February 10, 2024
Getting ready for another adventure in our 5th wheel is always exciting, and this time, we had our sights set on Lake Pleasant. Despite the weather forecast and a minor hiccup with our friends, the trip turned out to be a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Setting Out and the Stormy Welcome
We were looking forward to meeting our friends Will and Laura at Pleasant Harbor. Unfortunately, they were snowbound in Prescott and couldn’t join us for a couple more days. Deciding to go ahead anyway, we aimed to secure a prime spot for our two 5th wheels.
As we packed up on Sunday morning, dark clouds started rolling into the valley. We hoped to beat the storm and set up our site before it hit, but our timing wasn’t quite right. The storm arrived just as we pulled into Pleasant Harbor. Initially, it was just sprinkles, but soon the rain started coming down more heavily.
The silver lining was that we could see where the high spots were, allowing us to snag a lake view spot and avoid any potential puddles around our 5th wheel. Luckily, we hadn’t forgotten our rain jackets. About 15 minutes after we unhooked, the rain really started to pour, accompanied by strong winds that shook our 5th wheel. It was very cozy while watching the rain while eating nachos and sipping hot chocolate. As the rain persisted, we decided to play a card game called Skip-Bo. After the rain, I ventured out to capture some stunning photos of the lush green mountains and the snow-capped peaks near Crown King.
Exploring Lake Pleasant Harbor
This was our first time staying on this side of Lake Pleasant, which offers several different camping areas at Pleasant Harbor. They have an RV park with full hook-ups, a pool, jacuzzi, basketball court, dog park, mini-store, laundry room, picnic area, showers, and other amenities. There is also a large dirt area for dry docking and grass spots with water and electric hook-ups. Since we were only staying for a week, we opted for dry docking, which had worked well on our last trip. For an additional $10 flat fee, we could use the RV park amenities, which was worth it since the restrooms and showers were very clean. A tip for future visitors: make sure the showerhead is working properly before you undress. After the rain stopped on our first night, we enjoyed a relaxing soak in the jacuzzi.
Friends, Music, and More Rain
Will and Laura finally arrived on the second day and parked next to us. That evening, our kids joined us, and we headed to Dillon’s restaurant at the marina to enjoy some live music. The music was fantastic, and we had a great time watching people dance.
The next morning brought more rain and additional snow on the mountain peaks. Our area had several water puddles, which the kids in the vicinity thoroughly enjoyed. However, by mid-morning, the sun came out, and we took a pleasant walk around the area. We discovered several spots for dry camping on top of a couple of mountains, offering spectacular lake views.
Super Bowl Sunday and Wickenburg Adventure
On Sunday, while walking around, we chatted with fellow campers about the upcoming Super Bowl game. One family invited us to their campsite for a little Super Bowl party, which was very kind of them. However, we already had plans to order pizza and wings and watch the game with Will and Laura in their rig. At halftime, Laura brought out some pretzel bites and cheese, which were delicious. It turned out to be a great football game.
Since there was no rain in the forecast the next day, we decided to drive into old town Wickenburg and check out the Desert Caballeros Western Museum. It was a delightful place. The first floor featured Western paintings and sculptures, while the second floor transported us back to the late 1800s, offering a glimpse into Wickenburg’s history. It’s incredible how much has changed over the years. After the museum, we strolled through the streets, admiring the shops and restaurants. We even passed an old movie theater featuring "Beekeeper." It would have been nice to check out the theater, but they only had one showing in the evening. Wickenburg is also known for its rodeos, and one was happening while we were there. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to attend.
Missing the Donkeys and Final Thoughts
Our trip to Lake Pleasant was filled with unexpected weather, cozy moments, and delightful explorations. Despite the rain, we made the most of our time, enjoying the amenities at Pleasant Harbor, our friends and discovering the charm of old town Wickenburg. While I missed the familiar donkeys from the other side of the lake, the experience was refreshing and memorable
Overall, it was a fun and relaxing trip. However, I do prefer camping on the other side of the lake, at Desert Tortoise or Roadrunner campgrounds, where you have more space and aren’t packed in during the busy season. Some sites even have water, electric, covered Ramada's, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and fire rings. These spots are highly sought after and fill up quickly. For anyone planning a visit, be prepared for the elements, take advantage of the amenities, and explore the local attractions. Happy camping!
Stay tuned for more adventures from the road and don’t forget to check out our travel blog for more tips and stories!
Tips for Future Travelers:
- Weather Preparedness: Always check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. Rain jackets were a lifesaver for us.
- Amenities Access: Consider the extra fee for amenities if dry docking. Clean restrooms and showers are worth it.
- Exploring the Area: Take time to explore the different camping spots and their views. Each area offers unique scenery.
- Local Attractions: Don’t miss out on local attractions like museums and rodeos in nearby towns.
you guys always make the best of it and always have fun!! I really enjoy your travel news! 😉