“Camping: the art of getting closer to nature while getting farther
away from the nearest cold beverage, hot shower, and flush toilet.”
~ Unknown ~
One of the things we love most about our rig is the onboard generator. Having a generator (ours runs on propane which comes from a 100lb tank secured under our motorhome) is that we can camp or setup virtually anywhere and have basic conveniences at the flip of a switch. The downside? Well, we can have basic conveniences any time we choose.
For us, part of how we try being good stewards of our abundance, is looking for camping options that don't cost $30 and up per night. It doesn't take a math wizard to see that 30 per night equates to $900 per month. That's pretty hefty rent and $900 will buy a lot of diesel fuel. We get around that high cost by looking for places to "boondock" or by finding small towns with camping facilities (typically 20 per night or less), and state or national parks with minimal services.
Because we have a generator, we can run our AC when it gets too hot, charge our phones or computers, and keep our RV batteries charged. Is it roughing it? You gotta be kidding me. Of course it isn't roughing it...unless you compare it to an RV resort with full hook-ups. In that case, it's practically Little House on the Prairie. Our only real requirement is keeping our giant tank of explosive gas full enough to heat our water, light our stove, and power our generator. But propane is relatively cheap, it burns fairly clean, and it lasts a good long time.
In summary, we highly recommend the use of an onboard generator. If that's not an option, consider a portable. Consult your owner's manual and get plenty of advice from people in the know so your generator meets all the requirements for watts and volts and amps and all that other electricity speak, of which I know very little. Do keep in mind that not all places you stay will allow the use of generators, and if they do, the hours are restricted. Do you homework. Change the oil and air filters.
With that out of the way, let's talk about Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area just north of Royal, Nebraska. We have our grandkids to thank for showing us this little gem. It's home to "Chalk Hill" (it's not chalk at all, but it is most certainly a hill that'll give an old man sore muscles).
Grove Lake is an off-the-beaten-path sort of place and seems to be a favorite of boondockers, tent-campers, and the occasional Amish Buggy or Carriage (which are REALLY cool btw). If you can get past the idea that you're far enough off the grid that no one will likely find you for days if you fall in the water or get murdered, Grove Lake is a wonderful, charming place and the smallish lake looks like something from On Golden Pond. It's beautiful.
I can't speak to the fishing. We didn't fish, but many others seemed to enjoy fishing here. I saw no one land the Big One...or the Small One, for that matter. Regardless, we saw several people kayaking, canoeing, and bank fishing, so there must be something in there!
As for amenities, Grove Lake has almost none. We saw one permanent outhouse and two boat docks, only one of which where you could launch a small boat (NO WAKES!!!). You can climb Chalk Hill, kayak (bring your own), fish, or just relax, but if you want supplies, Royal is your closest option and there ain't much to choose from. There is a "campground" outside the main entrance that has hookups and there's also a bait shop. We weren't that impressed by either.
But if you want a small, quiet, beautiful, albeit only slightly creepy getaway, Grove Lake is amazing. We loved it. Take your generator, but plan ahead for turning your large motor home around. It's a little tight.
Happy Camping!!
Matt and Gina
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