Northern CA 4X4 Camping

Hey guys,

I've really been wanting to get my '19 OR on the trail and do some 4X4 camping.

Getting sick of crowded, boring campsites that people can access in their honda civics.

Any recommendations for some good spots in Northern CA?

Thanks!

 

I'm not from NorCal but the key is to look up 'dispersed' camping in the forest/mountains/desert or wherever you're interested in going. Dispersed camping is the opposite of developed campgrounds...no reservations, no utilities, sometimes only one or two spots, and generally much more remote.

CA does have pretty strict camp fire regulations going on these days so I wouldn't be surprised if most dispersed camping campfires are prohibited like they are down here, unless you're in the desert.

 

Appreciate the insight. Camp fire regulations are super strict up here too (for good reason). I'm thinking my best bet would be somewhere in the Sierras.

 

There's tons of dispersed camping in the Sierras, I've been out to the Sequoia National Forest up in Kings Canyon and there was a lot of remote camping off the dirt roads up there...a lot of developed camping too for people with regular cars and RVs. Down south near Mammoth there's endless dispersed camping spots. I bet there's a lot around the Tahoe area too.

 

The National Forests and BLM areas are your best bet for back country dispersed camping. Some NF's will have localized rules as we well so check the websites and Ranger stations. Plumas NF has a nice map and planned route called the Backcountry Discovery Trail.

 

Check out mud lake, it's up hwy 88 just after bear lake reservoir and before sliver lake. We just got back from there few weeks ago, had the small lake all to ourself for the whole weekend, there is a dirt bike trail that runs along the lake also. The lake is shallow so the mosquito are a bit heavy but ok with some bug spray and a camp fire. FyI there is a sign that says "permit required to camp in mokelumne wilderness area" I called the ranger station and the wilderness area starts where mud lake rd ends so no permit required.

When me and my buddies want to look for new camp sites, we just use google earth, that's how we found mud lake. the big rock on the left is a nice place to swim, also good spot for pictures also, you can drive up on it

And Subaru's will have a hard time getting here and Honda's definitely won't make it.

 

Red lake trail further up hwy 88. Can't beat the scenery

 

Blue Lake up #88 is also very nice.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...anigans-and-don-conquered-the-rubicon.585095/

 

check out mt lassen/lake manzanita area
I did a cabin there in 2016
it was awesome

you can drive up to 9k feet & walk the other 2k feet to 11k summit at lassen, if you are into that sort of thing
take a kayak, the lake is awesome, but non powered boating only

 

check out BLM land in Nevada or stuff north of Tahoe. Goldlake / hough / downievile.

 

I used to camp at Lake Faucherie with friends when I lived in Northern CA. You don't absolutely need 4x4 but i sure had an easier time in my 4x4 4 runner than the other people that would go out. It was possible to get a sedan out there, but it was not a fun ride for them. Lots of rocks to go over in certain parts. It's dispersed camping but it is absolutely beautiful and secluded.