Suggestions for Group Camping Spots Central/Northern Cal

[46Kit]

I could use some help finding a campground to accommodate a group.

I want to organize a camping weekend for a large group of friends. Let's say 30 vehicles, though the group may be ±10 vehicles. Some, like me, will be towing campers, most will probably be tent camping. I'd like to do this campout in late July or early August. I'd like it to be somewhere that will be warm and also has lake or river swimming access. I'd like the location to be within 150 miles of San Francisco, but am open to suggestions that are further afield.

Do you know of any place that fulfills all or most of my parameters? If so, please speak up!

I found a place near Guerneville that seemed perfect, Schoolhouse Canyon Campground, but they are not at all amenable to groups.

Regards-HW

[Phooey]

We have camped with a large group of vintage trailer people at Casini Ranch. It had river access for swimming, rafting and kayaking and was close to a small town. There was good wine tasting on the way to get there. They also had a clubhouse for potlucks.

http://www.casiniranch.com/

[doug hodder]

If you are wanting to plan one for this year, you probably need to find private campgrounds as the forest service ones book up a year in advance for the group sites. You might also check out Ocean Cove. We've done campouts up there in the past and they do have a group area, although we were out in the general public. Doug

[46Kit]

@Phooey: Thanks! That place looks like it could work out well.

@Doug: Actually I'm thinking about next year, just trying to do my homework and find a really ideal spot well in advance.

Regards-HW

[S. Heisley]

The only labeled group campground that I could find in the SF area was a walk-in tent CG on the Presidio, called Rob Hill. That wouldn't work for people with trailers or wanting a little comfort.

With the group that I camp with now, the leader picks a campground that she thinks we'll like and each of us usually makes our own reservations, while trying to get in the same general area/campground loop. That works pretty well; and that way, you don't need a group campground nor do you have to take responsibility for footing the entire group's campground fee. You simply plan some activities and wait for everyone to show up. Of course, they are supposed to tell you if they are coming or not....

With the above in mind, you could go just about anywhere that allows reservations. Cassini Ranch Family Campground (Privately run) is supposed to be pretty good, as is Anthony Chabot Regional Park (East Bay RPD Run) and there are others, even state parks. Maybe you could contact ReserveAmerica and they might help you, too.

Cassini Ranch Family Campground
1-707-865-2255

East Bay Regional Park District (California)
Reservations: 1-888-EBPARKS

California State Park Campgrounds
Reservations: 1-800-444-7275
Customer Service: 1-800-695-2269

NRRS Federal Campgrounds
Toll Free: 1-877-444-6777
International: 518-885-3639

Please keep in mind that, if you are trying to find a group of campsites for this summer, you may meet with some difficulty as the vacation season is well into its swing and much of the choicest spots are probably already reserved for then. If you're looking for this fall or next year, your chances and choices would be much better.

[mkitchen]

Samual Taylor State CG is very nice and is located just north of Lagunitas. They have a group site but I am not sure it it's available for overnight use, but you could do as suggested above and have everyone just reserve a camp site and strive to all be in the same loop. That should be easy to organize since you have a bit over a year to do it.
Samual Taylor has showers as well and there in swimming in the creek that runs through and there is a nice bike path too. Lagunitas is not a far drive to other Marin county sights. We stayed three days on our way home from last year's IGA and enjoyed every bit of it.
Mikey

[deleted]

The Cloverdale KOA (just north of Healdsburg in Sonoma County) could work. It's the only one I've been to not just off an interstate. You have to drive a bit up a mountain to reach it so it's a very peaceful location with lots of wildlife. There is no lake or river but they had a gorgeous swimming pool and a hot tub. They have RV slots, cabins, and tent areas. Lots of photos in the blog post I wrote after I stayed there last fall: http://theflirtyguide.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-cloverdale-koa-cabin-adventure.html

[DougH]

I've stayed at Casini Ranch a number of times and some of the sites are really nice. It is right along the river and the coast is only about 10 miles away. Wish I was there for the 4th long weekend