This is a perfect trail and destination for an easy overnight with kids or beginners. We got to the parking lot around 2pm and got the last spot that wasn’t on the road (a few cars were on the road, too). We lucked out with an amazing campsite, as only one other overnight group was at the lake when we arrived. A total of 3 groups camped overnight, so we all had complete privacy as the sites are spread out. We encountered lots of day hikers, but they were gone by 5pm. Friday morning, groups started arriving at the lake by 9am; we gave our great spot to the first group - who kindly gave us space while we packed up. We saw over a half dozen overnight groups plus lots of day hikers on our way out - not sure what happens when so many people are vying for so few spots. When we got to our car around 10:30am, the lot was full and there were already at least ten cars parked on the road and lots of overnighters and day hikers headed in.
As to the trail/campsites: the trail is in great shape. It’s just hard enough to feel like a “real” backpacking trip but not too challenging for kids or beginners. We did see several spots with used toilet paper along the main trail (gross) and TONS of toilet paper and human feces all along the trail to the first pit toilet by the campsites - SUPER gross, keep walking a bit further and use the pit toilet!!!! The second pit toilet trail wasn’t as bad (it’s about .2 miles past the first toilet trail). Also, there are definitely signs of high use, with bits of trash and lots of toothpaste spray spots near the campsites. But overall the area is in decent shape given how many people are using it.
Last comment: we appreciated that all but one group with a dog had them on leash!!! My son is severely allergic to dogs (anaphylaxis) so it’s very important we don’t touch dogs at all. When we encounter one off leash, we kindly ask the owners to leash them up. And we tell all dog owners it’s important we not touch their dog. All of the many dog owners we encountered were super kind and respectful. Since this is not always our experience, we were very excited about this.
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