FREE CAMPGROUNDS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

During the sixties and seventies I would load the kids in
the car, pack the tent, sleepingbags, cooking gear, etc.
and head for the "Monument"as it was known, for a couple
of days of FREE camping.
Those days, I'm sorry to say, are over. It now costs $ 10.00
just to drive through the park, don't get me wrong, it is worth
every penny and it will be the best ten bucks you'll ever spend!
For those who have never been there, it is a "MUST SEE!"
There is however an alternative to paying the camping fees.
You'll find it on highway 62. Seventeen miles east of the
city of Twentynine Palms is a bar/cafe that bears the name of
STAR'S WAY OUT. Owner Dave will let you dry camp on his
property at no charge. If your rig is not totally self contained,
he will even leave the bathroom unlocked after closing hours.
Phone: (760) 367-4546
While you are in the village of Joshua Tree don't miss your
chance to stop by the CROSSROADS Cafe and Tavern. It is right
on the highway. 61715 Twentynine Palms Highway in Joshua Tree.
Not only is the food delicious, the servings are generous and
the service is very friendly. You may want to call ahead for
the store hours (760) 366-5414. They offer a complete menu
with meat, chicken and seafood and for the vegetarian I highly
recommend the Tempeh Reuben sandwich with salad for $6.95.


This from Phread in San Diego:
In Joshua Tree National Park the coyotes now look like and behave more
like dogs now that they have learned to beg. They actually beg at the high-
ways as well as going to each campsite and try to get fed. The rangers dis-
courage the touring public from feeding these animals. Even though they
now look healthy, the begging behavior screws up the natural scheme of
things and eventually leads to a breakdown of the environment and the
health of the critters that are the normal food for the coyotes.

"pictures by Phread"