Lucas W.doesn't recommendSeptember 4, 2023
Site 2 - Grey Oaks
Maybe try a different site
I was looking forward to my stay. However, I was only able to get in contact with the host once, it was a gated, the area was overgrown, pictures didn't reflect reality, and no clear directions of getting to the site once there. After trying to enter the property twice without success, I drove into town to call the host from a landline (as there was no cell phone reception). He did not answer and I made the tough decision to drive up the mountain in hopes of finding a place to camp. For reference, I did message the host the morning of, and again once I was 50 minutes away. No response.
Grey Oaks
Don’t arrive after dark!
My husband and I knew we were going to arrive late at night and let the hosts know since this site isn’t a drive and park where you want, but actual campsites with a check in with the host. We arrived at 11:45pm after coming to the property from the direction not mentioned in their notes (from Silver City). The road was incredibly curvy and took a very long time to wind through the hills (also saw some fires on the hill, hopefully a controlled burn!). We found the place easy enough, but that’s where the ease ended. We drove through the property twice trying to find a place to park. There was a house with the two goats and a lot of stuff piled around with no discernible camping areas. We found a campfire spot so we decided to camp there and made it work, despite it not being suitable for tent camping with all of the rocks. We definitely found the experience a little sketchy in the pitch dark and wish the host would have given better instructions as to where we were to camp. We didn’t ask since our other hip camping experiences have been just driving onto land and finding a spot to camp. We had to leave early to continue our trip, but imagine things would have been better if we had met our host and arrived during daylight hours.
Grey Oaks
A bit spooky
If you're traveling in a group and looking for a rustic ghost town experience on an eclectic plot of land - this is a perfect place for you.
As a solo traveling female, I book Hipcamps to feel a bit more secure than staying at public campsites. Admittedly, I was a bit sketched out staying here. Kingston is a bit of a ghost town and Andy was out for the evening when I arrived so I was a bit spooked.
Other than that, when I met Andy in the morning he was very nice and welcoming (with very cute dogs to boot). The proximity to the National Forest was really nice as well.
Adam W.recommendsAugust 5, 2020
Grey Oaks
Scenic Drive to Natural Haven
Andy's statement about the scenery is a far understatement. If I were more of a wordsmith, I could better describe that beauty of the natural surroundings. I was fortunate to drive in from the west and take in the awe of the drive through the pass in the Gila National Forest. Though my stay and interaction with the host (Andy) was brief, the experience was memorable for the direct connection to nature (with a few creature comforts offered by the host). A nice morning hike along the dry creek while the birds made their morning calls makes for a recharge before hitting the road again. Thanks Andy for your hospitality!
Samantha S.recommendsJuly 16, 2020
Grey Oaks
Edge of Gila National Forest
A good place to stop on the edge of Gila National Forest. Andy, the host, is welcoming and knew a lot about the area. There's a natural creek behind the site -- when we were there it was dry, so we could walk up the creek bed and we saw so many butterflies and found lots of cool rocks.
Grey Oaks
Enchanting mountain campsite.
Very beautiful scenery starting from the Lake Valley up to the little quaint town of Kingston. This site is located right next to Kingston Campground and is nestled by a creek bed and surrounded by beautiful trees, lots of flowers, birds and pollinators. No mosquitoes but plenty of kamakasi flies. The host is gracious and the 2 goats were entertaining. The winding mountain road offers great views and a hiking trails. No fires permitted so plan and pack accordingly. Look up because the heavens light up at night! During the day the clouds are spectacular!