"oldcrow" wrote:

I pitched my tent a bit upstream from Great Meadow, since I like to be
off by myself. I think the Nat. Forest allows dispersed camping most
anywhere there isn't a "No Camping" sign posted. I parked my car at a
pull-off and put up the tent in a clearing between the road and the
stream.But Great Meadow is probably a fine place to camp as well.
However, just as I was leaving the area to head home, some people were
moving into the campground and playing loud music -- I think I came
Thursday afternoon and left Friday around noon.

As for bears, I saw the advisory, too. Didn't pay much attention to
it. One thing I've heard is that you're fine as long as you don't
sneak up on a bear and surprise it. Some people wear a bell or
something and I've heard that while trout are sensitive to low
frequency sounds, especially kicking around rocks in the streambed or
at streamside, they don't hear anglers' voices, etc., so wearing a bell
or talking to your buddy (or to yourself!) shouldn't spook the fish.

Thanks for the info. I was hoping the area around Great Meadows was not
surrounded by "No Camping" signs as a way to keep campers centralized to the
campground. I too would prefer to be off by myself. I feared Great Meadows,
being free and close to the creek would be a party spot. I like to have fun
as much as anybody else but if I am not up and ready an hour before sunrise
then I overslept. This trip needs to cost gas and food (and maybe gassy
food) and that's it.
As for the bears...so I guess I won't sleep with a pork chop around my neck.
Guess I'll string my chow in a tree. As for talking to yourself while
fishing...I have been doing it for years, (perfectly normal, perfectly
healthy) it doesn't seem to bother the fish a bit.