Local farmers and ranchers parade fancifully decorated tractors and tractor-drawn wagons depicting holiday scenes down the Victorian Village’s historic Main Street. Sparkling country Christmas celebrations include the Tallest Living Tree Lighting, shopping and dining downtown. Romantic Christmas destination on the Northern California Redwood Coast!
Annual event: December
Ferndale, CA
707-786-4477
Balboa Park December Nights
Southern California’s premier holiday festival
“Christmas on the Prado” is now called December Nights
40 years running; Friday and Saturday night in early December
The event brings families and friends together to spread holiday joy, learn more about the cultural value of Balboa Park and kick-off the “most wonderful time of the year.”
Participating Balboa Park museums open their doors free of charge from 5-9 pm both evenings and more than 350,000 visitors are expected to experience the joy of San Diego’s largest free community festival. Those who attend will participate in a truly multicultural experience, enjoying food, music and entertainment from around the world.
Revelers can watch top-notch musical and dance performances, enjoy delicious and diverse food choices and help spread a heavy dose of holiday cheer.
Well-known traditions include food from around the globe at the International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages; the annual Santa Lucia Procession at the Plaza de California; unique gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of Spanish Village; and musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Del Cerro Baptist’s Christmas Story Tree, and more.
Annual event; multiple nights
San Diego, CA
619-239-0512
Departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through the streets of Santa Cruz as passengers lend their voices to holiday carols, sip hot spiced cider and listen to musical entertainment while Santa visits the little ones, or the young at heart! Continue the merriment with your choice of arcade games, mini-golf or laser tag at Santa’s Kingdom at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Bring the whole family for festive fun.
Annual event: December
multiple days
Reyes Adobe Days is held in the City of Agoura Hills, California. Carshow, parade & 5k run. The parade starts at Forest Cove Lane and travels along Thousand Oaks Boulevard to the Reyes Adobe Historical Site.
Families can experience California culture, past and present, with free museum tours, a music stage, interactive historical demonstrations, children’s history scavenger hunt, horse competition, pony rides, inflatables and carnival games, Victorian games, beer garden and food vendors.
30400 Rainbow Crest Drive
(next to Reyes Adobe Park)
Agoura Hills, California
Annual event; October
818-597-7361
map river | hiking river | map gorge
There are many gorgeous rivers in California that are perfect for camping and fishing, but none are located in Southern California. None! Yep, you read that right. If you think about it, the golden state is about half desert! The majority of our natural water in our state is coming from the north – so take this as a warning: you might need to drive a few hours to find your ideal river camp.
The easy-to-access waterways are found mostly along highways in the Sierra Nevada – or way up in NorCal. Deep granite gorges carved out by glaciers, surrounded by forested peaks is only half the appeal. High elevation lakes, waterfalls, big trees, abundant wildlife, and the alpine villages are all part of the Sierra Nevada experience. Raft, kayak, fly fish, hike, bike or just camp out next to a big, rushing, flowing river. Our selection of California maps will get you narrowed down to a specific region, so you can find that perfect river campground, or explore and discover the back roads – for the most seclusion.
EEL RIVER
KLAMATH RIVER
Klamath NF Map
MAD RIVER – NFS Campground
MATTOLE RIVER
McCLOUD RIVER
NAPA RIVER
NAVARRO RIVER
NEW RIVER
NOYO RIVER
PIT RIVER
RUSSIAN RIVER
SACRAMENTO RIVER CAMPING
SALMON RIVER
6 RIVERS NATIONAL FOREST MAP
SMITH RIVER
TRINITY RIVER
VAN DUZEN RIVER
AMERICAN RIVER
AMERICAN RIVER – El Dorado NF Map
CONSUMNES RIVER – Stanislaus NF Map
FEATHER RIVER
FEATHER RIVER Recreation Map
FEATHER RIVER – Plumas NF Map
KAWEAH RIVER – Sequoia
KERN RIVER CAMPING
KERN RIVER – Sequoia
KINGS RIVER California
KINGS RIVER CAMPING
KINGS RIVER – Sequoia Kings Canyon Map
KINGS CANYON NP
MERCED RIVER – Sierra
MERCED RIVER – Yosemite Map
MOKELUMNE RIVER – El Dorado NF Map
OWENS RIVER – Inyo NF Map
SAN JOAQUIN RIVER – Sierra
SOUTH YUBA RIVER Recreation Map
STANISLAUS RIVER – Sonora Pass
STANISLAUS RIVER – Stanislaus NF Map
SUSAN RIVER – Lassen
TULE RIVER – Sequoia
YUBA RIVER – North Gold Country
YUBA RIVER – Tahoe NF Map
BIG SUR RIVER
SALINAS RIVER
COLORADO RIVER CAMPING
Colorado River Jet Ski
LAKE HAVASU
LAKE MEAD (NV) Recreation Map
LAKE MOHAVE
SANTA YNEZ RIVER @ Lake Cachuma – Santa Barbara Mountains
SESPE RIVER – more creek than river, Los Padres NF & SESPE WILDERNESS
KERN RIVER: The Kern River is one of the most popular of all the Sierra rivers due to its proximity to SoCal. Hurried, stressed-out, Angelinos (LA) can be at this destination in under 3 hours – which makes it a very busy place most months.
