Stargazing and Sleeping no reservations

I'm looking for ideas of places to drive to and park for a night, to crash in the truck bed, and hopefully see the stars. Spur of the moment type of trip, without any advance reservations. Within a couple hours of the Bay Area preferred, but also interested in more distant spots. I do have a ground tent but assume that without camping reservations, planning to sleep in the truck bed will open more opportunities.

I've been doing some digging around for dispersed camping information but am not having much luck confirming official information on relevant state park websites like Henry W. Coe SP. Haven't been able to find a TW thread on the topic either - if there is one, a re-direct would be appreciated. Thanks TW fam.

 

There aren’t many places within the two hour sphere that are dark and allow dispersed camping. You might try Grant Ranch in Santa Clara County Parks. It’s near Mt Hamilton and pretty dark at night. There have been Star Parties there in the past.

 

@HarryHaller looking to do the same next month; was thinking about Usal Beach but I'm back and forth on the idea.

 

San Jose area Star Parties.
SF area Star Paries.

 

You can get pretty descent skies north in the Point Reyes area, but camping can be difficult, and the marine layer can often block out stars. Same for Big Sur. The Sierras have way more options. Plenty of camping up hwy 4 and 108. Yosemite is great for stars but camping is a 6mo in advance affair. Tahoe area is also pretty good if you’re not too close to towns. Death Valley and the desert in general is epic for stars.

 

It is amazing out there. I love going out there, i can sit with a beer and just stare at the sky. Truly amazing.

 

The Halls Valley Astronomical Group usually has star parties there every month on the Saturday of the new moon.

 

prewitt ridge last year:

 

Wowza! Always wanted to check prewitt out but always have work saturdays and afraid to not find a spot to camp Saturday night. Maybe just have to check it out Sunday night for a 1 night camp out when everybody leaves.

 

Im not sure if its allowed to camp there overnight, but I imagine the view of the stars from signal peak is pretty good. But for you thats about a 4 hpur drive.

 

Prolly hear the traffic at night. I’ve often wondered about the spot overlooking Fordyce on the way up. Space for two or three rigs. Off to the left is, what looks like, a mine on the side of the hill-about as flat as you’d get.

 

Lot of free camping on hwy 4
There are several back road areas that are open to camping along that stretch
http://ebbettspassadventures.com/lodging/hermit_valley_camping.html

 

Might have to check out some place up there for labor day weekend.

 

There is a free music fest at Hermit on Sept 7. Does get crowded but a lot of fun. We will miss it this year as we are closing escrow on the 4th...

Some food vendors but take lots of water...

 

1st congrats on closing. And thank you for the tip.