Expert: Ernest Tufft - 4/14/2009

Question
Hi, We live in Vacaville California and usually camp at the Foresthill Sugar Pine Forest and when we get desperate we go to Lake Berryessa, I wanted to get some input on other spots between San Francisco and Lake Tahoe that will not be freezing temps during Memorial weekend? We are also a loud group 25 or so, and have had trouble with our noise factor with some camp grounds. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer
Sonja,

Sorry for the belated reply.  I'm from the Vacaville area too.  There are some wineries in Napa and Sonoma County that will take large groups for day picnicing only, although you will need to prepare to either buy up some wine or shell out a small fortune for the better places.  See my virtualtourist.com tips on Napa, St. Helena, Calistoga, Oakville, etc. to get some ideas.  For overnight camping, browse the California State Parks website for various possibilites.  The websites can tell you about group camping facilities available, which means that your group should be allowed to be loud as it may be more isolated from other campers.  Memorial Day is often foggy along the coast, at least in the morning, so I would recommend instead looking for a place either within the delta region or within the Sierra Foothills.  Sorry that I can't be of more help.  I'm not an expert for large group camping trips ;-)