So, let it be told, that summer is not the best time to enjoy the Kern. If you do plan a summer outting, make sure you head for the Upper Kern (10+ mi N of Kernville & Lake Isabella) or the North Fork of the Kern (out in Monache Meadows) where 4×4 is often needed.
The Lower Kern River has only 2 developed campgrounds: Hobo (closed for damage 2019) and Sandy Flat (open all year). Numerous primitive camp spots are available along Old Kern Canyon Rd, which parallels the Hwy 178 on the south side. None of which are located at the rivers edges. Remington Hot Springs is a popular spot for soaking. Fishing trails, mountain biking trails and hiking trails, all over. Fire danger is great in this area, so pay extra close attention to signs and fire restrictions.
Kern River above Lake Isabella and Kernville is a better choice for camping availability.
Everybody loves Yosemite! This is the most popular park in the whole state; maybe the whole nation.
The majority of campers want to stay “right on the river” when they visit Yosemite NP, but that is just plain old impossible, since reservations go fast and there is only so much room for everyone in this enclosed, narrow, precious valley.
This particular park has some major floods (1997 & 2005) that wiped out bridges, road ways; all the old wooden cabins (at Yosemite Lodge) are gone and only half of the campgrounds are still available. Yosemite has had 11 winter floods since 1916 that have caused substantial damage to property. That number is expected to increase, as winter precipitation is getting less predictable.
Reservations are taken for camping and cabins – far in advance; like one year. No joke!
Way up in the Yosemite high country, which is only open a few months outta the year, the beautiful Tuolumne Meadows Campground is located next to lush meadows and the scenic Tuolumne River. All Yosemite campsites must be reserved well in advance, so visit links above – if you are serious about a Yosemite camping trip anytime soon.
MOKELUMNE RIVER: Way up the road, deep in the western Sierra, Gold Country. Small NFS campgrounds, right on the river; Access is long, narrow paved, switch-back road, not suitable for RVs or trailers.
STANISLAUS RIVER: The Sonora Pass, the fishing is very decent way back in this granite gorge. Highway 108 is only open a few months outta the year, due to deep snow & rock slides – so time is of the essence. Summer time is prime vacation weather up here. Several campgrounds are located right on the river, or on the major feeder streams. Or you can opt for secluded primitive camping on the back roads. Find Sonora camping in Stanislaus National Forest.
YUBA RIVER: The biggest play time river in the northern Gold Country, this runs along Hwy 49 near Downieville and also has a major South Fork for the best swimming holes and primitive camping in this region. Tubing, rafting, kayaking, fishing, camping, gold panning, you name it, Yuba has it. Look for more on the South Yuba Recreation Map, or the USDA issued Tahoe National Forest Map
FEATHER RIVER: Top fishing river in the Lassen to Oroville area. Chester and Lake Almanor in the upper reaches. High Bridge Campground is nice paved-camp-site camping; a forested spot where you can fish 2 rivers on the same day. A Plumas NF or Lassen NF map would be quite helpful for this region. Lower down the mountain, lower Feather Rivers which include all 4 forks which feed Lake Oroville – West Fork (Paradise, CA), North Fork, Middle Fork Feather, (Berry Creek, CA) and the South Fork (Lumpkin). Lots of waterways and creeks worth exploring in between Chico and the mountain town of Quincy.
KINGS RIVER: This one particular river is the longest in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, pulling snow melt from the upper reaches of the High Country and Mount Whitney. The river area just to the West of the National Park, over to Pine Flat Reservoir, is all prime for outdoor recreation. Several river rafting companies work this stretch of river.
CAMP FOUR & A HALF CABIN RENTAL
NFS KINGS RIVER
Near 40 years running, this small town festival in Napa’s wine country is quite a draw for locals and families. One day event!
Annual event; October
707-944-8851
Feather River Fish Hatchery, Feather River Nature Center and Riverbend Park
On the Feather River between Historic Downtown Oroville and the Fish Hatchery, the town bursts with fish-flavored activities during the annual Salmon Festival. Friday night starts @ Feather River Nature Center for dinner & dance. Saturday brings on the fun, food, music and vendors on Main Street. Lots of great local info – salmon recipes, water/drought, fishing and environmental issues. Big pancake breakfast, a farmer’s market, live music, a craft fair, clowns, rides for the kids. Hatchery tours. The Bounty of Butte County will be located atop Myers Street, next to the Municipal Auditorium leading into Salmon Court. FREE to attend and tastes sold as desired. There will be food demonstrations, local food vendors, restaurant tastings and so much more.
