Return to Sequoia National Forest | brought daughter for first disperse camping experience!

In this trip I returned to the Nobe Young Creek area of the Sequoia National Forest. It seemed like everyone else in Southern California had a similar idea. There were A LOT of people and cars on the way out and even out on the forest service roads. We did run into some nice people out seeking adventure themselves but in the end we found a nice secluded area to make camp. This was the very first time my daughter has been out area from established camp grounds. Even though this was a quick overnight we still setup the Kodiak Canvas Flexbow tent. All in all it was a lot of fun!

[@59plexi]

good job dad!!! she will always remember it!!

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Thanks so much! I really hope so! 👍🏻

[@maura1686]

I wish I had enjoyed more my parents' companionship when I was young. I did it a lot, I was the only young in the family paying attention to parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts. Unfortunately the teenagers believe their happiness is always outside their home. It makes me so happy your daughter is traveling with you. Not saying it is always a sea of roses, but it is very, very special.

[@dustyroaddestinations]

I am SOOO happy and grateful that at 14 she hasn't reached that "dad isn't cool" stage yet. I know its only a matter of time so I'm trying to make the most of it while I can. Honestly I was really worried that once I hit the point that I was starting to financially recover and have the ability to do some of these things that she would have zero interest. So yeah it is VERY special to both of us!

[@cooket12]

Keep creating memories with your kids. I’m a single dad doing the same thing. They will remember it when they get older.

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Very true! Spending time with them and making these memories are awesome! Glad you’re able to do this with your kids!

[@eto2352]

You're a good man. Building memories. Thanks for the video

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Thanks so much Gloria and I apologize for missing your comment.

[@pliant75]

Although cold it looked beautiful. Thanks for sharing the wonderful time you had with your daughter camping, it looked fun! You guys are lucky to have one another and spend great times like these! They really will last forever.

[@dustyroaddestinations]

It wasn’t too bad. We should have brought different jackets but it really was a wonderful time. Yeah I do feel pretty darn lucky Pliant!

[@cynthiareyero5417]

I lived in California a long time ago and so watching this short clip of your camping trip reminded me of how stunning nature is in that area. The impact of the tall trees when you drove to the highest point and the surrounding mist; everything is so magical there. Brought back memories of camping in Yosemite and traveling around Big Sur. Thanks for sharing all that.

[@dustyroaddestinations]

It’s funny you mention Big Sur, we were supposed to do spring break there but it shut down becasue if covid. Still hoping to go there though. It really was magical up there and the weather was much different. We are really looking forward to exploring more!

[@godzillamanstreb524]

Your daughter is a pretty girl........lucky to have a great dad😎

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Thanks Godzilla man! 😀

[@TrumpDesantis-zm3kg]

I've had the same tent the last 5 years and love it.

[@dustyroaddestinations]

That’s great to know - I’m hoping this thing last a really long time!

[@hollysuniverse5706]

Love the mavic mini footage, looks totally pro! That high elevation in the mist reminds me of the pine forests in Mpumalanga, South Africa on the way to the Kruger Park. 👍 👍 👍

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Those little mavic mini's are great affordable little drones - I'm really enjoying having that. That would be cool to see in South Africa!

[@marciahammond9735]

Hi 'Holly ' s universe' you live in SA too? We live near to Boys Choir school in the Drakensberg

[@hollysuniverse5706]

Marcia Hammond Hey Marcia! (This is Holly’s dad) - we now live in East Sussex UK 🇬🇧 but was brought up in SA, Jozi - spent many many days in the Drakensberg - my drug of choice then was fly fishing the brown trout in the small highland streams. I miss that tranquility and solitude - even the berg adders :). So if I remember correctly you’re in the southern berg KZN? No wait, where’s the amphitheatre, chain ladder etc? Is that your neck of the woods? Been a long time!

[@marciahammond9735]

@@hollysuniverse5706 great, no northern area really not too far from Giants Castle. We have plenty of night adders but they are very shy, watched one catch and eat a frog the other day 😨 We lived in Jozi before my husband retired. We have a son and grandkids in Derby UK. Nice to 'meet' you😊

[@liv2fly88]

Kids (and parents) in the woods! Great shots of the gorgeous scenery.

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Thanks Scott! 😀 🏕

[@utahsteveoutdoors]

I was starting to think you weren't going to find a spot! Looks like a nice area. There is nothing like getting out with your kids, away from everything, for some memorable bonding without all of the distractions of everyday life. Looks like a great tent, too. Thanks for taking us along. I really enjoy all of your videos. Keep it up! :)

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Yeah me too Steve! To be honest when we came back down the mountain to that spot I really expected someone to be there. So we really lucked out. I think I might trek back out there and look for some other spots. Gaiagps and google earth have some promising locations! Thank you for the support! 😀

[@davidstedman2420]

Hi Duane. I love the message in this video. Beautifully done and very real. Thanks.

