Camping
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Northern California Camping Information
Group Camping Sites
Regional Campgrounds
Scout
Campsites
Camping
Websites
Youth
Hostels
Group Camping
Sites Link to Group Camping Page
Table of Group campsites SF Bay Area Region
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Troop
494 Past or future outing
SP- California State Park
EBRP - East Bay Regional Park SCCP- Santa Clara County Park MCP -
Monterey County Park; SMCP - San Mateo County Park
Regional Campsites
Alpha List
Alcatraz Island SP
Spend the night in Cell Block D on
Alcatraz. Apply through a lottery every November to be chosen. The cost is $1250 for a group up
to 35 people and also requires a 1-2
hour service project. Groups are given a tour and a barbeque.
http://www.nps.gov/goga/spug/alca_foma/spugaz3.htm
Andrew Molera SP
There
are 24 identified trail sites. Camping is allowed only at these sites with a
maximum of four people per site. Registration will continue to be on a
first-come, first-served basis.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=582
Angel
Island
SP
(link to page)
Camped at the three Ridge campsites (8 campers each) for our
Golden Gate Bridge to Tiburon
cycling trip. The Ridge sites gave us spectacular views of SF.
Anthony Chabot Regional Park
EBRP Camped at the site for the
Briones Orienteering outing There are several youth group
campsites. See Group Campsite page for more information. Telephone (510) 562-2267 for camping
information or reservations.
http://www.ebparks.org/parks/anchabot.htm
Arroyo Seco Monterey
Two small
lakes provide tranquil fishing holes and overnight camping available.
http://www.mtycounty.com/pgs-parks/arroyo.html
Big Basin Redwoods
SP
(link to
page)
Camped at Sunset Campsite on the Big Basin to Waddell Beach backpacking trip.
Big Basin in the Santa Cruz mountains was the first California State Park.
Home to the largest continuous stand of ancient
coast redwoods south of San Francisco, the park consists of over 18,000 acres of
old growth and recovering redwood forest, with mixed conifer, oaks, chaparral,
and riparian habitats. Elevations in the park vary from sea level to over 2,000
feet. See Group Campsite page for more information.
Big Basin Map1;
Big Basin Map2;
Big
Basin Map3;
Big Basin Map4
http://www.santacruzstateparks.org/parks/bigbasin/index.php;
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=540
;
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
EBRP There are two camping areas. Reservations are
required for both--call (510) 562-2267. Neither camping area has water and
-water must be transported in.See Group Campsite page for more information.
http://www.ebparks.org/parks/black.htm
Black Mountain Backpacking Camp
(link to page)
backpacking camp 2+ miles from parking lot. Black Mountain is seen in the south
peninsula and was the inspiration for Mountain View. The trailhead is accessed
from Page Mill Road near the summit. The troop has the Venture patrol hike in
from Skyline while the rest of the troop hikes in from the parking lot on Page
Mill Road. The troop then hikes down
the trail to Los Altos for pick
up. There is water at the campsite, but is non-potable and needs to be treated.
The campsite is the only campsite located in the thousands of acres preserved by
the Mid-Peninsula Open Space District
http://www.openspace.org/preserves/preserve_hightlights.html
Map:
Black
Mountain Map
Bothe-Napa Valley SP
Located in the heart of
the beautiful Napa Valley wine country, the Park offers camping, swimming, and
hiking trails that go through stands of coastal redwoods as well as forests of
Douglas-fir, tanoak, and madrone.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=477
Briones Regional Park EBRP
Near the Bear Creek entrance are reservable campgrounds for youth
groups (telephone 636-1684 for information), and an archery range. See Group
Campsite page for more information. (Seasonal
parking fee.)
http://www.ebparks.org/parks/briones.htm
Butano
SP The park features miles
of hiking trails, 21 drive-in campsites and 18 walk-in campsites. Restrooms with
running water are provided. Drinking water is available at the park in both
the campground and in the day use areas.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=536
Castle Crags SP
The park offers swimming and fishing in the Sacramento River,
hiking in the back country, and a view of Mount Shasta. There are 76 developed
campsites and six environmental campsites.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=454
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Castle Rock
SP
(link to page)
Steep canyons are
sprinkled with unusual rock formations that are popular with rock climbers. The
forest here is crisscrossed by 32 miles of hiking trails. Primitive campsites
for backpackers are the only overnight facilities.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=538
China Camp
SP
Camped as part of Mt. Tamalpais mountain biking. Location has historic Chinese
fishing village and has hiking and biking trails as well as access to bay.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=517
Clear Creek Management Area
The Clear Creek Management
Area (CCMA) is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
On any given
day you may see rockhounds, OHV enthusiasts, miners, hikers, hunters, and
others sharing the same area. There is one primitive campground and six staging
areas, each with pit toilets and dumpsters.