Annual event; September
530-538-2542
St. Anthony of Lisbon Portuguese Celebration
Pismo has loads of things to do in summer. Saint Anthony’s celebrates the cultural contribution of the area’s Portuguese descendants. Event held at 390 Bello St. Pismo Beach, CA
Annual event; August
805-773-0527
Ukiah holds the Redwood Empire Fair every August at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds. This one is the biggest fair in the region for summer fairs and events.
1055 North State Street
Ukiah, California
Annual Event; August
707-462-3884
25+ years of Salsa @ the annual Oxnard Salsa Festival, on the Ventura coastline. Spicy food, hot music & cool ocean breezes welcome you to the regions biggest Latin celebration. Salsa tasting & competition. Live music, dancing & great Mexican foods.
Annual event; July
San Diego county’s Imperial Beach is the home of the biggest & best sand castles on the west coast. Sandcastle City!
Annual event; August
Santa Barbara California holds a celebration of kites day. Fly high on the coast of beauty. 35 years running. Held at the Santa Barbara City College One day event.
Annual event; April
BALCH PARK campground is on a first come basis; no campground reservations needed.
2021 – THIS CAMPGROUND IS CLOSED indefinitely,
due to the Castle Fire 2020
Hedrick Pond lined w/ Sequoia trees
Balch County Park is right in the middle of Mountain Home State Forest, which is within the bigger Sequoia National Forest (aka Giant Sequoia National Monument). But don’t let all the bureaucracy mislead you, this is an ideal park and location, well worth your trip. The campground is the most developed one within the area – with paved roads, RV spaces, flush toilets and a fee to go along with all that. Even gotta fishing pond.
Balch Park & Campground NOT TO BE CONFUSED with utility company residences of BALCH CAMP between Pine Flat & Blackrock Reservoirs
Helpful Maps:
Nearby cities & towns:
| campground | elev. | spots | veg | toilet | water | fee | |
| Balch Park 559-539-3896 |
6500′ | 71 | pines | flush | piped | yes | no reservations first come basis |
California National Parks
California National Forests
California Rivers
California State Parks
Carlsbad Flower Fields
North county San Diego annual bloom event every Spring (March & April)
Hearst Castle
Central Coast rural and rugged coastline, south of Big Sur, California. Very touristy destination; Tickets for tours required.
Historical Re-Enactments @ Riley’s Farm
A real working apple orchard near Los Angeles; offering living history programs; re-enactments of scenes from the American Revolution, Civil War & Old West. Dinner, holiday shows, restaurant & tavern.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
This is the premier ocean museum and largest tanks on the California Coast.
Mystery Spot
Defy gravity, geological puzzling; Interstate 236 Santa Cruz coastal redwoods
Winchester Mystery House
6 acre, 160 room 45 million dollar Victorian mansion with bizarre architectural features
Mount Pinos Recreation Area
The Mt Pinos Recreation Area is located on the border of Southern and Central California, inside Los Padres National Forest. After passing Frazier Park, the winding, paved, mountain road starts atop Cuddy Valley and is approximately 12 miles from Interstate 5 @ Tejon Pass. The 8831′ peak is the tallest in Kern County and is a popular spot for both summer and winter recreation: cross country skiing, snow shoeing, backpacking, hiking, mountain biking. The snow gates often close during heavy snow.
Mount Pinos Road starts atop Cuddy Valley Rd, at the “Y” – where it intersects with Mil Potrero Highway, which heads out to Pine Mountain Club, California.
One mile up the Mount Pinos route, you will find McGill trailhead on the right side (it is popular w/ mountain bikers) and then the first snow gate at Burbank Rd. Another 4 miles up hill, you come to the only set of dirt roads accessible on this range. A left turn will take you winding thru pine forest to the valley below. 4×4 is not required, but a National Forest map could be very handy. Unfortunately all the private properties at the bottom have locked gates & no thru access to Cuddy Valley is allowed. Although it is an awesome drive to just go exploring in the woods, there is no way out (once you get down the hill), so you must return the same way you came.
Back on the main route, shortly after the dirt roads is McGill Campground on the right side & another snow gate. In another mile and a half you will reach Mt Pinos Campground on the left side; the entrance is easy to miss. From here you are less than 2 miles from the end of the main road.
Mountain Bike, Hike, Backpack, Camp, XC Ski, Snow Sled
Darkest Skies for Stargazing in Southern California
The huge paved parking lot is the dead end (2 miles from the peak of Pinos) – very popular with astronomers, mountain bikers, plus the families and snow sledders in winter (if the gates are open). A National Ski Patrol’s Nordic Base, the only building you will see up this way. At 8300′ elevation, the large parking area is perfect overnight spot for amateur astronomers, so be considerate when visiting night. New moon (no moon) weekends APR-OCT are optimal viewing months. In busy summer months you can often find motorhome campers all set up with expensive equipment tracking the heavens all night long. Please be respectful of their hobby & eyes; Turn off headlights when you approach the parking area at night.
