Need advice, secluded place for guys trip.

lloydlincoln · 09-19-2011, 07:28 PM

I'm looking to do a guys trip in April-May and we want to rent a cabin or maybe an RV in a secluded place that is in the mountains. We're not opposed to camping, but it's not our first option so I hope you can overlook our hesitance to sleeping outdoors and focus on our desire to get outdoors.

1: The cabin should be super secluded.

2: There needs to be a lake nearby (less than 5 minute drive).

3: Must be in the mountains.

Extras:

Small town within 20 minutes?

Hot Spring nearby?

We don't mind doing some legwork to try to find a cabin to rent or a place to camp with an RV, but what are your thoughts?

We're thinking:
-Wyoming
-Idaho
-North Dakota
-Washington
-Oregon
-Wisconsin

Grandpa · 09-19-2011, 07:37 PM

When? At this time of year, RV at Iron Creek Campground, adjacent to the Sawtooth Wilderness, Idaho. Stanley is just a few miles away. Campground is usually just an overflow during peak and seldom used during the off season, although the trailhead for Sawtooth Lake et al, is there too. Great hotsprings throughout the area including Stanley hot springs, just a couple miles downriver from Stanley. (non commercial but someone built a great tub for soaking.)

lloydlincoln · 09-19-2011, 07:39 PM

Sorry, should have mentioned that. I'll edit the original for anyone else, but was tyinking March-April time frame.

ponderosa · 09-19-2011, 08:57 PM

Early spring is a tough time of year, at least in Idaho/Wyoming. Snowy, mucky, slushy, wintery with an occasional sunny day is pretty typical. Maybe you already realize that, but I thought I'd mention it. If the weather doesn't bother you, one option would be to look at forest service rental cabins. They aren't luxurious, but would be a step up from an RV. They typically have indoor plumbing (but not always), a fireplace/cookstove, and bunks. Some are very cozy, and they are always secluded.

lloydlincoln · 09-19-2011, 09:34 PM

What time of year does it start to warm up? I think we'd like weather in the high 60'-low 70's.

Grandpa · 09-20-2011, 01:41 AM

Yep, scratch my suggestion for that time of year unless you are taking snow machines. There would still be 3-4 feet of snow at Iron Creek in March.

hippieP · 09-22-2011, 01:52 PM

Is this a man only trip for an upcoming wedding? I always hear of guys doing this, running off into the woods to have man time spent away. I think women should start up something similar.

Lamebeaver · 09-22-2011, 03:40 PM

April, May, I'd be looking in Utah

firedancer · 09-23-2011, 05:01 PM

From what I understand, Oregon state parks have some rental properties as well - some cabins and some yurts. Colorado has a hut system that is available for rental but your timeframe would require snowmobiles to access most of them.

For what you are looking for, you might also check out VRBO.com - we have used this site several times for our girl's weekends when we want a whole house to ourselves so we can be rowdy

ponderosa · 09-28-2011, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lloydlincoln

What time of year does it start to warm up? I think we'd like weather in the high 60'-low 70's.

You can find that weather in June (sometimes late May), but that doesn't necessarily mean the conditions are great for playing outside. It depends on how you want to spend your time. If you just want to hang out in the cabin and maybe go fishing, you'd be OK. If you want to hike or otherwise get into the higher elevation country, it can be difficult that early. This year and last, we had incredibly high snowpack, with snow on the ground in the mountains well into June. Stream crossings were raging rivers, trails were muddy and/or still snowy, passes were snowed in and icy. The high country didn't really open up until late July/early August this year.