Where to get three nights of peaceful RV time?

[synergy_58]

It’s been a while, just got back from deployment and need an RV break. We’re stationed at Travis AFB, and everything near here is either crowded, exp0ensive, difficult to get to, and or run down dirt holes. We need three nights. Three nights of nice, peaceful scenery, walks/hikes, views, and a place to relax. Walking distance dining would be great too. BUT WHERE?

Everything thing California is busy/congested, expensive (150+/nt! to park in a crowded park!) and worn down. Tahoe, been there, done that. San Fran, been there, done that. Yosemite, oh right, wishful thinking. Drive along the coast, done this too, and nothing but mud holes, sand pits and filthy places to park.

Picky you say, maybe. Cheap? Ah, I don't think so, just not into forking out nearly $500 for three nights camping/RVing, to make someone else’s mortgage payment.

Many parks are closing up for the season. I’m looking for Sept 22 - 25. Somewhere within a four hr drive from Fairfield, CA. I would push 6 hrs oneway, but wouldn’t like it.

Any suggestions would be great. DW and I are looking for a nice site that has elbow room (woods, lake view, beach, etc) a nice place to walk, with our dog, and without. Scenery, views, scenery, views! A firepit. Someplace to walk and eat. A few shops would be okay.

Thanks!

[synergy_58]

valhalla360 wrote:
Have you actually checked the national park campground reservations to see if there are any last minute openings? The kids have gone back to school, so demand should be easing up with the big summer vacations done.

Another thought...are you forced to go over the weekend? If you can go mid-week, a lot of the crowding issues go away.

We did chedk out the NPS Reserve site and everything is either booked or places are closed down. Even called. Thanks!

[synergy_58]

Tiger4x4RV wrote:
From my personal bucket list, meaning I want to go but have not done so yet...
Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument
This is north of you. Probably pretty primitive.
https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/berryessa-snow-mountain-national...

From my been-there-liked-it list:
San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
South of you near Los Banos.
A variety of camping areas, ranging from primitive first-come-first-served (Medeiros, where I always stay) to full hookups with lake views.
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30712

We’ve been around Berryessa several times. Pretty much done with this, but have not checked out the Snow Mountain NM. As for San Luis Reservoir, and Medeiros…thanks for the tip! We will add this to our list!

[NamMedevac_70]

Gottahaveit wrote:
One of our favorites is Lawsons Landing/Dillon Beach. Dry camping with plenty of room on nice grassy areas. Beautiful dog friendly beach. No shopping or eating places nearby. Bodega Bay or Petaluma is nearby. If you want to people watch and just enjoy we like it.

Good call moderator

[magnusfide]

synergy_58 wrote:

agesilaus wrote:
The Sierra Nevada is called the best camping area in the world, lots and lots of boondocking areas out there.

Maybe so, but not an easy place to roam and camp/RV. The area, along with Yosemite area, is constantly swamped by crowds and crowds of people. Tourism crowds and locals (Cali/AZ/UT/NV) have hemmed up most of the reservations months in advance and trying to get sites is nearly impossible. Then, there’s the Van Life crowds, some of whom live full time boondocking, or are near homeless, living in and around campgrounds and trailer parks as a source of water and sewer dumping, showers/toilets, etc, benefit. Some of these “boondockers/Van life people are not respectful of others who are traditionally “camping or RVing” making it an unpleasant experienece for those who are trying to “camp or RV.”

And then there’s the season closures, which has begun Sept 15th.

I’m just looking for a “quick fix” few nights of R&R, for DW and I, the dog. Really don't want to make an exhausting competitive task trying to fight the crowds.

Just thought someone in and around my current area might know of a “neat and quiet” spot for a few nights, that’s all.

Thanks.

No suggestions for you. Just wish to thank you for your service.

[Gottahaveit]

One of our favorites is Lawsons Landing/Dillon Beach. Dry camping with plenty of room on nice grassy areas. Beautiful dog friendly beach. No shopping or eating places nearby. Bodega Bay or Petaluma is nearby. If you want to people watch and just enjoy we like it.

[NamMedevac_70]

NamMedevac 70 wrote:
You have a lot of requirements, or I would suggest Cotton Wood creek, Cold creek along highway 89 north of Truckee or Boca or Stampede campgrounds on I 80 East of Truckee in the Tahoe NF. Always have enjoyed quiet camping off season in the week. Further away is my favorite Grasshopper flats at Lake Davis (Plumas NF)

There are no eating places within walking distance at any of these tho. Have to drive for several miles for food. Part of Tahoe NF is closed due to Mosquito Fire.