There is also a hike-in, freebie camp ground called Chula Vista; an easy quarter mile walk from the parking lot to 12 camp sites & a pit toilet. Mountain bikes dig this area too. A large meadow here blooms with wild irises in summer, only sometimes.
ROAD CONDITIONS to Mount Pinos, call the rangers 661-245-3731
Pinos – Peak to Peak Hike
The trailhead for Pinos Summit starts at this parking lot. It is a 2 mile moderate, but steep hike on an old fire road. The neighboring peak to the west is called Mount Abel @ 8286′ elevation (aka Cerro Noroeste). The infamous peak to peak hike along the ridge line from Mt Pinos to Mt Abel is 6.5 miles one way – and very popular in summer months. This hike requires 4-6 hours & a car shuttle should be arranged in advance. The Chumash Wilderness sits between Mount Pinos and the tiny community of Pine Mountain, which can be seen below on many places along the hike.
There are 3 developed campgrounds in the Mount Pinos Recreation Area:
McGill Campground accepts reservations online. Campgrounds are often closed during winter months, due to snow. (Oct-April)
DARK NIGHT SKIES: Amateur Astronomers unite!
LOS PADRES MAPS:
Los Padres National Forest Map
NEAREST TOWNS:
Camp O Alto @ Cerro Noroeste
alphabetically listed; cross reference by lake or campground name. reservations may be accepted for certain locations; follow links.
Most of the lake campgrounds listed below are traditional style campgrounds with easy access: paved driveways, toilets, tables, maybe piped water. Various agencies manage these park campsites and additional links are provided.
Some of the campgrounds may be more primitive than others, with long dirt road access, gravel driveways, and minimal facilities. This list includes a wide range of lakes, from reservable group camps, to private RV resorts to back road beauties. Even a few campgrounds without fees!
Higher elevation locations close-up for the seasonal winter snow, which can last from NOV-MAY (or later, depending on snowmelt).
Each lake camp is different, so know what is available at the location before you get out there. Many spots do not have a boat ramp. Some lakes do not allow swimming. Some might be 4×4 access only, w/ hairy granite rock road, 12 miles long. If you require a general store within walking distance, then get the maps out, follow links and make sure.
ACORN CAMPGROUND
New Hogan Lake, Valley Springs, Stockton CA
ALMANOR CAMPGROUND
Lake Almanor, Westwood, Chester, California
ANTELOPE LAKE – Plumas NF, Indian Valley, Greenville, CA
Anthony Chabot Park
Lake Chabot Campground
East Bay San Francisco, Oakland, Alameda, CA
ANTLERS RV CAMPGROUND
Lake Shasta, Lakehead, O’Brien CA, Interstate 5
ASPEN GROUP CAMP
Jackson Meadow Reservoir, Tahoe NF, Truckee, California
ASPEN GROVE CAMPGROUND
Eagle Lake, Lassen NF, Susanville, California
ASPEN HOLLOW GROUP CAMP
Sequoia, Kings Canyon National Park, Hume Lake
AUBURN SRA BOAT-IN CAMPING
Auburn State Recreation Area, Gold Country
Folsom Lake, American Arm, Auburn, CA
BAILEY COVE CAMPGROUND
Lake Shasta, California
BASS LAKE – Sierra National Forest, South of Yosemite NP
BEAR RIVER GROUP CAMP
Lower Bear Reservoir, Eldorado National Forest
BENBOW LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA
Mendocino Benbow Lake, NorCal Redwoods US 101
BERGER CAMPGROUND
Packer Lake @ Lakes Basin Recreation Area, Yuba River, North Gold Country California; Sierra City, Downieville CA
BIG COVE CAMPGROUND
Frenchman Lake, Feather River, Plumas NF, Portola CA
BIG SILVER GROUP CAMP
Union Valley Reservoir, US Hwy 50, Placerville, Gold Country
BLACK BUTTE LAKE – North Sac Valley, NorCal
BLACK OAK CAMPGROUND
Stumpy Meadows Reservoir, Eldorado NF
East of Georgetown, CA
