Where to camp near SMBW?

[wannaSMB]

Apologies if this is already posted on the site somewhere: I couldn't come up with search terms that got me a result. I have to be at SMBW bright and early tomorrow morning, so would like to find a place I can park and sleep nearby overnight. Can't be too urban since my version of camping in the SMB includes the great outdoors as my, er, "facilities".

Any advice? Does SMBW itself let people sleep in their yard (and if so, do they have facilities and do they keep it unlocked?). Doesn't have to be too close by: 30 minutes away would be ok, so long as it is not north of Fresno.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Railvan]

I asked once about sleeping on the street near SMBW and they said not to. Not a great neighborhood. Sorry, I don't know of any close camping places.

Brian

 

[geoffff]

I suspect Sportsmobile West could have some ideas for you when you get there.

This probably isn't useful to you, but . . .

Here's a posting about camping in Glennville (a couple hours southeast of Fresno): Headed to Fresno

When we picked up our new Sportsmobile in 2004, we camped in the Shaver Lake area. Scenic, but in the mountains an hour+ northeast of Fresno. Not on the way to anything. (We wanted a real camping & 4x4 test.)

 

[BroncoHauler-SMB]

SMBw keeps their yard locked up. As has been mentioned, it's not the greatest area. Not bad, but it's in an industrial area.

I'm sure someone had stealth camped in their SMB on the street outside :b1: , but the closest facilities are the service station down the road.


Herb

 

[Veg Hed]

WannaSMB,
Yosemite isn't too far away and neither is Sequoia National Park. If you are in the Sequoia N.P. area let me know. There are a few RV parks that are close and one about a mile down the road from me. I think they will charge you $20-$30 and it's right on the river. If you don't feel like paying let me know. I have a small driveway but we might be able to make some room for you.

 

[charlie56]

Millerton State Recreational Area at Millerton Lake.
It's no more than 30 minutes Northeast of Fresno.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=587

 

[wannaSMB]

Thanks everyone! I am going to arrive at 10 pm and be out by 8 am, so I really just need a place to park that does not entail extra driving. Thus, I'm targeting this gorgeous little slice of heaven:

"Phillip S. Raine rest area" http://tinyurl.com/9hwaos

I'll be sure to post a detailed trip report. :e1:

 

[wannaSMB]

For the benefit of others searching in the future, here is was Peter at SMBW recommended:

You can try Millerton lake 559-822-2225 if coming from the north or Riverland resort 559-897-5166 if traveling from the south. All Wal-Mart's are camper friendly also.

 

[jage]

You can camp at Camping World right near SMB. Just part on the alley/road entrance. I stayed on the right as you go in next to an overgrown fence just outside the RV dealer lot. There was a class A down the street a bit in the morning, but otherwise quiet.

Just be sure to park outside any gates, and not inside the RV lot/storage.

 

[Joanna-SMB]

We parked on SMBW's street and DID see two drug buys go down between truckers and their connections before we turned in. Got rousted later by the cops who advised we move unless we wanted the van tagged as we slept.

 

[jage]

[T]he cops who advised we move unless we wanted the van tagged as we slept.

It's really bad when his partner is behind him shaking up a couple of cans of Montana Gold. :a2:

There was a security guard in a golf cart patrolling the camping world, he's who I got permission/advice from. Best to call ahead and ask if you're going that route.

 

[wannaSMB]

Currently at the aforementioned rest stop. Two unexpected benefits: (1) free wifi courtesy of Caltrans, (2) all the manure-smell you can handle. And then some.

 

[jage]

Hey so, whacha having done at SMB?

 

[Veg Hed]

Yeah, Fresno has a reputation for being a bit on the rough side. However, I sure it has its nice parts like all cities. But I don't go down there unless I have too. Or if I want to go to Trader Joes or REI.

 

[DUKCSUN]

Whatever you do....DO NOT stay at the Riverland Resort. Mary and I discovered that its true name should be the TRAINLAND resort when the freight train came by at 3am and sounded like it was literally going to pass through the cab of the van. Not only that, the higway traffic was obscene. Maybe HIGHWAYLAND resort.

Do yourself a favor, stay at the Wal Mart down the highway from SMBWest. Only a couple of minutes from the shop.

Oh yeah, and bring your pistol. :a1:

 

[wannaSMB]

Hey so, whacha having done at SMB?

Turns out our "new-to-us" SMB had only a single 27 for house battery, so we got a 4d installed in addition. Also needed the PH springs adjusted as the PH would not stay up on its own (and was brutally tough to raise). Got the PH supports while we were at it. Leo also discovered that our Starcool condenser was trashed (must have been hit by a rock while owned by the PO), so we got a brand spankin' new one. Not sure we'll ever use it, but good to have the option.

Was great that they did all the work same day so I didn't have to make 2 trips to Fresno. Wish they had wifi for customers, though.