CA Thanksgiving week

SCAROLINAHAWK

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Oct 16, 2015
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Ok, so we just left Pinnacles and it occurred to us that this is Thanksgiving week. Is it as busy on the roads and in the campgrounds during this time as it is on the East coast? Areas to avoid?
We are thinking Death Valley dispersed or Anza Borrego dispersed for a week or two to get away from the crowds on the coast. Any other suggestions ?
Carrizo seems a bit close to the cities to be comfortable.
Thanks, daygreeter
 
I'm not sure you mean by cities when talking about the Carrizo Plain.

New Cuyama, Maricopa, & Taft? I wouldn't really call them cities.

I've led multiple geologic field trips on the Carrizo over the past 20 years and can't ever think of an instance when I've come across more than a dozen people.

The only time that the Carrizo see's a massive influx of humanity is during wildflower season in the spring. If the predicted El Nino lives up to expectation this season, it will be off the hook on the plain.

You could head-up into the near-by Sierra Madres (Mt. Pinos), though there is a chance (20%-30%) of rain Tues & Weds. Snow down to 2,500' is possible. Plenty of room to camp anywhere in the Los Padres NF. Mount Pinos is the highest peak (8,800') in Ventura County and is the highest peak in the Transverse Ranges west of Cajon Pass.I think you'd have the place to yourself cause it will be darn cold (low to mid 20's).
 
Thanks for the info.
We researched the Plains and definitely will do some exploration there.
We have had a few bad experiences camping on weekends/holidays anywhere within a few hours drive of a city in CA. But..we were tenting then and it is much easier to move with the FWC if things get dicey.
 
Another thought is to head over to the coast along hwy 1 or hwy 101 further South. Some nice campgrounds along the way. Should not be too full this time of year.

Kirk Creek, Montana Del Oro, El Capitan to name a few.

For non established campgrounds (all dry with no facilities) there are several good places in the Los Padres Forest off the pavement on graded dirt roads. (I'm referring to the McPherson peak area and the Figueroa Mountain Area). Although with the rain forecasted for Tuesday night and Wednesday it might get a little messy up there.

Final thoughts, often the campgrounds around Figueroa Mtn are empty (or nearly so) even on weekends this time of year. Davey Brown campground is nice. Although, you would need an adventure pass ($2 a day) to camp anywhere in Los Padres National Forest (even off pavement).

http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/lpnf/passes-permits


Regards,

Craig
 
Coastal campgrounds, especially near Big Sur (Kirk Creek, Limekiln, etc.) are all completely sold out this weekend. Further south, at Hearst Castle / San Simeon, you can usually get a spot. Inland camping is usually pretty open this time of year.
 
I too have taken many field trips to the Carrizo over the years and agree totally with Tuff Guy 62 . . . . the chances of it being crowded are slim. If you do decide to go there it might be worth calling the BLM office in Bakersfield at (661) 391-6000. I am located northeast of the CP and we had a fairly good rain last night. If it rained on the Plain (Hmmmmm, that sounds like a good line for a song) the unpaved roads become very muddy and difficult to negotiate. Happy Thanksgiving!
 
gaylon said:
Coastal campgrounds, especially near Big Sur (Kirk Creek, Limekiln, etc.) are all completely sold out this weekend. Further south, at Hearst Castle / San Simeon, you can usually get a spot. Inland camping is usually pretty open this time of year.
I have stayed at the San Simeon campground many times.
Use the upper camp,Washburn it's nice and quiet there and you can hear and see the ocean.
Don't think there's a problem with crowds there.
Have fun.
Frank
 
Casa Escarlata Robles Too said:
I have stayed at the San Simeon campground many times.
Use the upper camp,Washburn it's nice and quiet there and you can hear and see the ocean.
Don't think there's a problem with crowds there.
Have fun.
Frank
Good - we will be there on Friday night :)
 

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