BLACKROCK RESERVOIR
North fork of Kings River, Sierra NF
Western Sierra Nevada
BLUE LAKES, South of Lake Tahoe
PGE Campgrounds @ Carson Pass, Hwy 88
BLUE LAKE DISPERSED CAMPGROUND
i80 Donner Pass, Truckee, CA
PGE Campground, first come
4×4 roads and hike-in access only 
BOCA RESERVOIR – Tahoe NF, Truckee, California
BOULDER GULCH CAMPGROUND
Kern Canyon, Lake Isabella, California
BOWMAN LAKE (5665′ elev)
Tahoe National Forest, N of Donner Pass
BRANNAN ISLAND STATE RECREATION AREA
Sacramento River @ California Delta, Lodi CA
BUCKS LAKE – North Sierra, Plumas National Forest
BURNEY FALLS STATE PARK CAMPGROUND
Lake Britton SRA, Burney, California
BUSHAY CAMPGROUND
Lake Mendocino, California
BUTT VALLEY Reservoir – PG&E Campgrounds
West of Lake Almanor
BUTTE LAKE – Lassen Volcanic National Park 
CARR LAKE CAMPGROUND
North of Donner Pass, Tahoe NF
hike-in camp sites
Castaic Lake RV Park
North Los Angeles County, Castiac, CA Interstate 5
CHEKAKA CAMPGROUND
Lake Mendocino, Wine Country California, US Hwy 101
CHERRY LAKE (wildfire 2013)
West of Yosemite NP
CHILCOOT CAMPGROUND
South of Frenchman Lake, East Plumas NF, Feather River, Portola CA
Chowchilla Recreation Area
Eastman Lake, Central Valley, Fresno CA
CHRISTIE CAMPGROUND
Eagle Lake, south shore; Plumas NF, Susanville, California
CLEAR LAKE SP – Wine Country, California
CODORNIZ RECREATION AREA
Eastman Lake, San Joaquin Valley, Central Valley
COLLEGE CAMPGROUND
Huntington Lake, Western Sierra Nevada
CONVICT LAKE CAMPGROUND
Eastern Sierra, US Hwy 395, Mammoth Lakes
COTTONWOOD SPRINGS CAMPGROUND
Frenchman Lake, Feather River, North Sierra Nevada
COURTRIGHT RESERVOIR 
Le Conte Divide, John Muir Wilderness
Sierra NF, Western Sierra Nevada
CROWLEY LAKE
Eastern Sierra, South of Mammoth Lakes
CRYSTAL LAKE
Angeles National Forest, Azusa, CA
DE VALLE LAKE SRA
Central Valley Reservoir
D.L. BLISS SP
DL BLISS CAMPGROUND
DL Bliss State Park, Lake Tahoe, California
DINKEY CREEK
Dinkey Creek CA; near Dinkey Lakes Wilderness Area
Sierra NF, south of Shaver Lake CA
DONNER STATE PARK
Donner Lake, Sierra Nevada, Donner Pass, Tahoe NF, Truckee, CA
EAGLE LAKE – Lassen NF, Susanville, California
EASTMAN LAKE – California Central Valley, Fresno CA
CAMP EDISON @ SHAVER
EDISON CAMPGROUND
California Edison Campground
@ Shaver Lake, CA, Western Sierra
ELLERY CREEK
McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake, California
EMERALD BAY SP
South Lake Tahoe California
FALLEN LEAF CAMPGROUND
South Lake Tahoe California
FASHODA CAMPGROUND
Union Valley Reservoir, Mid-Sierra, ElDorado NF
FAUCHERIE GROUP CAMP
Faucherie Lake, Donner Pass Area, Tahoe NF, Truckee, California
FAWN CAMPGROUND
Trinity Alps Highway 3, NorCal, Trinity Lake CA
FIR COVE CAMPGROUND
Ruth Lake, Mad River CA @ Hwy 36, Six River NF
FISH LAKE CAMPGROUND
Hwy 96, Six River National Forest, Orleans CA
FLORENCE LAKE
Sierra National Forest
FOLSOM LAKE SRA
Folsom State Recreation Area, Sacramento CA
FORKS CAMPGROUND
Bass Lake, Sierra NF, South Yosemite
FREMONT CAMPGROUND
near Lake Cachuma, Santa Barbara Camping
FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR – American River
FRENCHMAN LAKE – Plumas NF, Feather River, Portola CA
FULLER LAKE
Donner Pass, Tahoe NF
No more Campground; Day Use Only
see – RUCKER LAKE for camping
GLORY HOLE RECREATION AREA
GLORY HOLE CAMPGROUND
New Melones Reservoir
Angels Camp, California Gold Country
GOLD LAKE, CALIFORNIA
Lakes Basin Recaretion Area, Northern Sierra
GREEN VALLEY CAMPGROUND
Green Valley Lake, Big Bear Lake Area, San Bernardino NF
GRIZZLY CAMPGROUND
Lake Davis, Plumas National Forest, Portola CA
LAKE HAVASU
Colorado River @ California – Arizona border
HAYWARD FLAT
Trinity Lake, NorCal Highway 3, Weaverville CA
LAKE HEMET
