lake/river camping within 2 hours drive from OC?

[ontopofm]

Hi guys,

Anyone knows of an primitive lake or river within 2 hours drive from OC? I like camping next to the water. Been looking on google earth for lakes and found some but they dont allow overnight camping. TIA

 

[chap79]

I think primitive on the water is hard to get down here. Unless your definition of primitive is just in a tent. Big Bear and Lake Hemet both have tent camping "near" the water. I don't like organized camping where people are closer to me than when I'm just chilling in my own yard. I've found that some of the non lake camp grounds near Big Bear (e.g. Crab Flats) can be completely empty during the week but are still a short drive to the water for some fishing/kayaking.

 

[ontopofm]

I have the rtt now so I'm looking for places I can park next to the water. I dont like organized campground either. Have been wanting to check out Lake Hemet. Are there any good trails near Lake Hemet?

 

[bhicks]

The 7 Oaks campground allows you to pull right up to the Santa Ana river. I have fished off my tail gate in the campground and on my campsite and caught quite a few trout. It's not "primitive" camping but mid week there is usually nobody there and they stock rainbow often. The general store has a great little restaurant with killer bacon burgers. Of course none of this is open in the Winter. They are open April through October. If your willing to go up to the Sierras then there are many spots that have water front camping that is very primitive but you have to be willing to go quite a distance on back country roads with about a 5 hour drive from OC to start that back country road.

 

[ontopofm]

Thanks. As a matter of fact I am going to Laurel Lakes and nearby area today through Tuesday. If anyone is going to be in the area, I'd love to meet up and do some trail time.