Goodale Creek Campground Fire

[Boonie Buster2]

The Goodale Creek campground off Highway 395 north of Independence, California, is one of my favorite campgrounds when I want to get away for a weekend or just an overnight trip. Yesterday I was preparing my camper for a trip up there for the weekend. But late last night I found out that the campground is under a mandatory evacuation due to a wildfire in the area. According to the fire map, the whole campground is on fire. It also looks like the small community of Aberdeen is surrounded by fire. It is always a good idea to check weather forecasts and fire conditions when camping in a remote area. There is only one road in and out of that campground. There aren't many trees in the area, but there is a lot of heavy brush.

Edited: I tried to get to the Goodale Creek campground to see how much damage was done. But I was stopped by a sheriff's officer who was blocking the road. He said the campground was destroyed. He said the camp host did get out in time.

I use two apps to keep track of the weather and wildfires. Watch Duty, and OnX Offroad will both show active fires in the area.

 

[DonTom]

There has been a fire near here too. But I think I am safe here, but . . .

The most significant fire event near Austin, Nevada, is the New Pass Fire, which has burned approximately 17,714 acres in the Shoshone Mountain range of Lander County.

• Status: The fire is 0% contained as of late July 2026.
• Origin: It started on July 26, 2026, and was caused by lightning.
• Location: The blaze is located about 30 miles northwest of Austin, Nevada.
• Conditions: Fire managers expect continued rapid growth to the south and southeast due to hot, dry, and windy conditions.
• Response: 220 personnel are assigned to the incident, which is primarily burning grass, brush, and dry timber under the management of the Bureau of Land Management.

-Don- Big Creek Camp, NV

 

[garyb1st]

Been camping along the 395 more times than I can remember. We like the BLM campgrounds near Lone Pine and Crowley Lake. Never been to Goodale but from the pix I've seen, we probably wouldn't fit.

The increasing fire risk is a big concern. Hopefully the super El Nino that's been in the news will help reduce that risk.

 

[DonTom]

Crowley Lake.

For those never there, here is what Crowley Lake looks like.

-Don-, Baker, NV

 

[Boonie Buster2]

The Goodale Creek campground is nothing special, that's for sure. I have an aerial drone video of the area on my channel. There are some pull-throughs, which I think you could get a large motorhome into. It is mostly just an inexpensive place to spend the night while on a long trip.