Idyllwild, CA – RV Camping, Southern California
HETCH HETCHY RESERVOIR
NPS Campground, West of Yosemite NP
HIGHLANDS LAKES
Ebbetts Pass Hwy 4, Sierra Nevada
HORSE CREEK
Lake Kaweah, South Sequoia National Park, Three Rivers CA
HUME LAKE – Kings Canyon & Sequoia NP, Hume Lake
HUNGRY GULCH CAMPGROUND
Lake Isabella, Kern River, Kernville CA
HUNTINGTON LAKE – Western Sierra Nevada
HUTCHINS CAMPGROUND
Bucks Lake, CA, Plumas National Forest
ICE HOUSE CAMPGROUND
Ice House Reservoir, US Hwy 50, El Dorado NF
INDEPENDENCE LAKE 6949′
N of Donner Pass; N of Truckee, CA
ISLAND PARK CAMPGROUND
Pine Flat Reservoir, Kings River, Sierra NF
JACKSON FLAT GROUP CAMP
Jackson Lake, Angeles NF, Wrightwood CA
JACKSON MEADOWS Reservoir – Tahoe NF, Truckee
JUANITA LAKE GROUP CAMP
near Butte Valley Wildlife Area, Klamath NF, Weed CA
JUNE LAKE CAMPGROUND
June Lake Loop, Hwy 158, June Lake, CA Eastern Sierra
JUNIPER LAKE – Lassen Volcanic NP
KASPIAN CAMPGROUND
hiking trail to Barker Peak @ Lake Tahoe CA
LAKE KAWEAH
just outside Sequoia NP, Three Rivers, CA
KIDD LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND
i80 Donner Pass @ Soda Springs, CA
kayak, canoe, hike-in camp sites
KINGS BEACH SRA
State Recreation Area Lake Tahoe CA
LAKE ALMANOR – Northern Sierra Nevada
LAKE BERRYESSA – Wine Country California
LAKE BRITTON – Burney Falls Park
LAKE CACHUMA – Santa Barbara Mountains
LAKE DAVIS – Plumas National Forest, Portola, CA 
LAKE EDISON – Sierra NF, John Muir Wilderness
LAKE ISABELLA – Kern River, South Sierra Nevada
LAKE MENDOCINO – North Wine Country CA, US Hwy 101
LAKE MOJAVE
Lake Mohave National Recreation Area
Colorado River 4×4 Camping, AZ, CA, NV
LAKE OROVILLE SRA
Oroville Lake State Recreation Area
Loafer Creek, Equestrian Camp, Feather River Oroville CA
LAKE PERRIS SRA
Inland Empire, Southern California
LAKE PILLSBURY
Mendocino NF, N of Ukiah, CA
LAKE SONOMA – Wine Country California, Geyserville
LAKE SPAULDING
PG&E Campground, Donner Pass, Interstate 80
LAKE TAHOE – Sierra Nevada Mountains
LAKE VALLEY Reservoir
Donner Pass, Tahoe NF
LAKES BASIN CAMPGROUND
Lakes Basin Recreation Area, North Gold Country
LAKESHORE EAST
Shasta Lake, Northern California
LAKESIDE CAMPGROUND
Prosser Reservoir, OHV Camping, Truckee, California
LEWIS CAMPGROUND
French Meadows Reservoir, American River, W of Lake Tahoe
LIBERTY GLEN CAMPGROUND
Lake Sonoma, Wine Country California
LIGHTNING TREE CAMPGROUND
Lake Davis, Plumas National Forest, Susanville, California
LINDSEY LAKE CAMPGROUND
North of i80 Donner Pass, Tahoe NF
LODGEPOLE CAMPGROUND
Lake Valley Reservoir
i80 Donner Pass, Tahoe NF
LOGGER FLAT CAMPGROUND
near Hume Lake, near Sequoia & Kings National Parks
LONE ROCK
Antelope Lake, Plumas NF, Indian Valley, Greenville, CA
LONG POINT
Antelope Lake, Plumas NF, Indian Valley, Greenville, CA
LOON LAKE CAMPGROUND
ElDorado NF High Country, Georgetown, CA
LOON LAKE CHALET
ElDorado NF High Country, Georgetown, CA
LOS ALAMOS CAMPGROUND
Pyramid Lake, North Los Angeles, Interstate 5
(no campgrounds on the lakeshore)
LOWER TWIN LAKES
Twin Lakes CA, BRIDGEPORT, Eastern Sierra
LUNDY LAKE CAMPGROUND
Eastern Sierra, East of Yosemite NP
LUPINE CAMPGROUND
Bass Lake, Sierra NF, South Yosemite
MAMMOTH POOL RESERVOIR – Sierra NF, South of Yosemite NP
MANZANITA LAKE – Lassen Volcanic NP
MARY SMITH CAMPGROUND
Lewiston Lake, Trinity River, Lewiston CA
MEADOW LAKE CAMPGROUND
i80 Donner Pass, Truckee, CA
PGE Campground, high clearance vehicles only
MEEKS BAY CAMPGROUND
Lake Tahoe California, west shore
LAKE MENDOCINO
Lake Campground Mendocino, Ukiah CA, US Hwy 101
MERRILL CAMPGROUND
Eagle Lake Recreation Area, Susanville CA
MESA CAMPGROUND
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, Cajon Pass L.A.
