It's always a good idea to do your own research when deciding on a camping spot. I use Campendium often because I like the reviews and photos that other campers post. Lake Blanco looked like a good spot to spend a night but I didn't read everything on the
Campendium page which could have resulted in a large fine.
Most of the reviewers stayed in the parking lots at the boat ramp or picnic area but a few followed the dirt road and parked on the south side of the lake. All of this is part of the Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area. We found a level spot in the lot next to the boat ramp and settled in for the night. We didn't notice the small print at the bottom of the welcome sign until the next morning.
I looked it up on the
state website, and yikes, we could have been fined $139.50 each for not having passes. A yearly pass for a youth/senior pass is only $11.73 so there's little reason to risk getting a fine. Scroll down on the website to find more wildlife areas. I can't find a filter for camping but each area has the information.
It is possible to stay near the lake for free by going south on the dirt road west of the lake then east onto BLM land designated by the brighter yellow on this map. Camping 40.09119, -108.20791
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Whew! Dodged another bullet! Jimmy and I are guilty of not reading the small print and we always sigh with relief when we escape detection.
ReplyDeleteWe were really surprised when we read the small print. Usually it's something like - children must wear life preservers or check your boat for invasive species.
DeleteOr, we were surprised to see a lake a few years ago when we hiked to a petroglyph area in Hart Mtn NWR, Oregon, because we only saw the word petroglyph on the sign and not the word "lake!" Blinders on. :)
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