#GOAT CAMP BIG SUR WATERFALL FULL#

No dispersed camping is allowed along this shoreline however, there are several campgrounds. From there we turned north to follow the west shore of the lake. Helens where we followed signs to Lake Berryessa on Hwy 128. There are amazing hiking trails nearby into the mountains of the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. If we needed a civilized break to recharge batteries, fill with water and use the dump station, I would pick this place. The developed campground here is really nice, with sites along the meandering stream. We drove out (heading south) via Matthews Rd, coming into homes and main roads to continue our trek south to Calistoga on Hwy 175. A developed campground appeared to be on the east shore of the lake, where many boats were launching. This scenic area has primitive camping on the west side of the lake. We found the southern route via Highland Springs to be much more advised and enjoyable to drive. The hairpin turns made this route slow, while in 4WD, on the lookout for oncoming trucks or jeeps.Įventually, the road improved while heading south, along the Highland River. We found the place too crowded and went back to continue the rough, narrow route through cattle ranch country. Here are limited sites with fire rings, pit toilets, shade and tables at the end of a long, bumpy, dusty dirt road. This narrow, twisting route leads to the Sheldon Recreation Site BL 948. Just before reaching the small town of Old Hopland, in the thick of large vineyards, we found the sign for Old Toll Road. Where Hwy 175 intersects, we turned west heading towards Hopland.

At the northwest corner of the lake, we turned south on Hwy 29.

#GOAT CAMP BIG SUR WATERFALL FULL#

This road came out at Hwy 20 where we turned west to drive around the north shores of Clear Lake, looking full and beautiful after recent rains. We did find a quiet spot next to a bridge for the night. Most of this route winds through private land with very limited opportunities for dispersed camping. Heading south out of Stonyford, the rural road heading towards Wilbur Springs follows Bear Creek, with meadows and forest along this well-maintained gravel (sometimes dirt) road. The camping fee is a reasonable $12 per night, with approximately 40 camp sites to choose from.Ĭheck out the BLM webpage for the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument for more detailed information about this diversely beautiful area. No motorized boats are allowed on the lake. The sites have tables, water spigots, and scattered pit toilets. Letts Lake Campground offers a handicap accessible trail and fishing pier along the lake. I would like to camp there with a view of the lake on a return visit during the off season. We camped, stopping short of finding very nice camping at Letts Lake. There are large campgrounds for OHV enthusiasts in the Fouts Springs area along the M10, which will also accommodate larger RVs. Rain added to making the drive with great care over the steep, windy dirt roads with sheer drop-offs. M10 has narrow, one-lane sections due to rock slides and fire damage. I recommend staying on the main, open routes to avoid getting lost in the maze of forest roads that may end up at a locked gate. All routes heading south towards the Indian Valley Reservoir seemed closed off as well. The M10 route, coming from Stonyford, was closed just beyond Letts Lake. This made for longer drive times and extra work to find routes around and back out of the wilderness area. Many of the backroads were closed off for fire restoration. Over Memorial Day weekend, we encountered snow in the higher elevations of the Berryessa wilderness. We nearly had the place all to ourselves. A viewing platform had signage for info about Tule Elk in the area. We had driven a long day in the rain and were glad to find this respite with a view of grassy, oak-studded meadows, intersected by Bear Creek with waterfalls.Ĭowboy Camp has clean pit toilets, fire rings and picnic tables here. It is located off of Hwy 16 just before the Cal Fire station and the intersection of Hwy 20, (when driving north on 16 from Esparto and Hwy 505).

Gallery of our trip through northern California:ĭriving towards the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, we found a quiet campground called Cowboy Camp.

Goat camp big sur waterfall