[mike_kellie]

We run away to Ocean Cove just north of Timber Cove Lodge. No hook-ups but some beautiful ocean bluffs to walk on and a nice restaurant across the highway ( 2 lane) with views of the ocean. Closes up for the winter, first come- first serve.

[toedtoes]

I suspect part of the issue you are having is that you are looking at RV Parks in highly congested areas. Yes, RV Parks in Tahoe or San Francisco are crowded and expensive and/or run down. Just like hotels in those places. They are international vacation spots.

It's sort of like the person who goes to Disneyland and then complains about the crowds and commercialism. That's why you go to Disneyland - if you don't want that then you go elsewhere.

Look for places that are not international tourist attractions. Look at campgrounds rather than RV Parks. All the federal places I identified in my prior post are under $40 a night (under $30 for dry campsites) - no need to pay $150+ a night to get away.

[NamMedevac_70]

You have a lot of requirements, or I would suggest Cotton Wood creek, Cold creek along highway 89 north of Truckee or Boca or Stampede campgrounds on I 80 East of Truckee in the Tahoe NF. Always have enjoyed quiet camping off season in the week. Further away is my favorite Grasshopper flats at Lake Davis (Plumas NF)

There are no easting places within walking distance at any of these tho. Have to drive for several miles for food. Part of Tahoe NF is closed due to Mosquito Fire.

[autorot8]

Can try campgrounds out by Collins Lake, or between Truckee and Graegle, Gold Lakes area.

[toedtoes]

Lwiddis wrote:
"Yosemite, oh right, wishful thinking."

Not correct. By staying on the east side of the park in the national forest you can make day trips into Yosemite. Personally I think you'll like the Lee Vining/June Lake area so much you won't go into Yosemite.

The Lee Vining / June Lake area is another great option. A bit longer drive than you were looking at, but plenty to see and do.

[toedtoes]

There are no restaurants within walking distance, but Codorniz Recreation Area fits the rest. It's about 20 minutes off highway 99 at Chowchilla, so about 3-4 hours away from you. There are electric only sites, full hookup sites and dry sites. Dry sites look out over Eastman Lake. There is plenty of hiking all over the hills, including a trail that circles the lake. At night, the coyotes howl along the lake. Firepits and picnic tables at all sites.

Another easy reach campground is Sycamore Grove just outside of Red Bluff off I-5. Again, no restaurants within walking distance. The campground is manicured grass with dry and water/electric sites. No dump station or sewer hookups. Nice nature trails, some with a nice view of Mt Shasta. Sacramento River runs between it and the freeway.

You can also look at NF campgrounds near Sierra City, Sierraville, etc along highways 49 and 89. There are some that are within walking distance of the towns. They will be dry camping, but usually sit alongside rivers, creeks or lakes. The Lakes Basin area near Bassett Station is very scenic. And it looks like most are open through October/November this year. Going during the week will definitely help.

New Hogan and New Melones reserviors offer great quiet off season dry camping. The campgrounds are open year round but don't get the party crowds off season. Plenty of hiking to do with lots of wildlife around. As they are in the foothills, they don't get the snow and the weather will be similar to what you have at Travis. Campsites are dry - no hookups. And again, no restaurants within walking distance.

All of the above are federal gov campgrounds (NF, COE, etc) and can be reserved through recreation.gov.

There are private RV Parks throughout the foothills too. Look for places along highway 49 south of Sacramento. Look around San Andreas, Mokelumne Hill, Twain Harte, Calaveras, etc.

And you can try some state parks. Bodega Dunes, Calaveras, Mt Diablo, Mt Tamalpais, Samuel P Taylor, China Camp, etc.

Lots of options if you're willing to look.

[Lwiddis]

"Yosemite, oh right, wishful thinking."

Not correct. By staying on the east side of the park in the national forest you can make day trips into Yosemite. Personally I think you'll like the Lee Vining/June Lake area so much you won't go into Yosemite.

[valhalla360]

Have you actually checked the national park campground reservations to see if there are any last minute openings? The kids have gone back to school, so demand should be easing up with the big summer vacations done.

Another thought...are you forced to go over the weekend? If you can go mid-week, a lot of the crowding issues go away.

[Tiger4x4RV]

From my personal bucket list, meaning I want to go but have not done so yet...
Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument
This is north of you. Probably pretty primitive.
https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/berryessa-snow-mountain-national...

From my been-there-liked-it list:
San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
South of you near Los Banos.
A variety of camping areas, ranging from primitive first-come-first-served (Medeiros, where I always stay) to full hookups with lake views.
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30712