How to get there: From the San Jose area, travel south on Highway 101 to
Gilroy. Just past Gilroy, take the Highway 25 exit towards Hollister. Continue
through town (Hwy. 25 runs through the town of Hollister) and head south for
about 35 miles. You will pass by the Pinnacles National Monument. Turn left onto
the Coalinga-Los Gatos Creek County road. Continue approximately 14 miles. At
the BLM sign indicating the entrance to the Clear Creek Management Area, turn
left.
http://www.ca.blm.gov/hollister/clear_creek_management_area.html
Clear Lake SP
Clear Lake State Park is on
the shores of California’s second largest freshwater lake. The area is popular
for all kinds of water recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating and
water-skiing. Anglers can catch large mouth bass, crappie, bluegill and
channel catfish.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=473
Coyote Hills Regional Park
EBRPThe Dairy Glen area is available for group
overnight camping through the East Bay Regional Park District reservations
office. Call (510) 636-1684 for reservation and must be made at least 14 days in
advance.
http://www.ebparks.org/parks/coyote.htm
Del Valle Regional Park
EBRP
(link to page) There are also several youth group
campgrounds, available by reservation only. See Group Campsite page for more
information. Telephone (510) 636-1684. Lake Del
Valle is known for excellent fishing. The lake is stocked regularly with trout
and catfish. There are also large- and smallmouth bass, striped bass, and
panfish.
http://www.ebparks.org/parks/delval.htm
Ed Levin SCCP
(link to page)
This
1,544 acre park combines the traditional features of an urban park such as
picnicking, fishing and play areas, with the complex trail system of many
regional wilderness parks. Youth camping area is available.
http://www.parkhere.org/channel/0,4770,chid=16488&sid=12761,00.html
Forest of Nisene Marks SP
With over 30 miles of trails, hiking,
jogging and biking are some of the activities to be enjoyed here. Picnic tables
and barbecue pits are available. A trail camp is located six miles from the
nearest parking lot.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=666
Fremont Peak
SP
Located near Hollister, the park also
features an observatory with a 30-inch telescope, open to the
public on selected evenings.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=564
Garin Regional Park
EBRP Jordan Pond has naturally reproducing populations of
largemouth bass, bluegill and sunfish. The Park District also plants channel
catfish in the pond once or twice a year. Anglers aged 16 or older must have a
state fishing license.
http://www.ebparks.org/parks/garin.htm
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Half Moon Bay SP Francis
Beach, at the end of Kelly Avenue in the City of Half
Moon Bay. Venice Beach, at the end of Venice Boulevard off Highway 1.Dunes
Beach at the end of Young Avenue off Highway 1.Francis Beach has a
campground with 55 individual sites, some suitable for tent camping. One youth
group campsite is available. See Group Campsite
page for more information. NO beach fires are allowed.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=531
Henry Cowell Redwoods
SP
Bicycles are allowed only on Pipeline Road, Rincon Fire Road, Ridge Fire Road,
and Powder Mill Fire Road. Bicyclists under 18 must wear a helmet. Fishing is
permitted in the San Lorenzo River during the Steelhead and Salmon season,
approximately November through February.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=546
Henry W. Coe SP
Backpacking: you could easily plan a
week-long trip, hiking 10 miles a day and camping at a different site every
night. The park has space for over 60 backpacking parties, with a maximum of
eight people per party. Coe Park has great fishing, with largemouth bass, green
sunfish, crappie, and bluegill in its lakes and ponds and elusive rainbow trout
in the waters of its creeks. The park has 100 miles of roads and trails that are
open to mountain bikes.
http://www.coepark.org/
Huddart
Park SMCP
(link to page)
The park is only 3.5 miles west of
Highway 84. With barbecue pits, a playground, grassy meadows, and hiking and
riding trails. Three youth campgrounds, Toyon areas #1, #2, and #3, are
available by reservation only April-October (closed Nov-March). Maximum occupancy of 50 people per site.
See Group Campsite page for more information. Restroom facilities are available
with running water.
http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/smc/department/home/0,,5556687_12313305_12328471,00.html
Joseph D. Grant
SCCP
Group youth camping is available by reservation. See Group
Campsite page for more information. A large
lake and several smaller ponds for fishing. Off of Mt.
Hamilton Rd, access to the summer Lick Observatory program.
http://www.parkhere.org/channel/0,4770,chid%253D16492%2526sid%253D12761,00.html
Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP
The park stretches from the Big Sur
coastline into nearby 3,000-foot ridges. It features redwood, tan oak, madrone,
chaparral, and an 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the
ocean from the Overlook Trail.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=578
Laguna Seca Recreation Area MCP
On the grounds of the Laguna Seca speedway are campsites and there's even a
rifle and pistol range available.
http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/parks/laguna_seca.htm
Lake Chabot EBRP
Lake Chabot is stocked with trout and catfish. There are also
bass, crappie, and other fish. Services include rental of canoes and boats
(electric, paddle boats, or oars), hiking, bicycling, and running trails and group sites are available.
See Group Campsite page for more information.
http://www.ebparks.org/parks/lakechab.htm
Los Padres NP
http://www.mtycounty.com/pgs-parks/los-padres.html
Link to:
Monterey County Campsites
[
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/recreation/develop-camp/mrd.html ]
in Los Padres. Link to
So. San Luis Obispo/No. Santa Barbara County Campsites
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/recreation/develop-camp/slrd.html
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Manresa
Uplands State Beach SP
Camped
here for 2003 Coastal cleanup. Located between Aptos and Watsonville
http://pt-lobos.parks.state.ca.us/geninfo/camping.htm
Memorial Park
SMCP
(link to page) The Homestead Youth Camp has six separately
areas that can be reserved, and that hold 50 youth and leaders each.