MILLERTON LAKE SRA
Millerton Lake Campground, Fresno CA
MODESTO RESERVOIR REGIONAL PARK
Western Sierra Foothills, Modesto, Merced, Central Valley
MONO LAKE, CALIFORNIA
Eastern Sierra, US Hwy 395 @ Lee Vining, CA
NELSON POINT
Shasta Lake, Northern California
NEVADA BEACH CAMPGROUND
Lake Tahoe, south shore @ Nevada state line, US Hwy 50
NEW BULLARDS BAR RESERVOIR
Hwy 49, North Gold Country
NEW HOGAN LAKE – Valley Springs, Gold Country
NEW MELONES Reservoir – Angels Camp, Gold Country
NORTH FORK CAMPGROUND
Bass Lake, Sierra National Forest, Yosemite South
NORTH SHORE
Lake Arrowhead, San Bernardino National Forest
OAK KNOLL CAMPGROUND
New Hogan Reservoir, San Andreas, Gold Country
OAK SHORES
Lake Berryessa, RV Camping in Wine Country
OH RIDGE
June Lake, California, Eastern Sierra
PACKER LAKE
North Sierra Nevada, Lakes Basin Recreation Area
PAHA CAMPGROUND
Twin Lakes, Bridgeport CA, Eastern Sierra
PARADISE COVE
Lake Isabella, Kern River California
LAKE PILLSBURY
Mendocino National Forest, N of Ukiah, CA
PINECREST LAKE
Sonora Pass, Hwy 108, Stanislaus National Forest
PINE FLAT RESERVOIR – Kings River, Sierra NF
PINE POINT
Shasta Lake, Shasta National Forest
PIONEER POINT
Lake Isabella, Kern River, South Sierra
PROSSER Reservoir – Truckee Camping w/ OHV Trails
PYRAMID LAKE – North Los Angeles, Interstate 5
(no campground on the lakeshore)
ROUND VALLEY Reservoir
North Sierra @ Indian Valley, Greenville, CA
RUCKER LAKE CAMPGROUND
i80 Donner Pass, Tahoe NF
RUTH LAKE – Mad River, Six River NF
SAGE HILL
Lake Cachuma, Santa Barbara Mountains
SALTON SEA SRA
Salton Sea State Recreation Area, Imperial Valley Desert
SAN LUIS RESERVOIR SRA
Central California, Interstate 5 @ Hwy 152
SARDINE LAKE
Lakes Basin Recreation Area, North Gold Country
SHASTA LAKE – Northern California
SILVER LAKE @ BUCKS
Plumas NF w/ dirt road, Bucks Lake Wilderness & PCT
SILVER LAKE @ CARSON
Carson Pass – Hwy 88, El Dorado NF, Markleeville CA
SILVER LAKE @ JUNE
June Lake Loop – Hwy 158, Eastern Sierra
SILVER LAKE @ LASSEN
Lassn NF, E of Lassen Volcanic National Park
SILVERWOOD LAKE SRA
Cajon Pass, San Bernardino NF, Southern California
SNAG LAKE
North Sierra Nevada, Lakes Basin Recreation Area
SNAKE LAKE CAMPGROUND
Plumas NF, in between Bucks Lake and Quincy, CA
SOUTH SHORE CAMPGROUND
Lower Bear River Reservoir, El Dorado National Forest
SPAULDING LAKE CAMPGROUND
i80 (freeway close) Donner Pass, Tahoe NF
STONY GORGE Reservoir – North Valley
LAKE SUCCESS
Tule River, Porterville, CA
SUGAR PINE POINT SP
Lake Tahoe California, west shore
SUGAR PINE Reservoir
American River, Tahoe National Forest
NE of Foresthill, CA
SUGARLOAF RIDGE SP
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Santa Rosa, Wine Country
SUMMIT LAKE – Lassen Volcanic National Park
SUNSET CAMPGROUND
Union Valley Reservoir, El Dorado NF, US Hwy 50
SWEETWATER CAMPGROUND
Mammoth Pool Reservoir, Sierra NF, North Fork CA
TAHOE SRA Campground
Tahoe State Recreation Area, Lake Tahoe California
TANNERY GULCH
Trinity Lake, Shasta Trinity NF
TRIMMER CAMPGROUND
Pine Flat Reservoir, Kings River, Sierra National Forest
Trinity KOA Kampground
Trinity Lake, Hwy 3, Northern California
TRINITY LAKE – Shasta Trinity NF, Weaverville CA
TROUT CREEK CAMPGROUND
Lake Pillsbury, Mendocino National Forest
TRUMBULL LAKE
Virginia Lakes, US Hwy 395, Eastern Sierra
TURLOCK LAKE SRA
Turlock Lake State Recreation Area, Central Valley
TUTTLETOWN RECREATION AREA
New Melones Reservoir, Angels Camp, Gold Country
TWIN LAKES – Eastern Sierra, Bridgeport CA
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One of the better winter star shows. This well known meteor shower peaks in mid December, right in the middle of Christmas Rush. It’s a nice time to plan a desert camping trip around or a weekend away in the mountains. Look in the southern part of the nights sky these shootings stars.
