Our (sort of) Camping Trip

Just before I went to Iowa City for my ERCP, we thought we'd go for an overnight camping trip to Wildcat Den State Park. Here's Leo, ready to rough it. The campground (which we hadn't used before) has no electricity, and only pit-style toilets. We were prepared for it--unfortunately, we were not prepared for the crowds of beer-drinking, country-music-blaring, cussing-&-whooping people who showed up as the evening progressed. We hiked the trails with the dogs, ate supper--and by then, it was bad enough that we decided we did not want to try to spend the night there.... We were disappointed, but we still had a good time.
I'm not sure what crime this poor GI Joe guy was guilty of, but Leo sentenced him to death by campfire.......
Leo letting the dogs cool off in the creek during our hike. The recent heavy rains really did a number on the creek, but being a natural place, it will recover well.
Brad, Leo, Emma & Pepper resting. Emma had a rough time with all the stairs (those of you who know her know she is neurotic about stairs) but Brad walked her through it, so to speak.
Our camp. Yes, we were right by the toilets, but usually, that's not a big problem. However, in addition to the problems with the other campers (mentioned above), the campground itself left much to be desired. The pit toilets were so full, there was only about three feet between the seat and the top of the "stuff" in the pit. They needed to be pumped out BADLY.....
All in all, I doubt we'll camp there again. I think we'll be sticking to the campgrounds with on-site management--it may cost a bit more, but it's quieter, cleaner, and just plain better!