Where to camp to wait out the long hot summer

[tx2sturgis]

From Louisiana, you might want to head for the Sante Fe, NM area.  It is a good place to spend a few weeks to get used to elevation.  After your altitude headache goes away, move to Colorado.

I have gotten a headache and flu like symptoms every time I went to Sante Fe,  and it is only about 7,000 feet.  

Get used to 7,000 feet before you head for 10,000 feet in Colorado.

This is damn good advice. I thought I was immune to it since I've traveled thru the mountains my entire life and camped at 10,000 feet many times, but I had some altitude symptoms a couple of years ago at 9000 feet in Wyoming.

As for recommendations for the OP, I really like Carson National Forest in Northern New Mexico, near Angel Fire and Eagle Nest, New Mexico. Dispersed camping for 14 days, coolish even in mid-summer, and a couple of quaint little tourist towns in the vicinity, and its not crowded in the summer. Plus, for $225 a non-resident can buy a one-year Annual Camping Permit and stay for free (no hookups) all year long (meaning camp for 14 days then leave the park for 7 days) at any of the New Mexico State Parks. Water is available in most parks, and electricity (if needed) is $4 per day.  

Last June and July, daytime temps were mild, and evenings were pleasantly cool. There were fire restrictions in effect, so we could not have campfires...check the restrictions anywhere you camp if you want a campfire. 

The local fire crew even gave us a tour of one of the rigs...everyone was friendly. 

 

[Kaylee]

tx2sturgis: Thanks!
What were the bugs like?
Do any of the NM state parks have free wifi?
How easy was it to find sites with cellular coverage, and which carriers?

skyl4rk & Brian: Thanks!
My tentative plan last summer was to head to Colorado when it got hot here (northern WI&MI), so I welcome more info & tips on it.

It's day #2 of a mini heat spell, so definitely not fun here.
The next two weeks should rock, plus baby critters should start showing up.

 

[MrNoodly]

Do any of the NM state parks have free wifi?
How easy was it to find sites with cellular coverage, and which carriers?

NM state parks don't have wifi.

Cellular coverage ranges from excellent to none, depending on the geography and proximity to civilization—just like anywhere else. Parks I remember having adequate cell signal are Pancho Villa, Rockhound, City of Rocks, Percha Dam, Caballo Lake, Elephant Butte, Oliver Lee, Bottomless Lakes, Brantly Lake, Manzano Mountains and Bluewater. Ones I remember NOT having a signal are Fenton Lake, Heron Lake, Coyote Creek, Morphy Lake, Villanueva and Cimarron Canyon.

 

[SLB_SA]

Brookings, Oregon is a nice town; I have relatives there.  In California, Fortuna may be beautiful and warm but Eureka, 10 miles away, may be in a fog bank and much cooler; you can move a few miles to find the climate you prefer.  I have relatives in Humboldt county and have lived in California and Oregon off and on.  You can move up and down the Pacific coast and find the temperature you prefer.

 

[jacqueg]

Oregon coast is also REALLY crowded in the summer, with few boon docking sites available. Washington coast is little better.

 

[wayne49]

city-data has annual  average climate graphs for the smallest communities up to cities.
Example: Leadville, CO (There is a separate entry for Leadville North.) [CO == Colorado]
http://www.city-data.com/city/Leadville-Colorado.html

 

[Kaylee]

jacqueg:
Thanks for the Sanity Check!

Perhaps more folks could include such info.
The OP sounded like he was looking for peace... I know I am.

Wayne: Thanks for a specific resource!

Today is the last of a 4-day spell of hot&humid (in northern WI/MI). By late morning it's been too hot for me to work.
This has been a timely and helpful thread - thanks OP for asking.

 

[Glynb]

I am definitely looking for peace and quiet, however I still want to be close to town for groceries and free wi-fi.  It would b great to be close to a town with a library and a coffee shop.  A walmart is also handy.

Thanks for all of the great replies and ideas.  Keep them coming please

 

[Kaylee]

I am definitely looking for peace and quiet,

Then you are my Brother.
You should have no problem finding what you're looking for.

however I still want to be close to town for groceries and free wi-fi.  It would b great to be close to a town with a library and a coffee shop.  A walmart is also handy.

Ditto on free wifi - I'm finding it's quite liberating not having cellular coverage at my camping "site", but being less than 5 miles from a Library with good wifi, very limited hours, and a big parking lot.

Not having a Walmart near to me (closest is ~40 miles) is an issue, however small town grocery stores often have better deals, and I've been using Amazon for esoteric items.
The key is to know what you need to stock up on.