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Show 2 Recreation & Tourist Guide, May, 1986 Avinfaquin is close, spectacular campfire ring or grill. By CHUCK ZEHNDER Managing editor The archery season is almost upon us and that spells the last mountain camping trip for many. Now most of you have your favorite haunt for the deer season, but if you dont have a place in mind, may I suggest a spot? The Avintaquin area of the Ashley National Forest is generally a good deer hunting area and certainly has a great campground. The fact that it is only 26 miles north of Price makes it doubly great. It is easy to find and a beautiful drive just getting there. Just take the Utah 33 turnoff in Price Canyon and head toward Duchesne. Just before reaching the pass at the head of Indian Canyon, there will be a sign and road to the left. The sign will tell you that Avintaquin Campground is on that road just one mile would you believe 1.1 miles? The gravel road leading to the campground, and beyond, is in excellent condition and can be easily driven in a passenger If you go up in your camper and you dont have a large capacity holding tank for water, dont worry. Theres plenty of water and it isnt The campground is almost 9,000 feet high so the air is cool and clean. muddy. There are five water hydrants in the camping area so tent campers will have no problem with having to carry large amounts of water. There are four large vault-typ- e toilets in the camground. Garbage is collected at the campground from a dumpster area which is centrally located for convenience of day or camp use. And this is one campground where you dont have to haul your own firewood. Firewood is available near the group site and of course there continues to be deadfall in the area. The camground is almost 9,000 feet high so the air is cool and clean. The smell of the pines is constantly present, even when a breeze is blowing. But the nights can be quite cool, so take along warm clothing for late evening and early morning. There is a good road continuing on past the campground for many miles and it can easily be driven in your passenger car. Spectacular views can be enjoyed all along the drive. Side roads from the main road should be left for drive pickups and vehicles; they get very steep, sometimes with almost no warning. For my money, there is hardly a better camping area four-whe- around. Its close, high country, clean, and just plain pleasant. And for only $4 per night, a real bargain. You know you dont have to wait until the archery season opens. Get that camper cleaned up tonight and load the family up in the rig and head up there now for the weekend. Then when the bowhunt opens, youll know right where to go and where everything is. Have a good trip! el car. The road twists, winds and climbs for that 1.1 mile as it passes through open grass, fir and pines and, finally, a beautiful stand of quaking aspen before reaching Mud Springs. Mud Springs (now Avintaquin) Campground is administered by the Ashley National Forest but reservations need to be made through the Duchesne Ranger Office at Duchesne by calling weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tent campers can enjoy this area because of the water and toilets available in the campground. Here a family from Salt Lake City set up camp. 738-24- And reservations are required for the large group area. The group area will accomodate as many as 150 persons and is complete with five tables, two grills and a large fire ring with benches. Fees for the group area, which can be reserved from 2 p.m. until 2 p.m. the following day, range from $20 for groups to 50 persons to $40 for groups over 100. But for those of you who want to go up for just a family outing, there are 23 private campsites, all in the tall pines. These private sites are on down the road past the group site and are quite secluded. Each site has been leveled for campers or tents and each has a picnic table along with a 16-fo- ot bar-beq- ue Just before reaching Avintaquin Campground, you will pass through this grove of quaking aspen. The campground is to the right of this photo. Mr. and Mrs Dean McEwan, Helper, and their daughter, Mary Hawkins, Castle Dale, and her son, Jeffrey, enjoy the cool mountain air at their campsite. |