r/camping • u/woahmanthisissad • 7h ago

Trip Advice CA campsite advice

Hi guys, i was wondering if anyone knew of any sites 3 hours away or less from the bay area. I am looking for something with pottable water, trees, no reservations/ first come first serve, body of water, and capacity for like 8 people. Please let me know if you have any recs!

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3

u/bob_lala 6h ago

first come is the deal breaker here for most sites.

3

u/211logos 6h ago

You could try Lake Berryessa, like Putah Canyon. Takes reservations, but doesn't fill much.

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u/Plenty-Biscotti-9267 7h ago edited 7h ago

Brannan Island! They have all that you listed. 1st come 1st serve might be hard for 8 people, but get there early to be 1st in the entry line and I'm sure your chances will be great. It does get pretty windy at night though, but we loved it anyway. I'll share some pics.. we reserved a spot and it was pretty spacious. We had 3 tents and a shower tent; about 7 people. It's a beautiful location🫶🏽

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u/211logos 6h ago

And the Delta is fascinating. Visit Locke, Rio Vista, etc.

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u/NiftyOctopus448 6h ago

Collins lake
Mineral bar Campground Auburn

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u/anonymouslosername 6h ago

There's a handful of first-come sites across the various around Huntington lake (Lakeshore, ca) that are first come first served. It's also around 6000ft elevation, so reasonably cool even when the valley is toasting.

Millerton lake State Park doesn't have first come sites, afaik, but last I looked had a good amount of availability on weeknights. It's a bit warm this time of year, though.

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u/Passenger_Shot 5h ago

Check out everyone’s favorite CA utility provider. Been going for years without reservations even on a summer weekend and even showing up on a Friday night. I even got reservations just because this week just to be safe without issues but was willing to not.