See
Group Campsite page for more information.
http://www.ebparks.org/parks/tilden.htm
http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/smc/department/home/0,,5556687_12313309_12328487,00.html
Mount Diablo SP
(link to page) Camped at Buckeye campsite which is just off of the
summit trail. There are several grop campsites. See Group Campsite page
for more information. Boy Scout and Sentinel Ridge
are popular places near Rock City for rock climbing. Check with
the ranger for regulations and the best approach.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=517 Report page
Mount Madonna SCCP
(link to page)
Held our first annual orientation
camp at Indian Rock
campsite
See Group Campsite page for more information.
http://www.parkhere.org/channel/0,4770,chid=16500&sid=12761,00.html
Mount
Tamalpais SP Hiking and
Bicycle Trails: More than 50 miles of trail are within
the park and connect to a larger, 200-mile-long trail system. Bicyclists are
challenged by the twisting road to the top of the park's summit.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=471
New Brighton SP
The camping area is on a bluff overlooking
northern Monterey Bay.
http://pt-lobos.parks.state.ca.us/geninfo/camping.htm
Ohlone Wilderness Trail
EBRP Overnight camping at
designated campsites along the Ohlone Wilderness Trail is allowed by reservation
only, and separate arrangements should be made by phoning (510) 636-1684.
http://www.ebparks.org/parks/tilden.htm
Pfeiffer Big Sur
SP 25 miles south of
Carmel along Highway 1 Some campsites are along the Big Sur River.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=570
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Pinnacles
National Monument
http://www.nps.gov/pinn/ or
Pinnacles
http://www.mtycounty.com/pgs-parks/pinn.html
Portola
SP
Camp, 650-948-9098, La Honda, backpacking camp 3 miles from parking lot.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=539
Portola Redwoods SP
Backpacking Trail Camps $10.00 per night, available April 1st through Nov. 30th. Reservations
required (650)948-9098. Limit 6 people per site. No fires, stoves OK, carry
water. Group Camps Reservations (800-444-727) are required for Group Camps
and may be reserved from April 1 through November 30. There are four group camps
at Portola:
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=539
Redwood Regional Park EBRP
Several youth group day
and overnight camping areas are located within the park. They are available by
reservation only; telephone 636-1684 for information. See Group Campsite page
for more information. Hiking is popular on the
park's many trails.
http://www.ebparks.org/parks/redwood.htm
Royal Oaks MCP
It's the perfect location for first-time
campers to experience overnight camping in the great outdoors. The campground
contains a fire ring/ground stove for bonfires and cooking, restrooms, water
source and 4 picnic tables. Fee: 20-50 persons $35 per night. 51-100
persons $60 per night.
http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/parks/Royal_Oaks.htm
Sam McDonald Park SMCP
Sam McDonald, a unique and
interesting 850-acre facility, is located approximately 3 miles west of La Honda
on Pescadero Road.
http://www.eparks.net/Parks/Sam McDonald/
Samuel P. Taylor SP
The park
located in Marin County, offers a network of hiking trails and fire roads,
making it easy to hike to the top of Mount Barnabe.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=469
San Antonio Lake MCP
12 trails covering 28 miles for hiking and cycling.
Spectacular fishing opportunities. With a variety of fish, including Striped
Bass, Bass (Large and Small Mouth), Catfish, Crappie, Carp, Red Ear, and Blue
Gill, For group camping reservations: 1-805-472-2311 See Group Campsite page for
more information. About 45 miles south of
Salinas off of US 101
http://www.lakesanantonio.net/
Sam McDonald
Sam McDonald, a unique and interesting 850-acre facility, is
located approximately 3 miles west of La Honda on Pescadero Road. See Group
Campsite page for more information.
http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/smc/department/home/0,,5556687_12313313_12345082,00.html
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San Bruno SMCP
San Bruno Mountain Park is a landmark of local and regional
significance, standing as a unique open-space island at the northern end of the
Santa Cruz Mountain Range.
http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/smc/department/home/0,,5556687_12313315_12345092,00.html
San Lorenzo
Park
MCP King City
http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/parks/san_lorenzo.htm
Sanborn Skyline SCCP
Tent camping is available by reservation only from the last Saturday in Mar/ to Oct. 15.
See Group Campsite page for more information.
http://www.parkhere.org/channel/0,4770,chid=16506&sid=12761,00.html
Seacliff State Beach SP
There is a pier is open for fishing. The beach is also a popular swimming spot.
There is a long stretch of sand backed by bluffs.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=543
Sugarloaf Ridge SP
Sugarloaf Ridge State
Park contains the headwaters of Sonoma Creek. The park also houses a 40-inch telescope at the Ferguson
Observatory. It can be rented with the group campsite for private parties. See
Group Campsite page for more information. http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=481
Sunol Regional Wilderness EBRP Several sites are
available by advance reservation only. Phone (510) 636-1684 on weekdays, 9 a.m.
to 4 p.m. High Valley Camp is a hike-in camp located a steep, one-mile walk from
the Visitor Center. Camp Ohlone is a seven-mile hike from the park entrance.
