Good Northern Calif places for camping with family?

[e9999]

we're thinking about going trailer camping in Northern Calif this time. Likely go up through the West of the Sierras (maybe incl. King, Yosemite etc), spending maybe 3 or 4 days driving up North and end up someplace in NorCal for a couple of weeks this summer. The would like to go to Trinity / Shasta Lakes as we'd like some water for the kids (and us) to play in. But in general I'd rather stay away from the crowds unless the spot is really spectacular. Would love some green trees, mountains, and lake/river. We already did the Coast, Tahoe, Lassen, Lava Beds and some of the Eastern Sierras.
Any away from the main touristy areas in Norcal you'd recommend? I think we'll skip the Russian River, too civlized. Maybe Eel River up North is better? Any hidden gem you'd care to share? Some mild wheeling / touring would be great too...

 

[OGBeno]

I've always been a big fan of the Lost Coast area in Humboldt county...not too many people make it there....and you are right on the ocean.

That said, the Trinity River valley between Blue Lake and Redding is nice as well and not too many people around there either....

Have fun. I'm jealous.

-o-

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Anywhere within 20 miles of Sawyers Bar, CA... It's the middle of no where, and very beautiful, plus I could show you where to go

 

[e9999]

thanks both!

what's in Sawyers Bar? Name sounds good already, though.
seems close to Trinity. How's the lake? worth going to?

 

[abclin]

3 years ago did the run to norcal / southern oregon great seafood in brookings harbor just the other side of the border on the coast. came back over the mts. to redding stopped at a lake i think it was called whiskey town, any who the water was really warm and the forest service ran FREE kayak runs around the lake and they had a place to try gold panning near there too.

 

[e9999]

3 years ago did the run to norcal / southern oregon great seafood in brookings harbor just the other side of the border on the coast. came back over the mts. to redding stopped at a lake i think it was called whiskey town, any who the water was really warm and the forest service ran FREE kayak runs around the lake and they had a place to try gold panning near there too.

yes, whiskeytown is one of the 3 big lakes with Trinity and Shasta. Was the lake nice? crowded?

 

[bull]

Trinity Lake

 

[e9999]

My lovely wife is talking about renting a houseboat on Trinity Lake for 3 or 4 days.

Is it a good place for that?

 

[bull]

Yes! Our family cabin is there and it is a cool place. A ton of boat launches. Primitive camp sites are around and you can rent house boats.

 

[e9999]

Yes! Our family cabin is there and it is a cool place. A ton of boat launches. Primitive camp sites are around and you can rent house boats.

ooooh, any classic cruiser left at the cabin to be seen...?

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Sawyers Bar is about 30 miles NW from Trinity Lake. Over the mountains. There's no gas station, no store, just a post office that's only open about 3 hours a day... If you're trying to get away from it all that's the place.

I haven't been to Trinity in a while, but it's big enough to get away from the crowds in a house boat for sure!

 

[bull]

ooooh, any classic cruiser left at the cabin to be seen...?

haha no.. Do the trinity! you won't be dissapointed

 

[e9999]

haha no.. Do the trinity! you won't be dissapointed

OK, great, you gonna be around?

and 2nd in SB?

 

[cpg]

Bear Harbor on the loast coast is very nice

 

[Russ in California]

Trinity is usually awsome.
If you come from 101 south, about 12 miles east on Hiway 36 is Swimmers Delight/VanDuzen county park.
Redwoods and a very swimable river. Love it. Just north of Mckinleyville on US101 is Clam Beach county park.
Just north of Orick is Redwood State/National Park. Also Redwood National Forest(campgrounds and dispersed camping in the forest).
Rivers, forest, beaches, bays, lagoons and the ocean. What more could one want!! The 101/299 corridore is my backyard. Let me know if you have any more questions. Your'e going to love it up here.


p.s. if you get to Humboldt Bay, I highly recomment a ride on the Madaket. You'll love it.

 

[e9999]

cpg and beno, looks nice, may need to check out the Lost Coast.
Any neat easy dirt road going to the ocean away from crowds?

 

[e9999]

Trinity is usually awsome.
If you come from 101 south, about 12 miles east on Hiway 36 is Swimmers Delight/VanDuzen county park.
Redwoods and a very swimable river. Love it. Just north of Mckinleyville on US101 is Clam Beach county park.
Just north of Orick is Redwood State/National Park. Also Redwood National Forest(campgrounds and dispersed camping in the forest).
Rivers, forest, beaches, bays, lagoons and the ocean. What more could one want!! The 101/299 corridore is my backyard. Let me know if you have any more questions. Your'e going to love it up here.


p.s. if you get to Humboldt Bay, I highly recomment a ride on the Madaket. You'll love it.

excellent info, thanks

 

[Ducks]

Went to Prarie Creek State Park just north of Redwoods National Park. Lots of big Roosevelt elk there also blacktail deer. Great place and some nice dirt roads around. Took a little trip to Fern Canyon. No one was really there but we went in mid-June. Could be a lot of people there in the summer though. The forest of big redwoods is truly amazing.

 

[cpg]

cpg and beno, looks nice, may need to check out the Lost Coast.
Any neat easy dirt road going to the ocean away from crowds?

I do not think you will have a problem with crowds on the loast coast. There are quite a few dirt roads that are easy. When it is wet it gets muddy. Here is a pic of usal road with some mud in april. Did not see another vehicle out there.


The Back sand beach at Shelter cove is very nice, also drive the dirt road to Bear harbor and the take the walk to the beach most likely empty.

 

[Fast Eddy]

Lakes Basin

I'm assuming you're bringing a 4x4? Gold lake is beautiful. Gold lake OHV is not big, but empty and also beautiful. There are other lakes as well. Camp near Packer Lake with a trailer, there are wells and toilets. You need to reserve in advance.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/plumas/recreation/rec_areas/lakesbasin.shtml