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Thanks David I really appreciate that buddy! I’m really enjoying getting out there especially with my daughter! Who would have ever thought she’d enjoy and want to do this! 👍🏻

[@AngelKrystalStar]

This video was put together so well! So nice to watch 😊

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Thank you so much Empower Empaths!! I really appreciate that! 😊

[@jorge2861]

Great Video👍🏼. Very peaceful. Made me think about my son. 👏👏👏

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Thank you! That’s what I was going for. Hope you got to hear from your son today.

[@IdeologieUK]

Looks amazing Duane! Hot water bottles in your sleeping bag will last all night. Jesse James country, love it!!!

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Thank you I really appreciate that! The hot water bottles is a good idea will have to think about that!

[@marciahammond9735]

I was thinking 'hot water bottles too' 😄

[@marciahammond9735]

Duane I never leave home w/o my hot water bottle😀 but if your tootsies are warm the rest of you is too, your daughter will love you for it.

[@dustyroaddestinations]

The bags were pretty good - both of us were warn in there and the heater made the tent pretty nice. To be honest when I woke up it was nice a warm so I put my shorts on instead of my pants and then when I walked outside it was a blast of cold. It was just a really cool experience. At least this time I remember to record more. I've been wanting to make videos like this for a long time.

[@marciahammond9735]

Magical, wish you guys could have stayed longer. Thanks for sharing 👌

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Us too! Hopefully with her being out of school for the summer we can make some longer trips. She was bummed we had to come back too. But it sure has been a lot of fun!

[@forced_perspective]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing. Planning heading out there next week of open from all the fires and smoke

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Did you get to go? Wonder how bad it is up there

[@forced_perspective]

@@dustyroaddestinations they canceled my reservation this past Sunday and issued a refund. I was supposed to head out tomorrow but now heading to Portola Redwoods. Hope to see some big redwoods up there and not too smoky. Awesome content... new sub. Just got my mavic mini yesterday 😁

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Well at least you have a backup plan! Hope you have a great trip nonetheless! The mavic mini is a great little drone! 👍🏻

[@sketti2543]

Made my day! Thanks Duane❤️

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Hi Sketti awesome! Hope it made you smile! Thank you so much for the comment!

[@sketti2543]

Duane Robert of course, always making me smile. Glad to see you guys enjoying each other company‼️❤️ P.s bloopers at the end of the video would be hilarious.. there’s gotta be a few your videos are too perfect!

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Lol okay I’ll have to work on that next time! 😀

[@jencameron8124]

Hey Duane 👋 - so happy to see you guys getting out, exploring and taking in the beautiful elements of Mother Nature. I'm really enjoying this channel and taking note of some of the equipment you guys are using. My husband and I will be checking out a few Kodiak tents very soon. As a girl that's always cold, the Mr. Buddy Heater might become my best friend, lol. Excellent camera work too, by the way. Thanks for taking us along. Cheers from Nova Scotia 🙂

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Thank you so much for that Jen I really appreciate you saying that! Those Kodiak Canvas tents are super cool and I’m really happy with the Flexbow 10x14 VX that I have. I also considering buying the 2 person tent for when it’s just me but they are currently out of stock. I know technically you’re not supposed to run the heater in the tent but I have a carbon monoxide sensor and I didn’t run it all night. I a bit more insulated than the girls so cold is more of an issue for them but the sleeping bag and wool blanket did the trick! Please let me know if you go out! I would LOVE pictures of your adventures!

[@jencameron8124]

@@dustyroaddestinations For sure, you bet👍

[@thephilipmalowneypodcast5501]

I Love this xx

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Thanks so much Philip!

[@cynthiareyero5417]

Fascinating.

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Hopefully in a good way Cynthia!

[@DayTripAdventure]

Loved the video! I hit subscribe. Cool drine shots. Great family time. Neat area you were in I was just out there last week and plan to go again. This weekend. I made a video of sherman pass rd about a month ago. Now I'm hooked on the area lol. Thanks again for the video.

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Thanks for the sub DayTrip Adventure! It's a neat area out there, I'm kind of hoping to go out there again this weekend but not sure I'm going to be able to make it. The Johnsondale Bridge area is pretty cool! Have you done any camping out there yet?

[@DayTripAdventure]

Not at johnsondale yet.. its been pretty crowded and we been trying to be more distant.. We just went to fish creek campground last weekend its off of Sherman Pass road about 25 min from Kennedy meadows we got the last spot otherwise we were going to find a dispersed camping spot. We're going again this weekend. Love it out there. I really want to explore more over by the trail of 100 giants but thinking it might be a little busy over there. What do you think?

