Best Northern California Spot with 40ft 5th

[WackAway]

We're filling in this years camping calendar and would like some input on some good Boondocking locations in Northern California or Nevada.

Where:
Western or Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Within 150 miles of Highways 49, 50, 80, 88, 89 and 395.

What:
Quiet spots that I can get a 40ft 5'r into.
Close to creek, river or lake. The closer the better.
Can be BLM, State Park, National Park, Private, etc as long as it is lightly used.
The lonelier the better.

When:
Anytime between March and November.


Thanks in advance,

[mike_kellie]

In the Lassen area, Heferd Ranch on Hat Creek and just beyond (north) PG&E campground in Cassel. Both on water and Cassel also has Baum Lake to float tube or fish from the bank. I had my Montana 5th wheel in both campgrounds no problem.

[pnichols]

In fitting a large MH into boondocking areas, I'd be more concerned with ground clearance and high centering dangers more than I would level of driving skill. Also, hairpin turns on mountain roads are no place for a long vehicle. Driving skill can go only so far.

One of our main concerns in boondock camping is a breakdown way out there where ERS can't or won't go - especially when not towing (for best access to small intimate campsites).

[PNW_Steve]

ppine wrote:
I am not sure how anyone would get a 40 footer to good boondocking spots. It is hard enough to squeeze into most campgrounds. It is one reason I would never own one.

There is a trick to it. When I was boondocking in my 40' class A I often had to disconnect the pickup that I towed and have the Wife drive it in behind me.

It can be surprising where you can go with a modest level of skill driving your rig and a bit of common sense.

[profdant139]

I have seen good boondocking for big rigs on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, out in the Kaibab National Forest. The Sierra Nevada, not so much. I'm sure it exists but is much harder to find.

While I, too, really like my little RV, there are times when a bigger unit looks awfully nice -- for example, during a long stretch of bad weather. The intensity of cabin fever is inversely proportional to the cubic footage of your RV. (I just invented that formula -- but I bet it is fairly accurate.)

[ppine]

I am not sure how anyone would get a 40 footer to good boondocking spots. It is hard enough to squeeze into most campgrounds. It is one reason I would never own one.

[Coyote1]

We use to live above Sonora just off 108 and have been over the pass many times. To recommend not taking an RV over it is putting it mildly. The pass is almost 10,000 ft. and very steep at the top. The hairpin turns are no joke. I have seen a few small rv's on the road but they are always chugging along very slowly and holding up traffic. Even our car or truck found the altitude and steep road a chore. Strong motor and good brakes are a must.
By the way, it is a beautiful drive and a stop at the top is a must.

[JT]

"Not sure where the one on the west is."
---
IIRC, the sign (for the "eastbound and down") on 108 is just past Dardanelle campground. Much of the road, including the infamous 26% stretch (it's extremely short, but it's there), is very narrow, steep, "hairpinny", and with drop-offs.

I would drive this road, up or down, in my 24' widebody class C *IF* there were a guarantee that I wouldn't meet an oncoming vehicle, particularly one which is too big for the road and jammed up on a curve! Since this guarantee doesn't exist, and because there's just no place to get by along many stretches, unless one has a "small" vehicle, do heed the warning signs and take another route.

[profdant139]

WackAway, here is a link to our blog entry about the east side of Sonora Pass, off 108 -- not a good place for a big rig, but there are lots of day trips and hikes available, even if you are camped on the west side of the pass:

Sonora Pass area

[profdant139]

Not sure where the one on the west is. On the east, it's near Leavitt Meadows. If you look on google images for "sonora pass 26 percent grade sign," you will see what I mean.

[WackAway]

profdant139 wrote:
I'm sure you know this, but do not take a big rig past the "no big rig" signs on 108. I have seen stuck rigs on that road, and the traffic ticket is a very big number.

No, I didn't know that. I've never been on 108 before, except for "Google Earth" haha. Where are these signs at for the western and eastern limits?

Thanks in advance.

[profdant139]

I'm sure you know this, but do not take a big rig past the "no big rig" signs on 108. I have seen stuck rigs on that road, and the traffic ticket is a very big number.

[WackAway]

This is all great help everyone. We will have fun with our 15 dogs and 8 kids in these places. Just kidding... Just me, the wife and a little Cavalier Spaniel.

Highways 305 and 108 look really good for campsites being close to the water. Now I gotta teach the wife how to fly fish. Lessons might be better though. I want to stay married 🙂

[2gypsies1]

We always had good luck using this site with our 40' motorhome. It gives good directions, also.

http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/pictures/pictures.htm

There are many good spots along 395.

[EsoxLucius]

https://www.recreation.gov/campgroundDirectoryListByAgencyID.do?contractCode=NRSO&agencyID=70902

Maybe this? Select State of interest.