Camping at Deer Run Campground at Flaming Gorge

 Like most other Americans, this year we vacationed close to home.  We reserved a campsite at Flaming Gorge in Deer Run Campground and arrived on August 10.  The weather was great--not too hot and not too cold, although we were really happy we brought our new Coleman shade from Costco because shade is scarce.  The bathrooms with flush toilets and showers were very clean although I did not actually use the showers and I don't think anyone in our group did.  Half the showers were kept closed so they didn't have to be cleaned so that might have been problematic if we had used them. The campsite was also very clean.  It was pricey at $59 a night for a double site and we only got one picnic table. The water was plentiful and close. It was pretty quiet--no complaints.

What's camping without s'mores?

We arrived on a Monday afternoon and didn't do much more than set up camp and walk down to the boat ramp to check out the reservoir.  On Tuesday morning we did a river rafting trip right below the dam on the Green River for about 6-7 miles.  We rented a raft from Flaming Gorge Resort (this resort word is way overused.  I'm picturing an exclusive fancy hotel, reality is much different.)  It was really fun and my biggest regret is not taking my camera for pictures--I was too worried about my phone getting wet and ruined and we neglected to bring a dry bag. Here's my pathetic picture from the end of the trip which really doesn't come close to capturing any part of it.

That afternoon and Wednesday morning we checked out the swimming scene at a beach.

The kayak was pretty fun with the water being a little cold. Most of the group went swimming but I was not interested in being cold so I stuck with the kayak.  We went over to some rocks/cliffs on the side of the beach and did some jumping (by we I mean everyone but me--somebody had to take the pictures!)

Here's a little animation of David throwing in his 2-year-old.  Sadly I didn't get the very surprised look on his face when he surfaced.

After the swimming we headed home which was about 3.5 hours away.  It was short but a fun trip especially with our grandchildren along. I want to do more of that.