What we’re about
In Norcal Campers, strangers are welcomed as friends and friends become like family.
As the only 5-star camping group in the Northern California, our group appeals to folks who camp from their vehicle rather than from a backpack. Members use tents, utilize vehicles, vans, trailers or motorhomes. While we welcome people of all ages, history has shown that most of our active campers are 40 and older.
We camp in the western states and northern California in particular and include “civilized” places like county, state and national forests\parks. Most trips will be appropriate for anyone, but all campers must be self-sufficient.
We assume no responsibility for you and your guests safety or well-being as we only serve to help coordinate trips. By joining you agree to hold the group and all fellow members harmless of any responsibility or liability for whatever befalls you and your guests on a trip. Everyone is responsible for booking, and paying for their own campsite, shared with others if mutually agreeable. We are not a guide service!
We gather each evening to share stories and discuss plans for the next day. We enjoy getting together to share a libation but if you like to drink to excess and party please join another group. Well behaved pets are generally welcome, subject to the regulations of the campground being visited.
Many of us camp outside of this group but sometimes company is welcome and there is a high likelihood that you will make and cherish lifelong friends as well as enjoy the security that a group provides.
If you have an interest in leading trips contact the Organizer for assistance and authorization. Members can share information in the Discussion section.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Morro Bay State Park- May 27 to June 1, 2025Needs location
Fee: We want everyone to feel this is your camping group by contributing to the Meetup cost. We will provide a “tip” bucket at our campsite and Linda, and I ask each family to pay $5 per event.
Find us in campsite # 94
Address: 10 State Park Rd. Morro Bay, 93442
Limited to 25 attendees.Linda and I hope you will join us at cozy Morro Bay State Park, which features lagoon and natural bay habitat. The bay's most prominent landmark is Morro Rock. The park has opportunities for paddling, sailing, fishing, hiking, and bird watching. The park museum has exhibits that cover natural features and cultural history, Native American life, geology, and oceanography. The park also has a colorful marina and an 18-hole public golf course. On the bay's northeast edge is a pristine saltwater marsh that supports a thriving bird population.
Website: Information, park and campground maps: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=594
Max. Trailer: 35 Feet. Camper/Motorhome: 35 Feet. Check in time is 2 PM; check out time is 12 PM. Each site has picnic table and fire ring. Flush toilets and water near each site.
Make your reservations at: https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/ or phone 800-444-7275. This is a very popular destination, so make your reservations early to ensure your site.
A visit to the Central Coast of California is not complete without a stop at the Museum of Natural History in Morro Bay State Park. The museum offers activities for all ages: nature walks, exhibits, lectures, puppet shows, videos, docent led tours and special events.
Visit the Chumash garden along the side of the museum and learn how the Chumash used native plants of this area in their daily lives. Then visit the Heron Rookery, Morro Bay State Park, Montana de Oro State Park, the El Moro Elfin Forest and Audubon's Sweet Springs Nature Preserve. The museum overlooks Morro Bay which is both a State and National Estuary.
Each family is responsible for their own reservations, equipment and meals. We will have a pot-luck dinner on Thursday May 29th. We will gather for “happy hour” each day at 5 PM to plans for the following day. Bring your own chair and beverage. We plan to hike and/or paddle every day, stopping for a snack on the trail or beach. - Lassen Volcanic National Park – June 18 to 25, 2025Lassen National Park, Shingletown, CA
Lassen Volcanic National Park –
Dates: June 18 to 25, 2025 Note: The campground has a 5 night stay limit, however we were able to book 2 additional nights.We are in campsite # C 19 in the Manzanita Lake Campground
Fee: We want everyone to feel this is your camping group by contributing to the Meetup cost. We will provide a “tip” bucket at our campsite and Linda, and I ask each family to pay $5 per event.
Linda and I hope you will join us in Lassen National Park. You can find over 700 species of flowering plants and 250 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and fish. The park is at the junction of the Cascade Mountains, the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Great Basin, thus providing many unique habitats. You can hike, swim, paddle, horseback ride, catch up on reading your favorite books, or just relax and get acquainted.
Website: Information and campground maps: https://www.nps.gov/lavo/index.htm
The Summit Lake Campground is located 12 miles south of Manzanita Lake and 17.5 miles north of Southwest Entrance. The campground is comprised of a North (46 sites in Loops A and B) and South (49 sites in Loops C, D and E) section, each with access to the lake. Loops C, D and E are tent camping (or small pop-up trailers) only. Sites in Loops B, C and D can be reserved. Sites in Loops A and E are first-come-first-serve. There are no electrical hookups but each site has a picnic table, fire grills and drinking water nearby. Vault toilets are the norm. Coin-operated showers are available at Manzanita Lake about 20 minutes away.
