Most visitors come to swim and kayak in the lake or fish for trout (Rainbow, German Brown, and Eastern Brook).Īnother solid option for boondocking the Bay Area is this small BLM campground three hours north of San Francisco. What to Do: Water activities are in store at Cherry Lake. You can do dispersed camping above the lake’s high watermark, and vault toilets are available along with a boat ramp. One of the better options for boondocking the Bay Area, Cherry Lake is three and half hours east of San Francisco, high in the Sierra Nevada range. Read on to learn about top spots!īoondocking Locations in Northern California Cherry Lake There are some prime opportunities for boondocking in California. Whether it is your first time boondocking or another on a list of fun off-the-grid trips, knowing where to set up is essential. Your Guide to the Best Boondocking in California Be aware of dangerous wildlife near your campsite and keep your distance. In the Mojave, watch your step for rattlesnakes. If you’re camping in the Sierra, bear spray is a necessity. Many of the state and national parks fill up during the summer, so either make reservations far in advance or plan to visit less popular areas during peak season.īe Wary of the Wildlife.

Know the campfire regulations in your area if they’re allowed, ensure your ashes are cool to the touch before going to bed.Ĭonsider the Season. While online resources are great, nothing beats firsthand knowledge.īe Very Careful with Your Campfires. You’ll have plenty of options for boondocking California, but locals know where to find the safest and cheapest campsites. Keep your laptop and expensive camera inside your RV, so would-be thieves don’t get any ideas.Īsk Around Before Choosing a Campsite.

Most of California’s campsites are incredibly safe, but you never know who might be coming through. Going self-sufficient in California isn’t all that difficult, but there are a few things specific to the Golden State that you’ll want to keep in mind.ĭon’t Display Your Valuables. To sum it up, boondockers should avoid urban areas in the Golden State.

You cannot sleep in your car in most cities, and quite a few of them prohibit businesses like Walmart or Camping World from letting customers stay the night.

Most cities in California forbid boondocking, both on public and private land. Anza Borrego State Park permits boondocking throughout the park, while state parks near Los Angeles and San Francisco aren’t as likely to allow it. Some of California’s state parks permit boondocking, while others do not. A good rule of thumb is that boondocking is legal on federal lands, at least those owned by the Bureau of Land Management or Forest Service. The rules covering boondocking in California are a patchwork of federal, state, and local regulations. Take a look at our guide to boondocking in California to learn more about how you can start camping self-sufficiently in the Golden State. California is composed of beautiful landscapes tailor-made for off-the-grid fun between the cities and the sparsely populated eastern half of the state. Fun fact-the Golden State contains the highest and lowest points in the Lower 48, just 85 miles apart. Photo credit Instagram user is one of America’s most diverse states, with sprawling forests up north and sunny scenery in the south.

Rv boondocking sites