North Bay folks: Help with camping

Hey North bay guys, I'm planning a camping trip with my family and I need help. I've searched for hours on reserveamerica.com and recreaction.gov but can't find the type of sites we need. So I'm wondering if you guys know of any private-owned campsites that don't book through those main sites, please let me know.

Things we are looking for:

family friendly (w/ kids)
showers
swimming
tent camping
July 15-17
Nothing more north of Mendocino

Thanks

 

There are a couple of KOA Campgrounds. One in Point(less) Arena and another at Manchester Beach. They generally have all that you seek.

 

hmmm.. KOA might be a little too fake for us. Anything else?

 

Lake Pillsbury Resort and Marina! I know its a little north of mendo but well worth it! Bathrooms, showers, quiet lake, tons of campsites to choose from, friendly people, safe, clean, Pretty much the perfect place, and it's absolutely gorgeous.

 

Well, there's always the state parks along the cost but none have swimming pools. Most are family friendly and have tent camping and showers--although the showers often leave something to be desired.

My two favorite campgrounds are Russian Gulch State Park and Manchester State Beach. Van Damme State Parks is also very nice.

 

oh nice I'll check out Pilsbury.

What do you guys know of Kyen campground in Mendocino?

 

None of those are available on the dates we need them on

 

The sad thing is with so many parks slated for closure, anything after the first of July is going to be difficult. I'm hoping the Fed's statement that because the State Park system took federal money, it must remain open.

 

I ended up booking at Kyen campground at Lake Mendocino in Ukiah. But if I hear of any better places, then I can always rebook.

 

THere is a lake up by marysville.
Its called Lake Collins.
Very family oriented, has a swimming area and the place is a private lake.
there are camping fires

 

Post up a link to the place

 

collinslake.com

here is the site address

 

That has been a big problem for me in the last 6 month's, I have come across many gates that normally have been open by land management and now are closed. I have done some wheeling up towards Gualala River, and floating the river/camping....I am seeing more and more signs for public and private.

I am not a fan of staying in a campsite, but I was forced to on the last trip...good thing is that there were next to no one around.

 

Yeah. There are a couple of reasons you're seeing more closed gates. The biggest one is probably the new concept of "Travel Management" plans that the Forest Service is putting in place. The BLM is also arguing for more wilderness designations as well. Both of these ideas result in fewer acres of accessible land. In the case of the Travel Management, many 4x4 clubs endorse them although I'm not 100% sure why--by that, I mean more and more people are concentrated in smaller areas. Not just 4x4's but motorcycles and ATV's as well.

The Gualala is awesome to hang out on a summer day. You often see people heading farther up the river on hot days. Lot's of FS land up there that's been closed as well.

I've been active in the OHV issues and focused on some of the stuff down in the South Bay although I pay attention to the state and national levels as well.

 

good call on the lake mendo one, def fam friendly, and pilsbury is a very good one as well. and if u did want to travel few more hours, burney falls..

 

Hit up Hendy Woods State Park. Its it Philo, California, which is in the Anderson Valley. Just north of Boonville. Bout 3 hrs north of the city, and has the best camping (my biased opinion) for families anywhere in the area. There is the Navarro river nearby for swimming, plenty of beautiful hikes and walks through the redwoods. A tame 4x4 trail that will take you to the coast. (Navarro Ridge Road) And, when you're done camping, hit up the Anderson Valley Brewing Company's brewery and tasting room in Boonville. Best beer EVER (also my biased opinion) Place fills up quick in the summer, but sometimes sites are available last minute.

 

hell ya! lol im going there this coming weekend with some people. three of them from tw and a few others. Going to do some camping, wheeling, shooting and drinking of corse cant wait!