The meteors from this shower are slow moving, can be seen in December and usually peak around the 13th – 14th of the month, with the date of highest intensity being the morning of the 14th. The shower is thought to be intensifying every year and recent showers have seen 120–160 meteors per hour under optimal conditions, generally around 02:00 to 03:00 local time.
The meteors in this shower appear to come from a radiant in the constellation Gemini (hence the shower’s name). However, they can appear almost anywhere in the night sky, and often appear yellowish in hue. Well north of the equator, the radiant rises about sunset, reaching a usable elevation from the local evening hours onwards.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geminids
Annual event; December
How to best view a Meteor Shower
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San Diego’s mild climate means camping is available all year round. Winter storms can get windy and rainy, but most campgrounds are still open. From north county where the coastal cliffs overlook the ocean, to downtown bay side marinas w/ RV camping, to camping right on the sand w/ ocean crashing just feet away. Bike paths are common around downtown San Diego, so you can bring your bike or skates.
San Diego has 2 BAYS, both located along Interstate 5: The main bay downtown is called San Diego Bay (one of the deepest on the west coast) and the other a few miles north, is named Mission Bay (a man-made coastal waterway w/ green parks and paved bike trails).
Reservations are required at almost ALL coastal campgrounds, especially around holidays, any 3 day weekends, and all summer long. Tons of tourists flock to Southern California and this is a very popular coastline – with busy little cities and crowded beach towns. Beware: if you are seeking secluded camping – this would not be the place.
listed from south to north
There are numerous private RV resorts, some quite large, like KOA and GoodSam parks located in and around San Diego county. Most are metro-close and not located on the beach. This list is primarily coastal camping options for the San Diego region.
Del Norte County, Northern California
There are a few special places in California where redwood trees grow right down to the shore, but it is rare. Searching for place to pitch a tent (under the redwoods at the coast) is possible, but a bit harder to find than you might imagine. State Parks usually offer the standard paved camp site. Maybe need to drive dirt roads to find redwood seclusion.
blue links lead to State Park pages with camp reservations.
If you are seeking free or dirt cheap, primitive camping on the coast, then LOST COAST CAMPING on the Mendocino border is one option. Or head east, inland to the abundant National Forest. Dirt roads of the Six Rivers National Forest offer old logging roads, creeks, and secluded places to pitch a tent. Campfire permits are needed for dispersed camping, or ‘boondocking’ as some call it.
Dirt back roads can get muddy during the wet season, so know your vehicles capability and if you are unsure, check with the local rangers over the phone (preferably a ‘field ranger’) before venturing out. Remember that rain and mud are the norm, most of the year.
Fog is typical of the region. Enjoy the sunshine – when you can!
see more towns nearby –
Smith River
Crescent City
Klamath
Orick
Trinidad
Arcata
Eureka
Scotia
Ferndale
Petrolia
Garberville
Redway
Shelter Cove
Spicer Meadows, Spicer Reservoir, Rd #7N01
Spicer Lake, Stanislaus National Forest
lake elevation 6418′
227 surface acres
public boat ramp
hiking trail around lake
more lakes nearby
Ancient volcanic peaks mix with Sierra Nevada granite rock, pine forests and fresh, clear, clean mountain water! California, of course.
Stanislaus Forest Road #7N01 leads down from Highway 4 to this popular series of alpine lakes and reservoirs. Camping, fishing, hiking and mountain biking. Sailing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, floating and fishing are also popular water activities.
Rules of the Reservoir:
10 mph speed limit on Western Arm.
No motorized boating in Eastern Arm.
Camp only in developed Campgrounds.
2 NFS Campgrounds at west end of lake:
Campgrounds only open June-September. Some campsites at the campground are wheelchair accessible.
Additionally, Stanislaus River Campground w/ only 8 sites, is located just off the main access road #7N01, right near the river.
Numerous smaller lakes in the region make this a hot spot for summer vacations. Union and Utica Reservoirs (both with dirt road access) are good for kayaking and canoes, while power or sail boats prefer the larger Spicer Lake. Summit Lake and Elephant Rock Lake are perfect for quite picnics and day hikes. Trails (many unmarked) connect the lakes to each other. Area gets buried with snow in winter, so these roads are generally only open half the year.
More reservoirs and lakes nearby:
Highland Lakes
Mosquito Lakes
Lake Alpine, CA
(all along Hwy 4)
Nearby mountain towns:
ARNOLD, CA
BEAR VALLEY, CA
Lake Alpine, CA