School Camp is adjacent to the Visitor Center and may be reserved through the
Sunol Park office at (925) 862-2601. Group areas are available November through
May.
http://www.ebparks.org/parks/sunol.htm
Sunset
State Beach
SP
Camped here
for 2002 Coastal cleanup.
The beach features pine trees,
mountainous sand dunes, and ocean side picnic spots just west of the city of
Watsonville.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=544
Tilden Park EBRP Group
camping facilities for organized groups include Gillespie Camp (75). Phone (510)
562-2267. See Group Campsite page for more information. Has 31 miles of biking and hiking trails and there's even a lake for
swimming and fishing.
http://www.ebparks.org/parks/tilden.htm
Toro Park MCP
Map
Youth Overnight Area contains tables, a large
barbecue pit, restroom and shower facilities, a kitchen, and a fish pond with a
pier and a staging area. 20-50 persons $35 per night. 51-100 persons $60 per
night.
http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/parks/toro_park.htm
Uvas Canyon Upper Branch
SCCP The park has seven miles of hiking trails
including a one mile Waterfall Loop that travels along Swanson Creek past many
of the park's waterfalls.
http://www.parkhere.org/channel/0,4770,chid=16516&sid=12761,00.html
Veteran’s
Park
(link to page)
(Monterey City Park)
Two
group areas can be reserved for overnight youth groups of up to 100 people. Each
has a large double BBQ pit for cooking, tables, and water is available.
Restrooms and showers are available, also. The fee for use of these areas is
$4.00 per person per night.
. Reservations at 831.646.3865
http://www.monterey.org/rec/vetspark.html#Youth%20Group%20Areas
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Scout Camps
Boulder Creek Scout Reservation
Pacific
Skyline Boulder Creek Scout Reservation is located 1 1/2 miles from the
town of Boulder Creek, California The camp boasts of a quiet and serene camping
atmosphere, a shower and restroom facility that meets ADA standards, archery and
rifle range, family camp with tents and tent platforms, kitchen, swimming pool,
picnic tables, historic hiking and nature trails, camping area, and a pristine
meadow campground.
http://www.pacsky.org/camps/bcsr/bcsr.html
Camp Chawanakee Sequoia Council
In addition standard summer camp merit badges, they also offer pottery,
photography, motor boating, space exploration, small boat sailing, motor
boating, and horsemanship.
http://www.sequoiacouncilbsa.org/camps/campchaw.htm
Camp
Chesebrough
(link to map)
Santa Clara County Council
This is the local campsite owned and operated by Santa Clara County Council.
There are 4 large campsites available that can be divided into
smaller areas. Fire rings, picnic tables, piped water, and flush toilets are
available. Chesebrough is often used for JLT, Outdoor Leader Training and
camp-o-rees. Pets are discouraged. Reservations are required and made through
the Santa Clara County Council, Boy Scouts of America. Fees vary depending on
the program - year-round use or summer camp program. Call Council Service Center
for information. Santa Clara Council Council Center at 408-280-5088
Camp Emerald Bay Western Los Angeles
County Council.
Emerald Bay is very popular and WLACC requires attendance at one of their other
summer camps prior to attending Camp Emerald Bay for troops outside of their
council.
http://www.bsa-la.com/Camping/EmeraldBay.html
Camp Herms
Mt. Diablo Silverado Council Camp Herms is
located in El Cerrito. This camp serves as a year-round camp with Cub Scout Day
Camp in the summer.
It is also the base for the
Fages Historic Trail, commemorating the trek by Captain Pedro Fages
searching for a land route around San Francisco Bay in 1772.
http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/highfages.shtml
Camp
Hi-Sierra SCC
Council CAMP
HI-SIERRA is is located at an elevation of 5000 ft. within the Stanislaus
National Forest. The North Fork of the Tuolumne River flows through and
provides a waterfront lake of endless enjoyment. Troop 494 has been attending
Hi-Sierra for many years.
http://www.sccc-scouting.org/sccc/program/camping/chs/index.asp
Map of
Hi-Sierra;
Map to Hi-Sierra
Camp John Messinger,
Greater Yosemite Council.
The camp is located on 168 acres in mid elevation pine forest
(4200 ft.) about 19 miles drive in a northerly direction from the town
Strawberry in the Sierras.
http://www.bsa-gyc.org/CouncilCamps.htm#mens
Camp Lassen Golden
Empire Council
The camp is located 45 minutes East of Chico in Northern
California and about 60 miles from the famous Lassen Volcanic National Park.
http://www.gec-bsa.org/lassen/lassen/main.html
Camp Linblad,
Mt. Diablo Silverado Council Camp Lindblad
offers year-round traditions and wilderness camping on over 200 acres in the
beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains.
http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/lindblad.shtml
Camp Marin Sierra,
Marin Council
The 320 acres of
Camp Marin-Sierra are located in the redwoods
of the Tahoe National Forest at an elevation between 5,500 and 5,600 feet. Chubb
Lake provides the camp with virtually all the aquatic programs Scouting has to
offer except motor boating and waterskiing, which are conducted as a
Hi-Adventure activity at nearby Lake Spalding.
http://www.boyscouts-marin.org/camps/ms/about/default.htm
Camp Masonite Navarro, Redwood Empire Council
Located on the beautiful Navarro River, just 70 miles northwest of Santa
Rosa, the center is an ideal weekend destination for Bay Area and North Coast
groups. Enjoy the camp for its trails, rifle range, archery range or waterfront,
or use it as a base camp for enjoying the Mendocino coast.
http://www.recbsa.org/navarro.htm
Camp
Meriwether, Cascade Pacific Council.
