothing else is available. Easy in and out. Guess I don't know if it is officially allowed to park there but sure seems like it.

Anyway, back to West Fork Carson River Dispersed: Second try, shoulder season, midweek, and there were several open spaces.....though even then, at least half were occupied and of course they were some of the nicest.

Depending on which spot you choose you may get some solar or moderate shade, a little privacy of none at all. Note this area abuts the meadow area less than a mile down the road with a separate entry in Campendium, the Blue Lakes Road Dispersed and those seem to be the spots that fill the quickest.

Yes there is some traffic along Blue Lakes Road.

ATT is zero signal. All over this area.

Verizon had a single bar at various spots in the campground but not all, and was slow. A booster helped a bit. But really the problem is you are sharing a single tower, SSW, along 88, that gets saturated during the day. Early morning before the sun comes up, and traffic on 88 picks up, was the only time speeds were above a crawl. Maybe if you don't have a plan with network management you'll fare better.

Highlights: Hawks and river otters.
Lowlights: Many sites are dusty, and it can get busy and crowded.

We camped a little south of the official Campendium pin drop, at 38.696931,-119.932541 which is the general area where most of our photos are from.