What to Do: Say hello to thru-hikers or do a short day hike to get a feel for the Pacific Crest Trail.ДЄll the way up near the Oregon border, the Smith River National Recreation Area and Doe Flat are perfect for experiencing the wilderness of northern California. Sites are situated in a large open area near the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway and the Pacific Crest Trail. There is a vault toilet and fire rings, but not much else. South of Lake Tahoe and close to the Nevada border, this is a great campground for boondocking Northern California. Note-a narrow approach road makes this unsuitable for longer RVs. What to Do: Plan a picnic, relax next to Black Water Reservoir, or hike up one of the steep, mountainous trails nearby. There are toilets, drinking water, fire rings, and picnic tables available, and thereвЂ™s no fee to camp. Just north of Sequoia National Park and two and half hours east of Fresno, Black Rock is perfect for boondockers wanting solitude. What to Do: Pack the bikes! This location features some singletrack outside the campground that is popular with mountain bikers (and hikers too).

Dispersed camping is free, but thereвЂ™s also a nearby first come, first serve campground with a fee that offers showers and flush toilets. Most visitors come to swim and kayak in the lake or fish for trout (Rainbow, German Brown, and Eastern Brook).ДЄnother solid option for boondocking the Bay Area is this small BLM campground three hours north of San Francisco.

What to Do: Water activities are in store at Cherry Lake. You can do dispersed camping above the lakeвЂ™s high watermark, and vault toilets are available along with a boat ramp. One of the better options for boondocking the Bay Area, Cherry Lake is three and half hours east of San Francisco, high in the Sierra Nevada range. Read on to learn about top spots!Д«oondocking Locations in Northern California Cherry Lake There are some prime opportunities for boondocking in California. Whether it is your first time boondocking or another on a list of fun off-the-grid trips, knowing where to set up is essential. Your Guide to the Best Boondocking in California Be aware of dangerous wildlife near your campsite and keep your distance. In the Mojave, watch your step for rattlesnakes. If youвЂ™re camping in the Sierra, bear spray is a necessity. Many of the state and national parks fill up during the summer, so either make reservations far in advance or plan to visit less popular areas during peak season.Д«e Wary of the Wildlife. Know the campfire regulations in your area if theyвЂ™re allowed, ensure your ashes are cool to the touch before going to bed.Д¬onsider the Season. While online resources are great, nothing beats firsthand knowledge.Д«e Very Careful with Your Campfires. YouвЂ™ll have plenty of options for boondocking California, but locals know where to find the safest and cheapest campsites. Keep your laptop and expensive camera inside your RV, so would-be thieves donвЂ™t get any ideas.ДЄsk Around Before Choosing a Campsite. Most of CaliforniaвЂ™s campsites are incredibly safe, but you never know who might be coming through.

Going self-sufficient in California isnвЂ™t all that difficult, but there are a few things specific to the Golden State that youвЂ™ll want to keep in mind.ДonвЂ™t Display Your Valuables. To sum it up, boondockers should avoid urban areas in the Golden State. You cannot sleep in your car in most cities, and quite a few of them prohibit businesses like Walmart or Camping World from letting customers stay the night. Most cities in California forbid boondocking, both on public and private land. Anza Borrego State Park permits boondocking throughout the park, while state parks near Los Angeles and San Francisco arenвЂ™t as likely to allow it. Some of CaliforniaвЂ™s state parks permit boondocking, while others do not. A good rule of thumb is that boondocking is legal on federal lands, at least those owned by the Bureau of Land Management or Forest Service. The rules covering boondocking in California are a patchwork of federal, state, and local regulations. Take a look at our guide to boondocking in California to learn more about how you can start camping self-sufficiently in the Golden State. California is composed of beautiful landscapes tailor-made for off-the-grid fun between the cities and the sparsely populated eastern half of the state. Fun fact-the Golden State contains the highest and lowest points in the Lower 48, just 85 miles apart. Photo credit Instagram user is one of AmericaвЂ™s most diverse states, with sprawling forests up north and sunny scenery in the south.