Do any of you have much experience with camping in the mountains? We like to boondock in State Park and Forest Service campgrounds, and inspite of the "first come..." gamble, we've been pretty lucky so far, especially if we arrive on a Wed. or Thurs.
One of our favorite things to do is take our tandem kayak out on a lake that doesn't have a lot of motor-boat activity. We also love the high Sierra-granite-Ponderosa Pine-Alpine wildflower and bird thing. Alpine Lake on Hwy 4 was a great find, and now we're looking for something similar. Has anyone been to Caples lake off 88? Any other recommendations? We're already looking at Wright's Lake (thanks Niel and Lynn) and would love any other "thumbs up."
Many thanks,
Janet
Hi Janet. Jan and I have been to Caples Lake a couple of times. It is not a motorboat free lake, but the launch facilities are very limited, so generally small boats are the rule. Kayaks should be fine there. When we used to tent camp, we towed a 14' skiff and would trout fish there with excellent luck. We stayed at the NFS Caples Lake campround and it was nice, but right on the highway. I'm not sure about the camping facilities for RVs but it is a nice place and I would recommend it.
If you are daring and have time, you and Terry may consider going to the eastern Sierras too. There are some really nice kayakable (word?) lakes there such as Virginia lakes, Green lakes, Twin lakes etc. Twin Lakes has a private RV-camping resort called Mono Village which is really basic but nice. Another nice place is in eastern Yosemite up by Tioga Pass in Inyo NF (9000.'+) Tioga , Ellery and Saddlebag lakes are really nice, but not sure what the RV camping is like.
Thanks Steve, exactly the kind of input we're looking for. We're taking Terry's 85 year old dad with us on the next trip, and he's spent many years hiking, skiing, camping, and fishing in the mountains. Now as a recent widower, we want to take him back to where he has many fond memories. Caples sounds like might be just the ticket.
We love the Eastern Sierras, but haven't towed over Tioga pass. I tend to gasp a lot where there are no guard rails, and am not sure I can manage even a wan smile as we careen around those hideous turns. But Twin Lakes are especially alluring and may be just tempting enough... Really do appreciate the info!
Janet
Janet---To amplify on comments already made about the Eastern Sierra, these is spectacular boondock camping available from Bishop on the South to Bridgeport on the North. Also, some nice camping along the Walker river N. of Bridgeport. Virginia canyon, Lundy canyon, Lee Vining Canyon, June Lakes loop and the Mammoth Lakes all have the type of camping you are looking for. Don't forget you can take the interstate to Lake Tahoe and then go south on 395 as a way around the slow and steep passes of Tioga, Sonora and Monitor.
Most of the alpine camping is at 9000 ft or so, so check with the dad first about his altitude tolerance. Mammoth was in the low 80's today while Yosemite Valley at 4000 ft had a 100F day.
Silver Lake is up there near Caples Lake. It has an RV resort that you might want to check out. We stayed at Caples with our 15' SOB and because there is no dump station, we ended up going to Silver Lake for that. Silver lake is really nice too, and may be more suited to your 25er. http://www.plassesresort.com/Brochure2003.pdf
Thanks Bob~Great info. and advice, and a good reminder about the altitude...
And Michelle, I keep trying to remember that the trailer isn't going to drag us over the edge, but not all thought is rational. Take care up there!
Janet
Janet---To amplify on comments already made about the Eastern Sierra, these is spectacular boondock camping available from Bishop on the South to Bridgeport on the North. Also, some nice camping along the Walker river N. of Bridgeport. Virginia canyon, Lundy canyon, Lee Vining Canyon, June Lakes loop and the Mammoth Lakes all have the type of camping you are looking for. Don't forget you can take the interstate to Lake Tahoe and then go south on 395 as a way around the slow and steep passes of Tioga, Sonora and Monitor.
Most of the alpine camping is at 9000 ft or so, so check with the dad first about his altitude tolerance. Mammoth was in the low 80's today while Yosemite Valley at 4000 ft had a 100F day.
Have fun.
wow, great information...
does anyone have any information on the recently rewatered portion of the owens river for boondocking?
it's so new, that i can't find much on the web.
is there (if anyone knows) BLM access along the "new" 62 miles of owens river?
Hi Janet, up on the Tioga Pass road, heading east leaving the Park and after passing by the Saddlebag Lake turnoff, there is a turnout of sorts, actually a little loop, it looks like it was part of the old Tioga Road and is located just across from one of the Tioga Lake campgrounds where I used to park when I had a motorhome and still see people there for the night (or longer) in their various rigs, still as of this summer.
The campgrounds up at Saddlebag, by the way, have magnificent views. I think they're around $8 a night.
Just spent 4 days boondocking at Prosser Lake off Hi Way 89 four miles north of Truckee. Great USFS campground and only paddles and oars on the lake.
And it was away from the thrundering California herd!
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Antique Pedaler
'10 Flying Cloud FB
'05 GMC Pickup
X '99 27, X '05 19, X '07 23
Santana, and Ventana Tandem bicycles
Hobie tandem Kayak
We have 2 single kayaks. If you bring yours to the LSA rally, maybe we can do a kayak paddle together...
I'll be bringing the tandem for sure and maybe the newly finished CLC 14 single. LL and I are planning on staying on the north shore wed and thur nites and relocating to south shore fri. We'll paddle anytime, working on the gimballed wine holders now!
how about a full moon paddle thursday nite?? Then a campfire with a touch of wine!
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