Manzanita Lake Campground. It is within walking distance of the scenic Manzanita Lake, a popular fishing and family destination, and offers impressive views of Lassen Peak. The campground is close to The Loomis Museum, Loomis Ranger Station and popular hiking trails. The campground with 123 sites for tents or RV’s up to 40 feet. There are no electrical hookups but each site has a picnic table, food lockers, fire grills and drinking water. Flush toilets are the norm. A General Store and coin-operated showers are available.
Reservations: Make your reservations at www.recreation.gov https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234039 or (877-444-6777). The campground fills up in the summer. I recommend reserving your site now.
Recreation: This campground provides access to numerous nearby Trailheads. Lakes in the Park are popular with fly fishermen, some lakes are catch-and-release only. Non-motorized boats are permitted and Kayak rentals are available on Manzanita Lake. The park boasts more than 150 miles of hiking trails, including family-friendly hikes as well as for experienced hikers.
Each family is responsible for their own reservations, equipment and meals. We will gather around the campfire each evening after dinner (about 7 PM) to share stories. Bring your own chair and favorite beverage. I plan to hike and/or paddle every day. Lunch will often be on the trail or beach.
Direction: The easiest way into the park is at the North Entrance which is located 50 miles east of Redding on Highway 89.PLEASE READ THIS: This is a participate at your own risk event!
Paddling, Hiking, or Camping is risky. Every year people are hurt or killed because they go beyond their abilities, get lost or bring the wrong gear. This is a meetup, meaning we are not hired, professional guides or instructors for this event, and do not necessarily have safety training or carry any safety equipment. You are responsible for yourself in this peer-to-peer platform of events, you need to have enough training and experience to be self-sufficient. By signing up for this event you acknowledge that you (AND YOUR GUESTS) accept the risk, are solely responsible for your own safety, have signed a liability waiver and will do the necessary research to understand the conditions of this event and the gear or pre-requisite knowledge you may require. This includes precautions regarding infectious diseases.A Coast Guard approved life jacket or Personal Flotation Device must be worn by everyone while on the water.
Not open - Sardine Campground – Tahoe National Forest June 30 to July 8Sardine Lake Resort, Sierra City, CA
Camp site # 24
Nearest address: 990 Sardine Lake Rd., Sierra City 96125Fee: We want everyone to feel this is your camping group by contributing to the Meetup cost. We will provide a “tip” bucket at our campsite and Linda, and I ask each family to pay $5 per event.
Looking for a great get-away this summer and fun in the High Sierra’s. Then join Linda and me at beautiful Sardine Lake. Located in the heart of California’s premier fishing region, Sardine Lake on Highway 49 is just north of Sierra City, California. It has just 27 campsites- 15 have spaces large enough for trailers. There are vault toilets and piped water.
Sardine Campground is in a lodgepole pine forest with many nearby lakes offering superb fishing, kayaking, and swimming. This area offers an abundance of beautiful high mountain lakes and hiking trails surrounded by scenic rugged granitic ridges and glacially serrated rock outcroppings. You do not want to miss this trip! Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and food storage locker, no hook-ups.
Campground information and map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tahoe/recarea/?recid=55480
Reserve: your site by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 or on-line at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234539?q=Sardine%20Lake
This is a popular summertime campground; reservations open 6 months from YOUR ARRIVAL DATE. Sardine Lake Lodge: Cabins can be rented by calling 530.862.1196. Fine dining is also available at the Lodge; reservations are recommended.
Each family is responsible for their own reservations, equipment, and meals. We will gather around the campfire each evening after dinner to share stories. Bring your own chair and beverage. I plan to hike and/or paddle every day. Lunch will often be on the trail or beach.
Paddling: You can paddle Sardine Lake, nearby Gold Lake and Goose lake throughout the week. Distance around the lakes is about 6 miles.Recreation:
Lakes in the area are popular with fishermen; some lakes are catch-and-release only. Non-motorized boats are permitted on Sardine Lake. The area has more than 325 miles of hiking trails, including family-friendly hikes as well as for experienced hikers. Boat rentals are available at Sardine Lake Lodge.Directions:
From Hwy 49 at Sierra City: Drive 4 1/2 miles to Bassett's Station. Turn left on Gold Lake Hwy. Drive 1 1/2 miles north on Gold Lake Hwy and take a left on Sardine Lake Road (may say Packer Lake Rd). Continue for 1/2 mile until reaching the campground.Driving north from Truckee, take 89 N to 49 N: Drive 13 miles head west to Bassett's Station. Turn right on Gold Lake Hwy. Drive 1 1/2 miles north on Gold Lake Hwy and take a left on Sardine Lake Road (may say Packer Lake Rd). Continue for 1/2 mile until reaching the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds (within 4 miles of Sardine Lake): Gold Lake campground (37 sites), Snag Lake campground (12 sites), Goose Lake campground (13 sites).
