Katie
My friends and I are looking to go on one last camping trip before the end of the year, and we plan to go soon! Where would be the best spot(s) in Cali to do so? We live is Southern-ish California and it'd be cool to see some waterfalls, go hiking, see big cool rocks and all the fall colors on trees. So, what's the best FALL place to camp here?
Answer
I had all sorts of ideas until you said "fall colors." We don't exactly have native trees in CA that lend themselves toward the vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows like other places in the country. But...
If you camp in the upper foothills of Sequoia national park, sort of where the oak trees, sumac, and pine trees merge, it can get that "fall feeling" like you get in Maine or Michigan. Some of the "shrub-ish" type of plants turn color. Heck, even the poison oak looks brilliantly red in the fall (leaves of three, leave them be).
If you take Hwy. 99 to Visalia, then take Hwy. 198 east and follow it up through Three Rivers into the National Park (need a park pass), there are some foothill camping spots in this area that are pretty in the fall. For a day trip you can drive up higher and see the Giant Sequoia trees which are always a wonderful, no matter what time of year.
There are a couple of campgrounds here... Potwisha campground and Hospital Rock campground. From either of these campgrounds which are in the lower "oak tree" elevations where you might see colors, there are plenty of "day hikes" both out of the campgrounds or a short drive up to the Giant Forrest grove of Sequoias. Out of Potwisha, if you hike south out of the campground, over the road, there is a neat trail that leads up to an old but functional aqueduct.
Here are some of the other "things to see" that are all day trip capable in the area.
General Grant Tree (largest tree/living thing in the world)
Giant Forrest (large grove of Sequoia trees)
Moro Rock
Crystal Caves (tickets at park entrance only)
All the hiking trails you could ever want, espeically out of Lodgepole.
I had all sorts of ideas until you said "fall colors." We don't exactly have native trees in CA that lend themselves toward the vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows like other places in the country. But...
If you camp in the upper foothills of Sequoia national park, sort of where the oak trees, sumac, and pine trees merge, it can get that "fall feeling" like you get in Maine or Michigan. Some of the "shrub-ish" type of plants turn color. Heck, even the poison oak looks brilliantly red in the fall (leaves of three, leave them be).
If you take Hwy. 99 to Visalia, then take Hwy. 198 east and follow it up through Three Rivers into the National Park (need a park pass), there are some foothill camping spots in this area that are pretty in the fall. For a day trip you can drive up higher and see the Giant Sequoia trees which are always a wonderful, no matter what time of year.
There are a couple of campgrounds here... Potwisha campground and Hospital Rock campground. From either of these campgrounds which are in the lower "oak tree" elevations where you might see colors, there are plenty of "day hikes" both out of the campgrounds or a short drive up to the Giant Forrest grove of Sequoias. Out of Potwisha, if you hike south out of the campground, over the road, there is a neat trail that leads up to an old but functional aqueduct.
Here are some of the other "things to see" that are all day trip capable in the area.
General Grant Tree (largest tree/living thing in the world)
Giant Forrest (large grove of Sequoia trees)
Moro Rock
Crystal Caves (tickets at park entrance only)
All the hiking trails you could ever want, espeically out of Lodgepole.
best place to camp in southern/central california?
Raif
my friend and I already left and are at San Simeon State park. We were shocked when we arrived to find that the entire place is very open, not wooded at all, lame ass RVs, and other assorted nonsense. We are looking for the nearest campsites that are wooded (preferably thickly wooded) dirt paths instead of roads, you know the whole camping experience instead of the camping 'resort' nonsense
Answer
This time of year you'll not find a lot of wooded camping places. Those at lower elevations are not deeply wooded as a rule.
The places at higher elevations are wooded but still covered with snow at this time of year. Most of those sites are closed for the season. Check out California State Parks. Specifically looking for primitive campsites to find what you are looking for.
National Forests and National Parks will offer more primitive or tent sites but again the more wooded ones are at higher elevations and most are closed until spring.
You are on the coast, you'll find that the wooded locations are more inland and at higher elevations.
This time of year you'll not find a lot of wooded camping places. Those at lower elevations are not deeply wooded as a rule.
The places at higher elevations are wooded but still covered with snow at this time of year. Most of those sites are closed for the season. Check out California State Parks. Specifically looking for primitive campsites to find what you are looking for.
National Forests and National Parks will offer more primitive or tent sites but again the more wooded ones are at higher elevations and most are closed until spring.
You are on the coast, you'll find that the wooded locations are more inland and at higher elevations.
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