Ken I have checked and was told that Grays Peak, Ironwood and Juniper Meadows were available as of 8/30/02. The Forest Service recommended Juniper Meadows, but it's near Onyx Summit, 20 minutes or so from Fawnskin. I tried to make tentative reservations for 10 people/5 vehicles but was told it would cost me $109.00…and I can't afford to take that kind of financial risk. I was told that all of the group sites could easily hold more than 10 people and 5 vehicles, and they have water, bathrooms, picnic tables and fires rings, but no showers. I believe the park across the street from the Discovery Center will let you use their showers, but charge a fee...
Grays Peak as of right now is available, and it is the nearest group site to the off road trails, and Fawnskin.
The Discovery Center told me to call (1-877 444-6777), which turned out to be the U.S. Forest Service. They told me a few of the sites where open, and then gave me the URL below to make things easier.
http://www.reserveusa.com/
I was told it was easy and fast to make reservations from this site.
The site will give you a list of National and State Parks, including single and group campsites
The last resort is the wilderness pass and roughing it. Or have everyone get together and resolve the money issue ASAP.
Or you could take your chances and see if any of the group sites are available when you come up the hill, but that's about all I can tell you at this point. Both the Discovery Center and the Ranger station on the way up the hill can tell you what's available, and make reservations for you then.
If you need I will check and see which group campgrounds are still available when the money issue is resolved.
(i'm gettin married in april and not much money to do all the things i want to do to it) If u thing she'll make it. let me know. if not. well maybe next time. I mite be able to pull the 31" muds off my old ranger for a couple days. (that is if she isn't sold yet.)
