Forum Discussion

Explorer

Jun 03, 2015

Half way between Sacramento and Crestline, CA?

Hi All! Well, I"m FINALLY going to be able to use my new to me camper, after having it for 10 months!!! Short trip as it may be, I'm SO excited about it!! I'm heading up to Davis to a family UC Davis graduation party and will first do driveway camping for 2 nights (quiet, green and pretty neighborhood! ) Then, per a recommendation from Buzzcut, I've got reservations at Rancho Seco Recreational Park for 2 nights... Which brings me to my question. After Rancho Seco I want to stop half way (or so) between there and my home in Crestline, CA. Traveling on the 5 or the 99 there doesn't seem to be much of anything. I've looked into the Kern River area, but it's too far out of the way on my path (though I don't mind an hour or so off the path!) and this time of year it is swarming with party folks.... not my bag. Any suggestions? Don't need hookups. Just want peace and quiet and something nice to look at for one night. Oh, and I don't mind a short "dirt or gravel road", but I'm most definitely not an off-roader..

Thanks in advance for any tips!

Dak

13 Replies

jefe_4x4
Explorer
Jun 03, 2015
DAK,
there is not much along the southern San Joaquin Valley Desert. Your best bet is to get up to Gorman and turn right (west-ish) and get up high into the Pinion Mountain area. Lots of N.F. and BLM areas up there near Frasier Park. It will be a little cooler than down in the desert.
Another idea is from the 5 or 99 to take Hwy 58 S.E. from Bakersfield over Tehachapi mts. and find a campsite nearby in BLM land. Also slightly higher (5K feet) elevation to take the temper out of the heat. Then ride the backside of the San Gabriels and approach your home from the N.E. side.
I lived in the area for the first 60 years of my life and have seen a slow transition to desert in the last 5 years.
Southern california, LA and vicinity area is devoid of good camping opportunities unless you get up into the mountains. It is not RV friendly.
Good luck. Bring some water with you when you return.
jefe
Buzzcut1
Nomad II
Jun 03, 2015
Dak go east over 50 then down 395 and go up to Crestline from Apple valley on the Backside

Mono Lake, the Obsidian Piles, Hot Springs south of Mammoth lakes Airport off Benton Crossing rd, Lower Rock creek... Man I could go on and on. but if you must stay west Kings Canyon Three rivers area. Carizzo Plain off 5 on 58 & 33
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bakersfield/Programs/carrizo.html
2oldman
Explorer II
Jun 03, 2015
35.891201, -120.046963