Avintaquin Campground in the Ashley National Forest of Southeastern Utah

         For many years I drove by the turn-off for Avintaquin Campground and two questions came to mind:
         What's up with the unusual name?  and,  What's it like to camp there?

         According to the book Native American Place Names of the United States the word Avintaquin is "presumably from Ute, the translation is not clear".   So the answer to the first question is basically an unknown.

         To answer the second question I finally camped at Avintaquin, 15 years after first driving by that US Forest Service sign.  What's it like?  Splendid!
         And I now feel qualified to hazard a guess as to the Ute interpretation of Avintaquin.  How about: "Where the Earth Touches Sun and Stars".
     
        At an elevation of 9000 feet this campground-in-the-sky certainly embodies a heavenly spirit.   The morning sun sets the tree-tops afire and the night sky glitters with starlight.  Situated among towering Douglas Fir trees and quaking Aspens, the sites possess commanding views of rolling valleys and distant mountains.

        Last summer our group of seven women and four dogs spent a dazzling June weekend in the group campsite at Avintaquin.  Nighttime and early morning temperatures dipped below freezing but a blazing campfire provided warmth and good cheer.
        We had such a good time that we reserved the group campsite for the July 4th holiday this year.

The spaciousness of the group campsite was an attractive feature of this campground.
Notice the large "kitchen", far removed from the sleeping quarters.

Temperatures drop in the early evening.
The campfire is ready to go!

Morning sun warms our tent site.

Bring your dogs!
Annie, Lucinda, Jax and Kala (left to right) had as good a time
camping as we women did!

       Avintaquin is not really on the way to anywhere but that's part of its appeal—far from the madding crowds.  If you've had enough of the mob scene in National Parks like Zion and Arches head for our National Forests.  You might discover a hidden gem like Avintaquin Campground.