Hi! I’m Allie and I sold everything in 2020 to live solo in my RV full time. Traveling the United States, I camp mostly in public lands for free as I hike, bike and seek out quiet spots in nature.
July 6, 2022 Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Utah
Getting to Camp at Flaming Gorge
I generally don’t have future plans as I move about, I follow good weather and where I can safely sleep for free. This time my RV journey took me up through Colorado and into Northern Utah to Flaming Gorge Nat’l Recreation area.
Leaving the arid area below near Vernal, Utah I climbed up to get to Flaming Gorge. It’s a beautiful drive through pine forests then drop back down to the gorge. Passing over the Flaming Gorge dam was the first dam crossing I’ve ever done. (Many dams either don’t allow vehicles over and/or don’t allow RV and large vehicles.) I’m not one to revel in manmade architecture but this dam was huge!! I was quite impressed by it’s magnitude.
The Road Into Camp at Flaming Gorge
I found a location on Campendium that boasted one can sleep near the water at the reservoir so I was all in!
There was one caveat – getting there could be extremely difficult due to sand and mud. The reviews were mixed, some people could access the camp area easily, some could not, but the going consensus was it was difficult after rain. There had been no rain lately so I decided to give it a try.
The road in was pretty hairy for Minnie Rambles. It was in the process of being graded which was much needed because the sand was thick at times, if I would have stopped in a couple of places I would have possibly gotten stuck.
I did make it through and was thankful for not getting stuck to have to call a truck to get me out, which I heard could be in the thousands of dollars!
Camping at Flaming Gorge
Camping here was beautiful! I stayed a few 100 feet back from the water since it was sandy surrounded by tall grasses and wildflowers that buzzed with bees.
I was able to get my blow-up kayak in the water one morning to enjoy some quiet and coffee. The water was calm and people came about on every type of water craft – paddleboards, kayaks, small lake boats and even small floaties.
Speaking of, there were quite a few people there along the shoreline yet I still felt I had privacy at camp since everyone was so spread out.
Numerous times the pronghorn would come out to graze along the reservoir. They are so beautiful, elusive and fast, I never had a chance to take a photo.
I rode by bike up and down the sandy roads and enjoyed gorgeous sunsets that rivaled the ones I see in the Arizona deserts.
I really enjoyed my time here. It was peaceful and I didn’t expect that with so many people around, especially with boats.
Be The Best You
Getting to camp was extremely nerve-racking for me. All the sand could have easily stopped my 6 tires from moving forward. Yet by the time I had ventured to Flaming Gorge I had 2 years of accessing dirt roads under my belt; I had grown in confidence to take the risk of getting my RV stuck.
Think of a time you’ve taken a risk you may not have previously but decided to move forward anyway and succeeded! How did it feel to succeed over fear?
Give yourself a huge pat on the back. Never forget you’re stronger than you think.
Thank You for Stopping By!
I’m Allie. At 48 I set out solo to live in my RV. That journey is on hold but my passions for hiking and living well in my 50s still live on! Join me below for more inspiration and adventures. We’re older but even stronger!
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