toedtoes wrote:
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.
We’ve been to a number of your listed areas and places, and there are a few that would/could work for sure. For this trip, we’re hoping for some east, close amenities to just relax. Maybe we’re getting lazy. Tired is more like it really. I don’t feel like cooking/grilling, cleaning, etc. I just want to sit, walk, talk, play cards, eat and drink, stare at the stars, views and reflect on life and wife, the dog. NO chores, no house, no work, no nothing! LOL! Thanks!
