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 (3)
See all- Fallen Leaf Lake - Paddling and Hiking July 14 to 20Fallen Leaf Campground, South Lake Tahoe, CA
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.
Address: 2165 Fallen Leaf Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Find us in campsite # 138Linda and I hope you will join us at beautiful Fallen Leaf Lake at South Lake Tahoe just 3 miles NW of the junction of US -50 and CA-89. Fishing, hiking and boating are obvious pursuits. Limited to 25 attendees, please make a reservation BEFORE you RSVP.
Facilities: The campground has 75 tent sites and 130 sites for either 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. Vault toilets are the norm. Coin-operated showers are available.
Website with information and maps: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ltbmu/recarea/?recid=11781
Reservations: can be made at www.recreation.gov (877-444-6777). https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232769
Each family is responsible for their own reservations, equipment and meals. We will enjoy happy hour each evening at 5 pm to share stories and get acquainted. 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.
South Lake Tahoe and casinos attractions are nearby. This campground provides access to nearby Trailheads and easy access to Lake Tahoe.
BE BEAR AWARE: You are camping in bear territory, and they are active every night. I recommend storing all food items in the bear box located in your campsite. Do not store anything in your vehicle or truck.
IMPORTANT TIME SAVER IF YOU BRING A NON-MOTORIZED BOAT - You can self-inspect your boats by taking a 15 minute course and quiz at home. Your boat must display an inspection sticker.
Tahoe Boat self-inspection course is free and they send you stickers for your boat(2).
https://tahoeboatinspections.com/tahoe-keepers/about-tahoe-keepers/https://tahoeboatinspections.com/tahoe-keepers/tahoe-keepers-quiz/
To keep invasive mussels out of the water, a boat inspection is required!BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THERE IS NO WATER ANYWHERE ON/IN YOUR BOAT, PADDLES, LIFE JACKETS, HATCH COVERS, ETC. If the inspectors find any water on your equipment, you may be denied entry to the lake for that day.
- Sunset Union Reservoir (Crystal Basin Recreation Area): July 26 to August 3Sunset Union Campground, Pollock Pines, CA
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.
Campsite # 109 in the Sunset Union Campground.
Nearest address: intersection Fashoda Way and Ice House Rd. 95726Linda and I hope you will join us in the beautiful High Sierra’s, Crystal Basin Recreation Area. You can fish, hike, paddle, swim, or relax and read a book next to the lake. Limited to 20 attendees, please make a reservation BEFORE you RSVP.
Our base camp is at Sunset Union Campground at the Union Valley Reservoir located just 19 miles north of Hwy 50 in the Sierra Nevada Range, elevation about 4600'.
Website: Information and Campground Maps:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd917865.pdf
I recommend you copy the map on this website as we will paddle 4 lakes in this area.Camping: This campground fills during the summer. Reservations can be made 6 months from YOUR arrival date https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232083, or call (877-444-6777) to make reservations.
There are single sites, $28/night ($14 with senior pass) that can hold 2 vehicles and up to 6 people, You are responsible for your own reservations, meals and camping equipment. Additional camping available at nearby Fashoda Campground, on a first come first serve basis. When you have a reservation, let me know the site number and dates you will paddle.
Facilities: The Sunset campground has 131 sites, and many can accommodate large RV's, NO electrical hookups. Each site has picnic table, fire grill and drinking water nearby. Vault toilets are the norm. Coin-operated showers are available. Firewood can be purchased from the camp host, about $10 per bundle. Nearby Icehouse Resort (6 miles) offers a few cabins, restaurant, gas, and limited groceries. The Fashoda Campground has 30 sites for tents only and is next to Sunset Campground. Nearby Icehouse Campground has 82 camp sites.
Activities: There are many trailheads into the Desolation Wilderness within 20 minutes driving from here. There are dozens of hikes ranging from easy to strenuous. Bring map, compass, GPS, and whatever you like to take hiking. There are 5 lakes within 15 miles of Icehouse. Bring your kayaks and canoes! You can paddle a different lake each day.
Artists: Linda will be sketching, painting, nature journaling, and you are welcome to join her and do your own art work or just hang out with her.
Fishing: The trout fishing here is always good. The trout are about 12", some up to 18". Use can fish with eggs, night crawler worms, power bait, lures, whatever you like. Please supply your own fishing gear, tackle, and you will need a fishing license. Many people fish from shore, others use canoes, float tubes, kayaks or power boats.
The store at Icehouse Resort is about 6 miles from the campground and has limited supplies of food, bait, and other fishing items.
BE BEAR AWARE: You are camping in bear territory, and they are active every night. I recommend storing all food items in the bear box located in your campsite. Do not store anything in your vehicle.
Directions: Take highway 50 east from Sacramento, through Placerville, and through Pollock Pines. Continue east on Hwy 50, for 8.3 miles to the Crystal Basin Recreation Area sign. Turn left onto Icehouse Road and go 14 miles to Fashoda Way. Turn left drive to the campground/boat ramp.
- Morro Bay State Park- October 22 to 27, 202510 State Park Rd, Morro Bay, CA
Find us in campsite # 107
Nearest address: 10 State Park Rd. Morro Bay, 93442Fee: 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.
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 October 23. 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.