[@dustyroaddestinations]

It was really busy and they were controlling parking. I’m not sure what the availability of the campground is but it looked packed as well. Even disperse camping there were a lot of people. The first time I went out there it was right after everything as starting to open so it wasn’t bad. I wish I would had done the trail then. I need to search out some more disperse areas. Any suggestions?

[@DayTripAdventure]

There's some spots I know about in kennedy meadows right next to the campgrounds. But thats about it.

[@dustyroaddestinations]

I haven't been near Kennedy Meadows yet - I've been looking for higher places to escape the heat. Seems like the weather is okay at 6k feet.

[@oliesmumashepherd6130]

Hi Duane, I’m here from your DSD channel. Love your camping videos. Your daughter is very cute. I didn’t think it was allowed to get cold in California. 😂

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Hi Oliesmuma thanks for checking this out! Hope you subscribe to this one! She really is even with the crazy hair! 😀 yeah it’s really surprising how cool it has been especially for June. I know it won’t last and I much prefer the cold to the hot!

[@oliesmumashepherd6130]

Hi Duane. I already subscribed. Looking forward to more camping videos. I’m in Canada so love the thought of your beautiful hot weather.😀

[@dustyroaddestinations]

You know that's a great point - I have never really lived someplace where it gets "really" cold. I think I've only seen it snow, as a fluke, at my house maybe 6 times in my entire life... So I sure I'd be pretty sick of the cold you guys have to deal with rather quickly! Thanks for subscribing I really appreciate it and I'm glad to see people from the other channel checking this one out. Besides sometimes its just nice to have a nice relaxing fun video/topic and maybe having the connection from the other stuff makes it even better? IDK if that makes any sense.

[@oliesmumashepherd6130]

That makes perfect sense. This channel balances out the more serious topic on your other channel. It also makes this content very enjoyable.

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Thank you! I’m Having a lot of fun with this channel

[@fastsmogr]

Those olives are the best

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Lol I know right!!!

[@liv2fly88]

About the toothpaste: I found travel sized bottles of Dr Bronner's peppermint castile soap at Target. This is some of the best camping soap around, and you can use a VERY SMALL dab on a toothbrush if you don't have toothpaste. Also, there are brass adapters available for your stove that allow you to use the 1 lb propane canisters instead of the pricy MSR cans. It's worth a look if you plan to use that stove quite a bit.

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Thanks for the suggestions Scott really appreciate it! I’ll look for that for the MSR stove. I did get a bigger tank for the 2 burner stove and the heater. Didn’t know that would work for the smaller stove! Thanks again! 👍🏻

[@eternalresolute8960]

Now I really need a Drone when I go into the woods!

[@dustyroaddestinations]

You really should! You’ll get some views you would never imagine!!!

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Oh and I’m just using the DJI Mavic Mini which is fairly affordable

[@wuflestad101]

Thanks for sharing. Roads look well maintained, did you need 4wd?

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Nope my truck is unfortunately only 2 wheel drive. There was another trip I made where I almost did get stuck and had to back out of a really sketchy road. I really think disperse camping is the best! I would have went out more this last year but California shut down and closed a lot of the forest... Well, Sequoia did catch on fire for a while. I still haven't been up there to see how the much damage there was...

[@seanmaines]

Hi do you have coordinates? Great vid!

[@dustyroaddestinations]

36.02948, -118.58047 - it’s in the Nobe Young Creek area.

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

I notice you shot a high video. Are you recording with a drone and are drones allowed there

[@dustyroaddestinations]

They are in the national forest not in the national parks. I’m using the DJI Mavic mini so it’s one of those sub 250 gram drones. If you know or think they are illegal in the national forest let me know. When I checked i didn’t see any restrictions. Although that doesn’t mean I missed it.

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

@@dustyroaddestinations oh ok reason is cause we r plan ing a trip outhete next month so I want to check all rules before heading there. Also do you might know if there is any shooting ranges outhere

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Just double check on the areas when you are there - if it's posted no drones that don't! On the shooting there are some ranges in Southern California but I'm not familiar with any. But I do know (or think I know) that in the national forest away from pay campgrounds and paved roads you can shoot. I've been out there before and heard people shooting - I just haven't done any since I've been going out. But NOT in the National Parks - so just be careful where you are. Where are you coming from?

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

@@dustyroaddestinations we r coming from the southern California. I'm actually visiting here California with some folks so we are planing something next month outhere. BTW I do have also the mini 2 mavic. I love that drone anyways thank you for the info and I will get on it searching before heading there n possibly calling them. Let's Enjoy the hot weather 😎

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Yeah be careful part of sequoia national forest is closed because or the fires last year. These spots that I visited in the video were open the last time I checked and Sequoia National Park is open just the camp grounds are packed. Personally I like disperse/primitive camping much better. That new Mini 2 looks nice but until I lose/break my mini I’ll have to stick with that. It’s amazing what you can do with those tiny drone! When I can get to a computer I’ll check out your channel!

