Posted by Kalin Wilson on August 20, 2010 at 12:51 AM
Another solicitation for info.
I'm taking my wife and son up to Crystal Mill this weekend. We're planning to camp but I can't remember any camp sites in the area. I'm sure there are probably places to camp but thought I'd see if anyone has some input on the area.
Also, I'm interested in driving up the Lead King basin road a little. How is that road and the scenery along it?
Posted by Chris Whitted on August 20, 2010 at 1:10 AM
There were a few spots along the road from Marble between the mill and halfway point. Possibly a spot or two at the mill. If you continue on past the mill and through Crystal, about a hundred yards up there's a fork - left goes to Lead King, right goes a couple hundred yards back with a few more spots. I don't know what is or isn't private land, but those are where I observed people either camped or signs that people had camped and often. There are also three NF campgrounds between Carbondale and Marble.
I didn't go past the fork (which is still well in the forest), but there is a sign right there that reads "Extremely Rough Road Ahead - Vehicle Traffic Discouraged - 4x4 with Experienced Drivers and Narrow Wheel Base Only". That said, it may be there to discourage 'tourists'. I saw a Ford Explorer come down it, along with a lot of ATVs. I will say that's the only trail I've ever been up with a posted 4x4 towing phone number at the start. :) We started up Lead King from the earlier fork on the Marble end and got a mile or so before coming to a creek crossing one of our vehicles couldn't make.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on August 20, 2010 at 9:44 AM
If you go up to the Lead King trailhead, there is a large meadow good for camping.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on August 22, 2010 at 9:34 PM
Thanks guys. turns out there are a few places just before you get to the mill and a couple more (better) past Crystal before you head up past the 'danger' sign. Had a nice evening of shooting the mill and a clear, warm night to camp under.
Discussion
3 repliesI'm taking my wife and son up to Crystal Mill this weekend. We're planning to camp but I can't remember any camp sites in the area. I'm sure there are probably places to camp but thought I'd see if anyone has some input on the area.
Also, I'm interested in driving up the Lead King basin road a little. How is that road and the scenery along it?
I didn't go past the fork (which is still well in the forest), but there is a sign right there that reads "Extremely Rough Road Ahead - Vehicle Traffic Discouraged - 4x4 with Experienced Drivers and Narrow Wheel Base Only". That said, it may be there to discourage 'tourists'. I saw a Ford Explorer come down it, along with a lot of ATVs. I will say that's the only trail I've ever been up with a posted 4x4 towing phone number at the start. :) We started up Lead King from the earlier fork on the Marble end and got a mile or so before coming to a creek crossing one of our vehicles couldn't make.