Planning a camping trip in Northern California can present several challenges though, especially if you don't already have a good idea of where you are going or what activity will be the basis of your destination. One of the big challenges is due to the fact that there is so much diversity in Northern California; the type of climate, the terrain, seasonal activities like boating, fishing & hunting, available amenities, and the list goes on. Having an idea of what you plan on doing while you are there helps make the choice a little easier. If you can narrow your destination choices down to specific areas that offer the activities in which you plan to participate, it is even better.
The next big challenge is to answer the question of how much of modern convenience can you do without? Although there are hundreds of campgrounds to choose from in Northern California, many of them are primitive: no running water, no electricity, and a "concrete long drop" for restroom facilities. Most of us can make due quite well under these conditions, but if you just don't want to deal with the absence of luxuries like flushing toilets, then there are also many modern campgrounds & RV Parks (usually privately owned) scattered all about the country that offer everything from electricity and running water and swimming pools, to cable television and game rooms for the kids!
If you want anything more than a tent site and a fire pit, you'll want to do some research on the area you plan to visit and make sure you don't end up someplace you don't really want to be. This could be a problem come Friday evening when most camp grounds will get filled up by late afternoon and you won't have any choice but to stay wherever you can find an empty camp site (we've all done this, and it's not very much fun).
Many campgrounds, including most of the popular State and National Parks will allow you to go on-line to make reservations days,weeks or sometimes, even months in advance. Plan your trip and do your research, then make your reservations. You will have peace of mind in knowing you won't have to worry about whether or not you'll be camping comfortably where you planned to go, or searching in the dark for a place to spend the first night of your camping trip.
So depending on your preferences, you could either find a nice campground right off the hi-way with all the amenities of home, or you may opt for total seclusion without the interruption of listening to someone's portable generator till all hours of the night. It doesn't matter if you are just looking to spend a week-end camping in the outdoors with friends and family, or planning an all out expedition into the wilderness for several days, Northern California has a diversity sure to suit any adventure you choose.
This Isn't Southern CaliforniaWhen most people think about Northern California, they picture a warm, almost tropical place. Lots of sunshine, cool clear water and a mini-market around every corner. In reality, it really can be quite nice most of the time, but this isn't Southern California.We do get our share of warm weather, and yes, in some of the more popular destinations, you probably wouldn't need to travel far to find a hot cup of coffee or a six pack of cold beer and some ice to put it on. Get off the freeway a while though and you'll find out real quick that there are also vast areas of wilderness where you won't find another person, let alone a mini-market, within fifty miles or more. Many of the Redwoods State Parks in Northern California are located very near low population areas, but you will find that there is a mini-market and gas station adjacent to most campgrounds. Which is convenient for stocking up on ice, drinks & snack foods. Just the opposite of the Redwoods State Parks, most wilderness areas, will not have any amenities within range for that quick trip to the market for goodies or things you may have forgotten. So making sure you prepare accordingly, is essential to an enjoyable adventure. Beware The Bears!
Be prepared! No matter what type of camping or what level of experience and skill you have, enjoying your camping adventures is directly influenced by your ability to go prepared. Take a good look at your gear to be sure you have everything you need to make your trip a fun, safe, & memorable experience. We have resources available through this website that can offer everything from a thorough list of necessities, to the gear you need to have for your next Outdoor Adventure |
Even in the most civilized areas of Northern California, Bears are a pretty big concern, so be sure to follow the guidelines regarding food storage and camp cleanliness if you want to avoid the added excitement of a close encounter of the worst kind! Bears are not friendly, they really aren't that cute and cuddly, and they surely do not care that you would rather they didn't eat your week-end supply of zu-zus & wham whams (this bit of advice comes from the voice of experience, so don't say you haven't been warned)!