The mighty Pacific Ocean provides the dramatic
backdrop for this full service camp with 2 miles of private beach. The camp
includes Lake Chamberlain, a fresh-water lake for swimming and boating, a
trading post, a .22 rifle range, a shotgun range, an archery range, a black
powder range, scoutcraft, handicraft and an ecology study center. For
experienced campers, Meriwether offers high adventure hikes and a rock climbing
program on our 35' tower.
http://www.cpcbsa.org/camp-properties/propertylist/meriwether/summercamp/index.html
Camp Newman,
Greater Yosemite Council.
Camp Isom is a 160 acre primitive camp located along Orestimba
Creek in the Coast Range, nine miles west of Newman. One prominent feature of
Camp Isom is a permanent spring that empties into a series of three ponds in
which fish and water lilies abound. The camp is three miles by air and six miles
hiking from Henry Coe State Park. In the past Scouts have hiked from Isom over
to Coe Park and exited to Morgan Hill. This is a true wilderness experience.
This should be treated as a primitive campground and campers must haul out all
trash. There is an outhouse located at the camp.
http://www.bsa-gyc.org/CouncilCamps.htm#isom
Camp Noyo,
Redwood Empire Council
To
get to camp you can either take a long boring dirt road or you can take the
Skunk Train.
The Skunk Train takes you along the Noyo River and tells you about the area.
http://www.recbsa.org/noyo.htm
Camp Oljato
SC Pacific Skyline Council
Camp Oljato is located on Huntington Lake in Lakeshore, CA (Fresno County).Our
camp's property ranges in elevation from 7,000 to just under 8,000 feet. The
camp is about 240 miles from the Pacific Skyline Council, San Mateo/Santa Clara
area, about 5-6 hours driving time.
Oljato is accessible only by pontoon boat which run on a regular
schedule during our Scout camping season. Camp Oijato has complete aquatics,
nature, handicrafts, and shooting sports areas which are complemented by our
highly rated dining hall and food service team. http://www.pacsky.org/camps/oljato/oljato.html
Camp Pico Blanco Monterey Bay Area
Council Camp Pico
Blanco is located in the Big Sur Coast area of Central California, just 12 miles
south of Carmel off Highway 1 and inland 13 miles on Palo Colorado Road. The
camp is situated on over 800 acres along the North Fork of the Little Sur River
and is surrounded by the Los Padres National Forest and bordered by the Ventana
Wilderness area.
http://www.montereybayarea.org/
Camp Pollock
(link to doc) Golden Empire Council (scheduled for Mar 2004 Sacramento Historical
Hikes) Located in the heart of Sacramento along the American River, Camp
Pollock offers the escape from the bustle of the city at the end of the outing.
Troops can use this base for such activities as rafting on the American River,
biking on the Jedediah Smith Memorial Bicycle Trail, or city-hiking in
California's historic State capitol. Tour Old Sacramento's Train Museum and then
hop on the light rail for a ride back.
http://www.gec-bsa.org/pollock/
Camp Pohatsi
Golden Empire Council
Camp Pahatsi is at 6700' altitude and is located just off I-80 at Soda Springs,
California near Donner Summit. A full service camp, Camp Pahatsi offers a vast
assortment of Scouting programs designed to appeal to a great number of
differing interests: from Cub Scout resident camping to the Eagle Trail; from
mountain biking to skeet shooting; from family camping to high adventure
activities; there is something for all ages. Excitement abounds sailing on
Donner Lake, while relaxation call be had canoeing or kayaking on Lake Kilborn.
http://www.gec-bsa.org/pahatsi/
Camp Royaneh
SC San
Francisco Bay Area Council
Camp Royaneh, located in the beautiful coastal Redwoods area near Cazadero in
Sonoma County
http://www.sfbac.org/facilities/fac_royeneh.cfm
Camp Whitsett Western Los Angeles County
Council.
Located in Sequoia
National Forest, Camp Whitsett offers an outstanding venue for your troop
long-term camp. Camp Whitsett is situated at an elevation of 4300' with its own
lake. The camp
is located approximately 4 hours north of the San Fernando Valley. It is north
east of Bakersfield and 35 miles north of Lake Isabella.
