6 replies to this topic

[whiskeyandwine]

Suggestions for Primitive Camping spots in California this time of year ?

 

[DavidGraves]

That' s a fairly large area you are asking about there....do you want to know them ALL ? 

[whiskeyandwine]

Northern Sierra's, Coastal . 

We're personally in the Bay Area and are use to traveling 3-5hrs for camping.

Maybe some of your favorite spots.

[Alley-Kat]

I'm guessing that you are new-ish to California by your non-very-descriptive request. If not, then maybe you are really wanting to know about the secret or unique camping spots that WTW forum members may know about (which, IMHO, you should have asked more specifically about). ;-)

 

So, for new-ish campers to California here is my suggestion.

 

The older version by Foghorn Press of Tom Stienstra's, Outdoor California Camping, has all sorts and types of camping locations, from very primitive (free & low cost), some are almost hidden, to the more expensive and developed State Campgrounds & National Park Campgrounds and everything in between. You can then make a selection based on the excellent descriptions by Tom. It covers the entire State of California. At the Amazon web link there are several places listed as having NEW copies, otherwise get a good used copy.

 

After making your selection(s) from the above book, then do some free on-line research to determine the current status of your selection(s). Sometimes some of the camping spots in this older, most excellent book, have been modified, i.e., expanded camp sites, improved facilities, or occasionally abandoned/closed. I really like the more obscure and remote camping sites listed in this older book. It can be an adventure just finding those camp sites.

 

Do not get the more recent same title by the same author published by Moon Travel. Moon purchased Foghorn along with all their previous assets and then screwed up just about everything (IMO). There are special editions for Northern California and Southern California, poorly done by Moon Travel, however, the book in the top paragraph by Foghorn is the full deal and the best to cover it all.

[windy]

IOverlander app

[whiskeyandwine]

Great recommendation Alley-Kat thank you !

And Windy we will definitely look at the App as well.

 

We have areas we've camped at for YEARS but are looking to expand into lower elevation winter camping.

Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated ,

[kramme]

If you have some gem of locations whiskeyandwine to share, bring them on!