Travel writer lists his top ten picks for camping

BERKELEY, Calif. – Thinking of RVing and camping California? Tom Stienstra—San Francisco Chronicle outdoor columnist offers his top 10 unforgettable scenic camping destinations. Some of Stiestra's picks are not directly RV-able, so we'll first present his "top list" of those that are RV accessible:

Bridalveil Creek and Equestrian and Group Camp, in Yosemite National Park. (Rank #1)

There may be no better view than the one from Glacier Point, looking down into Yosemite Valley. Campers will also enjoy the perfect views of Yosemite Fall, Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, and several hundred square miles of wilderness backcountry.

Donner Memorial State Park, on Donner Lake. (Rank #4)

The remarkable beauty of Donner Lake often evokes a deep, heartfelt response. The lake’s gemlike blue waters are great for fishing and water sports. The park also boasts 2.5 miles of scenic hiking trails.

Sardine Lakes, in Tahoe National Forest. (Rank #5)

This campground is set near Sand Pond and about a mile from Lower Sardine Lake, one of the prettiest settings in California. A great hike is routed along the shore of the lake to a hidden waterfall that feeds the lake, and ambitious hikers can explore beyond and discover Upper Sardine Lake.

Convict Lake, in Inyo National Forest. (Rank #7)

After driving on U.S. 395 to get there, it is always astonishing to clear the rise and see Convict Lake with its sparkling waters set in a mountain bowl beneath a wall of jagged wilderness peaks. Convict Creek and Convict Lake are close and both provide very good fishing, often with a chance of hooking a 10- or 15-pound trout.

Salt Point State Park, near Fort Ross. (Rank #10)

Set along a gorgeous piece of Sonoma coast, Salt Point is highlighted by Fisk Mill Cove, inshore kelp beds, outstanding short hikes, and abalone diving. There is an underwater protected reserve for divers as well as two camping destinations—Gerstle Cove Campground and the much larger Woodside Campground.

The balance of the Top Ten list are sites not directly RV accessible, but you can sure be comfortable in you own rig by getting nearby: 

Emerald Bay State Park and Boat-In, on Lake Tahoe. (Rank #2)

One  of the most striking and popular state parks on earth, Emerald Bay is a place of rare beauty. The Bay is a designated underwater park featuring Fanette Island, Tahoe’s only island, and Vikingsholm, one of the greatest examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America.

Upper Hell Hole Walk-In/Boat-In, in Eldorado National Forest. (Rank #3)

When the lake is full, this is a beautiful spot, set on the southern shore at the upper end of Hell Hole Reservoir in remote national forest seen by few people. Getting here requires a boat-in or five-mile walk on a trail along the southern edge of the lake.

Manresa Uplands State Beach Walk-In, south of Santa Cruz. (Rank #8)

This is a beautiful and extremely popular state park, with the campground set on uplands overlooking the ocean. Many sites have ocean views—others are set back in a secluded grove of pine and cypress trees. There is beach access for fishing, swimming, and surfing.

Steep Ravine Environmental Campsites, in Mount Tamalpais State Park. (Rank #9)

This is one of the most remarkable spots on the California coast, with primitive cabins set on a bluff on Rocky Point overlooking the ocean. A dramatic setting, this destination offers views of passing ships, fishing boats, lots of marine birds, the occasional whale, and heart-stopping sunsets.


SOURCE: Moon Travel Guides press release and RVTRAVEL.COM