Priority for Emerald Bay is given to troops that go first to another WLACC
summer camp like Whitsett
http://www.whitsett.org/
Camp
Wolfboro Scout
Camp. Mt. Diablo Silverado
Council Camp Wolfeboro is located on the north
fork of the Stanislaus River at an elevation of 5500 feet. The Camp, located at
the center of an 80-acre glacier sand flat, with tall lodgepole pines, towering
talus slopes, high granite walls, together making up the setting for the
majestic surroundings.
http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/Wolfeboro/index.htm
Camp Tamarancho, Marin Council
Located in the heart of Marin County,
this year round camp is located just two miles from Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Camp
Tamarancho has over 480 acres of meadows, redwood forested campsites and three,
4 person cabins.
http://www.boyscouts-marin.org/camps/tamranch.htm
Cutter Scout Reservation
Pacific
Skyline Council
Cutter Scout Reservation
is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, north of Big Basin State Park in San
Mateo County. Camp, boat, fish, hike, have fun! You can do it all right here at
Cutter Scout Reservation.
http://www.pacsky.org/camps/csr/csr.html
Rancho Los Mochos
SF Bay Area Council
http://www.sfbac.org/facilities/fac_losmochos.cfm
Wente Scout Reservation
We made
our first trip to Wente in August '04 and loved it.
SF Bay Area Council's
Wente Scout Reserve has tall Douglas Firs and golden
meadows on 2,200 acres of hills and forests spell adventure for the Troop that
likes to rough it and test its skills. An 80 acre lake offers a natural setting
for swimming, sailing, boating and canoeing. The lake has some of the best
fishing in the state and it's free from California fishing regulations so bring
your pole! Here's a link to a page describing Wente in more depth:
Wente
2004
http://www.sfbac.org/facilities/fac_wente.cfm
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Camping Websites
Federal:
http://www.ca.blm.gov/caso/camping.html Bureau of Land Management
The Bureau of Land Management has many primitive sites
across the state. Reservations are made through local field offices.
BLM information
for the Merced River area
http://www.nps.gov/parks.html US National Parks
http://maps.reserveusa.com/static/ca1.html
Reserve America for other Federal agencies including Army Corp of
Engineers and National Forest Service
State:
http://cal-parks.ca.gov/default.asp California State Parks
Includes state parks, beaches, historic parks, and reserves.
Regional:
Santa Clara County Parks The website for Santa Clara County parks. Online
reservations can now be made through the site. There are maps for all
campgrounds located on the site as well.
http://www.parkhere.org/
San Mateo County
The website for San Mateo County parks. San Mateo has several group parks
including equestrian sites.
http://www.eparks.net/index.htm
Chart of
San Mateo Parks and
map of San Mateo
East Bay Parks East Bay Parks incorporate parks from several east bay
counties. Lots of maps and the parks range from camping to fishing and boating.
http://www.ebparks.org
Bay Area Back Country camping
http://www.hknot.com/bab/bab.html
Bay area family campshttp://pages.prodigy.net/rhorii/famcamp.htm
Monterey County Parks Includes city, county & state parks located within
Monterey County
http://www.mtycounty.com/pgs-parks/parks.html
OA on-line camping guide
The website is supported by the local OA and features searches by alpha and
region
http://home.earthlink.net/~fwclegg/camping/index.htm
Sonoma County Parks
Link:
http://www.sonoma-county.org/parks/
Chart of
Sonoma County parks
Private:
PG&E
Recreational sites including campsites Link to
PGE Page
summary
http://www.pge.com/about_us/environment/recreational_areas/
KOA
Campgrounds KOA features tent and cabins at various locations throughout the
state. More information on
KOA in
California.
Website:
KOA Page
Hostel Websites
Fort
Mason Youth Hostel
San
Francisco, near Fisherman's Wharf
Fort Mason, Building 240,
San Francisco, CA 94123; Phone: (415) 771-7277 Hostelling International-San
Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf is located at Fort Mason in the Golden Gate
National Recreation Area, an urban national park on the Bay. Fort Mason is
also home to museums, galleries, and theaters. The nearby Bikecentennial
route makes this hostel a perfect stop for cyclists. Dorm beds: 163; Private
rooms: 6; Dorm rate: $22-29
Fullerton 1700 North Harbor Blvd,
Fullerton, CA 92835; Phone: (714) 738-3721 This cozy hostel with a great
self service kitchen and fire place is located just six miles north of
Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure, the Anaheim Convention Center and
seven miles from Knott's Berry Farm. The hostel is situated in Brea Dam Park
with a picnic area and golf driving range. The hostel offers three small
dorms and it is a quiet, restful place to relax while in the Los Angeles
area. Dorm beds: 20; Private rooms:0; Dorm rate: $15-17 + tax
Gershwin
Hollywood, Los Angeles
http://www.gershwinhollywood.com
Klamath Redwood Klamath National Park
14480 California
Highway 101, Klamath, CA 95548;
Phone: (707) 482-8265 Just a stone's throw from the Pacific Ocean, the
hostel, built in 1908, was the pioneer home of the Louis DeMartin family.
