Lake side camping in So Cal?

[Gracy]

I've been trying to research lakes in So. Cal. that will allow you to camp lake side but I haven't had much luck...... we don't want near the lake, we want actual on the beach, lake side like in the pic below.  Any ideas?

[dkutz]

I've been trying to research lakes in So. Cal. that will allow you to camp lake side but I haven't had much luck...... we don't want near the lake, we want actual on the beach, lake side like in the pic below.  Any ideas?

Move to Minesota!!

[Gracy]

Move to Minesota!!

Thanks for that suggestion.

[Dee4j]

go where this picture was taken...... J/K  :p  seriously where is this???

[cjpoppin]

I found one like this in Hemet area in the SanJacinto Valley
Reflection Valley RV Park it is a small man  made lake and all the sites are on the lake.  It looked pretty good on their web site.  Nice for early spring and fall might be pretty hot in the summer.  Take a look and see what you think.....I haven't been there only seen it on the computer.....

[Gracy]

Dee - That pic is Lake Isabella...... its also a man made lake.... I believe the biggest one in CA

Carol - Thanks for that tip...... I looked it up and that looks like a great place to check out!!!  Here is a link for anyone else interested.  http://www.reflectionlakerv.com/default.asp?file=Home

[Dee4j]

I found one like this in Hemet area in the SanJacinto Valley
Reflection Valley RV Park it is a small man  made lake and all the sites are on the lake.  It looked pretty good on their web site.  Nice for early spring and fall might be pretty hot in the summer.  Take a look and see what you think.....I haven't been there only seen it on the computer.....

hmmmmm I think I will see if  DK&3kids_Dan will go on a field trip...they live in Hemet

it actually looks pretty nice, and $35 a nite isn't bad. looks like it's WE only no sewer....


how does Isabella work?? how would you get a group there?

[Gracy]

hmmmmm I think I will see if  DK&3kids_Dan will go on a field trip...they live in Hemet

it actually looks pretty nice, and $35 a nite isn't bad. looks like it's WE only no sewer....


how does Isabella work?? how would you get a group there?

I was going to ask if DK&3kids knew about it too........ I'd love to get their feedback

As for Lake Isabella......... the lake side camping is totally dry although there are restrooms and hot showers in different locations.  In town there is a KOA and also some really nice places in Kernville...... Kernville is also a really fun little town to explore..... they also have a fun rodeo the same weekend we are going to Newport Dunes in Feb. called Whiskey Flats.

We go up for the annual fishing derby every year and stay in that same spot at Reds Marina. http://derby.kernrivervalley.com/  its a really great weekend if anyone is interested.

The camping fee is something like $5 per night Shayne said... and thats news to me cause I always thought it was free!  :p  Oh and thats anytime of the year with no reservations in that spot.  He has property there so its really his second home.

Paradise Cove, French Gulch, Bolder Gulch & Tillie Creek all have bathrooms and hot showers.  Not sure the fee for those but it wouldn't be very much.

[Dee4j]

this is what Dan replied

Boy the pictures look great, it is over off Warren Rd. in the west end of town. When I drive by it always looks like a lot of permanent RV that are older and does not look very attractive. When I am over in the area I will stop by and let you know what I think,


you can google earth it and get a street view of the area

[Hoagie]

Asked some friends that live about 7 miles away if they had any experience with this park. Their opinion might be rather interesting as they rarely camp anywhere that has ANY hookups. They like the USFS campgrounds.
Once I hear back from them I'll post their thoughts too.

Another possible place for lakeside camping is Lake Hemet. This cg has a lot of permanent "park model" trailers, but also has some open areas for weekenders with limited hookups. You can also camp dry out on a peninsula, but there are no hookups, no shade and no protection from the wind out there. Kind of like some of those campgrounds on Lake Isabella.

[Gracy]

Asked some friends that live about 7 miles away if they had any experience with this park. Their opinion might be rather interesting as they rarely camp anywhere that has ANY hookups. They like the USFS campgrounds.
Once I hear back from them I'll post their thoughts too.

Another possible place for lakeside camping is Lake Hemet. This cg has a lot of permanent "park model" trailers, but also has some open areas for weekenders with limited hookups. You can also camp dry out on a peninsula, but there are no hookups, no shade and no protection from the wind out there. Kind of like some of those campgrounds on Lake Isabella.

Awesome!  Another one to add to the list!!!

[DK&3kids]

Dan will check out Reflection Lake, but DO NOT get your hopes up.  Now, things could've changed, but it used to be quite the dump and was basically a residential type place.  It would be GREAT if it has changed - been quite awhile since we've traveled that road.
 
 Now, having said that, Lake Hemet is nice.  It's actually up the hill not too far from Idyllwild.  We have shore fished and although it's a "no-contact" lake, you can take out small boats....like let's say a CANOE!  (see Dee - he WILL use it someday!hahaha).

Also, there is lakeside camping at Santee Lakes down by San Diego, but it's more along the lines of ponds than lakes - and no swimming or boating.

[JohnandLeann]

Lake San Antonio Has "north shore" dry camping at the lake side.  Honey huts close to the water, but also has permanent restrooms and showers nearby in campground.  South shore has developed campsites with w&e.  It is located in Monterey County, north of Paso Robles.  Nacimiento Lake is next door in San Luis County, but has no shore camping.  Both lakes are full contact lakes.

http://www.lakesanantonioresort.com/

Just looked at their website and they have added houseboats for rent!  Kinda pricey but if split between families, might not be too bad.

[Gracy]

Lake San Antonio Has "north shore" dry camping at the lake side.  Honey huts close to the water, but also has permanent restrooms and showers nearby in campground.  South shore has developed campsites with w&e.  It is located in Monterey County, north of Paso Robles.  Nacimiento Lake is next door in San Luis County, but has no shore camping.  Both lakes are full contact lakes.

http://www.lakesanantonioresort.com/

Just looked at their website and they have added houseboats for rent!  Kinda pricey but if split between families, might not be too bad.

I've never heard any of those names....... is this northern cali?

[Hoagie]

I've never heard any of those names....... is this northern cali?

Lake Naciemento is west of Paso Robles, up the 101 Freeway. Lake San Antonio is a bit further north. About 5 hours to Paso Robles for you from Pasadena. (Assuming 55MPH and a rest/meal/potty stop along the way.)