RV camping at any time of year is a great experience, but late summer is special. I was out paddling on Jefferson County Lake in Rigby Idaho early this morning before traveling into “IF” (Idaho Falls) to grab a latte and get a few things done.
Days here at nearly 44o North are steadily getting shorter. Nights of course are growing longer and chillier. By about 7:30am, temperatures had fallen to the upper 30’s. I broke free from early morning calls to head outside by 8:30am and was on the water moments later.
I paddled for nearly an hour. The sun was brilliant, air was still chilly, and the wind was completely calm. I was the only source of movement on the water as I paddled around Jefferson Lake.
Incidentally, temperatures are forecast to reach the mid 70’s by afternoon! This weather will continue until…
Jefferson Lake Campground
Jefferson Lakes campsites are well spaced. You’re NOT on top of your neighbor. Each site has a picnic table, water, and electric. Many sites, including mine are waterfront and mere steps from the water. The water is clean enough (and almost warm enough as I write this) to swim in. I’m sharing this message with you on September 17.
The campground is open from May through mid-October. After Labor Day, it is truly sparsely populated. Rates are reasonable ($40/night), especially when compared to Idaho’s State Parks. I considered a stay at Henry’s Lake State Park, but opted against it when I learned that the nightly rate is $72 for out of staters! Unfortunately, MANY states (since the scamdemic) have raised their rates – especially for out of staters.
I would encourage you to “vote with your feet” and NOT patronize state parks who are charging MORE than a KOA should ever charge with a straight face! For myself, when I leave Jefferson Lake, I plan to DRY CAMP near Dillon Montana for some of the LATEST dry camping I’ve ever done.
Planning to spend WINTER in an RV Camper?
Perhaps its time to think about RV Skirting? IF you winter (as I do) in cold weather, an RV skirt is an important part of your winter-prep. Here’s my report on a skirting company that I trust…
Yellowstone National Park & Idaho Falls
It’s nice to be close enough to Yellowstone to make a day drive into the park. Yet, you’re far enough away to NOT have to pay “triple digits” to park your RV! On Thursday (Sept. 18) I spent the day in Yellowstone. I revisited Old Faithful (I had last been there in 1989!) I had the opportunity to drop my kayak into Yellowstone Lake (and I will make a post about this unique experience soon!) There’s so much to do in Yellowstone, one day does NOT do it justice, but for me, I’m blessed to be able to visit this amazing park at least once a year.
Idaho Falls is only twenty minutes south of Rigby and Jefferson County Lake. Lots of shopping, one of the best farmers markets in the nation (on saturday mornings) and an amazing historic district literally next to the falls…
Upcoming RV Camping Plans
Notice they’re plans… plans are ALWAYS subject to change! When I dry camp near Dillon Montana, I expect to arrive on the 21st and stay until about the 26th. The long range computer models are showing “the change.” The weather out here can turn on a dime – and it looks like the 26th – 27th will be that time.
As I noted earlier, mornings have been chilly (now upper 30’s to low 40’s) and afternoons in the 70’s (perhaps a few more days over 80. By the 28th (or a few days after), highs will struggle to reach 60, periodic rain will fall and PERHAPS snow will fall BEFORE the end of September!
The first signs of Autumn are here now in the valley (Rigby is at 4800 ft. elevation.) I was treated on Sept. 11th as I crossed Yellowstone (upwards of 8000 ft.) to signs of Autumn. I will share those in the upcoming posts.
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Al, you never stop, do you….:) These pictures are gorgeous. I love following your adventures, mostly because at your age, 67, (I’m 67, too) yer not supposed to be able to do this kind of thing. Well, you defy the norm for sure. And in many ways, I envy you. Keep the posts and pictures coming. I’m looking forward to seeing the first significant snow fall.
Rick,
As always, THANKS for your kind words. You were always in better shape than me so I bet you can still outrun and outdistance me! That said, we’re both blessed to be at this age and be healthy. As I write this, I JUST got off the water after an hour of paddling – and this now makes at least 2 consecutive weeks of paddline (for about an hour) daily, and on some days I’ve added swimming, hiking, and/or biking.
Clark Canyon doesn’t lend itself to much more than camping and paddling (for me), but Dillon and its YMCA with an olympic size pool is nearby!
More coming soon – first snow is possible around Oct. 6th!