REVIEW 230607
Bea's Lewis Flats Dispersed / Capitol Reef NP
Torrey, UT
14nts May/June 2023
GPS: 38.2940056, -111.3860725
Elev: 6,857'
Propane Fill: Blackburn Propane (aka Howie's Svc Sta) Bricknell, UT
(Campground in town has a fill station, but has it posted as 'not available', Visitor's Center directed us to Bricknell).
Dump: Fruita Campground $5, has potable water & trash at the Dump station. Loop A/B, 1ST left after CG entry.
Water: Fruita Campground, or Phillips 66, east side of building
Laundry: Chuckwagon, $2 Wash, $2 Dry
Groceries: Chuckwagon, limited. Royal's in Loa, small regular grocery store.
Cell: Verizon 4b / ATT 3b
OTA: 35 channels
Stayed here 14nts over Memorial Day weekend. A little crowded over the holiday, but late arrivals were still able to find spots. Could see others in the distance, but never felt crowded. Had a few over nighters park a bit close, but to be expected as we only went as far back as Breakoff One. There is a LOT of space further on if you have decent clearance.
ROAD OPTIONs:
After the cattle guard going straight: Lots of space here for all size rigs - even a semi towing a 5th wheel. Nice view of the cliffs across the highway. This area is the busiest area as it is easy in/out for overnighters. Not RV Park close, but you will see and possibly hear your neighbors on the weekends. Weekdays fairly spread out.
After the cattleguard turning right: That wash is no joke.
We're a 34' long 5th wheel and made it through, but did scrape the passenger side butt .... gotta love doing in field repairs.
The wash is deceptive, sloping entry isn't too bad, a steeper incline coming out is a challange for longer or low clearance rigs. The real challange is that it 'S curves' pretty sharply while you're going through it and the slab rocks at the bottom of the wash you cleared entering, are now to the side behind your wheel catching jacks or rear corner... if that makes sense? Had 1 other 5th wheel up here, a few TT of size and lots of smaller vans, truck tents, tents etc, but no one longer than 35' that I could see. Not sure a CA or CC could make the wash AND curve with no pivot point? Scout it out before entering. Great for small van, cars, tents though. Lots of space for privacy, especially going back further.
Trash: Our site was very clean with the exception of right after Memorial Day. Lots of tp & wipes blowing down the road after all the holiday campers. The entrance off 24 is a different story. Lots of burned cans, broken glass etc.... this is also not the camping area as far as i can tell? It is before the Limited Use sign and cattle guard... although no one was running people off, and there were several camped there.
Ranger came through Friday before Memorial Day, and we saw them pass through last weekend. Did not see any 'permanant campers' even in the remote areas when we went bike riding.
So will we be back? Yep, it is beautiful here, easy access to park and hikes, charming small town...Saturday Farmer's Market was fun, Slackers expensive but good..... when in the park, BUY THE PIE. As a matter of fact, buy one or two to take home. Seriously delicicious!
Next time we will either opt for the easy road, or more likely, do a much better scouting of that wash.... the view out all windows was worth the boo boo!
