Expert: Steve Summers - 3/10/2005

Question
Hi Steve,
I am a student at SJSU and I am (along with three other guys) looking for a nice campground near a lake or river so that we can go fishing and hiking during our spring break. I am having trouble finding spots open in late March that really look nice. Do know of any campgrounds in Central California, or anywhere in the state that is nice, and maybe even somewhat secluded that would be a great camping experience?  

Answer
Hi Eric,

Looks like you learned a little late that people like to do exactly what you're describing during spring break. Believe it or not, you may have to make spring break reservations in September. It's just the nature of the beast in CA.

You didn't mention what you had already tried, so I'll mention a few places to check out:

Bass Lake - Bass Lake is located approximately 55 miles east of Madera at an elevation of 3,400 feet in the beautiful Sierra National Forest. Bass Lake contains 1,165 surface acres of water and is extremely popular for both fishing and water skiing. Multiple camping facilities are located around the lake accommodating tents, RV's, and group camping. All boating is permitted as well as water-skiing and jet-skis. Improved launching facilities are available as well as boat rentals, gas, bait, tackle, and groceries. Bass Lake holds both a variety of species of fish including rainbow and brown trout, catfish, bluegill, perch, crappie, bass, and Kokanee salmon. For more information contact Mariposa Ranger District at (559) 683-4665. Camping Reservations (800) 280-CAMP. The Pines Resort (800) 350-7463. Forks Resort (559) 642-3737. Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce (559) 642-3676.
Also see http://www.basslakeca.com/

Hume Lake- Might be a bit cold. Hume Lake is located approximately 45 miles east of Fresno at an elevation of 5,220 feet in the majestic Sequoia National Forest. Hume Lake has a surface area of 85 acres surrounded by beautiful giant sequoia trees. Camping facilities are available accommodating both tents and RV's with two group camps available by reservation only. Boating is limited to non-powered or electric motors with a 5 mph speed restriction, hand launch only. Rentals are available at Christian Camp. Fishing at Hume consists of rainbow and German brown trout and is well noted by local fisherman for both quantity and quality. For more information contact the Hume Lake Ranger District at (559) 338-2251. Hume Lake General Store (559) 335-2881. Sequoia Family Camp (559) 335-2382. Camping Reservations (800) 280-CAMP.

Lake Cachuma- First come, first served, but nice in the spring. Lake Cachuma is located 115 miles northwest of Los Angeles in the scenic Santa Ynez Valley at an elevation of 800 feet above sea level. The lake holds an average 3,100 surface acre-feet of water. Cachuma is open year round 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with 24 hour camping available at the lake. Boating is permitted, however no water-skiing or body contact with the water. Fishing, patio and sailboats rentals are available at the marina. A well maintained camping facility with more than 500 campsites are available with hot showers and some full hookups; first come first served basis. Cachuma Store has gasoline, groceries, and camping supplies. Bait, tackle, and licenses are available from Cachuma Boat Rentals. Lake Cachuma is a fine fishing lake and often produces trophy largemouth bass over 10 lbs. and holds a good population of catfish, bluegill, crappie and sunfish. Cachuma is one of the most beautiful lakes in Southern California, an excellent place to cool off in the summer. Cachuma Lake, HC 58, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 (805) 688-5054. Tackle Shop (805) 688-4040. Fishing Report (805) 688-7724. Boat Rentals (805) 688-4040. Cachuma Store (805) 688-5246.

Lopez Lake- Lopez Lake is located in the foothills above Arroyo Grande approximately 200 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Lopez contains 950 surface acres of water with 22 miles of oak covered shoreline. Lopez is operated by the General Services Department of San Luis Obispo County and is open year round. All boating is permitted as well as water-skiing & jet-skis with improved launch facilities and boat rentals available. Camping is available with 350 well-maintained campsites, suitable for both tents and RV's; some with full hookups. The village store located by the boat ramp has food, fuel, bait, tackle, and other supplies. Lopez is a fun fishing lake with plenty of structure and fine largemouth and catfish action as well as a good population of trout, bluegill, and redear sunfish. As an added attraction Lopes has two 600 foot waterslides located on the east end of the lake. Lake Lopez, 6800 Lopez Drive, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 (805) 489-2095; Marina Boat Rentals (805) 489-1006; Campground Reservations (805) 489-8019. Mustang Water Slides & Hot Spas (805) 489-8898.

Hope this helps,

Steve

Tired of the cold? Then try Lake Mojave or Lake Havasu:

Lake Havasu- Lake Havasu is situated in the desert between Arizona and California at an elevation of 482 feet. Located above the Parker Dam on the Colorado River, Havasu is 45 miles long and ranges in width from one mile to three miles. All boating is permitted as well as water-skiing, jet-skis and boat camping. Many campgrounds and improved launching facilities are available as well as fishing and houseboat rentals. Full resort facilities are available including an airport, golf courses, tennis courts, casino gaming and boat tours. for the angler Havasu holds an abundance of catfish, bluegill, crappie, large mouth, and striped bass make fishing very popular. For more information contact the Tourism Bureau at (520) 453-3444. Topcock Gorge Marina (520) 768-2325. Desert Hills RV Park (520) 764-3113. London Bridge KOA (520) 764-3500. River Lodge Resort (760) 663-3891. Lake Havasu Marina (520) 855-2159. Beachcombers Resort (520) 855-2322.