[@reneeeustaquio7339]

By any chance, do you still have the coordinates where you camp?

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Hi Renee - this link might work - www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=14.7/-118.5779/36.0241&pubLink=rhdTkuLkT4pN9R7Cr9ZfV1qi&waypointId=9f9504687da3c0c04bd07cd73df71f0f If not here are the coordinates - 36.02711, -118.57759 Do you think you'll head up there? Would love to hear how the trip goes

[@alejandron5643]

How were you able to get signal there?

[@dustyroaddestinations]

I used a Zoleo Iridium satellite communication device. It only allows SMS textings and SOS in case you get in trouble. I've been using it a lot when out out of cellular coverage and want to let people know where I am and have a "safety net" so to speak.

[@alejandron5643]

@@dustyroaddestinations That's awesome!, how were you able to check weather? Or was it presaved

[@dustyroaddestinations]

It also will download weather over the satellite network - it is VERY handy!

[@Time2getgoin]

Next time, maybe pack a chainsaw. Still can't beat camping, too much fun. And, you have your daughter enjoying it with you. Good job, those memories will last for a life time. Your friends Bobby and Jai.

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Yeah that might end up on the list. But I think where I was it was posted no chainsaws. But I was wondering that. Would have definitely been cool to clear that and continue down that path!

[@enriquehernandez1313]

What was the place called in Sequoia National Forest where you camped

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Nobe Young Creek. It was in the Windy 2021 fire. I haven’t been able to get there since it burned. If you venture out that way let me know how it faired.

[@dustyroaddestinations]

36.03035, -118.58040

[@mauiburger]

Thanks for this wonderfully produced video. My son and I just spent a few days in the wilderness of the Sequoia National Park, but would like to explore what the national forest has to offer. I would love to get your tips on good places to camp and when, since weekends in California can be busy, busy. Let me know if you can give me any suggestions, and I will send you my email. Thanks!

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Matt it really depends on if you are into disperse camping or want a "real" campground. Most of the campgrounds are just hammered on the weekend. Honestly I'm a bit worried about leaving tomorrow - but we are exploring so if I end up on a side forest road sleeping in the back of the truck we'll be okay! I'll watch out for your email - but I'll probably be out of service until I get back so it might take a bit to respond.

[@mauiburger]

@@dustyroaddestinations Thanks for getting back to me. Dispersed camping is definitely more my style; my son is really into backpacking into the wilderness, but that even gets crowded in the national parks. That's why I am searching for less traveled to areas in the national forests, especially in the Southern Sierra Nevada since I'm in SoCal. Your videos make it clear to me that there are still wonderfully quiet places in California, if you look hard enough. I would love to know more or less where you have found quiet dispersed camping. Send me an email when you get a chance: [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Will do Matt - right now I'm up in the Stanislous National Forest so I'll be off line for as few more days. I'm just seeing a friend so have access right now. Today we did Yosemite which was pretty cool but my daughter and I am really looking for some quiet disperse camping area. Not sure if we're going to be too lucky up here. Being able to explore and area and just go down those little trails is really the key to finding spots.

[@Time2getgoin]

You may have comments turned off on your newest video??? I tried to leave you a message. Did you put google earth on your cell phone? I use that all over the US with my job.

[@dustyroaddestinations]

That's weird Time2getgoing - I just answered someone else's comment. I have to see if somehow it's "jammed" up. I did put, oh wait google earth? No I have google maps on my iPhone and I downloaded the area I wanted to go. I have to download Google Earth right now! Thank you for the suggestion! 👍🏻Oh and can you check the video and see if it still won't let you comment?

[@1MNUTZ]

Are there lots of deadfalls in Sequoia national park ?

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Not sure about Sequoia National Park but there are a bunch of dead trees in Sequoia National Forest. I want to go to the National Park side just haven’t done it yet.

[@Polo3174]

How did you get to that site? Plz

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Hi Apolonio it's near Nobe Young Creek near the 21S94. But it's a pretty popular site - every time I've been back since that first trip there are always people there. Kind of a bummer as I'd definitely like to go back there. Oh, but every time I've been back its been a weekend - so maybe during the week it isn't so bad? Let me know if you check it out!

[@Polo3174]

Thank you and I will.

[@dustyroaddestinations]

Awesome!

[@doomtrigger]

Peaches and blue cheese olives??? what why who would willing eat that at the same time

[@dustyroaddestinations]

LOL we were tired and hungry. It was as gross as it sounded!