Spring – Summer 2026
I’m back on the road! If only for a few weeks. It’s been a strange summer. I left North Idaho’s Silver Valley after Lookout Pass closed in mid-April. My route took me across Montana to the Rapid City area of South Dakota. It was there that I made my mandatory 5 year overnight stay to renew my S.D. license.
That task completed, I trekked to Casper to reunite with friends in the area and began my stay for a month in mid-May. As you may already know, I had a heart attack on June 2nd. I recovered rapidly and remained in Casper for just another couple of weeks. The heart attack was clearly a set-back, but I did not let it hold me back! I was in the hospital for less than 24 hours and about 16 hours after being released, I was already back on my bike and riding around!
When I left Casper, I traveled to Saratoga in mid-June. My stay at Saratoga Lake lasted 3 weeks through Independence Day. I thoroughly enjoyed the hot springs (usually twice daily!) and everything else Saratoga has to offer in the early summer (including rodeos!) My next destination was Rigby Idaho (near Idaho Falls) via Pinedale (to spend a couple of days with friends in Boulder, Wy.) and stayed in Rigby until Sept 9th.
I’m now working my way NORTH for the winter. This first stop has been at Clark Canyon Reservoir. Yes, it is named after Lewis and Clark, who camped here, I believe in 1805. This is actually the site of Camp Fortunate. It is where Lewis and Clark met Sacagawea and the Shoshone Indians. The Clark Canyon reservoir (as with many out west) is well below normal. Water level is currently about 30%. At this time of year, it should be closer to 50%. It serves the local agriculture. Regardless of the low water levels, it is a BEAUTIFUL location.
Lewis and Clark Campground
Upon this visit, I chose to stay at Lewis and Clark Campground. In previous years, I’ve camped just a couple of miles up the perimeter road at Horse Prairie. Horse Prairie is a primitive camping area and it is free.
Lewis and Clark has full hookups. As the nights are getting chilly, I decided electric would be a nice thing to have! Especially considering the rates here. Lewis and Clark Campground charges $30/night (FOR FULL HOOKUPS!) and because it is on Federal land, my “America the Beautiful” pass gets me a 50% discount! So… for $15/night I got to enjoy Clark Canyon and have access to water, electric and sewer!
While you feel like you’re in the wilderness, you’re actually less than 2 miles off I-15 and you’ll have a reasonable cell signal around much of the reservoir (Verizon service.)
While at Clark Canyon, I paddled for about an hour, sometimes with moderate winds! There is also a YMCA in Dillon (about 20 minutes North.) For $8. they offer a day pass and a 25 yard pool for lap swimming. I swam 300 yards (non-stop) yesterday – with NO sign of any “trouble.”
This morning, Saturday Sept. 12th, I awoke early to visit Dillon’s SMALL farmers market. There was only ONE produce vendor – and her supply, while it looked good, was not what I’ve grown used to at the Idaho Falls Farmers Market. The best I can figure is Idaho Falls has just about the best farmers market I’ve seen in all my travels.
As RV travel costs increase, a reasonable way to offset those expenses is the REDUCE your RV camping costs. Here are two programs that WILL help you to do that…
Passport America – I just saved about $135. on a 3 night stay in Anaconda, Mt. One of OVER 1100 campgrounds that now participate in this 50% discount program (read the terms for each campground to know how many nights and which months this deep discount is available.)
RV Overnights – Similar to the “other guys” program, but WITHOUT the cost OR attitude! These guys now have THOUSANDS of hosts across the nation. AND… since you’re a reader of mine, use RVACROSSAMERICA when checking out for a 20% discount on your first year!
Before breakfast at JJ’s, an old style diner, I returned to the YMCA and swam 400 yards – again stopping to ensure I don’t overdo it.
By Monday morning, September 14th, I was back on the road – heading North. Next destination: Anaconda. More soon!
Concluding Thoughts
Clark Canyon truly is worth the time to visit. I try on this website to bring you info about RV travel, RV life, and tips about purchasing and maintaining your RV Camper. I do offer a Concierge RV Buying (and Selling) Service. If interested in learning about my service, please click HERE.
If I’m bringing worthwhile information to you and you wish to be informed of upcoming posts, please consider joining my free newsletter below. You’ll be among the first to hear about new articles and more. Further, there is a comments section below. I do read all comments and respond. Thanks for sticking with me this far!
If you enjoy this content, please consider joining my newsletter by entering your email below. You’ll be notified of upcoming posts as I generate them. Also – comments are always welcome in the space below. I read and respond to all.
