Route Editor
Route Scout
| Anza-Borrego to Oak Grove, CA |
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| HAZ Member rwstorm's 1,034 Photosets 2011-06-03 2011-06-03 2011-06-02 2011-06-01 2011-06-01 2011-05-27 2011-05-25 2011-05-07 2011-05-01 2011-05-01 2011-04-30 2011-04-17 2011-04-16 2011-04-16 2011-04-15 2011-04-15 2011-04-14 2011-04-07 2011-04-02 2011-03-18
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Gas was expensive as anticipated (about $4.90/gal at the time as I recall), but I liked the grocery store and found that Carmelita's was a great place for Mexican food. After my meal I went to the main visitor center for Anza-Borrego State Park for familiarization and to purchase some maps and books. I planned on camping at the park campground there, but it was full except for one spot next to the rest room that the person at the toll booth said she would hold for me while I drove in to check it out. Didn't like the arrangement, so headed back to say "no thanks" and inquire about other options. I was told there might be some free camp spots up above Montezuma Grade on S22 at Culp Valley. So, I headed there and it was a good place to camp (and free) at about 3200 feet, but alas all the spots were taken. 
Now I'm stuck with a busted game plan in an area I know nothing about. 
Looked at the road map and decided to just keep on heading up into the mountains and leave ABDSP behind. I noticed there was a Forest Service campground up at Oak Grove and figured that would probably work. It was getting to be late afternoon, so I figured if that was full too, I would just free camp somewhere up there. The drive to Oak Grove through Warner Springs on CA79 was enjoyable. 
Sure enough, Oak Grove is a very nice good-sized CG, with plenty of spots available. Found one I liked and settled in for the evening. The campground is at an elevation of about 2800 feet, so temperatures were mild.