Dorm beds: 28; Private rooms:1; Dorm rate: $16-19; Private room rate: $38
Los Altos Hills Hidden Villa
http://www.hiddenvilla.org/Assets/welcome.htm
26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022. Phone: (650)
949-8648. There are more than seven miles of trails for guests to roam in
the hills behind the hostel. San Francisco, San Jose, Stanford University,
and the towns of "Silicon Valley" are all close by. During the summer,
Hidden Villa serves as multicultural camp for children (the hostel is closed
during this period). Dorm beds: 32; Private rooms: 2; Dorm rate: $17
Reservations: Essential
Montara Near Half Moon Bay 16th Street
at California Hwy 1, Montara, CA 94037;
P.O. Box 737, Montara, CA 94037 Phone: (650) 728-7177 On the rugged
California coast, 25 miles south of San Francisco, historic 1875 lighthouse
and turn-of-the-century buildings have been preserved and restored by HI-AYH
and the California Department of Parks and Recreation, in cooperation with
the Coast Guard. Explore the coastline; watch annual gray whale migration
(Nov-April). Visit the nearby James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, a four-mile
stretch of tide pools full of starfish, crabs, mussels, abalone, and sea
anemones. Enjoy beaches, swim, surf, kayak, jog, horseback ride, windsurf
and bicycle along the shore. Dorm beds: 35; Private rooms: 5 (2 adult
minimum); Dorm rate: $18-21; Private room rate: $47 (2 adult minimum) call
for details
Monterey Cannery Row 778
Hawthorne St., Monterey, CA 93940; Phone: (831) 649-0375 The hostel is
located 4 blocks from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Steinbeck's Cannery Row,
minutes from Fisherman's Wharf and the world famous 17-Mile Drive. Enjoy
whale watching, scuba diving and kayaking on scenic Monterey Bay. Bike,
rollerblade or stroll Monterey Bay's coastline recreation path. Dorm beds:
45
Private rooms:2; Dorm rate: $18-22 + tax, incl linen; Private room rate:
$54-88 + tax, incl linen
Marin Headlands Youth Hostel
Fort Barry, Building 941,
Sausalito, CA 94965; Phone: (415) 331-2777 HI-Marin Headlands sits on a
hillside in the serene Marin Headlands just across the Golden Gate Bridge
from San Francisco in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The hostel's
turn-of-the-century buildings are surrounded by beaches, forests, and
rolling hills. Rodeo Lagoon and Beach provide an abundance of wildlife and
native plant life to study. Hike numerous scenic trails nearby (Mount
Tamalpais State Park, Muir Woods National Monument, and just out the door in
the Marin Headlands). Dorm beds: 80; Private rooms: 7; Dorm rate: $18-20;
Private room rate: $45 (up to 2 adults & 2 kids) call for details and
reservations.
Pigeon
Point Youth Hostel
San Mateo Coast
210 Pigeon Point Road,
Pescadero, CA 94060; Phone: (650) 879-0633 Perched atop a cliff on the
central California coast 50 miles south of San Francisco, the 115-foot
Pigeon Point Lighthouse, one of the tallest lighthouses in America, has been
guiding mariners since 1872. View the annual gray whale migration
(Nov-April). Explore tide pools, 100 yards north. Hike through the amazing
1,000-year-old redwoods nearby. Explore close by Pescadero Marsh, the
feeding and nesting place for more than 150 species of birds, and Ano Nuevo
State Reserve, the breeding site of northern elephant seals (Dec-March).
Dorm beds: 42; Private rooms: 4 (2 adult minimum); Dorm rate: $18-21;
Private room rate: $47-53
Point
Reyes Youth Hostel
Pt Reyes State Park
Off Limantour Rd., Point
Reyes National Seashore, CA
Mail: P.O. Box 247, Point Reyes, CA 94956; Phone: (415) 663-8811 HI-Point
Reyes is two miles from the ocean in a secluded valley on Point Reyes
National Seashore, Dorm beds: 44; Dorm rate: $16-18
Sausalito
Marin Headlands sits on a hillside in the serene Marin Headlands
just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco in the Golden Gate
National Recreation Area. Dorm beds: 80;
Private rooms: 7; Dorm rate: $18-20; Private room rate: $45 (up to 2 adults
& 2 kids)
Sacramento
Downtown 925
H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; Phone: (916) 443-1691
Step back into another
century as you relax in the quiet comfortable elegance of this 1885
Victorian mansion in the heart of California's state capital. HI-Sacramento
is an easy walk to Amtrak, Greyhound, or public transportation and many
attractions: Old Sacramento Historic District on the Sacramento River, the
California State Railroad Museum, Sutter's Fort and Indian Museum, the
Governor's Mansion, the State Capitol and Capitol Park. Dorm beds: 62;
Private rooms:5; Dorm rate: $16-20; Private room rate: $28-56 call for
details & reservation
San Diego San
Diego Downtown 521 Market, San Diego, CA 92101; Phone: (619) 525-1531
This downtown hostel is located on the corner of 5th and Market in the soul
of the city's historic Gaslamp Quarter (16 blocks of cafes and restaurants,
clubs, shops, galleries and landmarks).Dorm beds: 171; Private rooms:17;
Dorm rate: $19-26; Private room rate: $45.50-55.50
San Diego Point Loma
Point Loma 3790 Udall Street, San Diego, CA
92107-2414; Phone: (619) 223-4778 Explore San Diego during the day; then
enjoy the evening in the courtyard at the hostel near Ocean Beach. Dorm
beds: 58; Private rooms:5; Dorm rate: $16-20; Private room rate: $38-44
San Francisco City Center 685
Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94109; Phone: (415) 474-5721The hostel is
just a short walk from the beautifully restored City Hall, weekly open-air
farmers markets that offer a delectable array of native fruits and
vegetables, the famed cable cars. Union Square, Japantown and Chinatown are
a fifteen minute walk, and Fisherman's Wharf, the Mission District, and
Ocean Beach are all easily accessible with convenient public transportation.
