Forest roads/routes/lakes/camping/off roading

Hey guys. I had my first solo trip with my four year old son planned (yet again) this weekend. We were going to do mammoth lakes area and some hot springs but it’s just way too smokey now. This is the third time (dammit!) I’ve tried to make this trip happen this summer and somehow something comes up and it’s foiled!

Really hoping some of you guys can help me out and throw me some last minute ideas about where to camp this weekend. Running out of time this season!

I’m almost ready to accept that we’ll have to go to a campground but would really, really like to avoid that. Plus we want to hit some dirt.

PM if you wish!

 

Don’t accept defeat man!!
How about the bowman lake area? There’s a bunch of cool spots/ lakes there I hear are the bees knees.
Will probably head in that direction next weekend.

 

Jesus bowman is going to be packed AF. I know of at least 3 other groups of people going there that same weekend.

 

Haha yea I bet.
Seems like one of the few places not drastically impacted by the wildfires.
I’ll be sure to stay away from bowman and scout for a quieter more secluded campground in the area- if such a thing exists that weekend.

 

Well if you sleep in your softopper we can find any place lol

 

That’s the plan,
I love that thing!

 

I posted in your other thread.

 

Thanks I’ll take a look

 

Has anyone been to Sardine Lake? Heading up there for the weekend to check it out and hike to the watch tower. How is it? Heard 49 was closed due to fires, but I checked the CalFire Fire map and the closest fire is in Redding.

 

Just went this weekend, no highways closed took 80 there and 49 back

 

Prewitt Ridge - but a ton of flies there now

 

I went that weekend, had a great time, thanks!

 

Boo ranch fire

 

Hey All...noob here. First Tacoma... Looking to do some easy offroad camping - certainly to get away, but also to learn a little about the truck and off roading. I'll be tent camping - have the gear. Live in the Santa Cruz mountains. Any recommendations for the best spot to pop my cherry?

 

Pillsbury lake is one of my personal favorites.
Trails all over the basin and up the hill.
Only been during dry months but would like to go during wet months to kick up some mud.

*also,
welcome to the club!

 

Going to Lindsey lake campground next weekend...really looking forward to getting OUT!! Also first time camping with the wife in the soft topper.

 

Bowman / Saw Mill a few weeks ago. She did well for a stock truck.

 

I just did 3 days around the Sierra-Nevadas, 900 miles total but probably half of that on dirt roads. All pics:

https://meefzah.smugmug.com/September-2018-Sierra-Nevada-dirt-roads-trip/

Here's a few I liked:

Bowman Lake

Broken down low water bridge at Bowman Lake


Indicator Peak Rd aka Skyline Mountainway

 

It looks awesome man!

 

Thanks!