Directions to Sample Meadows CG.
Basically after you pass Shaver Lake just continue on (driving past much of Hunnington Lake) till you see the inlet waters of Hunnington. You will pass over the creek and turn right before reaching the resort area. You will see (looking right) a small power plant/water gate on the left side of the creek. There is a turnout/parking lot here as well as a vault toilet. Keep following the 2 lane road to Edison Res. which is Kaiser Pass road. It's a fairly steep climb and soon you will pass Badger CG and Badger horse camp area. Continue up road until it turns to a single lane. Chances are you will drive into a snow park area because the real road is off to the left. Most everybody misses it. Curse that it got you and drive back out to the road. Pass through the single lane open gate (I hope its open) and follow the single lane paved road up over the pass. At the crest is another Vaulted toilet. Keep going (now a downhill grade for the most part) and after a few miles you will come to a Tee in the road. Taking a left on a partial paved road will lead several miles (5?) to Sample Meadows CG. You will pass a wood crapper and trail head plus a spot to camp at, just keep on driving and soon you will come to a sign showing the entrance. Go left into the CG.
(Note: I think badger is off a 2 lane Rd)
Craig, my only thoughts are your ability to claim your spot at sample before any non SMBers (if anybody) show up. I don't know how many spots we can reserve/claim. For that matter I don't know if the group would rather select secluded spots or band all together in a tight group. Personally I would rather have individual spots so we all can have some privacy but it is cool as a group too. Hell Craig, you know how far you guys had to park away from me because of my snoring! WARNING TO ALL. Is that why you're wanting to boon dock?
I am almost 100% positive that you will be able to find a spot at Sample on Friday night or we can hold you a spot close to my van
. At any rate, the drive back to Bald Mtn OHV isn't that far away from Sample Meadows but that’s up to you. Heck, why not just camp at the start of the OHV route? There is a couple of great spots off the main road into at the start of the OHV route if the hunters haven't got em, but just into the OHV route there are a few places to boon dock as well. I sure wish you could make it up to me and Don though.
Sorry MB-309 that you can't make it. But I'm surprised that there is more attending than I expected. Of course weather can change this.
As an alternative:
If the weather turns bad, camping is available at Hunnington lake for a fee or just up the road towards Kaiser Pass on Kaiser Pass road is a little campground called Badger. It's a great campground that's more accessible than Sample Meadows. Just be aware that anybody not camping at Sample will have to make contact with the group. Cell phones won't work.
If any changes are made, I'd like to know.
We plan to head up Tuesday. Hope you all can make it.
Dave