Dorm beds: 272; Private rooms: 1; Dorm rate: $22-29; Private room rate: $66
San Francisco Downtown 312 Mason
Street, San Francisco, CA 94102; Phone: (415) 788-5604 A block from the
excitement of Union Square, in the theater district, this hostel (formerly
the Hotel Virginia) provides private and small dorm rooms. Right outside the
front door is a variety of restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Union
Square is a great place to people-watch or enjoy a picnic under the palm
trees. Just two blocks away at Powell and Market Streets are the
world-famous cable cars, which will give you a breathtaking ride to
Fisherman's Wharf and the Bay. Dorm beds: 285; Private rooms:40; Dorm rate:
$22-29; Private room rate: $60
San Luis Obispo Central Coast
1617 Santa Rosa Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401; Phone: (805) 544-4678
HI-San Luis Obispo, Hostel Obispo is the perfect stopover for travelers
along the coast of California. Halfway between Los Angeles and San
Francisco, it is close to many spectacular sights, including Motana de Oro
State Park, 4 beaches, and amazing volcanic peaks. Dorm beds: 20; Private
rooms: 2; Dorm rate: $17 + tax, incl linen; Private room rate: $45 Oct -
Jun; $50 Jul - Sep & holidays
San Pedro Los
Angeles 3601 South Gaffey Street, #613, San Pedro, CA 90731-6969;
Phone: (310) 831-8109 A million-dollar view is waiting for you at this
seaside hostel in the Los Angeles South Bay community of San Pedro. Located
in scenic Angel's Gate Park, Hostelling International - Los Angeles South
Bay has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island and
features spectacular sunsets. Dorm beds: 54
Private rooms:6; Dorm rate: $15-17 + tax; Private room rate: $37 + tax
Santa Cruz 321 Main St., Santa
Cruz, CA 95060; Mail: P.O. Box 1241, Santa Cruz, CA 95061; Phone: (831)
423-8304. HI-Santa Cruz is located in the restored 1870's Carmelita Cottages
on Beach Hill. It is only two blocks from the beach, boardwalk, amusement
park, and wharf and five blocks from downtown. Dorm beds: 44; Private rooms:
3; Dorm rate: $18-21 incl linen; Private room rate: $46-80 incl linen
Santa Monica
Los Angeles 1436 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401; Phone: (310)
393-9913. Santa Monica is an excellent base for seeing Los Angeles. With
good public transportation, the hostel is also a convenient bus ride from
the airport. The hostel has regularly scheduled trips to Disneyland,
Universal Studios, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and Mexico. At HI - Los
Angeles/Santa Monica you are only 2 blocks from the beach. Dorm beds: 228;
Private rooms:9; Dorm rate: $25-28 + tax; Private room rate: $59 + tax
Tecopa, Death Valley
2000
Old Spanish Trail Hwy., Tecopa, CA 92389; P.O. Box 306, Tecopa, CA 92389;
Phone: (760) 852-4580 The center of Death Valley National Park is 60
miles from the hostel, and mountains and valleys are everywhere waiting to
be explored. The free Tecopa Hot Springs offer steaming, fragrant mineral
baths. The hostel's view tower is often used for relaxing star-gazing, and
sleeping under the stars. Dorm beds: 10; Private rooms:1; Dorm rate: $15;
Private room rate: $40-$60
Welchurst
Youth Hostel Sanborn County Park
near Saratoga 15808 Sanborn
Road, Saratoga, CA 95070; Phone 408-741-0166 or 408-741-9555.
Just west of San Jose,
HI-Sanborn Park Hostel is tucked away in a forest of redwoods and madrones
in Sanborn County Park in Saratoga.
Price: U.S. $12.00 for Members, $14.00 for non-Members; Office Hours:
7-9 a.m., 5-10:30 p.m. (Hostel closes at 11:00p.m., last check-in by
10:30p.m.); Beds: 39; Maximum stay: 3 nights. Extensions at
discretion of Hostel; Facilities: Equipment storage area, information
desk, kitchen, laundry facilities, linen rental, baggage storage, on-site
parking, wheelchair accessible, Membership Selling Agency
Yosemite
Bug Hostel
Midpines
6979 A Highway 140,
Midpines, CA 95345; P.O. Box 81, Midpines, CA 95345. The Yosemite Bug
Hostel, is just 20 miles from spectacular Yosemite National Park on several
forested acres. The area has great opportunities for mountain biking,
skiing, rafting, and hiking. The hostel is just three miles from the Merced
River Scenic Area and hiking trails access. Dorm beds: 54; Private rooms:5;
Dorm rate: $16; Private room rate: $40-70
Norcal
Hostels
Hostelling International USA
International Hostels
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