don't tell me your first because then a whole bunch of people will see it and then go there ruining your favorite place. i wanna know your second favorite place to go camping IN california.
East of the Sierra Nevadas, in California's high-desert country, a small network of trout streams and rivers braids and meanders. Follow Route 395 (the trout highway) through the Walker River Valley, through the hills, through the golden landscape traced with blue. The laughter of friends, a little wine, a little beer, and the enthusiasm of a good dog who understands fishing the way we do. Brook trout, browns, the mother lode of Sierra rainbows, a rare golden trout to rival the sunset.
hmm.. sounds nice for fishers. i don't fish.. :dizzy2: i did find a nice place in the sierra foothills right on a reservoir. i'll let you all know how it goes. i think my second favorite place to go camping is.. richardson grove on the eel river. i went there a lot as a kid and haven't been back in 18 or so years. maybe it's time for a visit.
Sam's Anchor Cafe is the place to chow down on fresh oysters from the deck on a summer afternoon. Pull your boat up and place an order.
I really liked the Placer County area. High Sierra music festival area. Maybe up in the national forests east of Crescent City, watching for Sasquatch.
lived in placer county most of my life. i think its safe to mention the p.g. and e. campground at lake almanor, (if its even still there), or alpine county in general. somehow i don't think there's too much danger of either being mobbed. any place above the 1500 ft contour. and below the 4000 in winter (unless you WANT to get snowed in). it's all pretty country in the rural parts of all the counties north of placer, and even a few to the south.
Excellent restaurants in the small town of Point Reyes Station. Sculptured Beach is accessed by hiking two miles south from Limantour Beach. You can sunbathe nude on rocks with waves crashing all around you.
To get started on your Gold Country culinary adventure, head east out of Sacramento (or west from Tahoe) on Interstate 50 to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. At the Placerville Festival of lights there will be free stagecoach rides from the bell tower this weekend.
I think the whole of the North Coast is a good bet for epic camping. Sonoma and Mendocino Counties have amazing coastal access that really can feel like you are alone on the earth sometimes. Hike & Bike fees are only $5 a night. Also - the Big Sur Coast, and inland in the Pfeifer Forest. And yes, Point Reyes National Seashore in Marin County is amazing as well. A beautiful herd of white deer. Lastly - Siskiyou County offers some amazing back country access up into the Trinity Alps and the Marble Mountains. - Just remember - pack your trash and follow no impact guidelines. Enjoy! -
