Interesting camping spots in Southern California? (Have 4WD, possibly BLM land?)

JT87 · 10-09-2018, 02:41 PM

Hello all,

I’m looking for October/November camping spot suggestions in Southern California (I live in San Diego County).

Something with nearby mountain biking trails and/or a lake for fishing would be ideal. I'll be camping with my wife and 2 pre-teen kids.

We've camped at several popular San Diego area “campgrounds” (mostly the ones on the coast), so I’m hoping to find something a little more off the beaten path (especially now that I have 4WD).

I’m open to BLM land, but just not sure where to get started looking. Any info would be appreciated. Feel free to PM, if you would prefer.

Thanks!

**Gooseberry** · 10-12-2018, 12:28 AM

Hell we are heading to kern and riding the canal trail Saturday. Camping in the keysville area that also has riding.

Jeffrey · 10-12-2018, 10:09 AM

Anza-Borrego Desert Starts Park. Camp anywhere. Lots of trails. Sorry, no lake.

lavolpe79 · 10-12-2018, 02:31 PM

In Orange County there is O’Neill Regional Park. It’s smack in the middle of tons of mountain biking. For a good sense of the trails look up the Ride for Rwanda. It goes right through the park. Whiting Ranch and Laguna Woods are both biking distance away and world class mountain biking.

Botchan · 10-14-2018, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gooseberry

Hell we are heading to kern and riding the canal trail Saturday. Camping in the keysville area that also has riding.

Gooseberry -

Never been up that way. How's the fishing there? Also, any recommendations for quiet spots to camp?

Botchan/David

**Gooseberry** · 10-14-2018, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Botchan

Gooseberry -

Never been up that way. How's the fishing there? Also, any recommendations for quiet spots to camp?

Botchan/David

Just stayed a couple days and had a great spot with some traffic. The area up by Sherman pass had some great options by big meadow but would take some time to get to.

Did the cannell trail with a friend and after 2600 of climbing and over 7000 of decent I’m happy.

This was a good spot that had great access to trails in the area and not the party on the water.

My Location https://maps.apple.com/?ll=35.635267...NEJnQ9bQ%3D%3D

Not sure on any fishing

DosMars · 10-21-2018, 01:44 PM

Baja on the Sea of Cortez is amazing this time of year. A buddy and I are heading down for a Veterans Day guys trip to do some fishing at Gonzaga bay. Only about six miles of dirt, then air down and 4wd for the last sandy stretch to our spot.
We’ve been hitting this spot for New Years with the family and friends the past few years. Kid and dog friendly...

DosMars · 10-21-2018, 01:52 PM

Also up the river from Kernville there are some pull-outs where you can camp along the river. Lots of trout in the river.

rob_gendreau · 10-21-2018, 06:48 PM

Lots of stuff along the Colorado River.

One of my faves is Picacho Rec Area. Nice camping, showers. Water access with ramp. And a cool 3rd class peak to hike and climb, and some 4x4 trails (in fact if you go beyond the main campground there are several little waterfront primitive camps).

Quigley-76 · 11-12-2018, 02:37 AM

Those last two references are your ideal ticket to punch for a visit.