DannyLlama
Elite Member
I know this is a far stretch but does anyone know of any local spots where one can just go camp near a creek, willing to drive about 200 miles. Nothing reserved, or at least thats not a criteria.
Creek side camping?
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2014 Warthog
New member
By Nothing reserved, did you mean not needing reservations? Or something that isn't an actual camp ground?
Though this probably isn't either of those
I used to love camping at the Kern River as a kid. It feeds Lake Isabella which is in the mountains east of Bakersfield. So probably just in your range.
I have not been there in 20 years so not sure what it's like these days but was generally a healthy river and if you got there early on a Friday could get near river side camp spots.
Though this probably isn't either of those
I used to love camping at the Kern River as a kid. It feeds Lake Isabella which is in the mountains east of Bakersfield. So probably just in your range. I have not been there in 20 years so not sure what it's like these days but was generally a healthy river and if you got there early on a Friday could get near river side camp spots.
DannyLlama
Elite Member
By Nothing reserved, did you mean not needing reservations? Or something that isn't an actual camp ground?
Though this probably isn't either of those
I have not been there in 20 years so not sure what it's like these days but was generally a healthy river and if you got there early on a Friday could get near river side camp spots.
Is that in the sequoia national forest? Isn't that the river that runs through Monache Meadows?
Kraze
New member
Yep, that's the one. It was more like a creek when I was there last September, but it's still a beautiful area.
2014 Warthog
New member
Healthy creek is accurate
Yeah we don't have too many real rivers in So Cal
Yeah we don't have too many real rivers in So Cal
Chsbrgr
New member
^THIS. Also South Fork Campground, the stream runs right through. Jenks lake in the same area has dispersed camping but you'll have to walk to the water. San Gorgonio Camp, paved spurs, tables, fire rings. These are all in the same area along Hwy 38, south of Big Bear Lake. Try San Bernardino National Forest.
If you don't want forest, Afton canyon past Barstow has a campground and water.
Speak up if you want more ideas. :wave:
2014 Warthog
New member
Takes notes....
DannyLlama
Elite Member
Thanks, noted both.
I will take any input about camping in CA.
I will end up exploring it one day, so I just keep notes in evernote in places to camp/hike/4x4.
I asked the Google machine multiple times about reserving camp ground and was not able to find anything.
Is this yellow post type camping? Does anyone have a link of how to get there?
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BrianSD_42
New member
Anza-Borrego. I can't promise water but I can guarantee shade and trees.
DannyLlama
Elite Member
Speaking of Kern river, has anyone camped at Kennedy Meadows? Any reviews?
Kennedy Meadows Campgrounds on Sonora Pass
Kennedy Meadows Campgrounds on Sonora Pass
OffRoadGuy
New member
Kennedy Meadows is okay, but if you really want to camp near a creek, go to Monache Meadows. Great fishing also and a little challenge to get there.
X2 on monache it's awesome. Especially the last site that is right by the waters edge.
LuckyRunnerLTD
New member
Best camping spot ever is just south of plaskett ridge CG in Gorda up near big sur. Theres about 12 free sites along Plaskett Ridge Rd that are just amazing. the higher you go the less you hear people an the more you hear mother nature! It is absolutely amazing up there, and free! You can also check out Map of Free Camping Areas | Go Camping for Free! Enjoy yourself out there!
DannyLlama
Elite Member
[MENTION=101759]Chsbrgr[/MENTION] I can't find reservations for "Seven Oaks" is that a no reserve camp ground? Any information would be helpful, planning to go the weekend of June 5th.
Cheers!
Chsbrgr
New member
To my understanding, Seven Oaks is an area of cabins. The actual improved campgrounds are named "South Fork" and "San Gorgonio". The USFS ranger station that covers that area is called Mill Creek, 909-382-2882.
Post up if you are going to be around. Wife and I go for Sunday drives to that area to hang at the creek.
Post up if you are going to be around. Wife and I go for Sunday drives to that area to hang at the creek.
DannyLlama
Elite Member
Thanks for the info, doesnt look like either of those camp grounds are right by the water, unless im not looking at the right info. We will def be up there that weekend, just noy sure where exactly lol
Chsbrgr
New member
San Gorgonio campground is a walk to the water or a 15 minute drive to better spots. It's enough water flow that the Dept. of Fish and Game stocks it. That's the Seven Oaks area. There is a stream that runs through the upper section of South Fork, but it's SoCal, it's not a lot of water.
If you are looking for a nice big stream next your tent and 4Runner, North of Tehachapi in the Southern Sierra is the closest real thing that I know of. South Fork is your choice if the goal is to camp by some water. If you are willing to drive away from your campsite, either of these are within 10 to 15 minutes of graded dirt road and a spot to park and spend the day next to a real stream, but not overnight.
If you are looking for a nice big stream next your tent and 4Runner, North of Tehachapi in the Southern Sierra is the closest real thing that I know of. South Fork is your choice if the goal is to camp by some water. If you are willing to drive away from your campsite, either of these are within 10 to 15 minutes of graded dirt road and a spot to park and spend the day next to a real stream, but not overnight.
Kern River has lots of places to camp along the River. Mid summer to end of summer is perfect if you want to get in the water. On holiday weekends it's a bit overcrowded, which is unfortunately when I usually go. Up near McNally's is a great jumping off point for other adventures.
Peppermint Falls and The Trail of 100 giants are about an hour North. Kennedy Meadows is about 40 miles E up Sherman pass. There's also the trail to Packsaddle Cave somewhere around McNally's.
Fishing is good when they stock the river. Laughably good, actually but not very challenging. Some of the tributaries can be fished as well for Rainbows and Browns.
Peppermint Falls and The Trail of 100 giants are about an hour North. Kennedy Meadows is about 40 miles E up Sherman pass. There's also the trail to Packsaddle Cave somewhere around McNally's.
Fishing is good when they stock the river. Laughably good, actually but not very challenging. Some of the tributaries can be fished as well for Rainbows and Browns.
