Where to camp in California?

[sacramentocamper]

Just to clarify a little. I am a salesman, not a carpenter or electrical engineer. Last week I figured out how to correctly use the thermostat so the furnace would heat without having the AC unit also blow air. Yeah, it was really simple, put the fan on auto and adjust the furnace to the desired temperature. I got an adaptor to manage the grey water. I discovered (for me a discovery, in retrospect pretty obvious) how to light the pilot and run the refrigerator on gas. I share all this because its really simple and basic, and its where I'm at.

The forum has been super helpful, some of the posts I understand, some of them I think "wow, that dude is super smart", but I seem to be learning pieces here and there as I read through things. For example, it never occurred to me that I might be able to simply leave the table in the up position and not deal with those confounded legs. I'll look into this soon.

Thank you to whoever it was who suggested camping in the driveway and getting familiar with various systems that way. Your suggestion helped me get dialed and made a big difference.

Perhaps I'm a visual learner, pictures make a huge impact when I try to learn new things. Once again, thank you everyone for your patience and your willingness to share your solutions and insights. QUESTION: I live in California and all the campgrounds are shut down, where do I camp? The driveway is loosing its appeal.

[itsjb5]

Could also try a Walmart parking lot or a crackle barrel

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by itsjb5

Could also try a Walmart parking lot or a crackle barrel

.....but only overnight!

It’s not a long term solution to camping vacancy issues.

[sacramentocamper]

Originally Posted by kenandterry

.....but only overnight!

It’s not a long term solution to camping vacancy issues.

Right? I have RV Parky and it shows tons of overnight options, but due to COVID all campgrounds are closed. I think the fact I can get a hotel and take out food at a restaurant but can't camp outdoors and eat in my kitchen and use my own "bathroom" is a good indication of what's wrong with the USA's response to COVID but THAT is a topic for a different thread.

We're going commando camping with the van in the S.F. bay area this weekend. Its a different type of adventure, but we'll get to see the bay, hike in Tilden park, perhaps drive through San Francisco, and most importantly, spend the weekend away from home.

FRIDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY! YAY! <-- no campfire

[Jim CB]

Nice photo....as for California, you couldn't pay me to go there right now given the excessive lockdowns. But like others said, for one night you have lots of options, Lowe's and Home Depot often let you stay overnight like WalMart and Cracker Barrel. Also some rest areas are viable.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by sacramentocamper

Just to clarify a little. I am a salesman, not a carpenter or electrical engineer. Last week I figured out how to correctly use the thermostat so the furnace would heat without having the AC unit also blow air. Yeah, it was really simple, put the fan on auto and adjust the furnace to the desired temperature. I got an adaptor to manage the grey water. I discovered (for me a discovery, in retrospect pretty obvious) how to light the pilot and run the refrigerator on gas. I share all this because its really simple and basic, and its where I'm at.

The forum has been super helpful, some of the posts I understand, some of them I think "wow, that dude is super smart", but I seem to be learning pieces here and there as I read through things. For example, it never occurred to me that I might be able to simply leave the table in the up position and not deal with those confounded legs. I'll look into this soon.

Thank you to whoever it was who suggested camping in the driveway and getting familiar with various systems that way. Your suggestion helped me get dialed and made a big difference.

Perhaps I'm a visual learner, pictures make a huge impact when I try to learn new things. Once again, thank you everyone for your patience and your willingness to share your solutions and insights. QUESTION: I live in California and all the campgrounds are shut down, where do I camp? The driveway is loosing its appeal.

As a happy refugee from California, you should be able to camp in National Forests, which are all around you. Since they are Federal, don't think Gavin has any say.

[Fivebuccs]

Most private RV parks are open following COVID 19 guidelines. You just need to call them.
Try the Jellystone Park at Terminus CA just west of Lodi on the Delta very nice clean park.
Have a safe adventure

[Road dawgs]

There are private parks open in Ca, including Thousand Trails which do offer sites to non-members. Good luck and happy camping!

[dmdomokos]

I think only the private campgrounds are open. We did Anza Borrego Highway west.

[handymanj56]

If your close to Anaheim, canyon rv...we go there alot and its private and open....

[GrandpaPaul]

I've lived in California all my 72+ years, it is a beautiful, wonderful state. It seems like wherever you live here, there are multiple recreational opportunities and different things to do within easy driving distance. Only drawback is some of the people and the politics.

As mentioned, the only campgrounds that are open are private ones. Check https://www.campgroundreviews.com/ and see if anything shows up that catches your eye. They have website links for the various parks. They even list some of the boondocking sites.

Boondocking is the best option if you have anything in your area. Not as level and paved as Walmart's, but quieter and you can stay more than one night! Just make sure you are on public land and not private since they are sometimes side-by-side. It's a great way to put what you've been learning in the driveway to use.

Best wishes

[nayther]

private campgrounds or federal land. State Parks are shut down. Makes no sense though does it? Not like campsites are less than 6' apart.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by handymanj56

If your close to Anaheim, canyon rv...we go there alot and its private and open....Attachment 245656

That's a great park but it's a long way from Sacramento for the OP. We'll be there in a couple of months.

[mike.t]

Originally Posted by sacramentocamper

Just to clarify a little. I am a salesman, not a carpenter or electrical engineer. Last week I figured out how to correctly use the thermostat so the furnace would heat without having the AC unit also blow air. Yeah, it was really simple, put the fan on auto and adjust the furnace to the desired temperature. I got an adaptor to manage the grey water. I discovered (for me a discovery, in retrospect pretty obvious) how to light the pilot and run the refrigerator on gas. I share all this because its really simple and basic, and its where I'm at.

The forum has been super helpful, some of the posts I understand, some of them I think "wow, that dude is super smart", but I seem to be learning pieces here and there as I read through things. For example, it never occurred to me that I might be able to simply leave the table in the up position and not deal with those confounded legs. I'll look into this soon.

Thank you to whoever it was who suggested camping in the driveway and getting familiar with various systems that way. Your suggestion helped me get dialed and made a big difference.

Perhaps I'm a visual learner, pictures make a huge impact when I try to learn new things. Once again, thank you everyone for your patience and your willingness to share your solutions and insights. QUESTION: I live in California and all the campgrounds are shut down, where do I camp? The driveway is loosing its appeal.

Browns campground Bishop ca

[bikendan]

Folks, the OP lives in the Sacramento area. So places 500 miles away may not be helpful.

[Sharon455]

Originally Posted by nayther

private campgrounds or federal land. State Parks are shut down. Makes no sense though does it? Not like campsites are less than 6' apart.

I know that Yosemite has shut down camping and other lodging, although the park remains open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily.

[mike.t]

Didn't realize the OP said within 500 miles, must have missed it. Then again Bishop is only about 275 away.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by mike.t

Didn't realize the OP said within 500 miles, must have missed it. Then again Bishop is only about 275 away.

I did say "may" not be helpful.

[aircommuter]

Try www.boondockerswelcome.com
All private and up to each owner.

[mike.t]

Originally Posted by bikendan

I did say "may" not be helpful.