California Forest BLM, Parks, and Boondocking

[mikEXpat]

Hi all,

I wanted to make this thread specific to California forest area boondocking. I want to spend as much time as possible in the trees ALL year. I grew up in Southern California and I know I don't like the dusty gritty desert for the most part (RTR would be an exception ;-)). I also don't really care for the salty ocean air or sand. 

I'd like to find a way to venture out into the wilderness for 10 days at a time in my truck camper. I need the Internet for my work. I don't want to pay for permits unless it's under $3/day. I'd prefer to have 2WD 1 ton truck with a Lance/Adventurer type slide-in and a motorcycle strapped to the front. Temperature range upper 30s at night to upper 70s during the day. I can handle a little warmer, but not colder.

My question is, where can I boondock in the California forest to get away from the people yet not have to have a 4x4? Is it possible? Any suggestions? Links? Blogs? Videos? Forum threads?

Thanks in advance,
Mike

 

[highdesertranger]

what time of year are you talking? the upper 30's kinda of cut you down as far as elevation for most of the year. I am in CA and have been all over the state in every season. highdesertranger

 

[Konaexpress]

I have a family member who is a dirtologist that works for the state up here in the north who does a lot of camping and hiking. Loves the BLM land, I'll see what he knows for you.

John

 

[cyndi]

take your pick. A few years back bob and quite a few other people were spending a good part of the summer in the sierra nevadas
https://freecampsites.net/#!California&query=region

 

[mikEXpat]

@highdesertranger
The temperature range I gave is for lowest comfortable temperature. So in the winter I don't want to stay anywhere it is freezing at night. No winterizing is what I'm trying to avoid. I won't have any trouble finding places to stay in the warmer months. I'm mostly concerned about where to stay from October to April.

@konaexpress
Thanks. I look forward to hearing what he has to say.

I've found Motor Vehicle User Maps (MVUM) to find service and fire roads. I'm also using topographical maps to determine elevation change. Figuring out the weather is a tough one. Rainy areas could be a problem.

 

[highdesertranger]

at 7k plus the temp can easily drop below the high 30's at night even in the middle of summer(July, August). also snow fall at that time of year is possible at that elevation. at 8k or better your chances double and the mid to lower 20's are possible. I am not trying to discourage you, I am just trying to let you know some basic facts. I think a more realistic approach would be to prepared anything.

in the winter anything above 3,500 inland from the coast and you will be below your temperature goals even down in So Cal. to keep above your temp range in winter you need to go to the low desert(Colorado desert). sorry to be a bummer, but it's get cold in in cali.

now in summer you could have beautiful weather at anytime of the year at any elevation, key word could. highdesertranger

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Mike...Quite a bit of Az is not desert so you might want to expand your search a little.
Plus, things are less expensive in Az.

 

[mikEXpat]

@highdesertranger
Thx. So it's going to be pretty difficult for me to find woodlands from October to April with temps above 35 at night and above 60 during the day? Best option is the desert.

@bindi&us
How about in Arizona? Is it possible?

 

[rvpopeye]

Maybe you should ask again but about Florida.
Kidding , weather can be real hard to nail down , especially in winter.
Being prepared for some cold stuff just in case sounds like good advice.

 

[highdesertranger]

well basically yes. you are talking winter. that 35 minimum is the deal breaker unless you are on the coastal plain. I am not saying it's for sure but there is a high probability you will find temps below your minimum especially at elevation. the Ca you are describing was built over with strip malls and houses long ago. highdesertranger

 

[KMAG YOYO]

OK, so no desert, no coast, no winter freeze, no 4WD, with 4G internet. 

I'd say the only place in CA that satisfies these criteria might be the eastern side of Los Padres NF, and you'll probably have to forget about the internet. There are hundreds of miles of forest road to explore and most are passable in dry weather by a 2WD vehicle. In the wet, you can forget about it without 4WD and some good tires.

 

[mikEXpat]

@KMAG YOYO
"OK, so no desert, no coast, no winter freeze, no 4WD, with 4G internet. "

Yep. You nailed it. I have to start with what I think would be perfect and go from there, right? Maybe I'll need 4WD. I'll check into Los Padres. I was also looking at Angeles, Idyllwild, and San Bernardino.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Lower elevations in the desert in winter can drop below 35 but days are often 65-75. 
Usually, the weather is quite nice during winter in southwest Az.
Summer is better spent in our higher elevations.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

You said you didn't want to have to "winterize".

If daytime temps are in the sixties, I would think it wouldn't matter if the temp dropped to slightly below freezing overnight, your tanks should still be in no danger of freezing.

Regards
John

 

[highdesertranger]

I agree the 35 degree temp is next to impossible to avoid in winter in CA. I think you need to expand your parameters as far as temp and locations go. I am in Orange County, we had a couple week stretch this winter were the temps dropped to the mid 30's at night. highdesertranger