About us
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
1
Mt. Madonna County Park - Oct. 15 to 19, 2026
7850 Pole Line Rd, Watsonville, Ca, USWe are in campsite # 113
Park address: 7850 Pole Line Rd, Watsonville, CA
Reservations open 6 months from Arrival dateFee: 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 at Mt. Madonna County Park. This park has redwood forest & chaparral with horseback riding & camping, and archery range. The Park is one of the most majestic of Santa Clara County's regional park and recreation areas. This 3,688 acre park is dominated by the redwood forest so characteristic of the Santa Cruz Mountain range. To the east, the park overlooks the Santa Clara Valley, to the west, Monterey Bay. The slopes of Mt. Madonna descend toward the valley, the landscape changes from redwood forest to oak woodland, dense chaparral and grassy meadows. Wow… there is so much you can do; we will have to make time to relax.
Limited to 15 attendees, please make a reservation BEFORE you RSVP.
Park visitors may learn about areas where Ohlone Indians hunted and harvested and will understand why cattle baron Henry Miller spent his summers here. Please join us this week in the pristine redwood forest of Mt. Madonna County Park. Mt. Madonna Stables offers horseback trail rides; it is a wonderful way to explore the beauty of this park. Anyone enjoy shooting archery? The park has an archery range and 18 target course that is free for park guests.Website: Information, park and campground maps:
https://gooutsideandplay.org/reservation/camping/index.aspEach family is responsible for their own reservations, equipment and meals. We will gather around the campfire at 5 pm to share shores. Bring your own chair and favorite beverage. Pot Luck dinner on Oct. 16 bring something to share.
I plan to hike every day and lunch is often on the trail.Facilities: Each site has picnic table and a fire ring. Many sites have electricity and the RV have electric and water hookups. Note: you may not occupy a site designated RV without an RV. Flush toilets, and water near each site. Firewood available for purchase.
You can stay in a yurt, pitch a tent, stay overnight in your RV, there are 187 sites that can be reserved. Other sites are available on a first come basis.Reservation phone in 408.355.2201. The campground fills up in the summer. I recommend reserving your site now.
Reservations: https://gooutsideandplay.org/reservation/camping/index.asp
Reservations for camping up to 6 months prior to YOUR ARRIVAL DATE.
Let’s celebrate harvest season in Watsonville, which is 9 miles from Mt. Madonna. At Gizdich Ranch, more than a dozen varieties of pick-your-own apples, including Honeycrisps and Royal Galas, await. Once you’ve gathered your bounty, settle in for a picnic under the trees.
Headquartered in Watsonville since 1868, Martinelli’s company store and tasting room offers free tastings of its non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider. For more hands-on learning, head to Watsonville’s Agriculture History Project (open every second Saturday of the month) to try your hand at ‘milking’ wooden cows or explore an exhibit highlighting the area’s apple industry.
Directions: The park is located on Highway 152 (Hecker Pass Highway), ten miles west of Gilroy. From the east, use Highway 101, and take the Highway 152 West exit. From the west, use Highway 1, and take the Highway 152 East exit. The entrance to the park is located at the summit of Highway 152 at Pole Line Road. Park address: 7850 Pole Line Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076. Phone:(408) 842-2341
Day Trip Suggestions:
We plan to do a day trip to Watsonville, with 4 interesting stops and lunch:- Glaums Egg Ranch, 3100 Valencia Rd., Aptos to see the chickens dance and purchase farm fresh eggs, 18 eggs just $4.
- Matinelli’s Apple Cider tasting, 345 Harvest Dr., Watsonville (Group tour) 831.768.3938
- Jalisco’s Mexican Food, 618 Main St. 95076, 831.728.9080
- Corralitos Meats & Sausage 569 Corralitos Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076 +1.831.722.2633
- Gizdich Ranch, pies made fresh daily, 55 Peckham Rd., Watsonville.
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 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.13 attendees
Past events
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