Any open winter socal camps?

[Stithis]

Been planning on camping 1 weekend between the months of January and April. Does anyone know any areas that are great for camping in SoCal (primitive if possible) during that time of year? Some areas I've research such as inyo NF (monache meadows, coyote flats) and san bernardino NF (big bear) but looks like they are closed during the winter season. Anyone else know any great sites??

 

[Waltzing Matilda JT]

Death Valley- Hole in the wall, Echo Canyon, Warm Springs, Ashford Mill, Furnace Creek Wash Road, just to name a few.

 

[Berkshires]

I go to Anza Borrego every winter - amazing trails and plenty of primitive and dispersed camping throughout the 600K acres. A bit further north is Carrizo Plain in San Luis Obispo County. Primitive free camps as well as dispersed camping. Two of my favorite places to go in the winter months.

 

[Sean's #1 Pop]

Hurkey Creek near Idyllwild, yellow post sites just down the street on Apple Canyon Road - Prehistoric Falls off the 395 - Jawbone -- Tehachapi Park campground is generally empty -- depending on weather Thomas Mountain is open. Lots of opportunity, just depends on the type of camping you want (forest - desert - rocks)

 

[Stithis]

These are all helpful! Will be researching this week! Thanks!

 

[Todd & Meg]

We were in Anza Borrego over Thanksgiving and are planning another trip in February. Great desert location. If you an go midweek you'll have the place to yourself. The town of Borrego Springs has some great restaurants too.

Todd

 

[HIALT2D]

You can't go wrong with Anza Borrego, especially if you like the desert environment. 29 Palms is similar and also very nice. The King of the Hammers race is January 31st to February 9th (10 full days of racing) in Johnson Valley, also desert. Is there a theme here...? Yes, there is. The desert, although quite cold, especially at night, can be phenomenal during the late winter/early spring. Bring lots of blankets & lots of firewood & you'll be fine.

If you don't already know it, KOH is insane. Just google King of the Hammers to see some crazy videos of the races. Just be prepared for CROWDS. If you go to Anza Borrego, be sure to check out the Mud Caves.

What ever you choose, have a great/safe trip...

 

[Charles M]

I like all of the places above but, you should also look at Alabama hills near Lone Pine and New Jack City is nice too.

 

[Todd & Meg]

You can't go wrong with Anza Borrego, especially if you like the desert environment. 29 Palms is similar and also very nice. The King of the Hammers race is January 31st to February 9th (10 full days of racing) in Johnson Valley, also desert. Is there a theme here...? Yes, there is. The desert, although quite cold, especially at night, can be phenomenal during the late winter/early spring. Bring lots of blankets & lots of firewood & you'll be fine.

If you don't already know it, KOH is insane. Just google King of the Hammers to see some crazy videos of the races. Just be prepared for CROWDS. If you go to Anza Borrego, be sure to check out the Mud Caves.

What ever you choose, have a great/safe trip...

You forgot to mention that sometimes there can be a little dust at KOH.

So many great places to go, so little time..

Todd

 

[Stithis]

I like all of the places above but, you should also look at Alabama hills near Lone Pine and New Jack City is nice too.

Would Alabama hills be open in April?

 

[HIALT2D]

Another great choice... Can't say for sure, but I've never heard of it ever being closed.

 

[Charles M]

Would Alabama hills be open in April?

I am pretty sure it never closes. Rock climbing season for me was Aug. to June. I loved climbing here.



Just don't get to close to the Rock Monster he will bite your head off... My friend got a little to close... lol



Certainly a beautiful area. If you are into hiking you can hike out to some of the lakes near Mount Whitney. There is a nice camp ground near the Trail head of Mount Whitney too.

 

[smritte]

Looks like everyone hit the good spots. My question is, how far do you want to drive and what do you want to do when you get there? I do a bunch of trips up I-15 between Barstow and Baker. 2 hour drive gets you a big chunk of desert or Big Bear if its not too cold up there. In Big Bear I try to hit the Yellow posts and have a few other remote areas I hit. Head up to Baker (1:45 mins from your house), turn right, pick up the Mojave road and find a spot or go left into Death Valley.
If you had enough time, go up 395 to Alabama Hills, spend some time, turn right, go through Panamint then Death Valley and come out in Baker. Decide if you had enough. If not pick up the Mojave road and come out at the Colorado River. Turn right again go bit drop into Joshua tree and home. That trip took me 10 days. Didn't have the energy to cross into Anza Borrego.